Earlier this month, COS Volunteer Chuck Connolly (RC10 Districts 31-35) initiated the "Town Hall Plan" after his regular Friday Nights in Vero Beach tent space was paused by the event organizers. Thinking on his feet, he decided to schedule a meeting at the Vero Beach Main Library. He promoted it using flyers locally and created email blasts in COS Citizen Builder to reach COS petition signers and volunteers.
He also contacted local journalist, Ryan Blade, who was very receptive and willing to elaborate via local web announcements. Jennifer Pippin of "Mom's for Liberty" was also supportive beforehand and helped to get the word out, not just for the Town Hall but for COS in general.
Anyone who has tried to get a group of strangers together in one room knows just how difficult that can be. Forty-five people were in attendance January 21st, including the several COS volunteers, like Vicki Buckley (DC31) and Herb Boehme (DC54). Chuck was supported by three speakers from his region: Penny Zeilman, Troy Darling, and Pastor John Vacchiano and their presentations were followed by a Q&A session.
Speaker Highlights
Penny Zeilman (DC 32-34) Former scuba instructor and cruise ship employee saw more of the wrong things growing out of proportion and became active after retiring. She is encouraged more than ever to save this Nation. "This is our 1776"
Troy Darling (LL) We the People are the rightful master of the Government. We are here to re-establish the proper order of government. "The enemy of the people...is our own apathy"
Pastor John Vacchiano (COS Volunteer Activist) Addressed misrepresentations by the John Birch Society, making clear that calling a convention of states is not calling for a constitutional convention. We're not asking for a new constitution. Also quoted Black's Law: No amendment can alter a contract. An amendment can correct errors or add to the contract but it cannot change the contract itself.
It wasn't that long ago when Florida State Director, Denah Butts convinced Chuck to become a District Captain (DC) and he became more involved in his community. His first task as DC was to spread the word about COS and generate interest. Internally via TelePatriot calls, and externally he attended gun shows and other events where attendees could potentially show an interest.
Although he was doing the leg work, he didn't think he was doing such a great job as there weren't many petition signers added following his first efforts. DC Team member, Karen Jordan was there to assist Chuck with ideas and the leg work. Over the last few months things have come together for his Region with meetings now held regularly at the church of a COS petition signer.
"We're all learning together, building relationships in the community" - Chuck Connolly RC10
Following his first successful Town Hall, 
Chuck and the COS volunteers enjoyed a meal and more of their regular camaraderie. This is not an unusual thing for many of our Districts throughout the State and it is what helps COSA-FL and National to be the united grassroots army that we are. We are not only a formidable force to be recognized, we are the determined and knowledgeable solution to our Nation's enormous problem of a federal government out of control: We The People.
"We have so much information...we are aligned" - Chuck Connolly
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