What an amazing ride! 
Since Friday my family and I have been actively on the campaign trail in support of my brother, Gerald.  My husband Chris and I and our kids - Ashleigh (13), Joey(12) and Dominic(8)  have been knocking on doors, talking with voters, and working at the polls.  My children saw firsthand the wonderful reception Gerald has been getting all over the voting district!  And, they learned a great deal about elections, voting and why it's important to exercise this right on election day!

We met so many volunteers, friends and supporters of Gerald.  There were so many who rallied this past week - manning the phones, knocking on doors, talking with their friends and neighbors about Gerald, making generous donations, working at the polling sites, and doing anything that was needed to help make the primary election a success for Gerald. 
One of the most impressive volunteers we met is a 12 year old boy who is very interested in politics.  He saw Gerald's campaign business card and called my brother directly to ask some questions of the candidate!  After speaking with Gerald, this wonderful young man (and his incredible parents) jumped on the Snodgrass for Judge bandwagon!  He has been out campaigning with Gerald and Marie and was able to join us on election day as well!

Thanks to all the dedicated supporters, by the end of Tuesday, August 3rd, Primary Election Day, we were thrilled to celebrate Gerald's success at our Victory Party!  We spent the several hours after the polls closed anxiously awaiting the numbers and, finally, cheering on our candidate as he was victorious!  Gerald was one of the top two candidates in the race and is one step closer to becoming the next 67th District Court Judge!

I speak for my entire family, including my mom, Judy - who was with us from Florida - and my dad, Jerry - who was watching over us all from above - in saying that we are extremely proud of all Gerald has accomplished.  Many thanks to all the family and friends and supporters who are with us on this journey as well.  And, a special thanks to Gerald's wife Marie and their two children, Trey (7) and Jack (4) who have been instrumental in his success!

On to November!
Kelly Snodgrass Petrucci

What a wonderful week with family in Burton!  I got to spend time with grandsons Trey (7) and Jack (4), while Gerald and Marie were on the campaign trail.  Amid "Snodgrass" signs and bumper stickers, we managed to play baseball, basketball, tennis; sometimes part of all three at once.  The week flew by but with some wonderful highlights.  

Genesee County Bar Association and the League of Women Voters sponsored a forum for the five candidates for the 67th District Court Judge position. Thanks to my sister, Tani and brother-in-law, Joe I was able to be in attendance.    For about an hour and a half candidates responded to prepared questions.  It was evident that Gerald is a local candidate committed to the community.   I admit a bit of bias toward my son, but his responses were on target.  His experience with the law, as well as the community, placed him far out in front of the other candidates.  I was one proud mom.

The next evening was a wonderful Davison "Festival of Flags" Parade. Weather was sunny, crowds were super, and we had close to 100 supporters who brought their families to share the experience.  It was great to reconnect with old friends as we walked the parade route and to see Snodgrass signs in so many yards.  Litter bags and flying discs were again the big hit of the night.  Snodgrass shirts were everywhere.  The day ended with sore feet but a confident feeling that there will be another Snodgrass serving as judge!

Home for a few days and then back for the big event, August 3rd Primary!  Thanks for everyone's help.  I look forward to seeing you at the Victory Party.

Dr. Judy Snodgrass

Had another great weekend on the trail this past weekend.  I stayed out knocking doors over the past few days while the Committee was working on a number of other fronts.  Before I go much further, I want to thank J. and the fine folks at Smoker's Kastle in Burton for having a fundraiser on Thursday.  Such a great group of people over there and a great store too!  Also, a great thanks to my colleague in the Prosecutor's Office, Chris Larobardiere for making the event a reality.

So, another great reception in multiple areas this weekend.  I wanted to share this picture with you though.  I got absolutely drenched in a heavy rain today!  But the show must go on.

Nice long day of campaigning today.  Started out with the Burton Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing this morning bright and early.  I have started trying to play golf because of all these golf outings (including mine this coming Friday) for the summer season.  I am simply happy that I didn't hit anyone!  Great job Burton Chamber!  And, by the way, it was the best gift bag of the summer so far!

Then we followed up with some more door knocking in Burton.  So many great conversations tonight with concerned citizens.  Marie and I have been very happy to meet so many interested voters with very in-depth questions.  Thanks again Burton, we are on a roll!

Great day yesterday out in Burton!  Saw a lot of old friends in the Bendle area and met some new ones.  We really appreciate all the support from the South Burton area.  You made a hot Saturday bearable!  More today...

Great fun last night at the Allen's home!  Really was a great night of meeting with folks and talking about the campaign.  Marie and I want to say a heartfelt thanks to the Allen's and everyone who showed up to support us.  Best of all, we got a chance to tuck the kids in at night, something that has become a luxury since we have been out on the campaign trail.

Had a great night tonight at the Burton Rotary Changing of the Guard.  Such a great group of people!  Congrats to Marsha Kalakay the outgoing President.  Under her direction the group has grown in number and had a great year.  Rotary does so much in the community that goes unnoticed.  Good luck to new President Jeff Allen.

I am proud to be part of the group!

We celebrated Memorial Day - as many do - with family, remembering those who have sacrificed so much for our great country and those who continue to serve to protect all the blessings we have.  Our family came from all directions to get together this holiday and to support my brother - Gerald Snodgrass - in his quest to become the next 67th District Court Judge.

Along with nearly 100 other Snodgrass supporters, my family and I joined the march in the Burton Memorial Day parade.  We donned our blue "Snodgrass for Judge" shirts and followed proudly behind our red, white and blue float.  There were lots of surprises in store for those watching the festivities.  The Snodgrass Team provided bright yellow bags for parade watchers to collect all the goodies they received.  Gerald engaged the crowd, getting up close and personal with old friends and future constituents.  And, last but not least, we can't forget the Frisbees!  Everyone had to have a yellow "Snodgrass for Judge" Frisbee!

We were very honored to have several veterans marching in the parade with us.  Gerald's cousin, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, and his wife came all the way from California to be with us.  We also had a Marine reservist in the group.  One of the most memorable moments came while we were lined up waiting for our turn to start marching.  As the honored veterans and active military personnel drove by our group broke out into loud cheers and applause.  It was very touching.

All in all, the parade was amazing.  It was a wonderful tribute to those who serve and have sacrificed for our freedom.  In addition, the parade demonstrated one of the freedoms our veterans have worked so hard to protect - the right to choose our elected officials.  We were very grateful to everyone who came out to see the parade -many of you met Gerald personally that day.  On Election Day, exercise your right to vote for Gerald D. Snodgrass for 67th District Court Judge!

Kelly Snodgrass Petrucci

Hi!  My name is Kelly Snodgrass Petrucci and I'm Gerald's older sister.  I've been behind the scenes supporting Gerald from my home in New York since the beginning.  However, recently, I finally had the opportunity to get directly involved in the campaign!  I traveled to Michigan for several events to promote Gerald as the next 67th District Court Judge!  First, I must say, I'm immensely proud of my little brother!  He's tirelessly served his community both professionally and in a volunteer capacity for many years.  He's also a wonderful husband to Marie and an amazing father to my two darling nephews.  Spending time with the family was busy, but very rewarding for me!

Thursday, April 15th, I attended the Snodgrass for Judge Tax Day Fundraiser.  With all the campaign signs lining the street and all the Snodgrass for Judge bumper stickers in the parking lot there was no doubt something special was taking place inside Madden's Lounge in Davison! It was fabulous to see long-time friends and to meet those who support Gerald.  The event was very well attended by family, friends, local politicians and public officials.  Everyone enjoyed the fun and the food, especially the golden coin chocolates that went along with the tax day theme!  It was a very successful celebration of tax day and of Gerald's continued journey to the bench!

On Friday, Gerald, Marie, the boys and I went to a Spaghetti Dinner at the Davison VFW Hall.  I learned that my nephews, ages 6 and 3, can eat more pieces of garlic bread than I can.  I was saddened to hear that the Davison VFW needs help raising funds to keep their post open.  They are selling ribbons on which you can write the name of a loved one who served or is serving in our nation's military and they hope to link these ribbons together in a large chain as a show of support for the post.  We added our ribbons to the chain.  I also showed my young nephews my uncle, William Atkin's, name listed on the wall in the main room.  Uncle Bill is gone now, but he faithfully served his country in the Army in World War II.  He also worked for many years at Buick in Flint.

After the delicious dinner, we headed over to the ice rink to see the Flint Generals in action!  Meeting up with my aunt and uncle, we were a row of blue Snodgrass for Judge shirts rooting for the home team!  The kids enjoyed the fast pace of the game and even got their picture taken with the mascot.  The Generals won a pretty exciting game!

Saturday, I again, donned my Snodgrass for Judge shirt and headed out for another day of adventures.  First, we attended a karate tournament where Trey and Jack competed - demonstrating their sparring skills and their Tae Soo Do forms.  The Grandmaster of their style of karate was in attendance and the boys had their picture taken with him - what an honor!  Since my son, Joe - age 11, just earned his black belt in karate, I felt right at home watching the kids perform!

Later that afternoon, I teamed up with Gerald's wife, Marie, to knock on some doors in Burton, my old hometown.  Along the way we ran into my old Girl Scout leader, a teacher from Bentley where Gerald and I attended elementary, middle and junior high school, and several members of Atherton United Methodist Church where our family worshipped when I was younger (and where Gerald still attends).  We also ran into many Burton residents who knew our parents, Gerald and Judy Snodgrass, including one who took a criminal justice class taught by my father at Mott Community College.  (Coincidentally, my brother has also become a criminal justice professor, developing curriculum and teaching classes at Baker College.)  It was like old home week!  We collected many more signatures on the petition to get Gerald on the ballot for the August 3rd primary election.

Even after the long days we spent on the campaign trail and enjoying the many events together, our evenings were dedicated to more behind-the-scenes action.  Gerald and Marie's house has become campaign central!  We created an ad to run in support of the Davison High School production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  Postcards advertising the upcoming Snodgrass for Judge Golf Outing were developed.  And, supporters who wanted to volunteer were contacted and plugged into jobs that appealed to them. 

All in all, my trip to Michigan was a very busy, very exciting one!  I am thrilled I was able to be directly involved with my little brother's quest to follow in our father's footsteps!  My mother and I are so proud of all Gerald's done and all he aspires to do and I know Dad is beaming with pride as well!

Next time I'm bringing my whole family to Michigan.  My children are very excited to hop on the campaign trail in support of their Uncle Gerald.  Watch for us and wave to us - you won't miss us - we'll be among the large mass of blue Snodgrass for Judge shirts marching in the Burton Memorial Day parade!  See you then!

Had a great dinner tonight at the Burton VFW on Bristol Road.  Marie, the kids and I went to have dinner and support the local, hometown VFW.  Met a lot of great people and had some very good food.  Marie testifies that the fish is some of the best in the county!

On that note, I have had the opportunity to catch a little bit of the new series on TV about the Pacific Campaign in WWII.  It really is riveting stuff.  Will have to rent the DVD's after the campaign!