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Happy Thursday! Please note that our regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

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** WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE OFFICE?
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We have gotten some calls, emails and in person inquiries about what the Democrats of Indian River are doing to elect a new Democratic President. Starting this week, I will be letting you know what we are working on in the office. That way, you will not only see progress, but if there is something we are working on that you find interesting, you can join us!

One of the goals of the Florida Democratic Party is to sign voters up for Vote By Mail. Statistics show that voters who Vote By Mail are much more likely to vote than those who go to the polls. Locally, our goal is to get 2,000 people who didn’t vote in 2018, to Vote By Mail in 2020. How do we do that?

Our Data Team, led by Jim St. Martin, has been hard at work printing pre-filled Vote By Mail forms for those Democrats in every precinct in Indian River County who aren’t signed up to Vote By Mail. Precinct Captains then pick those forms up and are in charge of reaching out to those voters to get the forms signed, essentially signing them up to Vote By Mail.

We started this project in January and our total Vote By Mail’s for January was 113! Great job Precinct Captains!

We do have many precincts that don’t have captains, and our captains have a lot of work ahead of them. If you are interested in helping them out, please email Stacey () and she can connect you to a precinct captain who needs help.

We can do this!


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** GALA UPDATE
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There is only 2 weeks to go until our Blue Gala! Seats are selling fast so if you plan to come, get your reservation in now. The deadline for ticket sales is February 13^th. You can also register online by clicking the Gala button on the front page of the Democrats of Indian River Website: www.democratsofindianriver.org ([link removed]) Tickets can be paid for via PayPal, credit card, or check.

It will be a fun evening with dancing, music by the Jordan Thomas Odyssey orchestra, free valet parking and a full, open bar.

Ambassador Christopher Hill will be the Gala’s distinguished guest speaker. Ambassador Hill was former ambassador to Iraq, South Korea, Poland and Macedonia, as well as Special Envoy to Kosovo. Ambassador Hill was a member of the team that negotiated the Bosnia peace settlement. In 2005, he was named head of the US delegation to the six party talks to resolve the North Korea nuclear crisis. He also served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs for which his portfolio included U.S.-China relations. Florida Democratic Chair, Terrie Rizzo, will be also be joining us for the evening.

If you would like to ask Ambassador Hill a question, please submit the question to by February 13^th.

This is the launch of setting our 2020 Vision on reclaiming the White House. This is an event to be remembered! Democratic turnout is crucial to helping support our mission.


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** DATA TEAM HELP NEEDED
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Our Data Team is looking for volunteers to help out 2-4 hours a week. If you are interested, please contact Jim St. Martin at


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** DWC LUNCHEON
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** Luncheon - Saturday, February 8, 2020

Grand Harbor Clubhouse, Vero Beach
Entrance Off Indian River Boulevard
Registration 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $25 Payable at the Door

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** Choose one Entrée:

Grilled Chicken Bruschetta with Diced Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil with Balsamic Glaze
or
Caesar Salad with Blackened Salmon
or
Vegetarian dinner

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** Cash Bar Available
Featured Guest: Sue Flak Recycling Coordinator For Indian River County

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** No Reservations after deadline. NO Walk-ins accepted

RSVP No later than Feb 1: Bonnie Ollinger 321-508-3713


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** TAXPAYER LUNCHEON
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As part of our Community Engagement goal we attend the Taxpayers’ Association of Indian River County luncheon each month. While this has historically been a Republican-dominated group, it is important that Democratic voices are also heard. Elected officials and community members working on important projects impact ALL of us. Please join us for the next monthly meeting. Details are below.

Let’s pack the house with Democrats!

Speaker: Superintendent David Moore, School District of Indian River County

Date: Wednesday, February 12^th

Time: 11:45 a.m.

Location: Vero Beach Country Club, 800 30^th Street, Vero Beach

Cost: Free to attend, $20 for lunch (lunch is optional)


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** POLL WATCHERS NEEDED
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We are looking for poll watchers for the Presidential Primary. We need volunteers for both early voting and election day (March 17).

Early voting is from March 7^th through 14^th. There are 3 early voting locations – IRC Main Library, the Supervisor of Elections office and Sebastian City Hall. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Election day the polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and there are 20 voting sites.

It is very important for the Democrats of Indian River to have a presence at the polls. One main goal of the Florida Democratic Party this year is to focus on voter suppression. To ensure that ALL voters are treated equally, we need to be present.

If you are interested in poll watching, please contact Stacey at


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** DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING
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Please join us at the next Democratic Club meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th at the Irish American Society, 1314 20th St., Vero Beach. We will have two presentations by Club members.

Arlen Tompkins of the IRC DEC Voter Protection Team will address the need for poll watchers in the upcoming elections this year, starting in March.

Steve Osiecki will present a summary of research on brain differences between liberals and conservatives, which can explain why the mental gap between the two groups is often so large. Steve will also focus on recent voter persuasion research showing why “Get Out the Vote” is our best statewide strategy.

Lastly, please be aware of the precinct you live in for a fun exercise. If you don’t already know, it is on your voter registration card or online at the Supervisor of Elections.

We hope to see you next week!


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** FLORIDA’S SACRED WATERS EVENT
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Sacred Waters: Exploring the Protection of Florida’s Fluid Landscapes with Vicky Machado

On Tuesday, February 11^th at 7 p.m. at the Emerson Center, there will be a free presentation which explores efforts to restore Florida’s waterways. We will investigate the motivations of environmentalists who love and advocate for these water bodies. By focusing on issues related to springs and the Everglades, we will dive into the conversations that arise when Floridians view water as essential to their quality of life.


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** INDIAN RIVER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN EVENT
IRNA Lunch With George Glenn, Jr. on current status of Graves Bros. Annexation
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You are invited to join us for lunch at:

Woody's Barbecue in Sebastian
13600 US-1 #18, Sebastian, FL 32958 on February 13, 2020 at 11:30 AM

Speaker: George Glenn, Jr. is a fourth-generation Vero Beach resident. He spent his early legal career working in the Indian River County Attorney’s Office before entering private practice. He now works with his father at the Law Offices of Glenn & Glenn. He is currently representing Pelican Island Audubon in their lawsuit against the City of Sebastian for their annexation of the Graves Bros. property in 2019.

The cost is $20 per person.
Menu choices:

Signature Baby Back Ribs
Mesquite Grilled Chicken Breast
Fish Tacos
and a vegetarian option

Sides: Cole Slaw, BBQ Beans, Fries (choose 2)

Dessert: Banana Pudding

Beverages: Iced Tea, Water and Coffee

Cash Bar

RSVP to i



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** CANDIDATE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
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Blue Bench Training:

The Florida Democratic Party’s Candidate Blue Bench Training is coming to Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast! FDP Municipal Victory Program Director Lisa Peth has been working with candidates from across the state to help us realize a brighter, bluer Florida. As a result, they are providing a free training from subject matter experts on core aspects of campaigning, such as fundraising, messaging, digital communications, and field operations. The training is Saturday, February 8^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches, 635 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Here is the link to RSVP:
[link removed]


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** GIFFORD HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER EVENTS
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**
The Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center has some wonderful upcoming events. Please try and attend to support the lecturers, artists and community of Gifford.

February 7^th, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Raw Space Gallery, Art Exhibit: Willie Reagan and Terry K Hunter

February 8^th, 6:00 p.m., GYAC, SAHMF Banquet, Tickets $35

For more information about these events, contact
Jonnie Mae Perry at



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** ELEANOR ROOSEVELT COMES TO VERO BEACH
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The American Association of University Women is hosting the play “Across A Barrier of Fear: The Life of Eleanor Roosevelt” at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild on February 16^th. For more information and tickets visit: [link removed]


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** CALENDAR
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** Below find upcoming government, Democrat and community events to add to your calendar. Visit [link removed] for a full list of calendar events for 2020.


February 8

11:30 a.m. – Democratic Women’s Club January Luncheon, Grand Harbor Clubhouse, 4985 Club Terrace, Vero Beach, Cost: $25, Guest Speaker Sue Flak Recycling Coordinator For Indian River County


February 10

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Data Meeting (open to anyone interested) with Jim St. Martin, Democratic Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach, FL 32960

February 11

8:30 a.m. – Vero Beach City Council, City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1053 20^th Place, Vero Beach, 32960

9:00 a.m. – Indian River County Commission, County Administration Offices – Council Chambers, 1801 27th Street, Building A, Vero Beach 32960-3388

12:00 p.m. – School Board Discussion Session, School District of Indian River County, 6500 57^th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967

5:00 p.m. – Steering Committee Meeting, Democratic Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach, FL 32960

6:00 p.m. – Democratic Club of Indian River Monthly Meeting, Irish American Society, 1314 20^th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960

6:00 p.m. – School Board Business Meeting, School District of Indian River County, 6500 57^th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32967


February 12

11:45 a.m. – Taxpayers’ Association Monthly Luncheon, Vero Beach Country Club, 800 30^th Street, Vero Beach

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Data Meeting (open to anyone interested) with Jim St. Martin, Democratic Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach, FL 32960

5:30 p.m. – Democrats of Indian River Communications Committee Meeting, Democratic Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach, FL 32960

6:00 p.m. – Sebastian City Council, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958


Every Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Koffee with Ken and Parris
Democrats of Indian River Office
2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach 32960
Bring your own coffee and chat about politics!


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Our mailing address is:
Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County
2345 14th Ave.
Suite 7
Vero Beach, FL 32960
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