Happy Thursday, Democrats!
MEMORIAL DAY
The Democrats of Indian River remember those fallen service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and we honor their lives this Memorial Day. Thank you for defending our American freedoms.
Did you know that Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day? If you would like to learn more about the history of Memorial Day, you can do that here:
https://www.history.com/news/8-things-you-may-not-know-about-memorial-day
If you would like to participate in the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Island here are the details:
Monday, May 31, 2021, 9:00am
Veterans Memorial Island
Riverside Park, Vero Beach
Keynote Speaker: Mrs. Michelle Dale
Topic: 100th Anniversary of troops returning from WWI
For your comfort, please bring a lawn chair. In the event of rain, the event will move to the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center
FEDERAL
The American Families Plan
President Biden has proposed the American Families Plan because too many Americans are struggling to cover basic expenses and make ends meet. The AFP will make transformational investments in our kids, our families, and our economic future. When families do well, our nation thrives.
Biden’s American Families Plan is a once-in-a-generation investment in the foundations of middle-class prosperity: Education, health care, and child care. Here is a summary of the key pieces of the AFP:
STATE
Fight 4 Florida’s Future
Pam Keith, who challenged Brian Mast in the last election, has followed in the steps of Stacey Abrams and created a new initiative in Florida. Fight 4 Florida’s Future aims to register more Democratic voters, engage, motivate and educate Florida voters, and maximize turnout of Democratic voters. You can watch a video from Pam Keith that details the plans and goals for her organization here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWeLi5YHwMY
Learn more about Fight 4 Florida here:
https://www.fight4fl.com/
Governor DeSantis
It seems that our Governor feels he is above the law and can sign any legislation his cold heart desires. From prohibiting vaccine “passports” to voter suppression, the Governor is out of control. With each unjustified bill, he faces lawsuits from organizations throughout the state to combat his recklessness. Who pays for that? We do. This week he signed a big tech bill because he doesn’t like Twitter or Facebook (which he uses) policing their platform for misinformation, discriminatory language and hate. He WANTS lies and misinformation to be spread on social media a la his mentor Donald Trump, not stopped. You can read about his latest attempt to destroy our state in the link below. Meanwhile, be prepared to start campaigning against DeSantis next year – Ron Be GONE!
https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/24/tech/desantis-big-tech-anti-censorship/index.html
LOCAL
School Board Update
Tuesday’s School Board Meeting was a change of pace from the last few months. Parents showed up, stood up and spoke out in favor of equity, diversity and the health and safety of our children. For once in the past year, the voices of those attacking our public education system were drowned out by the rational voices.
But that doesn’t mean we stop, because the “We the People” members who have launched this campaign to go after our teachers, administrators and children aren’t going to stop either.
We have a lot of work to do in this community to ensure our public education system is successful in educating our children. Stay tuned in the newsletter for actions you can take to help us. In the meantime, add this to your calendar:
The next School Board meeting is Tuesday, June 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the School District administrative offices located at 6500 57th Street (right next to Storm Grove Middle School).
Gifford Youth Achievement Center
The GYAC is looking for school supply donations, starting June 7th through August 6th, for children in Gifford. Donations can be dropped off at the GYAC, 4875 43rd Ave., Vero Beach, 32967. Or you can drop them off at Democratic Headquarters at 2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, Downtown Vero Beach, 32960 on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All school supplies are needed.
Looking for a Painter?
One of our local Democrats is looking for some work. Wayne Lott is an accomplished painter and has seen his business decline due to Covid. If you need any painting done at your house (inside or outside), please consider Wayne for that work. His phone number is 772-205-7336.
Juneteenth
GET INVOLVED
The Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County is looking for volunteers to fill two positions on the board. If you are interested in one of these positions below, please email Stacey at [email protected]
Chair
Chief Executive Officer of the IRC County Committee, working in cooperation with the Steering Committee (officers of the Committee). Presides at all meetings of the DEC and of the Steering Committee (3 meetings per month); advises the Secretary of any special meetings in sufficient time for proper notice; approves all expenses; serves as ex-officio member of all committees; promulgates an annual precinct organization activity plan, a campaign schedule, plan and budget for each election cycle; serves as primary official spokesperson for the DEC; attend FDP trainings and workshops; and delegate these and other duties as the need arises.
Secretary
Attend and keep minutes and record of all meetings of the DEC (3 per month); submit copies of minutes and records for the DEC files to the FDP; keep roll at all DEC meetings; accept applications of new members; take minutes at DEC Steering Committee meetings; and perform other such duties as the Chair shall direct.
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
The Democratic Club of Indian River
Volunteers Needed!
The Club is looking for volunteers to man the booth for Downtown Friday on May 28th. Set up begins at 5 p.m. and shut down is at 9 p.m. If you are interested in helping at the booth, please contact Al at [email protected] to schedule a shift.
The Club is also looking for volunteers to man the booth for Juneteenth at Gifford Park on Saturday, June 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are interested in helping at the booth, please contact Al at [email protected] to schedule a shift.
Taco Night!
Based on the latest CDC guidance, the Democratic Club of IRC will begin in-person meetings for fully vaccinated members and guests beginning June 8th at 6 p.m. at the Irish American Society, 1314 20th St., Vero Beach. Masks are no longer required, however, if you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please do so.
Our first in-person meeting since the COVID lockdown will be an open social event that will feature free tacos and 1 free Margarita for members, and a donation of $25.00 for non-members. Non-members can join and the $25.00 donation would pay their free tacos and 1 Margarita along with one year of membership dues.
The Club runs on donations and fundraisers, so the donation fishbowl will be a regular feature at all member meetings.
The Democratic Club is a great meeting place to socialize, for those who are considering running for office, and others who would like to work on campaigns or to just meet discuss issues, seek information and organize.
So, come out to network, bring a friend, have some fun and let start getting ready for 2022, which will be an election as consequential, if not more so, than 2020.
If you plan to attend, please email Al Griffiths at [email protected] and let us know so we can get an estimated number of attendees for food preparation. Al Griffiths, 203-537-1762 (voice, text).
Club Membership
Club Annual Membership Dues are due in July. Dues cover July 1st through June 30th of the next year.
To pay membership dues go to:
www.democratsofindianriver.org
Click on the “Local Democrats” tab
Click on “Democrats of Indian River Club”
Click the “Join or Renew Your Membership Today”
You can choose to either renew your membership or become a new member. You will have the option to pay by credit card or PayPal. You may also send a check, payable to “Democratic Club of IRC” to DEC Headquarters, 2345 14th Ave., Vero Beach FL 32960.
For Members who have joined in 2021, their membership dues will be valid through June 30, 2022.
Annual Membership Dues are $25.00. Additional donations are greatly appreciated.
Democratic Women’s Club of Indian River
The next DWC Book Group meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 28th at 2:00 p.m. on Zoom. Club member Carol Bristol will lead an interactive program, "American Vernacular: The Dialects We Speak." If you are not a DWC member and are interested in attending, contact Rita Milelli at [email protected]
CANDIDATE & CAMPAIGN TRAINING
Voter Registration
With the current voter suppression bill passing in Florida, registering voters is more important than ever. Voter registration is hard work and requires sustained efforts on all our parts.
On Tuesday, June 1, from 7-9 p.m., Sarasota County is hosting an informational workshop on VR Training, Volunteer Recruitment for VR, VR Strategy and the use of electronic tools (Hot Blocks/Mapper/Map The Vote/Google Maps.)
If Voter Registration is something you might be interested in doing, please sign up for the training here:
https://www.mobilize.us/sarasotacountydec/event/390393/
CALENDAR
Friday, May 28, 2021
2:00 p.m. - Democratic Women's Club Book Group - If you aren't a book group member and would like to join in the discussion contact Rita Milelli at [email protected]
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Downtown Friday, Downtown Vero Beach, 14th Avenue
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
8:30 a.m. – Vero Beach City Council
For agenda and meeting information go to https://covb.org/AgendaCenter
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
9:00 a.m. – Orchid Town Council
For agenda and meeting information go to
https://www.townoforchid.com/towncouncil/page/town-council-regular-meeting-12
4:30 p.m. – Democratic Club of Indian River Board Meeting. Contact Al Griffiths via email at [email protected] or text 203-537-1762 to receive the Zoom link.
Thursday, June 3, 2021
7:00 p.m. - Fellsmere City Council
For agenda and meeting information go to www.cityoffellsmere.org/citycouncil
Friday, June 4, 2021
10:00 a.m. – Democratic Women’s Club Board Meeting
COVID VACCINATIONS
Retail Vaccinations
CVS – https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-link1-coronavirus-vaccine
Walgreens--https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule
Winn-Dixie –
https://www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine
Publix -- https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida
Walmart and Sam's Club – http://www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine and http://www.samsclub.com/covid
Sharecare Statewide System
Individuals can pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting https://myvaccine.fl.gov/.
This website will allow individuals who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be proactively contacted when vaccine appointments are available through your local health department.
Covid Testing
Go to: https://www.ircgov.com/coronavirus.htm for a complete listing of Covid testing sites. Home testing kits are also available at local pharmacies.
TIDBITS
Looking for something to read? The New York Times released their May reading recommendations and there are some good ones! Pick one from here:
That’s all!
See you next week!
Stay Safe and Well!
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