Happy Thursday!  Please note that our office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 
 
Also, the office will be closed for Thanksgiving on November 27, 28 and 29. 
 
We wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!!
 
There are 347 days until Election Day 2020!
 

DEC MEETING

Please join us TONIGHT, November 21st, at our Democratic Executive Committee Meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Vero Beach Community Center, 2266 14^th Ave.  Learn about what the DEC is working on, how you can get involved and meet like-minded people. 
 

OCTOBER VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

 
Congratulations to Kathleen Lott – our October Volunteer of the Month!  Kathleen has been instrumental in managing our Facebook page and engaging members.  And, she does all this while going to school, parenting 4 children and helping her husband manage his business.  Thanks for all your energetic and impactful work Kathleen!


 
 

PRECINCT CAPTAIN TRAINING

 
Last Saturday our Precinct Captains came together for training at the library.  It was a fun morning filled with strategies, team building and data.  As we head into 2020, having coordinated efforts and knowledge is key to our success.  Thank you to Rita Milelli for organizing the day for our Precinct Captains!
 





 

PRECINCT CAPTAIN AWARDS

Speaking of Precinct Captains, at the Saturday training, two of our long-time, hard-working, dedicated Precinct Captains were recognized for their many years of volunteerism.  Both Josie Lieberman and Sharon Kolor have (and continue to) volunteer countless hours to make sure the Democrats of Indian River are a strong, impactful organization.  Thank you so much Josie and Sharon.  We really, really appreciate you!


 

 

VERO BEACH’S NEW MAYOR

In Vero Beach's Centennial Year, and 100 years after his grandfather’s tenure as Mayor of Vero Beach, Colonel Tony Young was elected the city’s new mayor.  Noting the accomplishment, Mayor Young said: “How can I not desire to be mayor 100 years after my grandfather? If I said ‘no,’ I’d be lying.  I still have goosebumps.”  Congratulations to Mayor Young and this amazing legacy!
 
 

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION LOOKING FOR OFFICERS

 
The Taxpayers Association is looking for new officers.  At their December meeting, new officers will be elected.  As mentioned previously, the Taxpayer Association is a neutral organization but has previously been dominated by the Republicans.  We need to continue to attend their meetings and join their board.  If you are interested in being an officer, contact John Kistler at [email protected]
You can check out their website for more information at:  https://tpairc.org/
 
 

 DEC & CLUB HOLIDAY PARTY

 
You, your friends and family are invited to join with fellow Democrats to raise a cup of good cheer at the 2019 Holiday Party.  The Indian River County Democratic Club and the Democratic Executive Committee will be celebrating together on Tuesday, December 10^th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Irish American Society.

The party will be in place of the regular December Club and DEC meetings. We are a diverse group of people with different traditions. Let’s share with each other what makes this time of year special for us. Local band, “Friends and Neighbors,” will provide musical entertainment.
 
Signup sheets for contributions of your favorite holiday appetizers, finger foods, desserts and/or other holiday decorations will be available at Headquarters (2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach) and at the next DEC meeting.  A cash bar is available.
 
Traditionally the DEC has participated in the annual Toys for Tots Drive at their December meeting. In keeping with this tradition, we will gratefully accept unwrapped toys or monetary donations for children ages 0-10 during this event.  We are also accepting gift cards for children 11-18 who no longer qualify for Toys for Tots. 
 
 

FELLSMERE CHILDREN IN NEED – HELP!

 
So far, we have received just a couple of donations for the children in Fellsmere.  The Fellsmere community is seeking Christmas donations for children ages 11 to 18.  These children are now excluded from the Toys for Tots program due to their age.  If you are able and willing, the office will be accepting gifts or gift cards for these kids into the first week of December.  Please bring any donations to Stacey at the Democrats of Indian River Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Vero Beach, 32960.
 

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

 
Speaking of the holidays, are you looking for that special gift for a like-minded family member or friend?  Well, stop by Headquarters and pick out a t-shirt, tank top, coffee mug, water bottle or necklace pendant for them!  Not only are you supporting your local Democrats, but you are spreading the word about the Democrats of Indian River!
 

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION

There are numerous offices up for election in Indian River County next year.  The Democrats of Indian River are looking for candidates for these positions.  If you are considering running for office, or know someone who is, below are the offices, positions and current office holder up for election in 2020.
 
Board of County Commissioners:
District 1 – Susan Adams
District 3 - Tim Zorc
District 5 – Bob Solari
 
School Board:
District 3 - Laura Zorc
District 5 - Tiffany Justice
 
IR County Hospital District:
Seat 3 - Barbara S. Bodnar
Seat 5 - Karen Deigl
Seat 7 - Michael J. Weiss
 
Indian River Mosquito Control District:
Seat 1 - Janice Broda
Seat 3 - Buck Vocelle
 
Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District:
Seat 2 - David Gunter
Seat 4 - Robert J. Lindsey
 
Sebastian Inlet Tax District:
District 1 – Jenny Lawton
District 2 – Beth L. Mitchell
District 3 – Michael Rowland
 
City of Fellsmere:
Fernando R. Herrera
Jessica Salgado
Joel Tyson
 
City of Sebastian
Ed Dodd
Jim Hill
 
City of Vero Beach
Tony Young
Laura Moss
Robert Brackett
 
Town of Indian River Shores Council
Robert “Bob” Auwaerter
Deborah “Debbi” Peniston
Tom Slater
 
Town of Orchid Council
Paul Knapp
Harold Ofstie


 

WHY VOTE BY MAIL?

 
Are you signed up to Vote By Mail?  If not, why aren’t you?  The statistics show that people are more likely to Vote By Mail compared to voting at the polls.  Why should you encourage people to Vote By Mail?  Here are some excellent arguments to help you make your case.
 

PROTECT YOUR VOTE

• Vote by Mail ballots are counted FIRST and can be tracked online.
• Last minute travel, illness, ride availability, inclement weather will not be impediments.
• Vote by Mail ballots are mailed 30 days in advance; plenty of time to research the candidates, issues and amendments.
• You don’t need an ID to Vote by Mail.
• You can call or check online to make sure your ballot was received by your Supervisor of Elections.
• Your ballot will not be returned for insufficient postage. The Post Office must take your ballot with or without a stamp.
• If you decide to vote at the polls, just take your VBM ballot with you.

• Mail it.
• A drop box will be located at all three early voting sites in Indian River: the Main Library in Vero, the Sebastian City Hall and the Office of Supervisor of Elections on 43rd Ave.
• You can drop your ballot in the Ballot Box outside the Supervisor of Elections building any day, any time until Election Day.

DATA TEAM

We are putting together a Data Team led by Jim St. Martin.  If you are interested in learning more about our Data system or VAN (the statewide database of registered voters), Jim will be holding office hours at Headquarters every Monday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Stop on by!

 

HOW DO WE DEFEAT TRUMP?

Terri Rizzo, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, shared her thoughts on how we defeat Trump in 2020.  You can read her opinion piece below.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/commentary/fl-op-com-rizzo-democrats-defeat-trump-20191105-qq64oma4w5fgnid7x5tktbybbu-story.html
 
 

CALENDAR

Below find upcoming government, Democrat and community events to add to your calendar.
 
 
November 21
 
6:00 p.m. – DEC Monthly Meeting, Community Center, 2266 14^th Ave., Vero Beach
 
 
7:00 p.m. – Fellsmere City Council, 22 S. Orange Street, Fellsmere, FL 32948
 
 
November 22
 
10:00 a.m. – DWC Environmental Club, Democrats of Indian River Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960
 
 
November 25
 
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
 

November 26
 
5:00 p.m. – DEC Steering Committee, Democratic Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach, FL  32960
 
 
5:00 p.m. – Special School Board Meeting, School District of Indian River County, 6500 57^th Street, Vero Beach, FL  32967
 

November 27 – 29
 
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER OFFICE CLOSED


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!