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. 

 

COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR

Come join the Vero Beach community at the first Coffee with the Mayor with Mayor Tony Young.  This is a great networking event, an easy way to learn more about what is happening in Indian River County and an opportunity for Democrats to show up and let people know we are here!  Details below.

 
SPEAK UP VERO BEACH

 
SpeakUpVeroBeach.com is the online hub for community engagement about the future of Three Corners - 38 acres where the old power plant, former postal annex and land & water treatment plant now stand. Here you'll find facts about Three Corners and many ways to discuss & share your ideas. Kindly Register to join the conversation and be part of a new model of public debate where all voices & ideas are heard.
 
https://www.speakupverobeach.com/
 
 

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 are available at Headquarters (2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach).  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!

 
We have received quite a few gift card donations (THANK YOU!), but we still need more!  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 until December 16^th.  Please bring any donations to Stacey at the Democrats of Indian River Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Vero Beach, 32960.

 

DATA TEAM UPDATE

Our Data Team, led by Jim St. Martin, is making great progress and working hard.  We still need a few more data management volunteers to round out the team.  Jim will be leaving soon to work out of state and before he leaves, we need a solid team to support our needs.  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 to see if this is something you might be interested in!
 
 

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, necklace pendant or Dem dogkerchief for them!  Not only are you supporting your local Democrats, but you are spreading the word about the Democrats of Indian River!
 

 

FELLSMERE COMMUNITY CENTER

 
F.A.C.T. (Fellsmere Action Community Team) is in the planning stages for building a much needed and long overdue community center.  They are looking for anyone with experience in business planning, architecture, program development and non-profits to join their committee.  If you would like to help be a part of this wonderful opportunity, please contact Stacey Klim at [email protected]
 

DANCING WITH VERO STARS

Our very own Dr. David Dinan is one of the contestants in 2020’s Dancing with Vero Stars!  Contestants are tasked with raising money for the Indian River County Healthy Start, a wonderful non-profit that provides much needed services for newborns and their mothers.  If you are interested in helping David or learning more, see the flyer below.  Good luck David!!!

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.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION LOOKING FOR OFFICERS

 
The Taxpayers Association is looking for new officers.  At their December meeting (Wednesday, December 11), 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]
 

CALENDAR

Below find upcoming government, Democrat and community events to add to your calendar.
 

December 6
2:00 p.m. – Democratic Women’s Club Book Club, Waverly Place, Book: On Tyranny by Tim Snyder
 

December 9
 
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
 

December 10

9:00 a.m. – Indian River County Commission, County Administration Offices – Council Chambers, 1801 27th Street, Building A, Vero Beach 32960-3388
 
1:00 p.m. – Superintendent’s Workshop, School District of Indian River County, 6500 57^th Street, Vero Beach, FL  32967
 
6:00 p.m. – School Board Business Meeting, School District of Indian River County, 6500 57^th Street, Vero Beach, FL  32967
 
6:00 p.m. – DEC and Democratic Club of Indian River Holiday Party, Irish American Society, 1314 20^th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960
 

December 11
 
11:45 a.m. – Taxpayer Association Luncheon, Vero Beach Country Club, 800 30^th Street, Vero Beach 32960, Cost: $19

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. – Communications Committee Meeting, Democrats of Indian River Headquarters, 2345 14^th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960
 
6:00 p.m. – Sebastian City Council, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
 
 
December 14
 
11:30 a.m. – Democratic Women’s Club Luncheon, Grand Harbor Clubhouse, 4985 Club Terrace, Vero Beach, Cost: $25
 

 
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!