Stay Connected:
Democratic Club Updates
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This is a monthly newsletter from the Democratic Club - for members, neighbors, and friends who want to stay connected, informed, and engaged in local and national issues.
Bookmark our Website for More information:
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Coming Up
Connections and Community
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How do you change the world in four months?
Join the Democratic Club at Heritage Ranch for our first Progressive Book Review of 2026! We are diving into The Accidental President by A.J. Baime.
Guided by Juley Welch, this book review will offer a fascinating look at Harry S. Truman and the first four months of his presidency.
Whether you’ve read the book cover-to-cover or just want to listen to a great discussion about American history, we’d love to have you.
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When: Friday, Jan 30 3:00 – 4:30 PM
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Where: The Clubhouse, Ballroom
All are very welcome - no registration needed! Come ready for stimulating conversation and friendly company. See you there!
| | Primary Election Candidates Forum | | |
Save the Date: Sunday, Feb. 15th, 3PM
On Sunday, February 15, The Democratic Club at Heritage Ranch, together with the McKinney Area Democratic Club, will be hosting a Joint Candidates Forum for the candidates in the upcoming Primary Election.
Join us on Feb 15 at 3pm at the Clubhouse to get informed and get ready to vote. Let's turn Texas Blue!
A Call for Questions
How to Submit: Please submit your questions before 5:00 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026 https://forms.gle/3YCXd55JkRQmR4t88
This is your chance to help shape the conversation. We need questions to ask the candidates. So, send us the questions YOU would like to ask regarding the issues that matter most to our community—whether it's healthcare, voting rights, local development, education or another topic, we want to hear from you.
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Note: We can’t guarantee every question will be used verbatim, but we will use your input to ensure we address as many popular topics as possible.
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Tip: We especially appreciate questions that are direct and brief about 1-2 sentences long. These tend to yield the most direct and focused answers from candidates.
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Unsure what’s on your ballot or if you’re registered?
Want to volunteer in the Election?
Use the buttons below to check your voter registration status and see your current districts and also to read more about working the polls.
| 2 Protests in Jan: ICE OUT for GOOD | | |
Date/Time: Saturday Jan 10 | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: 2025 N Central Expy
North side of 380 west of 75 in front of Bank of America
McKinney, TX 75070
...AND...
Date/Time: Saturday Jan 17 | 2 pm – 4 pm
Location: Northeast Corner Parker Road & Preston Road
Plano, TX 75093
What: A core principle behind all "ICE Out For Good" events is a commitment to nonviolent action and no civil disobedience. Organizers demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.
Join on one or both - as we say: no thrones, no crowns, no kings. RSVP and get more information here.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
| | Town Hall & Debate Scheduled for Primary US Senate Race | | |
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What: Join James Talarico in Plano for a Town Hall. He’ll share a short update on the campaign, and then open the floor for questions.
Date / Time: Monday, January 12 6 – 8:30pm CST
Location: Plano Event Center, 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074
| | "Faith in Democracy" with James Talarico | | |
Texas faith leaders organizers for Vote Common Good launch a live conversation with James Talarico, candidate for U.S. Senate, on the role of faith in a democracy.
What: A Conversation with James Talarico and Faith Leaders: The Role of Faith in Democracy
When: Tuesday, January 13th, 2026. 1:30 PM CT
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The Texas AFL-CIO will be hosting a U.S. Senate Debate between two excellent candidates: Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2:00 PM
The debate will be moderated by Nexstar’s KXAN-TV anchor Daniel Marin and Dallas Morning News political writer Gromer Jeffers. Nexstar Media Group Inc. will be livestreaming the debate across their Texas websites and on local market’s smart TV apps.
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| Leadership for 2026 Dem Club @ HR | |
New Board - New Committee Chairs
Leadership in the Dem Club
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These leaders give their time and energy freely to build a positive presence and sense of pride for Democrats at Heritage Ranch. From organizing our events and social gatherings to managing membership, community giving and communications, they are the reason our club thrives.
Their behind-the-scenes work allows us to connect and enjoy shared values. When you see a Board member at our next event, please join me in thanking them for their service!
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Officers
Committee Chairs
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Communications: Launa Fackrell & Becky Price
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Community Outreach: John Kalb
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Education: Julie Welch, Lisanne Glew
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Events: Tina Maher
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Membership: Julie Welch, Jo Thompson-Hes
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Political Activity: Shari Shaw
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Social: Carolyn Shultz, Linda Watson
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President's Message
Why We Show Up
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A Note from Vickie Echols
Hello friends, I’m honored to step into the role of President for the Democratic Club in 2026. While it feels a bit daunting, it also offers a constructive outlet for the frustration many of us feel with our state and national leadership. Working alongside you brings clarity, purpose, and a sense of forward motion.
My interest in civic engagement began in high school with an extraordinary government teacher, Ms. Mary Jane Fenner. She made government real for us through a full student convention—campaigning, caucusing, voting, and announcing tallies. We saw what participation looks like when everyone shows up. I still remember my dad in the audience during my campaign speech, and the pride I felt knowing he was there. The real win that day wasn’t the election—it was understanding the value of voting.
I carry that lesson with me. It’s the same spirit that fuels the Democratic Club at Heritage Ranch. We’re here to build community, spark a little pride, and stay engaged through education, communication, and active participation.
There are many ways to get involved and make your voice heard or support through donations and conversations. Let's do this!
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Join Us: Become a Member
If you're not already - a member - we invite you to be part of the Democratic Club—a community where neighbors connect, engage, and support democratic values. Your voice matters.
Whether you are a lifelong Democrat, an Independent, a Republican who doesn’t recognize your party – or simply interested in learning more about the American values and initiatives we all hold dear, you are welcome. Your voice matters.
Annual dues are just $10 and help support our communication tools and outreach efforts. We know you’ll enjoy our many activities, events and company. To get started, please complete the form below. We look forward to connecting with you! Together, we can make a difference—right here in our community.
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Get Involved in 2026
Help shape the future of our Club—your time and ideas make a difference. Your voice matters. Fill out this form or reach out to vickieechols@gmail.com
- Communications Committee
- Community Outreach
- Events Committee
- Membership Committee
- Political Activity Committee
- Social Committee
Committee Chairs and members serve by appointment of the President and play an important role in supporting the Club’s work and keeping our community engaged.
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We create a POSITIVE presence and BUILD a sense of pride for
Democrats at Heritage Ranch to
ADVANCE democratic causes through education,
communication, and active participation in the political process.
Read more at our webpage.
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