January 3, 2021
St Johns County Democratic Party
71 South Dixie Highway, Suite 6
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Telephone: 904-825-2336

Currently Open by Appointment Only Due to COVID Surge

stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com
Please note: This is a long newsletter. Be sure to click on the link at the end
to expand and read the entire email.
Dear Friends,
Just when we thought it would never arrive, we got to the end of 2020 and brought in a fresh and promising new year. With a Democratic president soon to be sworn in and a COVID-19 vaccine, there is reason for optimism. Make no mistake, the future will bring many challenges that we must not shrink from, but with hard work and dedication, we will surmount them and bring about the change our country so desperately needs. In St. Johns County, we're starting out with a renewed sense of hope. Clubs, committees, and caucuses are forming or renewing themselves and plans are starting to take shape. We hope you will get involved by joining us for one of the many January events and activities described in this newsletter!
--Robin Dion, Chair, St. Johns County Democratic Party
Jan. 4th and 5th: Let's WIN the Senate
Help us reach every Georgia voter to get out the vote!
Although more than 3 million have already voted, both runoff races are very close! Please help by encouraging voters to get to the polls.
Jan. 6th: Congressional Certification of Electoral College Votes
On January 6th, Congress will convene to certify the states' electoral college votes for president. Although a group of Republicans have announced they will object, there is almost zero chance that their efforts will change the outcome. Nevertheless, be prepared to see them work to create as much obstruction and delay as possible.

Here's what to expect: As Vice-President, Pence will call for any objections to the electoral votes. An objection that is submitted by at least one Representative AND one Senator will lead the House and Senate to withdraw to their respective chambers to consider the merits of the objection. Because the Republicans plan 6 objections, debate could take a long time -- as many as 12-18 hours. But do not fear: the objections will fail because they must be approved by both chambers, and Democrats control the House. By January 7th, we will finally close the chapter on the 2020 presidential election.
COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout in St. Johns County
St. Johns County Receives 800 COVID-19 Vaccines, Appointment Registration Opens Thursday, January 7th
St. Johns County is no longer providing COVID-19 vaccinations on a first-come first served basis. The county's Department of Health received a second allotment of 800 vaccines from the State of Florida today, January 4th. Online registration to make a vaccination appointment will open at 9 AM on Thursday, January 7, for appointments on Friday, January 8. A registration link will be announced on Wednesday. Set yourself up to get a text alert with the registration link--text SJCVACCINE to 888777 now! All appointments prior to Friday are allocated to those already on the waiting list compiled by the Department of Health.

Additional appointments will become available when St. Johns County receives more vaccines from the State of Florida. For more information or registration assistance, please call the St. Johns County COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 904-295-3711. You must dial all ten digits to reach the hotline. For updates regarding St. Johns County's COVID-19 vaccination program, visit www.sjcfl.us/coronavirusvaccinations or text SJCVACCINE to 888777.
Jan. 9th: New Leadership at FL Democratic Party
On January 9th, the Florida Democratic Party will elect a new slate of officers, including a new Chair. Last week, as part of our transparency efforts, our St. Johns County State Committeeman and State Committeewoman, who will be voting on our behalf, held an online forum to hear the input of St. Johns County Democrats regarding the candidates. They have also attended multiple candidate forums and interviewed those running for Chair. If you have additional input to contribute, please contact Marie Garnes, mgarnes@comcast.net or Richard Briggs, rwbriggs51@yahoo.com.


Candidates for FDP Chair
Nikki Barnes, Wakulla County

Cynthia Chestnut, Alachua County

Janelle Christensen, Lee County

Manny Diaz, Miami-Dade County

Wes Hodge, Orange County

Ione Townsend, Hillsborough County
Jan. 18th: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
 On January 18, 2021, the Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Committee of St Johns County, Inc. in partnership with Flagler College, Department of Diversity and Inclusion will be celebrating the 36th annual event. Because of COVID-19, the event will be mostly virtual, with limited in-person seating at Lewis Auditorium beginning at 9:30 am. The Keynote speaker will be Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, an African-American organization which focuses on supporting and advocating for publishers of the nations more than 200 black newspapers.

Instead of a silent march to the Plaza de la Constitución, you are encouraged to walk to the plaza on your own and gather to say a prayer for peace and justice in the world. Please contact TomJack@aug.com with any questions.

You can support this effort by purchasing t-shirts or hoodies commemorating the event. Proceeds from merchandise sales, books, CDs and T-shirts/hoodies go towards funding scholarships for graduating St. Johns County high school seniors to assist in the cost of their higher education.
ANNOUNCING formation of the St. Johns County Black Caucus
The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida aims to increase social, economic and political awareness; support elected and appointed Democratic officials; and offer advocacy and outreach to all demographics and classifications of Blacks throughout the state.
Jaime Perkins, Chair
Racial equality, justice and representation are core values of the Democratic party. We are thrilled to announce that Jaime Perkins, a strong community activist, organizer, business owner, and former candidate for Florida House, is leading the effort to build a vibrant Black Caucus in St. Johns County. As a Precinct Leader for precinct 207, she is well-positioned to champion the black community in St. Johns County. Blacks represent 14% of registered Democrats and 4% of NPAs--and only 0.6% of Republicans here. Please help spread the word and refer interested people to Jaime at jaimeperkins83@gmail.com.
DEC Committee Openings -- Recruiting Now



St. Johns County Democratic Party is recruiting members for several committees. Please contact the individuals below and/or plan to attend the January 21st DEC meeting where more information will be provided.



Campaign Committee: contact Marie Garnes
Fundraising and Events Committee: contact Jan Kary
Volunteer and Community Engagement: contact Joanne Pero
Candidate Committee: contact stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com
Precinct Leaders Committee: contact stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com
Diversity/Inclusion Committee: contact stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com
Digital Communications and Technology Committee: contact Marcus Nelson

There's a role for everyone!

WATCH The Antidote on Prime Video
Stories of Kindness, Decency and the Power of Community in America
The year 2020 sorely tested our faith in humanity. Yet even among the vile rhetoric and cruel policies, there was kindness. This moving documentary will restore your belief in compassion and empathy. The values that the film exemplifies are what underlie our drive as Democrats to create a better world. They are what motivate us to elect people like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who have the capacity and willingness to enact policies and programs that bring out the best in all of us—not the worst. The ideals portrayed in this film remind us that even after all the ugliness of the past four years, many Americans are likely to join us as we strive to return our country to a place of decency and sanity.

From the film's website: Made in response to the times we are living in, THE ANTIDOTE weaves together stories of kindness, decency, and the power of community in America. It's about everyday people who make the intentional choice to lift others up, despite fundamentally unkind realities in our society that contradict the founding ideals of our country.
Jan. 13th: Democratic Women's Club Meeting
Guest speaker Dr. Michael McDonald, Professor at University of Florida; Director, The US Elections Project
The St. Johns County Democratic Women's Club will host Dr. McDonald at its virtual Zoom meeting at 7 PM on Jan. 13th. His presentation "Voting in 2020" will inform understanding of the past election cycle and lend clarity to the way ahead.
For information and to obtain the Zoom link, contact: Pamela Mirelson, President, DWC SJC at mirelsonp@gmail.com or call 904-502-3245.
Jan. 18th: St Johns County Young Democrats Club
The Young Democrats of St. Johns County are hosting an informational meeting in January!

Join our Zoom meeting on Jan. 18th at 6:30 PM to meet some like-minded young people in St. Johns County! Anyone from the teen years through age 40 is welcome. We will discuss opportunities for young Democrats to become leaders in our community, help develop the next generation of Democratic voters, and ensure youth turnout for local, state, and national elections. We will also be accepting nominations for officer positions!

Click here for the Zoom link and help spread the word to all of your left-leaning social networks!
Marcus Nelson is Interim President of the St. Johns County Young Democrats. A political science major and leadership minor on the pre-law track at the University of Florida, he previously served as Co-Chair of the Joe McAnarney Campaign.
Jan. 20th: Ready for Inauguration Day? Get your Swag at the DEC!
Lots of great Democratic items still available at DEC Headquarters!

T-Shirts and Hats, Biden Sunglasses, Masks, Bumper Stickers, Magnets, Buttons and more

Contact stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com for information and to make arrangements for pickup and donation. The office is currently open by appointment only while COVID is surging in our area. Thank you!

Jan. 21st: Join the First St Johns County DEC Meeting of 2021
JANUARY DEC MEETING
Thursday, January 21, 6:30 PM via ZOOM
All registered Democrats in St Johns County are welcome to attend the monthly meetings of the St. Johns County Democratic Party. At our first monthly meeting, we will announce opportunities for involvement, such as leading or serving on a committee, joining a club or caucus, becoming a precinct leader, or serving as a volunteer on a range of activities. Our tent is big, and everyone can have a role--small or large! Although voting on specific issues is restricted to duly elected and appointed Precinct Leaders, you have the option of lobbying yours on decisions that are important to you. Contact stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com to learn who your Precinct Leaders are and how to reach them. We value all Democrats, so plan to join the conversation and contribute your input!
Jan. 7th: Environmental Progressive Caucus Meeting
There will be a Zoom meeting of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, St. Johns County Chapter, on Thursday, January 7th, at 6:30 pm. Many of the local candidates who ran in the November election and were endorsed by our caucus will be our guests. They include: Barbara Blonder, City of St, Augustine Commission Seat 2; Nicole Crosby, St. Johns County Soil & Water Conservation District 3; Mary Lawrence, St. Johns County Soil & Water Conservation District 5; Jane West, St. Augustine Port. Waterway and Beach Group 2; Heather Hunter, Florida House District 17; Joe McAnarney, St. Johns County Commission Seat 1; Dave Rogers, Florida House District 17.

For the link to the meeting, and/or information on joining the caucus for 2021,
contact John Pilecki, johnpilecki@gmail.com
Jan. 13th: Ponte Vedra Democratic Club Meeting
Wednesday, Jan 13th, 6:30 PM, via Zoom
Join the Ponte Vedra Democratic Club for their monthly meeting featuring a fascinating presentation, "How to Have Impossible Conversations." Wondering if you'll ever be able to communicate with Republicans in your midst? Trying to understand millennials/Gen Y's or Gen Z's? Don't understand why some prefer vanilla when everyone knows chocolate is best? Our speaker will offer tips for finding common ground. Click here for Zoom link! 
This meeting will also feature presentation of our 2021-2022 slate of officers and members of the club’s new Board of Directors to be voted on at the February 10th meeting. Questions? Call Jan Kary at 202-438-6750 or jkary@verizon.net
Jan. 11th: Northwest SJC United for Progress Democratic Club
At our January 11th meeting, our club will host a presentation by Robin Dion, Chair of the St. Johns County Democratic Party. We will also close nominations and announce candidates for our officer elections. Until then, we are taking nominations, with voting for new officers scheduled for the following meeting on February 8th. Anyone interested in running for a position should send an email to the club at nwsjcp@gmail.com.

We are always looking for smart and talented people like YOU!!  All officer positions are up for election including President, 1st-Vice President, 2nd Vice President-Membership, Treasurer, Secretary and Parliamentarian. 
  • All terms are for two years.  
  • Nominations from the floor and candidates will be announced on Monday, January 11 and the election for officers will be Monday, February 8, 2021.
  • All candidates must be club members as of December 31, 2020.

Join now and get membership through 2021 for only $20.00! Membership is our principal source of income for the year. Membership by December 31 will entitle you to vote for officers in February.  Please mail your payment of $20 per person to NWSJCP,
P.O. Box 600332, St. Johns, FL 32260.
Indivisible St. Johns -- Weekly Newsletter

Click on the link above for information about more action items, including outreach to Georgia for the Senate runoff.
St. Augustine Democratic Club in Formation
St. Augustine Democratic Club to be Re-Established

If you are interested in becoming a member of the newly forming St. Augustine Democratic Club, fill in the membership form at the link below and send a check in the amount of $20 for the membership fee, payable to St. Augustine Democratic Club. Please mail it to: Attention St. Augustine Democratic Club, St Johns County Democratic Party, 71 South Dixie Highway, Suite 6, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Interested members will be notified by email of the Zoom organizational meeting.

Democratic Party of St Johns County
Or by check payable to SJC DEC and sent to Democratic Headquarters.
Please Note: Contributions to Political Parties are not tax-deductible.

If you have information for the St. Johns Democratic newsletter, please send it to: stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com
For more information contact:
St. Johns County Democratic Party | 904-825-2336

71 South Dixie Highway, Suite 6
St. Augustine, FL 32084

Please note: The DEC office is currently open by appointment only due to the rise in COVID rates in St. Johns County. We will re-assess the situation in mid-January.