This is the 5th in a series on Martin County Democrats who have made a difference. Be sure to click on each picture to view in expanded mode with commentary. Also, there are links in blue that provide explanation or more information, so be sure to click on those links too. Tip: If you're using your phone, try to find a laptop or desktop. It's so much better to read this on a large screen! The Amazing Grace Linn In March 2023 a storm that had been brewing for a year thrust then 100-year-old Grace Linn into the local and national spotlight. The year before, Ron DeSantis had signed the "Parental Rights in Education" bill into law - known by opponents as "Don't Say Gay" - that brought about book banning in our public schools. At that time, the Martin County School Board heeded calls of DeSantis and the conservative group Moms for Liberty to object to books that merely mentioned systemic racism, gender bias, and the LGBTQ+ community. This outraged Grace. During the fall, Grace crafted her famous yellow quilt which depicted some of the books that had already been banned in Martin County schools. Word got out about this amazing centenarian and her quilt, and she appeared on Ali Velchi's program on MSNBC. By the time of the school board meeting in March 2023, there were close to 100 books that had been targeted and banned in this county, and Grace felt she had to speak out and address the school board in person. Her friends Michael and Claire Panella , who had helped her design the quilt, also played a role in writing the speech that went viral. In her speech she spoke passionately of her first husband, Robert Nicoll, who had been killed in World War II by the Nazis. She made the poignant point that he had died defending the freedoms we enjoy, freedoms the Nazis took away from their people, including burning and banning books. As she said so eloquently to the school board, "Banned books and burning books are the same. Both are done for the same reason: fear of knowledge. Fear is not freedom. Fear is not liberty. Fear is control." After the video of her speech went viral on Tiktok, she began appearing more on MSNBC and other cable channels as well as local and independent news. Grace was dubbed "Warrior Queen" by many due to her insistence that "we must fight back and not let history repeat itself, we must not allow for censorship, and we must treat everyone equally." This has been her battly cry, and Grace has undoubtedly inspired many with her activism. If you haven't seen the video of Grace speaking before the school board, click here to view it. Born in the USA Grace’s parents immigrated to America from Italy in the early 1900s. Her father Antonio DeNicola (b. 1890) and her mother Rosa Romano (b. 1896) were engaged in Italy, but Antonio wanted to get established in America first before they got married. He left Rosa and came to America in 1908 where he first joined his brother in Roseto, PA, a town that had been settled by immigrants from southern Italy in the 1880s. He went to school to learn English and eventually became a foreman who specialized in finishing cement. After he felt financially secure, he contacted Rosa to come to America and they were married. Grace was the baby sister to her three older brothers Jerry, Daniel, and Floyd. She was born on October 18, 1922 in Mingo Junction, Ohio, and much of her youth took place during the Depression. She says she learned much from her parents, who were good people who looked after others. She remembers her parents "had a fruit and vegetable garden in their backyard and gave away food to help the hungry. In fact, the sidewalk in front of our home was marked to let the hungry know that this was a place where you were welcomed and could get food." Another way her parents showed compassion for others was that Grace's mother, at the request of the Presbyterian minister in town, courageouly sheltered an abused mother and her child in their home for a few days. Another way Grace's parents instilled in Grace good character was that every day she had to tell her parents of at least one act of kindness that she had performed on that day. Reflecting on the influence of her parents on her own life, Grace has said, "I didn't become what I am on my own. It was inherited and it was lived with my parents." Grace was very precocious. She quickly learned to play the piano and French horn. Though she entered grade school predominately speaking Italian, she quickly learned the English language. She had read the Bible three times by the time she was 12. She also learned to drive a car when she was 12 (and she still drives today at age 102). She made excellent grades in school and actually skipped two years ahead, graduating from high school at age 16 with a college scholarship. However, the culture was different then and she was not allowed to go off to college on her own at such a young age – even though her brothers and the other boys in town had been able to do that. That reinforced in her the belief that girls were treated differently from boys - that they didn't have the same rights and privileges. Later, when she started working at a hospital, this became even more evident by the salary she received versus the salaries of the men who worked along side of her. Another lesson she learned at a young age was that being an immigrant caused you to be treated differently. She remembers the insults that were slung her way just because her parents were from Italy and spoke Italian in the home. Having experienced the sting of discrimination first-hand, Grace grew up believing fervently " that all people have the same worth - that they should all be treated equally." It has been her rallying cry ever since those early days in Mingo Junction, and it influenced her decision to make the Banned and Targeted quilt and speak out in defense of targeted groups. Be sure to click on each picture for more details. Quilted front door entrance at Grace's house Grace and Banned Books Mingo Junction 3rd grade classmates Three brothers with Grace Early Married Life After finishing school at 16 but with no college in town to attend, Grace lived at home with her parents and helped them out at home. She also loved to dance, and so she would go to nearby clubs with her brothers - never by herself - where she could socialize and dance. It was during this time that she danced with Dino Paul Crocetti, who later became known as Dean Martin. Her heart was not taken by the future Dean Martin, however, by another gentleman she had known since school named Robert Nicoll, who had recently been drafted by the Army. They were married on March 30, 1940 in Mingo Junction. She soon left Ohio for Fort Hood, Texas, where Robert had been transferred. World War II, however, interrupted their time together as Robert was sent to Falmouth, England as part of an ammunitions unit and Grace returned home to her parents in Mingo Junction. But there was one difference from before: Grace was pregnant. Months passed and Grace remembers reading about the horrors of war and fearing for her husband. One day she saw a man dressed in military clothing walking up the street and her heart sank. She suspected that he had bad news to share with her, and she was right: Robert was missing in battle. A couple of months later she found herself in the hospital giving birth to their daughter Nikki. It was only three days later when Grace received a telegraph while still in the hospital confirming that Robert had indeed been killed three months earlier by the Nazis in a bombing along with 16 other soldiers. Grace 1st wedding Wedding Day Robert and Grace before deployment Grace holds picture Working and Family Life in Weirton, WV A widow with a newborn and no financial support, she went back home from the hospital to live with her parents in Mingo Junction and raise her daughter. A few years later she went out one night to go roller skating - one of her favorite hobbies - and she met a gentleman who caught her fancy. Tom Householder was a veteran who, coincidentally, had been stationed in Italy and thus could speak Italian to some degree. They fell in love and eventually married and he was welcomed into the home with Grace's parents. Tom adopted Nikki and they had a daughter of their own named Glorida (Gigi). When Gigi turned 5, Grace decided it was time to get a job of her own. By then, they had moved across the Ohio River into Weirton, WV and she heard that nearby Weirton Medical Center needed an overnight switchboard operator and admissions clerk. One of the job requirements was that you be able to type; however, as a high school student taking college-prep type classes, she had not been allowed to take a typing class. To remedy the situation, she borrowed a typewriter and taught herself almost overnight how to type before she had to report to work. Grace has said, "My roles as wife, single mother, and then mother and wife were my proudest achievement during this portion of my life." She ultimately spent 33 years at Weirton Medical Center. During the early years there, she saw the great need for automatic billing in the hospital. Just as she had taught herself to type, she taught herself computer programming and eventually designed systems that her hospital could use. In fact, she more or less started the computer department at the hospital. She sat in on all the medical committees in the hospital and developed many systems to help these departments as well. In particular, she developed a pharmacy unit dosing and microbiology reporting system which other medical centers all over the world also began using. Grace and her computer system received special recognition by the CDC for this beneficial new technology. In a largely male-dominated profession, Grace also became the first woman president of the Computer Hospital Users Group for NCR and the first woman president of the Federation NCR Users Group. As Grace tells it, in spite of her accomplishments she still did not receive the salary of her less accomplished male workers, thus reinforcing the idea that sexism exists in the workforce. Her daughter Gigi has summarized what life was like in the Householder household during much of the time in Weirton: "I arrived home one night at 11:30 unannounced and the driveway was full of both familiar and unfamiliar vehicles. I was greeted at the door by my mother in roller skates, for she was breaking the skates in....I also saw my mother fixing a broken piece of equipment, conversing with a friend in Italian, teaching another how to sew, counseling someone on how to approach a problem, and designing a new outfit for me to wear the next day....That was a typical evening at home where I grew up." She understood well that life at her home was quite different from those of her friends. Tom Householder Householder family Grace with her team at retirement_edited Another recognition for Grace Grace teaching computer programming Grace with co-worker before retiring Grace skating Jensen Beach and Married Again In 1987 Grace retired from the medical center and she and Tom moved to a condo in Jensen Beach and planned to build a single family home in the area. She and Tom led a full life and Grace became involved in the community. Among various activities, Grace took a leadership role in Planned Parenthood and she taught computer skills to adults at one of the local schools. In 1990, one month before they were to move into their new home, Tom died following open-heart surgery. A widow again, Grace moved alone into the home she and Tom had planned to have together, and she still lives there today. For the next ten years Grace worked on fundraising with Planned Parenthood, worked as office manager for Florida Sportsman Magazine, and became heavily involved in an environmental advocacy group in the area. It was at one of the environmental group meetings that Grace met Fred Linn and, after a brief courtship, they decided to marry - much to the chagrin of the other single ladies in Grace's circle of contacts who fancied Fred. They remained married for 22 years until he passed away from a heart attack in November 2022. During the years before Fred passed, they took in one of Fred's grandchildren and raised him until he finished high school, advocating passionately for a good public education for him. Florida bound Fred and Grace Dancing Queen Country dancer Birthday fun The Kiss 100th Birthday Party Seamstress for life A little whimsy Award-winning photo Friends and laughter Grace with friends Michael and Claire Passionate Advocacy It was just a short time after Fred died that Grace's video at the school board became viral. She was beseiged with interview requests from national and local media - MSNBC, CNN, WPTV, Stuart News - you name it. This caught the attention of movie directors and producers Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic, and they began to consider making a documentary film on the increasing censorship taking place in schools across the country. They contacted Grace, and after their conversation with her, they knew this spirited octogenarian should be featured in their documentary, and they then made "The ABCs of Book Banning." The film was nominated for an Oscar for short documentary, and Grace had the delightful opportunity to fly to LA for the Oscar's luncheon, where she had the chance to meet movie stars, and she later returned to walk the red carpet and attend the Oscar's ceremony. It was the memory of a lifetime. Grace was happy the film got nominated because the publicity allowed her to continue to have an audience for discussing the danger of censorship and book banning. PEN America is a nonprofit whose purpose is to advocate for the freedom to write and they have been especially critical of book bans. This group was behind "The ABCs of Book Banning," and they created a short video featuring Grace. See below. Likely because of the bullying she received as the daughter of immigrants, Grace has a special place in her h eart for all marginalized people. She uses her celebrity status to advocate strongly for equality and acceptance for all. Last year, along with drag artist Shelita Taylor, Grace was the Grand Marshall for the Treasure Coast Pride Parade. She is quick to point out that some of the finest people she has known in her life have been from the LGBTQ+ community. This is why she was particularly taken back when books began to be removed from school shelves last year simply because they had a gay character, and it motivated her to speak out strongly on their behalf. At 102 years young, Grace continues to live in the home that she and Tom had built. Coming from an outliers family in Italy, where her maternal grandmother lived to be 115, she exhibits the same independence and health of her forebears. She still drives herself places (even at night), reads and learns, attends Democratic Club and Democratic Women's Club meetings and Stuart Women's Club meetings, goes to protest rallies, and watches MSNBC and other news outlets to keep abreast of the current political scene. She also continues to quilt, have her tea and Italian cookies at 2:00 pm each day with her friends, regularly attend musicales held by her good friend Dr. Marie Juriet-Beamish, go to the concerts put on by the Altantic Classical Orchestra, spend time with her devoted daughter Gigi, and enjoy the wide circle of friends she has accumulated over the years. There is no doubt that Grace has led an active, full, and curious life and, at 102 1/2 as of this writing, she continues to be a trailblazer and an inspiration to all. Thank you, Grace, for showing all of us that a life full of creativity and positivity, one that has such a far-reaching effect on so many, is a life well-lived. Thank you for standing up and speaking out so eloquently about book censorship taking place in our local schools and communities. Thank you for standing up for the marginalized in society, especially the LGBTQ+, with your words and interactions. Thank you for supporting your local Martin County Democratic Party and bringing attention to our efforts. Most of all, thank you for being you and spreading your light within our community and beyond. For all of this and more, we recognize you as a Martin County Democratic Party All Star!!

Upcoming Rallies and other Calls to Action Upcoming Rallies and other Calls to Action Upcoming Rallies and other Calls to Action Upcoming Rallies and other Calls to Action June 1 10am - 6pm Treasure Coast Pridefest Held this year at St Lucie County Fairgrounds, 15601 Midway Rd, Ft Pierce Join Martin County Democrats at this year's Treasure Coast Pridefest. We will be marching in the parade that starts at 10:00am , and we will be manning our booth from 10am - 6pm To let us know you plan to march in the parade, click on this Moblize link . To volunteer to work one of the shifts , click on this Mobilize link . As Trump and DeSantis continue to attack the LGBTQ+ community, it's even more important for allies to step up and support this group. See you there! June 14 No Kings Rally for Democracy 4:00 - 6:00pm Don't miss this rally. It will be a big one!! This also is Trump's birthday and military parade. Lots to protest about! I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. June 17 Noon Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 SE Central Pkwy, Stuart Dems Do Lunch Purchase your Dems Do Lunch ticket at ActBlue here Or scan QR code June 21 Adopt-a-Road Trash Pickup 7am Come join other Martin Democrats to clean up a portion of Cove Rd between Ault and Avalon. This is done in coordination with the Keep Martin Beautiful program. Meet at the corner of Cove and Willoughby at 7:00am. Bring garden gloves and your own water in a reusable bottle. We supply grabbers, safety vests, and trash bags. Let's continue to support our immigrant community. Click here to see a list of restaurants to patronize in the Golden Gate area. Share the "Before You Leave Home" checklist with community members. We have some copies at the office. English is on one side, Spanish the other. Hand out "Right to Know" cards to immigrant businesses and others. These are also available at headquarters. Martin County Democrats support the initiatives for the Right to Clean Water and for Medicaid Expansion for Low-Income Residents. However, due to a new law that recently went into effect, we should not be gathering new signatures for the new Florida Right to Clean Water petitions at this time. If you have any signed petitions, get them to Carol Ann at the next Democratic meeting or contact her at bonbinifromcal@aol.com and she will make arrangements to get them from you. Medicaid expansion petitions are still being handled. Click on the Florida Decides Healthcare button above to view more info and to print out the petition. Or you can come by headquarters to fill out and submit it there. Office is at 611 SW Federal Hwy, Suite K1. Office is open M-F, 9am-1pm. Martin County Democratic Headquarters The Martin County Democratic Party Headquarters is open M-F, 9-1. Located in Northgate Plaza at 611 SW Federal Hwy, Suite K1. Turn off Hwy 1 onto SW McPherson St and park in the large parking lot at the back of the building. Stop by to say hi, volunteer, ask questions, make a donation, sign a petition. Quieres... Suscríbete a nuestro boletín de noticias? ¿Unirse a un caucus o club? ¿Ayuda para que los demócratas sean elegidos? ¿Hacer amigos y conocer a sus compañeros demócratas Martin? Complete el siguiente formulario y nos comunicaremos con usted. ¡¡Damos la bienvenida a todos los demócratas de Martin a unirse a nosotros !! ¡Gracias! Mensaje enviado. Enviar

Martin County Democrats support the signing of the nonpartisan petitions for the Right to Clean Water and Medicaid Expansion. Come to headquarters (611 SW Federal Hwy, Suite K1) to fill out the petitions, or print out the petition and mail according to the instructions on the petition. Click here or on graphic above to enter the Right to Clean Water website. It provides good information on the petition. At this time, due to a new law regarding amendments that just went into effect, we are not gathering signatures on new petitions. Please bring all new FRTCW petitions you have gathered to the next Democratic meeting and turn them in to Carol Ann. Contact her at bonbinifromcal@aol.com and she will make arrangements to get them from you. Click here or on graphic above to enter the Medicaid Expansion petition website. It provides good information on the petition. You can also download a prefilled petition by clicking on the link that says "Click here to send prefilled petition emails..." We recommend printing out the prefilled petition. You can also download a blank copy of the petition from the website and print it out. If you do that, then please turn in to Mary Owens at our office. She has a 10-day window after signing to get the petition to the SOE office.

¡COMPRE UNA ENTRADA O SEA PATROCINADOR AHORA!

Voter Guide 2022 Vote for Your Democratic Candidates US Senate Val Demings US House District 21 Corinna Balderramos Robinson Governor/Lt Governor Charlie Crist & Karla Hernandez-Mats Attorney General Aramis Ayala Chief Financial Officer Adam Hattersley Commissioner of Agriculture Naomi Esther Blemur State House District 85 Curtis Tucker District 86 Raymond Denzel Go to the Martin County Supervisor of Elections website to view your sample ballot.. Go here to fill in your name and birthdate and the app will display your personalized sample ballot so you can get acquainted with the categories and layout. Print it out so you have a copy. Dates and times to remember: Oct 11: Voter registration deadline Oct 30: Vote-by-Mail request deadline Oct 26 - Nov 5: Early in-person voting, 8am - 5pm daily Nov 8: Vote-by-Mail ballots must be received in the SOE office by 7pm Nov 8 : ELECTION DAY! Polls open 7am - 7pm Still have questions? Call the Martin County Democrats office at 772-221-0405 Do you want to print out a copy of this guide? Click here for a printable copy of this page. Florida Supreme Court Justices: Should they be retained? Short answer: Either vote NO for all the justices, or vote NO for all justices except Justice Labarga, who is considered less conservative than the others. Some detail: Justices are initially appointed by governors but face a retention vote on the first general election more than one year after their appointment. If elected, they serve six-year terms . Currently all justices on the ballot were appointed by Republican governors. Out of the 5 justices up for retention, Justice Jorge Labarga seems to be the most moderate. While some Democrats advocate NO for all the justice retentions, others believe they should vote YES for Justice Labarga and NO for all the others. The Palm Beach Editorial Board recommends a YES for Labarga and a NO for all the others. Click here to view their discussion. If you'd like to research the justices further, here are some sites to consider: https://www.floridabar.org/public/faircts/votes010/2020-merit-retention-biographies/ https://www.votingforjustice.com/candidates/florida-supreme-court https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Supreme_Court_elections,_2022 4th District Court of Appeals Judges: Should they be retained? Short answer: Either vote NO for all the judges, or vote NO for all the judges except Justice Gross, who was appointed by a Democratic governor. Some detail: Similar election process as Supreme Court judges. All were appointed by Republican governors except for Justice Gross, who was appointed by Lawton Chiles. Check out these websites to learn about the 7 judges up for retention. https://www.4dca.org/Judges https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Fourth_District_Court_of_Appeal Amendments : There are 3 constitutional amendments on the ballot. Short answer: Vote NO on all amendments. Some detail: Note that all of these were brought about by the Legislature, not the public, which requires us to look at these amendments closely. Many Democrats are voting NO for all 3 amendments. In fact, the Palm Beach Post Editorial Board recently recommended a NO vote for all amendments: Click here to view their analysis . Here is our own breakdown of the amendments: Amendent #1: Effective January 1, 2023 this amendment authorizes the Legislature to prevent flood resistance improvements made to a home (such as putting on stilts) from being considered when determining a property's assessed value for property taxes. Analysis: Some would argue this is good because it provides an incentive to homeowners to make their buildings more resilient to storms. Others argue this would reduce the ad valorem taxes available for local government, that this would primarly benefit the wealthy, and that the state should not be amending the constitution for such purposes. Amendment #2: This amendment would abolish the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). This body meets every 20 years to determine what amendments to the State Constitution are needed and, if approved, the amendment is then put on the ballot. Analysis: Those supporting this amendment say the CRC has put forth unpopular and sometimes confusing amendments and this body is no longer needed. Others say that this is one significant means by which the public can update the state's constitution periodically and should be left in place. Safeguards could be enacted to improve amendment wording and to prevent bundling of issues within the amendments, which has caused confusion in the past. Amendment #3: This amendment would let the Legislature give an additional homestead tax exemption of $50,000 on the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, corrrectional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. Analysis: Some would argue this is an appropriate benefit to provide to workers in these fields, while others would argue providing an additional $50k property tax exemption is unwise. They point out that salaries for these professions should be increased and that government should work to provide more affordable housing, not reduce local government money by providing additional tax exemptions. For more discussion on the merits of these amendments, you might check out these sites: https://lwvfl.org/amendments-2022/ (League of Women Voters) https://bit.ly/3M0qNc8 (Florida Tax Watch) https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/politics-issues/2022-09-15/constitutional-amendments-florida-2022-ballot-explanation *********************************************************** *Details on In-Person Early Voting* Oct 26 – Nov 5 8am – 5pm daily Early Voting Locations: STUART Elections Center (SOE Office), 135 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Robert Morgade Library, 5851 SE Community Dr HOBE SOUND Hobe Sound Library, 10595 SE Federal Hwy INDIANTOWN Elisabeth Lahti Library, 15200 SW Adams Ave JENSEN BEACH Hoke Library, 1150 NE Jack Williams Way J PALM CITY Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave You are required to provide current and valid photo and signature identification in order to vote in person. Acceptable forms: • Florida driver’s license • Florida Identification Card (ID) issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles • U.S. passport • Debit or credit card • Military identification • Student identification • Retirement center identification • Neighborhood association identification • Public assistance identification • Veteran health identification card issued by the US Dept. Of Veterans Affairs • A license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm • Employee identification card issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the Federal Government, the state, county or municipality Visit the Martin County Supervisor of Elections website at https://www.martinvotes.gov/ for further details on all matters related to voting. To reach SOE by phone, call 772-288-5637 during office hours 8am – 5pm.

We need you! Click on location to sign up to be a Poll Greeter at these sites: Election Center Stuart https://mobilize.us/s/U8YGDq Morgade Library Stuart https://mobilize.us/s/p7yKQn Hoke Library Jensen Beach https://mobilize.us/s/sKxCt0 E. Lahti Library Indiantown https://mobilize.us/s/uvWSMq

DONACIÓN ÚNICA ¡SÍ! Ayudaré a apoyar la democracia haciendo un DONACIÓN ÚNICA al Partido Demócrata del Condado de Martin DEMOCRACIA PARA LA GENTE FUNDADO POR LA GENTE

Overview of 2023 Bills Did you know that more than 3700 bills were filed for the 2022 Florida legislative session? With those kind of numbers, it's overwheming to keep track of it all. This section of your website is meant to help you with that. We have selectively divided up the bills into two categories: General Bills and Environmental Bills. Under each category, we have i ncluded the most noteworthy bills. (Yes....this is subjective....Email your webmaster at MCDemWeb@gmail.com to give your input on bills that should be listed if you don't see them here.) General Bills include such topics as Abortion, Equality, Healthcare, Education, Gun Control, Criminal Justice, etc. Environmental Bills link to the 1000 Friends of Florida website and the Friends of the Everglades website. Both of these list and discuss environment-related bills that are being considered.. For General Bills listed, each bill shows the bill sponsor: If the name is in red font, then they're Republican . If blue , then the sponsor is a Democrat . The bill sponsors are linked to their official website where you can find contact information for calling or writing them. Clicking on the official's name should take you to their page. Bill titles are linked to the official Florida government site, where you can get more details about the bill and see where the bill sits. (Note: Some bills never go anywhere, some sit in committees and stay there, and eventually some bills move from committees out to the floor for voting.....Before you contact legislators or write LTEs, be sure to check the bill's status.) Googling the bill (such as "HB1 Florida 2023") to see the latest info on the bill or another explanation of the bill is always a good idea too. Close

All-Star activist JackieT article Nota: Este es el primero de una serie de retratos del "Salón de la Fama" que celebran a Martin Demócratas del condado que han hecho contribuciones duraderas al Partido Demócrata del condado de Martin. Una conversación con Jackie tuvo lugar en su casa en Agosto de 2021 y es la base de este artículo. Jackie Trancynger Era el verano de 2000. El socio de Jackie, Bruce, había decidido que era hora de retirarse y tenía la mirada puesta en Jensen Beach. Habiendo estado allí para visitar a sus padres durante años durante su jubilación, había llegado a amar la sensación de pequeña ciudad de Jensen Beach, el clima cálido y todas las oportunidades de pesca que ofrecía. Jackie, que disfrutaba de una exitosa carrera en ventas educativas en Nueva York, no estaba exactamente lista para jubilarse, pero estaba enamorada y quería estar con Bruce. Aunque ella nunca había estado en Jensen Beach, aceptó mudarse a este lugar extranjero. Al menos tenía una playa cercana. Condujeron juntos para buscar una casa en julio de 2000 y finalmente eligieron la primera casa que vieron: la casa con la gran vista al agua de la piscina y el estanque. Se mudaron durante el fin de semana del Día del Trabajo. Y así comenzó su vida en el condado de Martin. Brooklyn: Los años formativos Jackie rápidamente supuso que la vida en Jensen era drásticamente diferente de su vida en Nueva York. Después de todo, Jackie había sido una chica de Brooklyn hasta la médula. Nacida en Brooklyn en 1934 de Julius y Flo Fabrizio, Jackie creció en Brooklyn, fue a Midwood High School en Brooklyn, se graduó de Brooklyn College donde obtuvo su licenciatura y maestría en educación, y comenzó su carrera docente en educación primaria en Brooklyn en PS 78. Después de casarse con su novia de la universidad Hank Trancynger y tener a sus dos hijos Christopher y Julie, Jackie dejó la enseñanza para ser madre a tiempo completo y la familia finalmente se mudó a Queens. Más tarde, Jackie volvió a ingresar a la fuerza laboral en ventas educativas y prosperó en esa línea de trabajo hasta su jubilación en Jensen Beach. Hijo único, Jackie recuerda algunos episodios de su vida temprana que tuvieron efectos duraderos. Cuando estaba en la escuela primaria, su maestra le había pedido a cada uno de los niños que escribieran un cuento. Después de leer sus respuestas, la maestra pareció impresionada con la historia de Jackie y le pidió a Jackie que la leyera en voz alta a la clase. Para aquellos que conocen a Jackie hoy, esto será bastante sorprendente, pero en ese entonces, ese día , lo que hizo Jackie fue sentarse en su silla y llorar… y llorar… negándose a leer su historia. A pesar de las repetidas exhortaciones de la maestra para que lo leyera, nunca lo hizo. Ella estaba mortificada por esta terrible experiencia. Esa noche, Jackie se fue a casa, reflexionó sobre este episodio y resolvió que nunca volvería a retroceder así. Siempre. Se prometió a sí misma que desde ese día en adelante hablaría, se sentiría orgullosa y sería audaz, un mantra que le ha servido bien desde entonces. Jackie también recuerda el momento en que se dio cuenta de la política por primera vez. El padre de Jackie trabajaba para la ciudad de Nueva York y, como era costumbre, era un demócrata registrado y miembro del Club Demócrata local. Sin embargo, se enteró de que él era demócrata solo de nombre, ¡un DINO! Esto quedó explícitamente claro cuando FDR murió en 1945. Jackie cuenta que salió y gritó para que todos en el vecindario la escucharan: “¡Hurra! ¡¡FDR está muerto !! " imitando la alegre reacción de su padre en el interior. Sus padres la regañaron rápidamente (después de todo, vivían en un vecindario predominantemente demócrata) y le dijeron que no revelara la lealtad política de su padre. - ¡Que en realidad eran republicanos "secretos"! El punto de inflexión en la evolución de Jackie a demócrata ocurrió en la escuela secundaria. Durante esos años, comenzó a conocer amigos que se identificaban como demócratas y le gustaban, le gustaba su forma de pensar, le gustaba lo que creían. Después de eso, no hubo vuelta atrás. De hecho, fue durante su tiempo en Brooklyn College cuando asistió a su primera protesta. En junio de 1953, durante la era McCarthy, los Rosenberg fueron ejecutados por conspiración para cometer espionaje y Jackie fue uno de los muchos que protestaron por esas sentencias de muerte como un castigo cruel e inusual, especialmente porque los dos niños Rosenberg se quedarían sin padres. Familiarizarse con el condado de Martin Después de ese fin de semana del Día del Trabajo en 2000, Jackie se mudó a Jensen y supo que necesitaba conocer gente y hacer amigos. Claro, los paseos por la playa eran maravillosos, pero incluso en ese entonces, sabía que quería estar rodeada de demócratas y, por lo tanto, pronto se puso en contacto con el DEC para conocer gente y trabajar para elegir a Al Gore en lugar de George Bush. No había Club Demócrata en esos días, solo el DEC. Finalmente conoció a Louise y Bob Cunha y ellos, junto con Barbara y Richard Learned, se unieron para formar el Club Demócrata. Desde entonces, ha conocido a muchos amigos cercanos a través de su participación activa con el DEC, el Club Demócrata, el Club de Mujeres y el Caucus Ambiental. Desde que se mudó a Jensen, los intereses principales de Jackie han sido limitar el crecimiento y el desarrollo y salvaguardar el entorno único de Martin. Pronto se familiarizó con ambientalistas locales tan conocidos como Ginny Sherlock y Maggie Hurchalla. Ella aprendió de ellos y de otros. También conoció a Donna Melzer de Martin County Conservation Alliance y también se involucró con esta organización. De hecho, a principios de la década de 2000, Jackie se volvió tan activa en la comunidad que fue secretaria del Club Demócrata, secretaria de su Asociación de Propietarios y secretaria de Conservation Alliance, todo al mismo tiempo. ¡Sí, estaba ocupada en su jubilación! Más de 20 años de activismo Fue con esta tenaz determinación de limitar el crecimiento y proteger el medio ambiente que Jackie asistió a numerosas reuniones de la Comisión de la Ciudad de Stuart y BOCC a lo largo de los años, siempre siguiendo su mantra de hablar y ser audaz. Se hizo bastante conocida por estos funcionarios locales, en parte debido a su franqueza, y sin duda aprendieron que necesitaban escucharla, ya sea para mantener el límite de altura del edificio de 4 pisos de Martin, adhiriéndose al plan de compensación existente del condado, negar varios desarrollos de vivienda o negocios en áreas sensibles, prohibir las pajitas de plástico y el glifosato, y una serie de otras causas. Compañeros activistas comenzaron a referirse a ella como "La Reina" debido al respeto que se ganó por su tipo de activismo abierto. Durante los últimos 20 años, Jackie ha sido un miembro activo y muy respetado de los demócratas del condado de Martin. Ya sea haciendo campaña por los candidatos demócratas ... hablando en contra de las descargas tóxicas del lago O ... protestando por los derechos de las mujeres ... ayudando a formar el Caucus Ambiental Democrático del Condado de Martin y actuando como su primera presidenta ... compareciendo repetidamente ante los comisionados de BOCC y Stuart para exigir que salven nuestros humedales, proteger nuestro medio ambiente y limitar el crecimiento ... o apoyar al DEC en sus diversos esfuerzos, Jackie ha sido un elemento fijo y una inspiración para muchos compañeros demócratas de Martin que han admirado su firmeza de principios, audacia e ingenio rápido. Hoy, durante estos tiempos preocupantes de pandemia, trumpismo, crecimiento desenfrenado en el área y efectos acelerados del cambio climático, Jackie dice que su consejo para los demócratas más jóvenes del condado de Martin es este: Ser activo. Apoye al DEC en sus objetivos. Asista con regularidad a las reuniones de BOCC y City of Stuart y defienda el bajo crecimiento y el medio ambiente. Es posible que vivamos en un condado donde los republicanos nos superan en número, dice, pero aún debemos hacer nuestra parte para promover nuestros valores y hacer que se escuchen nuestras voces. Mientras su mirada vaga hacia la distancia más allá de su piscina y estanque, tal vez su mente se remonta a ese día escolar transformador cuando lloró y no se puso de pie para leer su historia en voz alta en clase, afirma enfáticamente que todos los demócratas del condado de Martin deben ¡únanse y aparezcan! ¡Estar de pie! ¡Sea audaz! ¡Hablar alto! -------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- Gracias, JackieT, por todos sus años de activismo abierto aquí en el condado de Martin y por su apoyo a los demócratas del condado de Martin. ¡Le agradecemos y le damos la bienvenida a nuestro Salón de la Fama!

**Note: Be sure to click on all pictures throughout the article. Doing so makes them easier to see and provides description.** Jackie Williams: Renaissance Woman So my first day as a reporter I interviewed Joe Namath, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Larry Nelson, Mike Ditka. ' This is my first day! ,' I said, 'How can this get any better?!' S itting on the blue couch i n her family room filled with furniture her father made, Jackie was excitedly recalling her first day as a sports reporter for The Stuart News in 1992. It is but one of several paths she has pursued during her lifetime: athlete, educator, nonfiction author, freelance writer, award-winning film producer and scriptwriter, political and social advocate, and caretaker. Yes, Jackie truly embodies what it means to be a Renaissance woman. Skilled in a variety of areas, she has reinvented herself throughout the years as the need arose, always striving to educate and enlighten others. It is notable that she has attained success in her diverse careers and volunteer work even during those times when diversity itself was not as welcomed as it is today. The Jersey Life Jacquelyne Louise Williams was born to Charles and Frances Dorman on June 30, 1945 in Paterson, New Jersey. Like many in Paterson, Jackie's father came from Dutch ancestry, the original family name being Dohrmann. Her mother's maiden name McLean suggests her Scottish and English roots. While her father did not have any siblings, Fran more than made up for that by having six sisters and a brother, many of them living in close proximity to the Dormans. Being an only child, Jackie quickly learned the value of family and in those early years developed a very close relationship with her many cousins, ties that continue to this day. Prominently displayed in her family room today are pictures of the cousins, numerous photos capturing cherished moments from the many "Cousins Trips" they have all taken together over the years. When Jackie was nine, the family moved to the nearby town of Little Falls, a quintessential American town that thrived during the boom years following World War II. Jackie recalls that living in Great Falls "was easy. It was fun. People liked each other. It was small town America…I played [trumpet] in the band in high school and if we won a [home] football game, then the band would march from the high school to the center of town, about a mile away…and then we’d turn around and come back. Now, mind you, that was the main street of the town. It was closed to traffic while we had this parade. That wouldn’t happen today….It was a special time, a different time. We rode our bikes everywhere, we played in the street, we walked to school….It was before the Vietnam War, before that divided everything. The war changed everything.” Jackie’s father Chuck had a secure job with the power company and over time worked his way up to Safety Supervisor. Although many women of that era stayed home, Jackie’s mother did not. Fran began to work outside the home, first in a jewelry store and then in a laboratory that manufactured the hormone therapy drug Premarin. Jackie attributes this second income for later paying her college tuition and preventing her from acquiring student loan debt. It was a time, she says, when families could do that and live within their means, unlike today. As for politics, both of Jackie’s parents identified as Democrats and so she naturally thought of herself as a Democrat. In fact, politics was a big influence in Jackie's life from an early age. For one, while he r dad's whole family were all Democrats, all of her mother's family were Republicans. Fortunately, the family did not consider their political differences an issue. Secondly, when Jackie was 12, her father ran for the school board. He lost, but city leaders in Little Falls encouraged him to run for city commissioner as a Republican since that was the majority party. He decided to be true to himself and ran as a Democrat. The first time he lost but ran again and won, ultimately serving a few terms as city commissioner and even becoming the mayor for a while. Then in 1972 he ran for freeholder, a Dutch term used in New Jersey for county commissioner. Jackie vividly remembers campaigning with her father and mother. It was a family act, which contrasted with the other candidates who typically did not bring their wives and children to events. The Dormans were all in it together: “That got him a lot of votes….We would go together to events and, since he was a golfer, we’d pass out [divot repair tools] with ‘Dorman Fore Freeholder’ written on them to give to the men...and emery boards with ‘Dorman’ printed on them for the women….And so you’d go to these events and pass out this stuff that had your name on it and you’d say hi to everybody…It was fun! It was good!.... My dad was a good politician and knew how to handle people. He was a little bit of an entertainer, a little bit of a ham” and that helped him win elections. High School Years Going to high school in Little Falls in the early 1960s was the ultimate playground for Jackie. She was active in virtually all facets of school life - academics, band, and sports - but athletics was her first love. As she wistfully remarks, "I was a really good athlete but was at least 10 years ahead of the time that I really could have done something in women's athletics." After all, Title IX, the law which initiated the age of parity in athletics between girls and boys, was not passed until 1972. Until then, there was virtually no money for women's athletics and therefore very few teams. Jackie receives trophy for Green Team Green Team doing floor exercises GAA Officers (Girls Athletic Assoc) Jackie receives trophy for Green Team 1/5 What Passaic Valley High did offer was intramural competition between girls' teams during the year. The girls were divided into the two school colors: the Green team and the White team. Throughout the school year they participated in such activities as floor exercises, basketball, and relays. It all culminated into a two-night "Girls Show" competition which was open to the public. Jackie was named the Green Team Chief and she led her team to victory on the first night's competion. Being the Chief was a great experience which taught her how to be an organizer and leader. (This is a photo gallery. Click to make larger. Then click on the forward arrow to view the 5 pictures and read the descriptions.) Senior picture...a spy? Elaine Ashton was an exchange student from England who came to live with the Dormans for her senior school year and more or less has been a family member ever since. Throughout all these years, she and Jackie have remained friends. With Elaine now living in Toronto, they still manage to stay in touch, having dinner together monthly via Zoom. As Jackie notes with a grin, "I think the exchange program was a success." Jackie learned golf by playing with her dad during her early years and she also took golf lessons. In fact, as a teenager she boldly decided to ask if she could play golf on the boys’ team since there wasn’t a girls’ team. As usual, Jackie tried to push the envelope: “I went all the way to the athletic director and said, ‘You know, I take golf lessons and I’d like to play on the boy’s golf team…It’s not a contact sport and I’d like to play.’” And without seeming to even consider her request he snapped back, ‘Oh, no…You’re pretty good and the boys would feel bad if they lost to you!...Are you crazy?’” Jackie had learned yet another lesson that day about life not being fair to women athletes. One pivotal moment apart from athletics came to Jackie in her sophomore year. It was a snow day from high school back on January 20, 1961. She sat home alone while her parents were at work and turned on the TV to watch John F. Kennedy – the youngest president ever elected -- deliver his inaugural address at the first ever televised inauguration. She remembers he stood there on this cold day with no hat on his full head of hair. She was taken in by the image and especially by Kennedy’s words. This was the speech famous for many eloquent passages but perhaps most notably for “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Since her father had run for city commissioner that election cycle, his name appeared on the ballot along with JFK’s and that made JFK’s inauguration even more special to 15-year-old Jackie. It was a transformative moment: “It was the first time I had seen an inauguration and it was like WOW! You know? And here was this young man standing there with the wind blowing in his hair…really feeling like he’s speaking to you…and saying ‘Let’s pass the torch’ and I’m 15 and I’m thinking ‘I can catch that!’ It was very important to me.” Starting then, politics and public service guided much of her life – just as it did many of her contemporaries. Excerpts from JFK's inaugural speech Click on square in lower right to enlarge view. An interesting look at JFK Inauguration Day 1961 Click on square in lower right corner to enlarge view. College and Beyond in New Jersey When it came time for college, Jackie went to Rutgers University, but back then women were treated differently and the women students had a college apart from the main campus called Douglass College. Due to her love of sports, she majored in Physical Education with a minor in English. She played field hockey, basketball, softball, and tennis while at Rutgers but is quick to point out that her experience was a different world from what women’s college athletics is today. Today, noting the irony, she points out with a laugh that the Rutger’s women’s softball team – just the softball team -- has a budget of $3 million dollars! "We didn't even get uniforms. We wore our own white shirt and black shorts." What a difference 55 years makes! After earning a BS degree in 1967, she went to the University of Massachusetts for graduate school as a teaching assistant in Physical Education. Upon completing her master’s degree in 1968, she was fortunate to become a professor and coach at Middlebury College. Although in many ways teaching and coaching at Middlebury was the perfect job for her, these were turbulent times in the country. Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy had been assassinated, and the nation was torn apart by Vietnam. Jackie left the ivory-towered walls of Middlebury College to engage in public service by working at an elementary school in a ghetto back in Paterson. It was a move she felt called to make. VIrtually all the students at Elementary School #28 were lower-income African Americans who came from disadvantaged homes. The school facilities were poor and somewhat dangerous, but Jackie obtained great satisfaction interacting with the students. She felt she was making a difference and, in fact, developed a physical activity that actually improved their reading abilities. It was unique to her school and her students tested highest in the city for reading in spite of their disadvantages. In 1972 she was asked to join the physical education faculty at the nearby County College of Morris. This college had just recently been built and so it was an offer she felt she could not refuse. From 1972-1980 she taught physical education and coached women's field hockey, basketball, and softball. Also in 1972 Jackie married Joe Williams. While the marriage did not work out, she excelled in coaching and during her years at CCM her teams all went to the regional championships. Life in Stuart Golf Professional In 1980 Jackie decided to move to Florida. It was a big move, but it was one she was eager to make, for she was getting involved in the golf business. Jackie joined the teaching arm of the LPGA, the Ladies Professional Golf Association, and got a job as assistant golf professional at Martin County Golf Club (now called Sailfish Sands) in Stuart and eventually became head pro. Jackie had the distinction of being one of four women head golf professionals in the nation, once again pushing the envelope on women's role in sports. In fact, in 1989 Jackie was honored with the LPGA Teaching Division's Southeastern "Professional of the Year" award. Freelance Writer Although she loved teaching golf, Jackie was made to change course once again. In 1994 the golf course administration changed and Jackie lost her job. Through the help of a friend, she began to work as a freelance writer, working for such publications as The Stuart News, HomeTown News, and the Jupiter Island News. Jackie tells the most amazing story about her first assignment as a sports reporter for the Stuart News: She was to go to the Cobblestone Golf Club in Palm City for a charity golf tournament. Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Larry Nelson, and Mike Ditka were the celebrities that were to play. Her main assignment was to talk to Mike Ditka, who had recently been fired as Chicago Bears coach, to see if he was planning to take the Miami Dolphins job. Jackie adds that “the night before the tournament my sports editor calls me and says ‘Look, I didn’t want you to go and be surprised so I’m gonna tell you that they have a special guest coming…and that special guest is Joe Namath.’ So my first day as a reporter I interviewed Joe Namath, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Larry Nelson, Mike Ditka….This is my first day! I said, ‘How can this get any better?!’ She goes on to relate her first encounter with Joe Namath that day, too. She had been watching him at the putting green before the tournament began and he was missing his puts to the left. So Jackie stood behind him and bravely spoke up: “You know, if you were to keep your shoulders square and just let your arms swing through, the ball will go in the hole.” “What do you mean?” he replied. “I said, ‘Keep your shoulders square and just let your arms swing through.” “ ‘OK.’ Ball went in the hole. And he did it again. So he pointed to me and said ‘YOU…ride with me!’ And so I got to play the first nine holes with Joe Namath. He was very, very nice. Nice to me, nice to everybody there.” Jackie got her scoop (Ditka told her he wasn't taking the job) and she had a great time with the famous athletes who were all so gracious and friendly. It was a day definitely to remember! For over 7 years Jackie wrote a weekly sports column for the Stuart News and she also covered various sporting events throughout the region. While on assignment, she met the editor of the Jupiter Island News, a monthly publication for the Residents Association of Jupiter Island. They were in need of a writer and Jackie was offered the job. Twenty-seven years later, she continues to attend the town’s city council meetings and write articles about Jupiter Island. One perk to this work is that she gets to attend the speaker’s program that Jupiter Island has for its residents. In this small, intimate setting arranged for the exclusive residents of Jupiter Island, she has heard talks from such well-known figures as Mikhail Gorbachev, Sandra Day O’Conner, Dick Cheney, Paul Krugman, Doris Kearns Goodwin (Jackie’s favorite nonfiction writer) and many others. What a gig! Author During these years of freelancing, Jackie started a bigger project. She decided to write a book that showcased the women of the LPGA Hall of Fame, focusing on their struggles to succeed in a male-dominated sport. The book profiled 16 golfers including Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Patty Berg, Kathy Whitworth, and Nancy Lopez. While doing her research for the book, the World Golf Hall of Fame happened to be having its grand opening in St. Augustine. Jackie wrangled a press pass and used the opportunity to interview and photograph the LPGA women. Jackie recalls takiing her father with her for this event: "It was just the coolest thing….My father went with me, and he was like a little kid because everybody [all the famous professional golfers, both male and female] was being inducted. And so you’d walk along and there would be Tom Watson, and there was Jack Nicklaus, and there was this guy and that guy…I was so happy I could bring him to that….It was unbelievable. And then later we went to a cocktail party where all the people were there and so he got to actually meet these people, you know?” It is a treasured memory for Jackie and no doubt one her father fondly remembered for the rest of his life. “Playing from the Rough: The Women of the LPGA Hall of Fame” was published in 2000 and was well received. Even today, it can still be found on Amazon and eBay. When asked why she’s not living on Jupiter Island from all the income from the book, she exclaims with her hearty laugh, “Why? I didn’t make any money!” Nonetheless, it was a great experience personally and it added to the library of LPGA books that others can read today, be inspired by, and learn from as they consider the world of women in sports. Film Producer and Scriptwriter Though her freelance writing career was satisfying in many respects, Jackie knew she needed a regular job with a guaranteed salary and health insurance coverage. As she had done several times previously, in 2001 Jackie reinvented herself once again – this time by securing a job as writer/producer for MCTV, the official station for Martin County government. She and her co-workers began to show the County Commission meetings, which is still being done today, and they also created lots of special programming that featured various county departments or happenings in the county. An animal lover herself, one of her most beloved projects was the “Pets on Parade” show, which is still being shown today. Acting as host, Jackie would spotlight various pets from the Humane Society. She is proud to note that, even to this day, they have a 100% adoption rate for the animals that appeared on the show. When pried, the ever-modest Jackie reveals that from 2005 – 2008 “Pets on Parade” won the National Association of Counties production awards. During her tenure at MCTV, Jackie wrote and produced two award-winning full length films. “Book to the Future” was a fun project made to celebrate Martin County Library’s 50th anniversary in 2007. It was a take-off on “Back to the Future” and, instead of a Delorean, the actors - who were all county employees - "flew" around in a ’57 Chevy from the Elliot Museum and through their adventures they tell the story of the founding of the library. One of the films she is most proud of is “Indian Riverside Park: Window to the Past.” This is a one-hour documentary which through video, pictures, and interviews weaves a fascinating tale on the origins and development of historically significant Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach. Anyone living on the Treasure Coast would learn a great deal about our area’s history by viewing this film. The film won the national “Golden Quill” award for scriptwriting from the Florida Historical Society. The National Association of Counties also honored this film in 2007 with scriptwriting and production awards. Caretaker By 2008, Jackie felt the need to assume her most personal role – the role of caretaker for her parents – and so she retired from MCTV to devote herself to those responsibilities while also continuing to write for the Jupiter Island News and to continue her involvement with Martin Democrats. Jackie's father passed in 2020 at age 99, and she now lives with her quick-witted 98-year-old mother Fran and their own Humane Society family member Daisy. Political and Social Advocate Jackie’s work with Martin County Democrats has been an important part of her life since the late 1990s when she sought out Martin Democrats and began to attend DEC meetings. There she met Bob and Louise Cunha, Dave Dew, and a handful of other Democrats. Then when the Democratic Club got formed in 2003 and Louise became its President, Jackie began to attend those meetings as well. When Louise decided to step down in 2011, Louise convinced Jackie to run for President. As Jackie says with a laugh, “Louise gets me into everything.” Jackie served two terms – from February 2011 to February 2015 and then again during those early Trump years February 2017 to February 2019. Jackie says that “Louise Cunha had done such a good job (as President) that I just had to build on what she had started.” One of Jackie’s initiatives was to start having guest speakers at almost every meeting. She also notes that during her time as President club membership increased significantly, though she acknowledges that Obama and especially Trump had a lot to do with the increase. She believed then and still today that the Club needs to become more active locally, especially in helping to find and encourage good Democratic candidates to run for office. It isn’t easy in red Martin, but it’s something we must do. Jackie also served on the Nominating Committee for two years and is now actively involved in the Sunshine Committee, which focuses on bringing in new membership to the Democratic Club. She’s excited about this committee and its possibilities for adding to our Martin County Democratic base. When asked if she considers herself a progressive or a centrist Democrat, Jackie responds with “Can you be a progressive centrist? I think that is what I am.” She says she often can see both sides to an issue and this draws her toward the center. This is also reflective in her years of service to Martin County Democrats. As someone explained who has long been a Democratic Club member, “Jackie is a great person and was a very competent leader of the Democratic Club. She was able to deal with guests the club hosted with great charm and professionalism.” Jackie has demonstrated time and again with Martin Democrats an awareness of compromise, of working together to accomplish a goal, of getting something done, of stepping up and serving - traits that are especially needed in today's world. Jackie is truly a Renaissance woman who has used her multiple talents in countless ways over the years to benefit all she touched through her roles as teacher, communicator, leader, and team player. Thank you, Jackie, for your decades of service. We Martin County Democrats are fortunate to call you our latest Martin County Democrat All Star! If you 'd like to send Jackie a note after reading all about her, you can email her here .

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Martin County Democrats is a website for the Martin County Democratic Party. This is a local Democratic Party organization. Upcoming Rallies and other Calls to Action Upcoming Rallies and other Calls to Action Upcoming Rallies and other Calls to Action Upcoming Rallies and other Calls to Action April 30 1:00-3:30pm Protest at Brian Mast's Office, 171 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart Join Indivisibles in their weekly protest in front of Brian Mast's office denouncing the Trump administration's illegal and unconstitutional actions -- and Brian Mast's complicity with that. At the Town Hall, he said he supported Trump and Musk's DOGE 100% in spite of government cutbacks, financial turmoil from the increase in tariffs, and numerous attacks on democracy. Bring your signs and voice to show your support for democracy, equality, decency. Please de-escalate with those who do not share our values. April 30 6-7pm Hobe Sound Public Library May 1 5 -7pm Intersection of Monterey Rd and US 1, Stuart Let's continue to support our immigrant community. Click here to see a list of restaurants to patronize in the Golden Gate area. Share the "Before You Leave Home" checklist with community members. We have some copies at the office. English is on one side, Spanish the other. Hand out "Right to Know" cards to immigrant businesses and others. These are also available at headquarters. Martin County Democrats support the initiatives for the Right to Clean Water and for Medicaid Expansion for Low-Income Residents. Click here for more information on submitting your signed petition. There is also a petition regarding East Stuart. The petition advocates that the City Commission not approve zoning changes for East Stuart. Click here to view the petition. Martin County Democratic Headquarters The Martin County Democratic Party Headquarters is open M-F, 9-1. Located in Northgate Plaza at 611 SW Federal Hwy, Suite K1. Turn off Hwy 1 onto SW McPherson St and park in the large parking lot at the back of the building. Stop by to say hi, volunteer, ask questions, make a donation, sign a petition. Quieres... Suscríbete a nuestro boletín de noticias? ¿Unirse a un caucus o club? ¿Ayuda para que los demócratas sean elegidos? ¿Hacer amigos y conocer a sus compañeros demócratas Martin? Complete el siguiente formulario y nos comunicaremos con usted. ¡¡Damos la bienvenida a todos los demócratas de Martin a unirse a nosotros !! ¡Gracias! Mensaje enviado. Enviar