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Chair: Ginger Blair
Deputy Chair: Kimberly Valdez
Secretary: Carmen McZeal
Treasurer: Natalie Ward
Sergeant At Arms: Marc Meyer
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Click on the Contribute button to help turn Montgomery County Blue!
Please consider becoming a sustaining member at $10 per month (or more!).
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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters
704 N. Thompson St. #195
Conroe, Texas 77301
936-703-5841
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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters Hours
Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Monday through Friday
Due to the continuing spread of COVID, our policy now is for staff and visitors to comply with social distancing guidelines and masks are optional. To reach us, call MCDP headquarters at 936-703-5841 or email office@mcdptx.org. For urgent matters outside of office hours, please text 713-256-1420 or email chair@mcdptx.org.
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February 15, 2023 Newsletter
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Please note: our newsletters contain a lot of links to make viewing the source easier - just click on images or linked text to explore
IN THIS ISSUE:
Black History Month
Go Texan Parade
Final Friday - Black History in MC - Gloria White and Sister Katherine Houston
Time to Re-Register as a VDR
Commissioners' Court Report
Announcing our new Volunteer Coordinator - Aleta McVey Garcia
Consider Becoming a Precinct Chair
From TDC - Talking Points, Lobby Day, Education Funding
County Non-Profit Spotlight - Coat of Many Colors
Democratic Party Events Around the County
The Woodlands Village Association Elections - February 18, 2023
Training and Education Resources for Democrats
Joe and Kamala's Corner (click on an image to open)
Tweets (click on an image to open)
Blue Store - Show Your Commitment to Democracy!
Democratic Party Calendar of Upcoming Events
Other Groups and Community Events
This newsletter is published on or about the 1st and the 15th of every month.
no later than 3 days before publication.
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Presidents and philanthropists. Senators and scientists. Organizers and orators. Artists and athletes. Entrepreneurs and entertainers. Community workers & champions of change.
Black History is
American history.
Let's celebrate those who made our nation what it is today.
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Dems will be Rockin’ the Jukebox at the Go Texan Parade on February 18th
The Go Texan Theme for 2023 is “Somewhere Down in Texas” and we will be representing MCDPTX with a high energy team and a Float that ROCKS THE JUKEBOX!
We want our music to represent the diversity in our party. Please suggest music you want to hear, and let me know if you want to participate on our float, in a vehicle that represents your outreach group, or in our Bold for Blue team who will be walking the route with our vehicles and float.
Contact Michele Lightfield – mlightfield@gmail.com / Mobile: 281-923-8320 with your suggestions or for more information.
See below for more info and a map of the parade route.
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Learn about Black History in
Montgomery County
Presented by Gloria White
Final Friday
February 24, 2023
6:30 p.m.
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Gloria White, Treasurer
We are pleased to announce that the Montgomery County Democratic Party will be celebrating Black History Month this year with a presentation about Black history in Montgomery County by Gloria White, a native of Willis, Texas, long-time resident of Conroe, Texas, and the current Treasurer of the Montgomery County Texas NAACP Chapter 6304.
We are also pleased to announce that Sister Katherine Houston, who most recently performed at the Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration in Montgomery, Texas, has agreed to open our program with two a cappella gospel hymns for an invocation.
The program promises to explore the rich culture and history of our area from its earliest times before Texas was even a State through today. We hope you will plan to attend.
Our Final Friday Social and Speaker Program is held the last Friday of the month at Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters, 704 N. Thompson St, Suite 195, Conroe, Texas, 77301. You may also watch it on Zoom.
The link to watch virtually is highlighted in blue below. You may also watch on Facebook Live.
Topic: Final Friday
Time: February 24, 6:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 7409 0628
Passcode: 41243
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It's time to Become a VDR or Re-Register
Here is What We Know
Montgomery County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. And as Montgomery County grows, Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDR) work to turn new residents and the newly eligible into new voters through voter registration programs. For many years, the Montgomery County Democratic Party has been blessed with a strong Volunteer Deputy Registrar Program that has been able to help keep up with our amazing growth and to increase the percentage of registered voters each year. In 2010, for instance, our population was only 455,746 and 55% of those (or 248,605 persons) were registered voters. In 2020, the population of Montgomery County was 620,443 and 60% of those (or 370,731 persons) were registered to vote. We will be forever grateful for the strong Volunteer Deputy Registrars who developed and ran the program that made that growth possible.
But clearly, we still need more Democrats. So, if you were certified to be a Volunteer Deputy Registrar in Montgomery County in 2022, your certification expired on December 31, 2022, and according to the Secretary of State, you must be recertified by the County to begin to register folks to vote in 2023 and 2024. At the end of last year, Montgomery County had certified about 160 Volunteer Deputy Registrars but when we inquired this year, only about 20 volunteers had signed up so far!
Please email us at mcdpoffice@gmail.com or call 936-703-5841 to become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar to help us at all of our Democratic events. Visit the link below for information on becoming a new Volunteer Deputy Registrar or to be recertified for the next election cycle.
THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE
MAY 6, 2023, ELECTION IS
April 6, 2023
It has been said that there is a special crown in heaven for folks who register others to vote! We need you to help us register more Democrats if we are ever going to hope to turn Montgomery County BLUE.
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COMMISSIONERS COURT REPORT
By Ginger Blair, Chair
In October of 2022, Montgomery County began renting the Old Keefer Middle School on FM 1485 to be used as a statewide Active Shooting Training Center for police from multiple agencies. New Caney ISD sold the 100,000 square foot building to an investor and the building is currently being rented by Montgomery County for a $23,500 monthly price tag.
But, at the February 7, 2023, at the Montgomery County Commissioners Court Meeting the County approved a resolution seeking $15.5 million from the Texas Legislature to acquire the building and recondition it to permanently house the active shooter training facility.
According to Jason Milsaps, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the State Legislature’s Appropriations Committee is already working on its budget for this legislative cycle and “[t]he senators that represent the county and the legislators from the House asked for this resolution so they can stick it in the committee file to show the interest, and that the county is unified in this request.” Community Impact Magazine also reports that the annual costs to operate the facility are estimated to be in the range of $2 million a year and that there will not be a charge to other agencies who wish to use the facility in the future.
The Texas Tribune is also following this story as other governmental entities may be requesting funding for similar facilities across the state. The Montgomery County Democratic Party will continue to follow this issue as we focus on the need for social justice reform and more funding for preventative mental health programs for County residents.
If you would like to be a part of our Legislative Response Team that tracks issues, texts our elected representatives, writes letters, and attends board meetings and hearings, please let us know by sending an email to office@mcdptx.org or calling 936-703-5841. This is a growing area of activity for our organization, and we need your help and expertise.
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Announcing our new Volunteer Coordinator
Aleta McVey Garcia
We are very pleased and excited to announce that Aleta will be the County Party's new Volunteer Coordinator. Aleta truly has the expertise and enthusiasm to build and organize our volunteers! She sees volunteer opportunities/needs to be in the three areas of Field, Office and Events. So whatever your interest, she will be able to find the perfect fit for you as a volunteer for MCDP. She will also make life easier for those running events and projects to find the manpower they need to achieve success.
Please join us in welcoming Aleta to this vital and much-needed position.
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Volunteer to Help Your Precinct!
If you want more info about what is expected of a Precinct Chair go to the NDTC virtual training scheduled for Tuesday March 14, 2023 at noon Central called What is a Democratic Precinct Chair?
We know you have heard this request many times but maybe now you are ready! If you have ever thought you might be interested, now is the time to get more information.
Please contact us to talk about what is involved in being a Precinct Chair or in helping your Precinct Chair. There is a lot of support for Precinct Chairs and that support is getting stronger. You will not be going it alone; but you will make a huge difference in our County, State and Nation.
To talk with someone about how you can help, email office@mcdptx.org or call Headquarters at 936-703-5841.
If you are ready to apply for a Precinct Chair vacancy, please download, print, and complete this application form, and submit it to us by U.S. mail, email as an attachment to office@mcdptx.org, or drop it off in person at 704 N. Thompson St. #195, Conroe, TX 77301. If you have never visited Headquarters, it would be great to meet you!
You may find out whether your Precinct has a Chair and who your Precinct Chair is by going to the Secretary of State website. Or contact us and we'll let you know!
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Click on Images or Links to Open Full Content and Sign Petition |
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Texas Democratic Women 2023 Blue Ribbon Lobby Day
Tuesday April 18, 2023
The State Capitol
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Our teachers and students deserve better. That’s why we’re pressuring those in charge to give raises to our current and retired teachers, fully fund our classrooms, and give every student a fair shot. #txlege
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Republicanos de TX están trabajando para inyectar billones de dólares del exceso presupuestario en zonas adinerados - dejando atrás a una generación de jóvenes de bajos recursos.
Los Demócratas de
TX no dejarán que eso pase. El dinero publico debe ir a escuelas publicas. #txlege
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Texas Republicans are working overtime to funnel billions of dollars from the state’s surplus into wealthy neighborhoods – leaving a generation of low-income kids behind.
Texas Democrats won’t let that happen. Public dollars belong in public schools. Period. #txlege
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County Non-Profit Spotlight
Each month in 2023, we will share information about non-profit resources in Montgomery County in hopes that those in need receive assistance.
This month we feature:
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Coat of Many Color Ministries, Inc. (CMCM) has been truly blessed over the past 20-plus years with outstanding and dedicated individuals who have been a part of the organizations development and growth.
The strategic guidance and resource development combined with a love for people has been at the heart of the successes the organization has achieved over the years.
With programs that provide free supplemental food distribution, mental health counseling, job training and preparation, and Veteran-focused crisis prevention, prison outreach, and reentry guidance, Coat of Many Colors Ministries, Inc. truly lives up to its all-serving Coat of Many Colors inspiration.
The seven-member Coat of Many Colors Ministries, Inc. (CMCM) Board of Directors is committed to speaking as one voice to fulfill two primary directives:
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Provide strategic direction for the agency to achieve and exceed community expectations of meeting the Education and Empowerment needs of individuals in Montgomery County Texas and Surrounding Areas.
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Help the agency raise and maintain the necessary resources needed to meet the vision, mission and goals of the staff, partners, volunteers and clients of Coat of Many Colors Ministries, Inc. (CMCM).
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Democratic Party Events Around the County
psst: you're missing a lot of fun if you aren't joining us!!
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Valentine's Day Fundraiser
A Great Success!!
The first Montgomery County Democratic Party fundraiser of 2023 was held last Sunday February 12th and despite competing with the Superbowl, the Odd Couple Valentine's Dinner Social was a blast from the past and a resounding financial success.
Special thanks go to principals Michele on Silent Auction, Keefer on Wine Pull, Tanya on Odd Couple Quiz and Dianne and Nikki on Cake Live Auction as well as Natalie as our trusty treasurer.
Many thanks also to the leadership provided by Ginger Blair, our party chair; Randall Cade our Finance Chair; Margie Kremer; our office volunteers; and our interns, Angela, Ambryn and Fritz.
Thank you also to everyone who donated cakes, wine and auction items.
As the new fundraising chair I want to thank everyone who bought a ticket or donated their time and effort.
Fundraising Chair
Lore Breitmeyer-Jones
Chair, Precinct 32
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Our Awesome Interns - Angela, Ambryn and Fritz! |
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Latino Outreach Subcommittee
Mission – Increase Latino Voter Participation; Advance Awareness of Democratic Party Principles, and Advocate for Party Candidates
On February 8, 2023 we held our first Latino Outreach Subcommittee for calendar year 2023.
We voted to change the name from Hispanic Outreach Subcommittee to Latino Outreach Subcommittee and we adopted a new logo thanks to Angela de la Cruz!!
We reviewed previous years’ budget plans, agreed on the plan format for 2023, and will continue to review and update the plan based on outreach events and other outreach endeavors.
We discussed various preliminary advertising and outreach communications activities as well as other Latino outreach endeavors including how to reach various Latino age and economic demographics. Work with other groups, VDRs, Young Democrats, Precinct Chairs, etc., will be focused on reaching out to as many Latinos as possible.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6:30 PM at Democratic Headquarters. A ZOOM link will also be available. Please join us and share this information with anyone who may be interested in our outreach efforts. If individuals are bilingual, this helps even more.
We can do it. Si se puede.
Gordon Lopez
Chair, Precinct 97
Chair, Latino Outreach Subcommittee
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Blue Magnolia
Ten precincts in Magnolia have joined together to reach out to our Democratic neighbors. We've had an initial planning meeting and are already rockin' and rollin.' The precincts included in Blue Magnolia are 13, 18, 28, 29, 30, 65, 66, 89, 91, and 97.
Please contact us at bluemagnolia@mcdptx.org to become involved with your Magnolia Democratic, Liberal and Progressive neighbors. |
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African American Black History Parade
On February 11, 2023, the African American Black History Parade was fun and a great success. The parade was sponsored by Project Hope and Walter Milo and showcased local Black-owned businesses and nonprofits.
There was much entertainment with beautifully decorated floats, various car clubs, local dance companies, High School dance teams and even an appearance from the Trail Riders. People lined the streets to catch candy being thrown. Many Democratic party members attended this event. Directly following there was an award ceremony, a vigil for victims of police brutality and a free brunch. This is the parade's fifth consecutive year and we look forward to next year's event.
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The Woodlands Village Association Elections
There are nine Villages in The Woodlands and each of these Villages has a Village Association Board and a Residential Design Review Committee. Voting for positions on non-partisan boards and committees are set for Saturday, February 18th this year. The elections are administered by The Woodlands Township and are usually very low turn out elections so your vote carries a lot of weight.
All voting for the contested races for Village Associations and Residential Design Review Committees will take place at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd next to Black Walnut Cafe. Homeowners and residents can both vote. If you are a tenant, bring proof of residency. Leases or utility bills in your name and a picture ID will suffice.
Early voting: Monday, February 13, through Friday, February 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Election Day: Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Contested elections are:
- Alden Bridge Residential Design Review Committee
- Cochran’s Crossing Residential Design Review Committee
- Creekside Park Residential Design Review Committee
- Grogan’s Mill Residential Design Review Committee
- Grogan’s Mill Village Association
- Indian Springs (WCA) Residential Design Review Committee
- Panther Creek Residential Design Review Committee
- Sterling Ridge Village Association
If you live in these areas, your vote is your Voice!
For information on the races, contested positions, and candidates, go to
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Training and Education Resources
Sign up now!!
National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC) has virtual training opportunities for all Democrats. Go to https://traindemocrats.org/events/ to sign up for any of their trainings.
February 16, 2023 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET Virtual
Ready to stand up to right-extremists causing chaos at our school boards? Want to defeat calls for book bans in your schools? How do you effectively get people to join together? What tactics can you use to impact issues in your community? Join us to discuss -- and make your voices heard in your community!! Sign Up Now
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
6 - 7:30 PM CST
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
6 - 7:30 PM CST
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JOE and KAMALA'S CORNER !
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Lots of great bling to show your commitment to Democracy!
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Event Calendar - For more details, click on the image and follow link to the MCDPTX.org website; click on the date to view event.
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Other Groups & Community Events: |
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IMMIGRATION CLINIC REOPENED- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! - Lorena Perez McGill |
Can you help?
- Legal consultation
- Set up, clean up, organize
- Speaker
Third Thursdays
5:00 to 9:00pm
24803 Oakhurst Dr. 77386
Questions and Information:
contact Lorena Perez McGill at
email or 202-294-4473.
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TUE, FEB 28 - MOMS DEMAND ACTION ADVOCACY DAY & RALLY, 10:30am, Austin Capitol
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Democrats and Progressives of Montgomery County
Morning Breakfast MEETUP
Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Start the New Year right - with friends and breakfast!
11133 Interstate 45 S · Conroe, TX
Hosted by Karen Cavanagh
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League of Women Voters Texas Lobby Days
LWVTX Lobby Days is a bi-annual event that coincides with the Texas legislative session. We will have lunch, speakers on our top priorities (Voting Rights & Election Law, Women's Health & Reproductive Rights, Gun Safety, and Public Education), and visits with your legislators at the Capitol.
Here's the schedule:
Lobby Day Training for League Members - Feb. 27th, 12:00pm at the Holiday Inn located at 6000 Middle Fiskville Rd. in Austin
Women Power Texas ~ A Making Democracy Work Dinner - Feb. 27th, 6:30pm at the UT Alumni Center
Lobby Day Advocacy & Legislative Visits - Feb. 28th, 8:00am-12:00pm at the State Capitol (and via social media)
Registration for Lobby Days is $20/person and includes lunch and a limited edition Lobby Days 2023 t-shirt. For more information and to register, click here.
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Paid for by the Montgomery County Texas Democratic Party, www.mcdptx.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. |
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