Club Updates

Next Club Meeting via Zoom: Tuesday, January 26, 7 PM

ROCKY RIVER DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING
Tuesday, January 26, 7 PM via Zoom

Featured Speakers:

SHONTEL BROWN, Chairwoman, Cuyahoga County Democratic Party
Ms. Brown will provide an overview of the important issues the CCDP will address this year.

PAULINE TEREBUH, MD, MPH, Infectious Diseases, The Cuyahoga County Board of Health
Dr. Terebuh will provide an overview of the role the Board of Health plays in greater Cleveland, review the various Covid-19 vaccines and their protocols, preview the expected distribution timelines for population segments in our County, address the educational component of promoting the vaccine, and answer your questions.

STACEY HAYMAN, Outreach Coordinator, Rocky River Public Library 
During this time of Covid-19, Ms. Hayman will provide an overview of activities and programs available through the Library.

ANDREA MEDIATE, Organizer with the Rocky River Green Team
Climate change and the environment are important to our community.  Ms. Mediate will provide an overview of the Green Team’s activities and efforts in our community.  To learn more about the Rocky River Green Team, visit their Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

To receive the link to the Club meeting on Tuesday, January 26, 7 PM via Zoom, please CLICK HERE.




CONTACT ROB PORTMAN – THE SENATE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

Sen. Portman statement on January 13th:
“…the attack on the US Capitol was an attack on democracy itself, and the President bears some responsibility for what occurred…If the Senate conducts an impeachment trial, among my considerations will be what is best to help heal our country rather than deepen our divisions.”

Please contact Sen. Portman and remind him that the process of healing begins with holding Trump accountable for his actions.  He should vote “yes” to convict Trump for – in Portman’s own words – “an attack on democracy itself.”

CONTACT SENATOR ROB PORTMAN
Our calls and emails DO make a difference!

Cleveland Office: 216-522-7095

Washington, DC Office: 202-224-3353

Email: use the online form at https://www.portman.senate.gov/meet/contact

Next Club Meeting via Zoom: Tuesday, January 26, 7 PM Read More »

Next Club Meeting Via Zoom: Tuesday, December 1 at 7 PM

Save the Date! 
Next Meeting of the Rocky River Democratic Club

Tuesday, December 1, 7 PM via Zoom

This Meeting Is Open To Everyone

Featured Speakers:

MONIQUE SMITH, our next State Representative for Ohio District 16 — Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Westlake!

RYAN PUENTE, Executive Director, Cuyahoga County Democratic Party.  Ryan will provide a detailed overview of election results throughout Cuyahoga County, including the west side suburbs.  He will also describe the various efforts throughout the County that led to the Biden/Harris win in our area.

To RSVP and receive the Zoom logon/phone, PLEASE CLICK HERE




GEORGIA SENATE RACE

So much is riding on the outcome!  Following are ways that you can help the candidates:

JON OSSOFF.  To volunteer and/or donate, CLICK HERE

RAPHAEL WARNOCK. To volunteer and/or donate, CLICK HERE

FAIR FIGHT (Stacey Abrams). To volunteer and/or donate, CLICK HERE



CONGRATULATIONS!

PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN
VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT KAMALA HARRIS
SAVE YOUR BIDEN/HARRIS YARD SIGNS! 
Proudly and patriotically display them on January 20th — Inauguration Day!
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More Congratulations:

.

Ohio Supreme Court:
JENNIFER BRUNNER
.

Judges:
EMANUELLA GROVES, LISA FORBES, WILLIAM VODREY, ANDREW SANTOLI, RICHARD BELL AND COLLEEN ANN REALI
.

State Board of Education:
CHRISTINA COLLINS 

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THANK YOU:

AARON PAUL GODFREY AND TOM JACKSON.  Aaron and Tom ran for office because they believe in a better Ohio.  Our Congressional and State Senate districts are highly gerrymandered to Republican advantage. Despite this built-in disadvantage, Aaron and Tom had very strong showings of voter support. We would be proud to support them again in any future candidacies.

Next Club Meeting Via Zoom: Tuesday, December 1 at 7 PM Read More »

Next Club Meeting: Wednesday, September 30, 7 PM via Zoom

To receive the Zoom link, please send an email to: [email protected]

AGENDA
Featured Speaker:

Anthony Perlatti, Director, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections

He will present an overview and demographics of voting by mail and in-person voting in Cuyahoga County, security, how and when different ballots are counted, what to expect on November 3rd when the polls close, and answer your questions.

 
 
Featured Candidates:
Aaron Godfrey, Democratic Candidate for the U.S. Congress
Monique Smith, Democratic Candidate for the Ohio House
Tom Jackson, Democratic Candidate for the Ohio Senate

 


PLAN YOUR VOTE — DECIDE NOW

VOTE BY MAIL:

Step 1 – The Application: 

  • Everyone in Ohio received a vote by mail APPLICATION from the Secretary of State.  Fill it out, use their return envelope, put a stamp on it, and mail it in today.
  • If you’ve misplaced it, print an application from the Board of Elections by CLICKING HERE.  Put a stamp on your envelope and mail it to: Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, PO Box 89448, Cleveland, OH 44101-6448.  You can also request an application by calling them at: 216-443-8683.
  • If you’ve already sent in your vote by mail application, you can track the status by CLICKING HERE.

Step 2 – Your Ballot:

  • Wait to receive your actual BALLOT in the mail.  Ballots will begin being mailed on October 6th to everyone who has sent in their vote by mail application.
  • Complete your ballot when you receive it, put it in the provided envelope, put a stamp on it, and drop it in the mail the same day.

Vote by Mail Options:

  • Drop-off your application locally: You can drop-off your completed vote by mail APPLICATION with two groups who will drive them to the Board of Elections.  Save a stamp! — see more information below.
  • Deliver your vote by mail ballot to the Board of Elections: You can drop-off your completed, sealed BALLOT at the secure drop box located at the Board of Elections, 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland.  Note: only family members and legal guardians can drop-off a BALLOT on behalf of someone else.

Deadlines:

  • October 31 – last day to request your vote by mail ballot.  Don’t wait that long!
  • November 2 – final accepted postmark for vote by mail ballots

VOTE IN-PERSON

Following are the two in-person voting locations in Rocky River on November 3rd:

  • Rocky River Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd
  • Rocky River Presbyterian Church, 21750 Detroit Rd.

To check your in-person voting location, CLICK HERE

Vote In-person Options:

  • You can vote in-person at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections located at 2925 Euclid Ave., Cleveland beginning Tuesday, October 6th through Monday, November 2nd.  No lines or waiting are expected.  To view the dates/times at the Board of Elections, CLICK HERE.

NOTE: if you requested a vote by mail ballot, but change your mind and show up to vote at the Civic Center or Church, you will need to cast a provisional ballot that is counted much later.  It is important to decide NOW how you plan to vote; and stick with your plan!

Next Club Meeting: Wednesday, September 30, 7 PM via Zoom Read More »

Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 25, 7 PM Via Zoom

NEXT DEMOCRATIC CLUBS MEETING

The Democratic Clubs of Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted and Rocky River are pleased to partner together for a Club meeting on:
.

Tuesday, August 25 at 7 PM via Zoom
To RSVP and receive the Zoom logon/phone, please click HERE
(The Zoom link/phone will be sent on August 25 to all who RSVP)
.
Special Guest Speaker:
TED STRICKLAND, former Democratic Governor of Ohio.
Governor Strickland once won a plurality of voters in our state.  During his remarks, he’ll share how we can reach independent voters in our communities. Governor Strickland will be introduced by Tim Hagan.

Featured speakers will include:

AARON GODFREY, our Democratic candidate for the U.S. Congress.  Visit Aaron’s website HERE.

TOM JACKSON, our Democratic candidate for the Ohio Senate. Visit Tom’s website HERE.

LIZ GERSTENHABER, Campaign Field Director for Monique Smith, our Democratic candidate for the Ohio House. Visit Monique’s website HERE.

Along with his endorsement of Monique Smith, Senator Sherrod Brown will be participating in a private Zoom call on Thursday, August 20th from 5:30 – 6:30pm with Monique and other endorsed candidates.  If you would like to participate, please RSVP and purchase VIP tickets by clicking HERE.

RYAN PUENTE, Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party.  Ryan will discuss the state of the race in Cuyahoga County.

To RSVP and receive the Zoom logon/phone for Tuesday, August 25th at 7 PM with Governor Strickland, PLEASE CLICK HERE

VOLUNTEERS:
The response in Rocky River has been amazing.  Thank you to everyone who has already signed-up to volunteer for postcards and the literature drop!  We will be in touch with you directly in a separate email soon with greater detail about each activity.  

More volunteers are still welcomed.  We have a lot to do until Election Day!

To volunteer for literature drops in Rocky River, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

If you’ve already signed-up for postcards or the literature drop, thank you, and no need to sign-up again. We’ll be in touch with you soon in a separate email with more information.



PHONE BANKING
The Club plans to do our own phone banking closer to Election Day and target fellow residents who have not yet voted by mail.

If you’d like to get started phone banking to a broader range of voters with the Biden/Harris campaign, please click HERE.



YARD SIGNS
We’re being told that free Biden/Harris yard signs will be available around September 3rd, or shortly thereafter.

  • To receive a yard sign, residents of Rocky River can click HERE.
  • If you are a resident of Bay Village, Fairview Park, or North Olmsted, please click the highlighted name of your city to contact your local Democratic Club.


VOTE BY MAIL

Help the Board of Elections to “flatten the curve” and submit your vote-by-mail application now to avoid overwhelming them in the months of September and October; and avoiding other issues.

  • Online: To request or print a vote-by-mail application from the Board of Elections website, click HERE
  • Phone: Call the Board of Elections and request that a vote-by-mail application be mailed to you. Call: 216-443-8683
Once you have submitted your vote-by-mail application, you can track it on the Board of Elections website by clicking HERE.

ON OCTOBER 6TH, the Board of Elections will begin mailing ballots to everyone who has submitted their vote-by-mail application.  Many in our community have already submitted their application.  Be among the first to vote for Biden/Harris and all Democrats on your ballot!



On behalf of the Democratic Clubs of Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted and Rocky River, we look forward to you joining us with Governor Strickland and our District 16 candidates on:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 7 PM VIA ZOOM

Everyone is welcome.  Please share this message with friends!

To RSVP and receive the Zoom logon/phone, PLEASE CLICK HERE
(The Zoom link/phone will be sent on August 25 to all who RSVP)

Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 25, 7 PM Via Zoom Read More »

Next Club Meeting Via Zoom: Tuesday, August 25 at 7 PM

Early voting in Ohio begins in about 60 days.  Imagine how you’ll feel when you cast your vote for Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates shortly after October 6th!

According to polls this week, the race in Ohio remains a tie.  Every Democrat needs to vote this year.  Grassroots efforts have proven time and again to make a difference in voter turnout.  To achieve that goal:

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FOLLOWING:

POSTCARD WRITING
We need to reach Rocky River Democrats who live in apartment/condo buildings (a sizable number).  Postcards and a script will be provided; you provide the thirty five cent stamps.  This can be done from the comfort of your own home on your own schedule.  To volunteer for postcard writing, please send us an email by clicking HERE.

LITERATURE DROP
Many of you remember 2016 when you committed 2 or 3 hours to knocking on doors for Hillary Clinton.  Because of Covid-19, there will be no door knocking and interacting with our fellow residents; but we still need to get information to every voter.  Territory to cover will be reasonable and can be done at your convenience over several days.  To volunteer for literature drops, please send us an email by clicking HERE.

You’ve been waiting to do something to make a difference.  NOW IS THE TIME!  Both the postcard writing and literature drops are being scheduled for the week before and through Labor Day weekend when the State of Ohio is expected to mail absentee ballot applications to all registered voters.  

Next Club Meeting Via Zoom: Tuesday, August 25 at 7 PM Read More »

Next Club Meeting Via Zoom On July 28

Featured Speaker:

STEVE CRAFFEY
Biden Organizer for Cleveland West Side and Eastern Colleges

When we meet next Tuesday, it will be 98 days until the most consequential election in generations, and 70 days until early voting begins on October 6th.  Despite recent national polls, nothing can be taken for granted.  In Ohio, the race between Joe Biden and the person in the White House is a tie.

Please join us on the 28th to discuss what we’ll do in Rocky River to ensure a Biden Victory, as well as support Monique Smith, Democratic candidate for our district in the Ohio Statehouse; and Aaron Godfrey, our Democratic candidate for the U.S. Congress.

To receive the phone number and link to this meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 7 PM that will be held via Zoom, please click HERE.

Next Club Meeting Via Zoom On July 28 Read More »

Next Club Meeting via Zoom: Tuesday, June 30th, 7 PM

Featured Speaker:
Dr. Michael G. Shoaf, Superintendent, Rocky River Board of Education.  Dr. Shoaf will discuss plans for the upcoming school year, the impact of budget cuts, and answer your questions.

Please feel free to share this with your friends and neighbors in the community; everyone is invited to participate.  To receive the phone number and link to this meeting that will be held via Zoom, please click HERE.

Next Club Meeting via Zoom: Tuesday, June 30th, 7 PM Read More »

New Club Treasurer, Updated Bylaws, Support Aaron and Monique

We are very pleased to announce that Cassimir Svigelj is the new Treasurer of the Rocky River Democratic Club!

We enthusiastically congratulate and welcome Cassimir as a Club Officer.  You may remember Cassimir’s strong candidacies that tell of a man who cares deeply about improving the lives of the citizens of our community and state.  As fellow Club officers, we look forward to working closely with Cassimir to elect Democratic candidates in this most important election year.

Also by majority during the May 26th meeting, the Club voted to approve its updated Bylaws and Constitution. 


HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAY 26TH MEETING VIA ZOOM

Andrew Bemer, Law Director, City of Rocky River
Mr. Bemer reviewed the operations of various city departments and agencies during the state-mandated shutdown.  He addressed the city’s Charter Review that is done every 6 years, and the final steps in the process to get it on the ballot for the General Election. He noted the significant payroll tax loss of $900,000 to the city’s budget since the onset of the pandemic.  Governor DeWine also plans to cut $805,000 to Rocky River schools from the State’s funding pool while the State of Ohio has a budget surplus of $2.7 BILLION (that’s not a typo).   Mr. Bemer encouraged residents to visit the City of Rocky River’s website at www.rrcity.com for the wealth of information it provides.

Aaron Godfrey and Monique Smith
Both Aaron and Monique addressed the changes the pandemic has brought to traditional ways of campaigning.  Rather than knocking on doors and in-person gatherings, reliance will be on social media, phone banking, and mailings.  They also noted the significant advantage that incumbents have in elections.  While their Republican opponents may try to appear moderate to voters in our community, they, nonetheless, wholeheartedly espouse the Trump Republican agenda.

It is difficult for candidates like Monique and Aaron to come right out and ask for donations to sustain a costly virtual campaign against their well-funded Republican opponents.  On their behalf, the Rocky River Democratic Club asks you to consider making a donation of any amount to each of their campaigns.  We realize that these are financially challenging times and that there are many worthy causes.  Donating to help a Legislator win can bring big changes in our lives; and it is one of the most important contributions we can make. Whether it’s $5, $10 or $20, it’s our cumulative strength in numbers that makes a difference.

Donate to Aaron Godfrey, Democratic candidate for the United States Congress, District 16click HERE.

Donate to Monique Smith, Democratic candidate for State Representative of Ohio House District 16 – Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Westlake, click HERE.

Giving Tree Project
The Giving Tree Project provides free face masks to community members who do not have access to them or cannot afford them.  The project began with local attorney Kira Krivosh, State Senator Nickie Antonio and a group of volunteers The first donation event was in Rocky River on May 28th, and the organization plans the next donation event in Lakewood in the coming weeks.   Masks are free and are replenished daily on a first come, first serve basis.  If you are interested in becoming a sewer, they provide kits with fabric and instructions. If you do not sew, they need fabric cutters and additional volunteers. For more information and to volunteer, please send an email to [email protected]


ELECTION 2020

Vote by Mail for November 3rd
Even though you voted by mail in the primary, unfortunately, you’ll need to repeat the application process for November 3rd.

You can submit a vote by mail application NOW to receive your vote by mail ballot at the appropriate time for the November 3rd General Election.  

  • Online: To request or print a vote by mail application from the Board of Elections website, click HERE
  • Phone: Call the Board of Elections and request that a vote by mail application be mailed to you. Phone: 216-443-8683
  • Email: Send an email to the Rocky River Democratic Club and we’ll deliver an application to your home.  Email: [email protected]

On the vote by mail application, please remember to: 1) select General Election, and 2) write the year “2020”


CLUB MEETINGS:
Thank you to those who joined us during the May 26th meeting.  Because it was done on Zoom, we would love your feedback.  If you have 15 seconds to answer 3 quick questions, it would be most helpful.  Please click HERE.

The next meeting of the Rocky River Democratic Club is scheduled on Tuesday, June 30th at 7 PM.  We’ll provide more information soon in a separate email.

New Club Treasurer, Updated Bylaws, Support Aaron and Monique Read More »

Next Meeting of the Club via Zoom: Tuesday, May 26, 6 PM

UPDATE FROM CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
Save the Date!
Next Web Meeting of the 
ROCKY RIVER DEMOCRATIC CLUB
Tuesday, May 26 at 6 PM via Zoom
Click HERE to register for May 26 at 6 PM!
The link and phone number will be forwarded to registrants on Monday, May 25th.
If you received an email from us confirming that we received your registration, you do not need to register again!

FEATURED SPEAKER:
Andrew Bemer, Law Director, City of Rocky River
Mr. Bemer will address how the City of Rocky River is dealing with Covid-19 issues in the community; and discuss the City’s plans for the remainder of the year.

FEATURED CANDIDATE SPEAKERS:
Aaron Godfrey
Democratic candidate for the United States Congress, District 16  
On November 3rd, Aaron will face incumbent Republican Anthony Gonzalez who votes in line with Trump 93% of the time; and who voted not to impeach Trump along with his Republican congressional colleagues.  To go to Aaron Godfrey’s website, click HERE.

Monique Smith
Democratic candidate for State Representative of Ohio House District 16 – Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Westlake
On November 3rd, Monique will face incumbent Republican Dave Greenspan.  Our district voted Democratic in both the 2016 presidential and the 2018 midterm elections.  Let’s have a Democrat represent us in the Statehouse.  To go to Monique Smith’s website, click HERE.


CLUB BUSINESS:
The Club will vote on electing Cassimir Svigelj as the new Treasurer of the Rocky River Democratic Club.  The timing of this Club Officer election is the result of Rob McRae’s removal as Club Treasurer by majority vote of the Club on February 19th.

Mr. McRae and Mr. McRae’s PAC, Democrats of Rocky River (DemsofRiver), have no official role or affiliation with the following: Our Club – the Rocky River Democratic Club, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, the Ohio Democratic Party, or the Western Cuyahoga County Democrats (WCCD) PAC.  We wish Mr. McRae the best in his future endeavors.

The Club will also vote to enact the updated Constitution and Bylaws of the Rocky River Democratic Club.  To view a draft of the Club Bylaws, click HERE.  To view a draft of the Club Constitution, click HERE.  To view proposed amendments, click HERE.


ZOOM:
Zoom simply allows you to see speakers on the screen of your phone/computer/tablet; and allows you to be seen, if you so choose.

You will need to receive a link to join the Zoom (visual) part of the meeting.  You can also join the meeting just by phone.  Please send us an email at [email protected] to register.

Click HERE to register for May 26 at 6 PM!
The link and phone number will be forwarded to registrants on Monday, May 25th.

If you received an email from us confirming that we received your registration, you do not need to register again!


ELECTION 2020

Vote by Mail for November 3rd
Even though you voted by mail in the primary, unfortunately, you’ll need to repeat the application process for November 3rd.

You can submit a vote by mail application NOW
to receive your vote by mail ballot at the appropriate time
for the November 3rd General Election. 
 
  • Online: To request or print a vote by mail application from the Board of Elections website, click HERE
  • Phone: Call the Board of Elections and request that a vote by mail application be mailed to you. Phone: 216-443-8683
  • Email: Send an email to the Rocky River Democratic Club and we’ll deliver an application to your home.  Email: [email protected]

On the vote by mail application, please remember to: 1) select General Election, and 2) write the year “2020”

Joe Biden
For President
1. To volunteer directly with the Biden campaign, click HERE. The link takes you to Vice President Biden’s website action center where you can sign-up for phone banking and view digital events.
2. Send the Rocky River Democratic Club Team an email and be added to our volunteer list for local efforts on the west side when they become available.  To sign-up, click HERE.

This Memorial Day Weekend, we join with you in honoring those who gave their lives to preserve our Democracy.   “America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.” – Paul Tsongas

Remember to click HERE to register for our web meeting, and we look forward to you talking with you on the 26th!

Next Meeting of the Club via Zoom: Tuesday, May 26, 6 PM Read More »

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