News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for May 31, 2021

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. UPDATED – The Skagit Democrats are pleased to invite you to our annual GALA SILENT AUCTION , Tuesday Jun 1, 10:00am through Saturday, Jun 5, 8:00pm

Click Here to register for the auction.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our auction will be virtual this year. To View the Auction…PLEASE CLICK HERE. Feel free to share this link with friends and family who may be interested as well. All are welcome to bid on these items. We are still adding items and improving the site until the auction is live on June 1st. In addition, any proffered monetary donation (Click Here) will be happily received.

Each year, we rely on the support of you our generous donors to support Democratic causes and candidates in our community. With your support, we are striving to turn Skagit County Blue. Usually, we rely heavily on the proceeds of our festive in-person annual gala to raise the funds necessary to continue operating throughout the year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been unable to host a traditional gala since 2019. Due to the loss of the usual funds that are generated by this event, we are in need of additional support. We greatly appreciate your continued generosity.

2. Important Information for Candidates – Earlier Deadlines
Congratulations! Skagit County Democrats are excited that you and so many others have filed to run for office this year. Now that the State’s filing deadline has passed, you may wish to take two additional steps: certification as a Democrat and endorsement. Both require that you apply to the Endorsement Committee, except as we indicate below. We have published four documents to assist candidates in meeting both our deadlines for this year’s election. These are must-read documents for all candidates seeking certification and/or endorsement by Skagit County Democrats.

• New and Earlier Deadlines – Sets forth an early and a later deadline for applying for certification and for endorsement by Skagit Democrats to assist those candidates wishing to apply early to gain earlier access to resources.
• Requirements for Certification– Explains the certification process, including how to apply for certification as a Democrat and why you must be certified before applying for endorsement. If you want access to Vote Builder, you must first be certified by Skagit Democrats. Certification also gives you access to other non-financial party resources.
• Requirements for Endorsement – Explains the endorsement process, including the importance of timely completing the Endorsement Questionnaire. No one can be endorsed without completing the Questionnaire.
• Endorsement Questionnaire

Given the large number of candidates filing this year and our desire to move ahead quickly with Certification and Endorsement, the timeline now sets forth Early and Final deadlines for sending in your requests for Certification and/or Endorsement. If you send in your requests for Certification and/or Endorsement to Endorsements@skagitdemocrats.org by the earlier date of May 26, we can review your documents earlier. This will enable Skagit County Democrats to vote on the earlier requests on June 12 rather than later in July. With this change, candidates who turn in Certification and/or Enforcement requests sooner will have early access to resources, provided that all candidates for those races meet the earlier date.

If you have any questions, please contact the Endorsement Committee at Endorsements@skagitdemocrats.org.

3. NEW – Fidalgo Democrats next meet Tuesday, Jun 8, 7:00pm, via Zoom

• Advancing human rights and democracy
• Combating bigotry and hate
• Fostering social justice and equity

Join us for this opportunity to learn how bigotry impacts our lives, and what is being done to combat it–nationally, in Washington state, and locally in Anacortes. Devin Burgart, Executive Director of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, a social justice organization, will discuss who they are, what they do, and how they do it. Terry Kyllo and Anthony Young will talk about IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity in Anacortes) and how to build transformative relationships. For more information contact Barbara Cooper, 360-293-4123.

4. NEW – Indivisible Town Hall with Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, Tuesday, Jun 8, 7:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here to register for this event. “In 2020, WA State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti was the only Democratic candidate in the nation to win a statewide executive office against an incumbent. What does the State Treasurer do? How are Pellicciotti, the WA Legislature, and the America Rescue Plan helping shape our long-term economic and financial interests?

During registration we’ll ask for your congressional district (CD) and state legislative district (LD). If you don’t know them you can easily look them up at https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/. Thank you for helping us assess our engagement across Washington.”

5. NEW – Skagit County Democrats General Membership Meeting for Endorsements, Saturday, Jun 12, 10:00am – 1:00pm, via Zoom
Voting members must be current in dues and in good standing. Click Here to view our current Endorsement process. If you have not received an invitation and would like to attend, please email chair@skagitdemocrats.org to request connection information.

6. The 40th Legislative District Democrats General Meeting (tentative), is scheduled to meet Sunday, Jun 13, 2:00pm – 5:00pm, via Zoom
Go to http://tinyurl.com/40LDMtg or check the 40th Website: https://40thdems.org/. If you have any amendments you would like added to the agenda, please let Spencer Lively know by either texting him at 206- 487-8946 or email at spencerelively@live.com.

7. Votebuilder training for all Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) will be conducted Saturday, Jun 26, 4:00pm
Registration and further information will be sent out to all PCO’s in an email. All PCOs should have login information from the state, however, if they need help with login information they can contact Bennett Massey Helber at bmasseyhelber@gmail.com or Nathaniel Block at nathaniel.r.block@gmail.com. The training will be provided by Bennet Massey Helber. There will be an approximately 30-minute refresher for experienced PCOs followed by an additional hour of instruction for those who need extra help. There will be other trainings provided to volunteers and candidates, but those dates have not yet been determined.

8. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Democrats Endorsements for 2021

• Snohomish County:
  • Brandy Donaghy- County Council District 5
  • Jordan Sears- Mayor of Gold Bar
  • Jean Rud- Sultan City Council Position 1
  • Tabitha Baty- Snohomish City Council Position 7
  • Erica Knapp- Arlington School Board Position 5 (Dual)
  • Ryiad Cooper- Arlington School Board Position 5 (Dual)
  • Kayla Meduna- East County Parks and Rec Commissioner
• King County:
  • Joe Nguyen- County Executive
  • Joe Cohen- County Council District 3
  • Andrea Robertson- Superior Court Position 47 (unopposed)
  • Ryan Calkins- Port of Seattle Position 1
  • Hamdi Mohamed- Port of Seattle Position 3
  • Toshiko Hasegawa- Port of Seattle Position 4 (Sole)

9. Join the conversation with Skagit County Democrats on Facebook and Twitter!
Engaging with our social media content by liking, commenting, and sharing helps us reach more viewers, builds community in a digital space, and provides opportunities to better mobilize when opportunities arise. If you haven’t already, please consider:

• Following us on Twitter.
• Liking our Facebook page.
• Joining the new Skagit County Democrats private Facebook group. This is open to all Skagit Dems members, voters, and like-minded constituents. The link directs you to the group, where you’ll have to request to join and an Online Media Posting (OMP) Committee member will approve your request.

For questions about Skagit County Democrats social media, please contact OMP@skagitdemocrats.org.

10. Skagit County Democrats Volunteer Opportunities
Are you active with social media? If you love to Tweet or post Facebook messages, we need you! Please contact Kat Lohman at kat@sidenoteconsult.com.
Are you a policy wonk and are actively tracking bills? Please be part of a new committee – the Legislative Committee. Contact chair@skagitdemocrats.org.
We have various Committees needing volunteers, including the Candidate Recruitment, Social Media, Finance, Outreach, and Fundraising Committees. Due to Covid-19, all events and meetings are online, and everyone is working from home. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering and being on our Committees, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinators, and they will help you find the right fit for your skills. We can also connect you to the Committee Chairs or our Party Chair. Please reach out to Larry at Larry.Hilliard@gmail.com for more information about Committees or Ashley at ash.gregorius@gmail.com for Outreach and Candidate Recruitment Committees.

11. Skagit Democrats Fundraisers
Greeting Card Fundraiser: Social distancing and staying safe makes it difficult for us to get out and look for cards to mark special occasions or just say hello. For a donation of $15.00 you will receive a box of 6 – 8 beautiful hand-made greeting cards. These are one-of-a-kind cards so no two boxes are the same and aren’t made to order. Let us choose your lovely card set. Pictured on the web site (Click Here or Here) are samples of the kinds of cards you will receive. If you would like to donate, Click Here. Under purpose on the donation, please indicate “Cards” and the number of boxes you want.
The Our America signs are still available at $10 each. Call (360-336-1555) or email staff@skagitdemocrats.org for pick up times and payment information.

12. NEW – Links of the Week
The Links of the Week provide in-depth pieces and resources the Editor has found to be relevant, insightful, and thorough on important issues of the day.

• All kids deserve to have recess next school year
• The Growing Anti-Democratic Threat of Christian Nationalism in the U.S.
• 7 myths about “defunding the police” debunked
• Opposition continues over Skagit County mining proposals

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEW – Monday is Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Here are 5 Ways To Honor Veterans And Soldiers On Memorial Day.

2. J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) speaker series, Part 3 – The ABCs of LGBTQ+, Tuesday, Jun 1, 1:00pm via Zoom
This is a free event sponsored by the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Linden Jordan, MA, JD, and President of PLFAG Skagit will be the presenter. Click Here to register.

3. Helping Hands Food Bank presents Leaders Inspiring Leaders – An Evening with Dr. Robert Gates, Saturday, Jun 12, 7:00pm, Lincoln Theatre and Virtual
Click Here for ticket information.

4. Skagit County Fair will return August 11 – 14
Click Here for more information.

5. Farmer’s Markets
Common sense COVID-19 precautions remain important. Keep a 6’ distance between yourself and other people. Wear an appropriate face covering per state regulations. Practice good hygiene – wash your hands with soap and water before you visit, while you are here at one of our handwash stations, and when you get home. Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms.

• Anacortes – Saturday, 9:00am – 2:00pm, The Depot, 611 R Avenue – Open
• Concrete – Saturday, 10:00am – 1:00pm, 45821 Railroad Avenue – Open
• Mount Vernon – Saturday, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Riverwalk Park, 501 Main Street, Open
• Sedro-Woolley – Wednesday, 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Hammer Heritage Square, Corner of Metcalf & Ferry Streets, Open

6. Skagit County continues in COVID-19 Phase 3 Recovery

7. UPDATED – COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 Skagit County Public Health DRIVE-THRU Vaccination Site is at the Skagit County Fairgrounds BUT IT WILL BE CLOSING NEXT MONTH. Operating hours: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 10:00am – 4:00pm, drop-in or by appointment. Thursdays, 1:00pm – 7:00pm, drop-in clinic – no appointment required. The final day to drive-up or make an appointment for a first-dose COVID vaccine at the Skagit County Fairgrounds will be Saturday, June 5. Skagit County Public Health will be closing out first-dose vaccine services at the Fairgrounds following this date and will focus primarily on second-dose vaccinations until June 26 when the site will close permanently. Other local vaccine sites can be obtained Here by entering your Zip code.

The final day to drive-up or make an appointment for a first-dose COVID vaccine at the Skagit County Fairgrounds will be Saturday, June 5. Skagit County Public Health will be closing out first-dose vaccine services at the Fairgrounds following this date and will focus primarily on second-dose vaccinations until June 26 when the site will close permanently. This move will allow Public Health to right-size operations and serve the community in more convenient locations through additional mobile clinics.

Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics this summer! Find us at the following Skagit County locations:

• Tue, June 1 & 8: Pine Street Park, Mount Vernon from 11am-4pm
• Wed, June 2: Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market from 3-7pm
• Fri, June 4: Drive-In Movie, Skagit Valley College from 8-10pm
• Wed, June 9: Terramar Brewstillery from 4-7pm
• Sat, June 12: Skagit Speedway from 5:30-9pm
• Sat, June 19: Mount Vernon Farmers Market from 9am-12pm
• Sat, June 19: Mount Baker Presbyterian Church, Concrete from 10am-2pm
• Sat, July 3: Big Lake 3rd of July Festival from 10am-2pm
• Sat, July 24: Clear Lake Fire Department from 10am-2pm

All individuals 12 years of age and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Parent/guardian consent to vaccinate will be required for all dependent minors (ages 12-17) and can be provided either in-person or over the phone at the time of the appointment. Please note: 12-17 years old will need to receive the Pfizer vaccine, as this is the only vaccine currently approved for use in minors.

The CDC updated guidance for fully vaccinated people to say that those who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Everyone—including those who are fully vaccinated—must continue to mask on public transit, in schools, clinics, hospitals, and correctional facilities.

Click Here for the Skagit County Public Health Department vaccine webpage and the most current information about availability. Evening appointments are now available at the Fairgrounds. On March 31, Governor Inslee announced that all adults, ages 16 and older, are eligible for vaccination.

8. NEW – Skagit County now lists several locations for COVID-19 testing
Click Here for the list.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. UPDATED – Listen to Speak Up! Speak Out! Radio  (Editor’s Note: SUSO may no longer broadcast every week, depending on scheduling and program availability.)
Listen to Speak Up! Speak Out! – a half hour radio show committed to community, peace, justice, and non-violence issues. The show airs on Community Radio stations (times subject to change) – KSVR 91.7 FM (Skagit Valley College), Wednesdays 5:00pm, rebroadcast Sundays 8:00pm; KSVU 90.1 FM, Hamilton, Sundays 8:00pm and Thursdays 8:00am; KMRE 102.3 FM, Bellingham, Sundays 11:00am and Wednesdays 7:30am. Our shows are available online. Stream or download a show at http://speakupspeakoutradio.org/ anytime.

NEW – SUSO – Jun 2 – Sauk Mountain Farm Program
Organic and sustainable farming are hot topics these days and young Griffin Berger from Sauk Farm has a fine-tuned grasp of both topics as program host Jerry Shackette discovered during their recent conversation. The 100-acre family farm sits in the shadow of Sauk Mountain at a bend in the Skagit River in east Skagit County. Griffin shares his experiences on the farm and goes in depth on the concepts and benefits of organically grown food as well as his view of the importance of our connection with local food sources and sustainable agriculture. You will conclude there is a lot of science along with hard work behind those organic apple products at the farmer’s market and share Jerry’s discoveries in the orchards down on Sauk Farm.