News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on May 8th, 2022
Skagit Democrats Action Newsletter for May 9, 2022
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. The Fidalgo Democrats meets Tuesday, May 10, via Zoom
“Please join us for an interesting and informative evening with Washington State’s chief legal officer, Attorney General Bob Ferguson. AG Ferguson is committed to protecting the people of Washington against powerful interests that don’t play by the rules. He will discuss issues that are important in Washington State and nationally. We will have a better understanding about how legal actions and decisions affect our daily lives. There will be time for questions following his presentation.” For further information, contact Barbara Cooper, 360-293-4123.
2. UPDATED – The next Skagit County Democrats General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 10:00am – 12:00pm via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link. Hear from our candidates prior to our June endorsement meeting.
3. NEW – Sandy Perkins announced that she is running for re-election as Skagit County Auditor!
Click Here to see her letter to Friends and Supporters.
4. NEW – Dave Paul Mount Vernon Fundraiser, Thursday, May 12, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
“Calling all Friends of Dave Paul in Skagit County! Hosts Richard Brocksmith (MV City Council) and Eleven Vexler are hosting a house party for Dave on May 12, at 5:30PM. Lite refreshments will be provided by the host. To RSVP, please email Marie at mariefshimada@gmail.com.”
5. Candidate filing week is May 16 – 20!
This includes Precinct Committee Officers. Filing can be done online. Click Here for more information.
6. NEW – Indivisible Skagit is recruiting volunteers to do phone banking or text banking in the swing states of Arizona and Pennsylvania
“The project organizers are from Indivisible Port Townsend, but they are working directly with Democratic Party organizers in each of those states. They’ve done all the work setting up the program, all we have to do is join in. Like us, I’m sure some of your members want to be involved in helping at the national level. We’d like to build a small team of 6-8 folks to join WITH (Washington Indivisible Teams Helping) as a Skagit-based team. I’ve offered to act as team lead if we can gather the group . . . Be sure to check the box that you’re from Indivisible Skagit . . .Christie Stewart Stein jsteinwa@earthlink.net, 360-424-1999.” Click Here to volunteer.
7. NEW – Washington State Democratic Convention
“Join us for our party’s annual convention June 24-25 at the Tacoma Convention Center. More information will be released soon, including the names of our VIP guests!”
8. Free Training Available through the Best Practices Institute, a Project of the Democratic Party
“Are you ready to help elect Democrats? Register today for the DNC Best Practices Institute Train the Trainer (T3) Webinar Training Program! T3 is a free course covering several aspects of grassroots campaigning. Learn more and register here: https://forms.gle/V2ow6ZoGrPwJkYXx7.
9. Skagit County Democrats will continue to mandate facemasks at our Headquarters Office
While the Statewide mask mandate has been lifted for many situations, we will continue to require facemasks at our Headquarters until further notice.
10. The Skagit County Democrats Annual 2022 Gala has been postponed until Oct 8
“The gala team has made the difficult decision to postpone our 2022 fundraising gala and auction from our original date of Saturday, June 4th to Saturday, October 8th.
Our dedication to ensuring the safety of our members and supporters forced us to take a critical look at our June plans. Uncertainty and concern surrounding recent in-creases in COVID-19 helped us come to the conclusion that we ought to postpone.
If you have already purchased gala tickets, you can either keep them for the October date or you can request a re-fund by calling: 360-336-1555. We will continue to gratefully accept any auction item donations through spring and summer in preparation for our fall gala. Donations can either be dropped off at HQ from 12-4 Monday-Thursday or you can request an item pick-up via email at: staff@skagitdemocrats.org
We want to convey our gratitude for your support and our earnest hope that you will be able to join us for our new fall date. Stay tuned for details about summer fund-raising events. Onward we go!
With Gratitude, The Gala Team”
11. 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.
- Alito’s Plan to Repeal the 20th Century
- A Greater Focus On Harm Reduction Will Save Lives
- Meet Serena Katherine “Violet” Dandridge, Suffragist and Scientific Illustrator
- Frontline workers were excluded from companies’ pandemic windfalls – No wonder so many are forming unions
- Broken Charging Stations Could Be Stalling the EV Movement
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Farmer’s Markets Opening in Skagit Valley
- Anacortes – Open – Saturdays, 9:00am – 2:00pm, At the Depot, 7th Street & R Avenue
- Concrete – Opens May 28 – Saturdays, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Concrete Community Center, 45821 Railroad Avenue
- Mount Vernon – Opens May 14 – Saturdays, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Riverwalk Park, 501 Main Street
- Sedro-Woolley – Opens May 18 – Wednesdays, 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Hammer Heritage Square, Metcalf and Ferry Streets
Farmers Market Vouchers Available Beginning June 1 for Eligible Seniors – “Beginning Wednesday, June 1, the Skagit County Senior Nutrition Program will have a limited number of Farmers Market Vouchers available for Skagit County seniors, age 60 years or older (55+ if Native American/Alaska Native), who meet certain income requirements. A monthly income requirement of $2,096 or less for individuals, and $2,823 or less for couples, must be met to be eligible. Each eligible person will receive up to 80 dollars in vouchers to be used at any approved Skagit County Farmers Market or Farm Store. Vouchers will be given on a first-come/first-served basis, with one set available per person. Vouchers will be available while supplies last.” Click Here for more information.
2. Washington Listens provides a line to support people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to the events of this year including COVID-19 and the wildfires
The program is available to any Washington State resident where staff provide peer support to those with elevated stress due to the pandemic. People who call or text Washington Listens will speak with a support specialist and get connected to community resources in their area. The program is completely free and anonymous. You can check out our Facebook page for more information on the program as well as resources, events, and tips for managing pandemic-related stress. To learn more about the program and additional information on what we’re doing to help individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to https://waportal.org/partners/home/WaListens. To access the support line, call 1-833-681-0211.
3. UPDATED – COVID-19 Information
Current Skagit County Information – The following is taken from the Skagit County COVID-19 Update of May 4
Click Here for the full report and resources.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. NEW – Coffee & Cards is BACK!
“Are you looking for a way to make a positive contribution to our democracy while enjoying the company of others? Coffee and Cards is starting up again on Wednesdays from 10-11 am. This is a group that was previously led by Carol Sullivan (who sadly moved away) and is a way for us to express ourselves about issues of importance to us all. We will write messages of encouragement and support to people who are making positive contributions as well as messages of concern and opposition to people who are negatively impacting our world. This includes legislators on the local, state, and federal level as well as CEOs of corporations and other people having a significant impact in our world. We will share ideas for people to write to and issues to address. Postcards and stamps will be provided, but we ask that people bring money to cover the cost of the postcard stamps which are currently .40 (and will be going up to .44 in the summer). Coffee will be provided or bring your own. As Carol always reminded us, “We are stronger together.” Our office is located at 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, 360-336-1555.”