News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on December 11th, 2022
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for December 12, 2022
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – Headquarters Holiday Closure
The Skagit County Democrats Headquarters will be closed for the Holidays Monday, Dec 19 through Monday, Jan 2, 2023. Headquarters will reopen Tuesday, Jan 3, 2023.
2. NEW – Skagit County Democrats is again requesting anyone visiting our Headquarters to "mask up".
Skagit County is experiencing a resurgence in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19. As a result, our local emergency departments, urgent care clinics, and walk-in clinics are severely strained, and many have reached full capacity. Dr. Leibrand, Skagit County Health Officer, stated: "I recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect yourself and others". Click Here for more information. Our Headquarters Office has masks in stock and available for visitors.
3. The 10th Legislative District Democrats Reorganization Meeting is Saturday, Dec 17, via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87145433730; Meeting ID: 871 4543 3730.
4. The 39th Legislative District Democrats plan to have an in-person Holiday Potluck on Saturday, Dec 17, 11:15am – 12:30pm Large Meeting Room, Marysville Library, 6120 Grove Street, Marysville
"We will be providing some drinks. Please register (Click Here), especially if you plan on bringing food."
5. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Reorganization Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Jan 7, 2023 at 10:00am
Planning is underway for this to be an in-person meeting. More details to follow.
6. The Fidalgo Democrats will not be meeting in December
"The January meeting will return to in-person at the Anacortes Library on January 10. Our speaker will be newly elected Assessor Danny Hagen to explain how property taxes work." Details to follow.
7. NEW – A Big Thank-You for our Election Observers!
We had 66 people who covered 84 shifts over the 7 hours of the Elections Office workday for 21 days. That is a total of 588 hours of investment in our Democracy!
Given the difficulties that surround elections during these troubled times, it was especially important to observe the ballot counting process. We could not have done it without you and the rest of the people who volunteered their time! Please consider sharing your experiences through our Social Media outlets – on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram or by contacting our Social Media Team at omp@skagitdemocrats.org. We learned many things while observing, including how ballots are handled from people in "witness protection". The organization of the Auditor's Office was impressive on Election night to get to all the drop boxes on time!
One participant wrote: "I'm glad I had the experience of monitoring the election count as I learned so much about the system. I now have full confidence in the system. A larger work area would probably increase efficiency, not to mention comfort of the staff. In any case, I will be happy to be a monitor whenever needed. Most of the monitors were quiet and pleasant, although there were two Republican monitors who, in my opinion talked inappropriately. One was repeating a conspiracy about "money earmarked for Ukraine was being funneled to the Democrats. Overall, a very positive experience for me."
8. 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.
- The Global Zeitenwende – How to Avoid a New Cold War in a Multipolar Era
- Defining and Measuring Civic Infrastructure
- The Ten Best Science Books of 2022
- No longer the fringe: Small-town voters fear for America
- Are The Frogs Boiled?
- Water-splitting device solves puzzle of producing hydrogen direct from seawater
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Semillas de Esperanza scholarship program
"This scholarship is intended for a highly motivated undocumented* or DACA students from Skagit County seeking to earn a college degree. Multi-year funding would be provided to complete a college degree. This scholarship provides supplemental funding and applicants must demonstrate that they have applied for a range of other sources such as Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), college and/or community-based scholarships to qualify." Click Here for more information.
2. NEW – Jingle Jazz, Friday, Dec 16, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Buxton's, 1904 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
"A'Town Big Band performs jazz arrangements of your favorite Christmas music. The 17-member band puts a jazz twist on contemporary and traditional Christmas music. Guaranteed to brighten up your holiday a few nights before Christmas. Admission is free."
3. NEW – Skagit Community Band Holiday Concert, Saturday, Dec 17, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Maple Hall, 104 Commercial Street, La Conner
"Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer with the SCB as they perform a program of festive and exciting holiday music. A'Town Big Band will put its own spin on the season with the 17-piece jazz band swinging all of your holiday favorites. More info at: www.skagitcommunityband.org."
4. NEW – Guemes Island Chamber Music Winter Concert, Saturday, 7:15pm – 8:15pm, Guemes Island Community Center, 7549 Guemes Island Road, Guemes Island
"An annual event with long-time favorites: Nancy Bean- Violin; David Bean- Violin; Karie Prescott- Viola; Lloyd Smith- Cello. The one-hour concert is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the music of Borghi, Borodin Bach, Cohen and Brahms performed by world-class musicians in an intimate setting."
5. NEW – Heralding Christmas 2022, Saturday, 7:30pm – 9:00pm and Sunday, 2:00pm – 3:30pm, McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Center, 2501 East College Way, Mount Vernon
Tickets – $18.00 – $30.00. "After our joyful return to McIntyre Hall for our 2022 spring concert, we are excited to have our first Christmas concert there with a live audience since 2019. We will visit some of our Christmas favorites and yours, too, and bring back the audience sing-alongs, including our long tradition of singing “Peace, Peace” to close our concert."
6. NEW – Suspected Avian Influenza Outbreak Among Waterfowl Around Skagit Bay
Click Here for more information.
7. COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Testing Site at Cascade Mall to Reduce Hours
"Effective October 31, 2022, the hours of operation at Skagit County Public Health’s COVID-19 testing site at Cascade Mall, located at 150 Cascade Mall Drive in Burlington, will be changing. Testing services will be available the following days and times until further notice."
- Mondays: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Click Here for the most current report and resources.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Anacortes Sunday Demonstrations
Democrats are again demonstrating in Anacortes each Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the corner of 12th Street and Commercial Avenue. "We carry signs for Dem candidates, get out and vote signs, women's right-to-chose in healthcare and so on and so on. We need more people to show up."
2. UPDATED – Coffee & Cards, Wednesdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon
ATTENTION: Coffee & Cards will not be meeting the remainder of December. It will resume Wednesday, Jan 4, 2023.