News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for August 28, 2023

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Central Committee will meet Saturday, Sep 9, 10:00am via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link. While only Precinct Committee Officers and Executive Board Members may vote, all members are welcome to attend.

2. NEW – The Fidalgo Democrats next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, Sep 12, 7:00pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes

3. From our Outreach Committee
"Thank you to the Skagit County Democrats who walked in the Anacortes PRIDE and July 4 Parades! Parade routes were crowded with people and clearly from shouts and applause there were many Democrats present. At both parades we distributed 400 small United States flags to children, all labeled with our logo. As we move into the 2024 election season it will be imperative to demonstrate Democrat strength and viability. We hope that you will walk with us during these events.

Upcoming is the Skagit County Democrat Volunteer Celebration. This event will be held on Saturday, September 23, from Noon to 3pm. Invitations will be sent out shortly. RSVP will be imperative [RSVP link will be sent in the invitation]. We can accommodate up to 100, so reserve your seat at the luncheon table. There will be live music entertainment!"

The Mount Vernon Holiday Parade will be held on Sunday, December 3, 5 to 6pm. More details will follow. The theme this year will be CHILDREN. We are looking for greater family participation in the parade.

4. 2nd Congressional District Representative Rick Larsen announces 2023 Congressional App Challenge
"Rep. Rick Larsen announced the launch of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) this week. The annual competition, which runs through Nov. 1, is open to high school and middle school students who live in or attend school in Washington's 2nd Congressional District. The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to create programs or apps for any platform, including desktop/PC, web and mobile, to collaborate, invent and learn coding and computer science skills. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four. Students can only enter the competition once." Click Here for more information. Click Here for the CAC website.

5. Whatcom Democrats' 2023 Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner — 'Choices', Sunday, Sep 10, 5:30pm, Silver Reef Casino Events Center, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale
"Speakers include Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Washington State Democrats Chair Shasti Conrad and Manka Dhingra, Deputy Majority Leader, Wa State Senate . . . Silent auction, raise the paddle, and raffle . . . Individual tickets – $75." Click Here for more information.

6. 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.

• One scientist can be wrong. But deny the scientific consensus at your peril
• From Quashing Teachers Unions to Pardoning Trump, Voters Reject GOP Positions: Poll
• AI is biased. The White House is working with hackers to try to fix that
• How long does data last on a USB flash drive?
• Soaring Cost of Insurance Due to Storms, Fires Is Crushing Homeowners
• The Duck Curve: What Is It and Is It a Problem? – What solutions are there for the duck-shaped energy issue plaguing places with high rooftop solar adoption

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. Mount Baker Planned Parenthood Skagit Sign Waving, Saturday, Sep 2, 11:00am – 12:00pm, on the sidewalk in front of the Mount Vernon Health Center, 1805 East Division Street, Mount Vernon
"Please use this link to rsvp so we know who is coming! Don’t forget to bring friends, family, and signs to wave!" Jade Phillips jphillips@mbpp.org, Community Organizer, will be attending this event with posters and swag to share. If you have any questions, please direct them to her.

2. NEW – Tom Robbins Day, Saturday, Sep 2, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, La Conner
"September 2nd is Tom Robbin’s Day! Join us as we show gratitude to a beloved community member and celebrate his literary legacy! Use your imagination and creativity, and let’s have fun in Tom Robbins style! La Conner restaurants will be joining in the celebration by having a special food or drink item from one of Tom Robbin’s novels, and there will be interesting visual window displays that reflect one of Tom Robbin’s books. Think outside the box for the parade!"

3. School Daze approaching
Below is a list of planned school openings by school district. (Dates may be subject to change by individual districts. Recommend you check each School district for other specifics.)

• Anacortes – Wednesday, Sep 6 – First Day of School (1st-12th Grades); Normal Early Release (Calendar)
• Burlington-Edison – Wednesday, Aug 30 – School begins, student half-day (Calendar)
• Concrete – Wednesday, Aug 30 – First Student Day (Calendar)
• Conway – Tuesday, Aug 29 – First Day of School 1/2 Day (Calendar)
• La Conner – Wednesday, Aug 30 – First Day of Instruction – Early Release (Calendar)
• Mount Vernon – Wednesday, Aug 30 – First Day of School (Full Day) (Calendar)
• Sedro-Woolley – Tuesday, Sep 5 – First student day (Calendar)

4. Free Computer Courses Offered in Spanish
"There will be free computer courses that will be taught in Spanish by bilingual instructors and will be offered in 7 sessions, beginning Saturday, October 14th, 2023, and ending on December 2nd, 2023. Classes will be on a weekly basis – every Saturday. There will be no session on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, as it follows the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will offer Advance and Basic level sessions. These courses are free for the participants. Please be aware that we are looking for individuals who can commit to attendance of 3 hours per weekend as spaces are limited.

As of Nov. 1, 2022, vaccines are no longer required and students are not required to submit proof of vaccination. Vaccines are still highly encouraged. For more information on the college’s COVID-19 policy please visit, https://www.skagit.edu/about/security-services/coronavirus-information/. The Northwest Agriculture Business Center is very excited to collaborate with Skagit Valley College to bring you these computer courses at no cost to you this coming Fall 2023."

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Anacortes Sunday Demonstrations
Progressive folks regularly demonstrate each Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the corner of 12th Street and Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. While this is not an official Skagit County Democrats activity, turnout is encouraged.

2. Coffee & Cards, Wednesdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon
Coffee and Cards meets on Wednesdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm. This is the group that was previously led by Carol Sullivan and is now led quite capably by Judy Farrar and Judith Chilcote. The group 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 $.51. 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, Mount Vernon, 360-336-1555."