News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for May 13, 2024

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. UPDATED – Gala Information
This year's Gala is Saturday, June 1 at the Swinomish Lodge and Casino. This year's theme is "Preserving Democracy Together". Tickets are now on-sale! Click Here to purchase yours! Be sure to purchase your tickets before the May 22 Deadline! (The May 22 Deadline is because we must report all seats and meals to our vendor, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, by that date. They need an exact count so they can prepare for the event.)

Join us for a meet-and-greet with many state-wide and local Candidates at 4:00pm, hosted by the Washington State Democrats’ Chair, Shasti Conrad. This unique opportunity allows you to engage directly with the candidates, followed by an auction featuring fantastic items. We'll also honor Imogene Bowen, an incredible past Chair who inspired countless Democrats and candidates! It'll be an unforgettable evening with a lively emcee, auctioneer, and games and activities!

• When: Saturday, June 1, 2024
• Where: Swinomish Casino and Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes
• Doors Open: 4:00pm
• Meet & Greet: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
• Silent Auction: 5:30pm
• Dinner: 6:00pm
• Desert Dash & Other fun activities: Following Dinner
• Tickets: $100 per person
• Table of 8: $800.00

2. The Fidalgo Democrats' next meet Tuesday, May 14, 7:00pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes
"Marketa Vorel of the Anacortes based non-profit Sunflower F.U.N.D. will be talking about her efforts to help the people of Ukraine. They are providing critical aid for Ukrainian civilians through several volunteer organizations. For more information call Barbara Cooper, 360-770-3506."

3. The 39th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board will meet Tuesday, May 21, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link.

4. UPDATED – The Skagit County Democrats will be holding our Endorsement Meeting on Saturday, May 25
More details about the Endorsement Meeting will be announced. This meeting is open to all Members. Dues must be up to date. Additionally, all voting members will need to attend IN-PERSON. A Zoom feed will be available for those who wish to observe the meeting remotely but they will not be able to vote.

5. 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.

• Fact or Fiction: Congress Stole From Social Security and Should Return the Money It's Taken, With Interest
• WA enhanced driver’s license or ID card required by May 2025
• Trump-appointed judges boycott hiring Columbia Law grads
• Fujian: China’s newest aircraft carrier heads to sea for first time
• Why are algorithms called algorithms? A brief history of the Persian polymath you've likely never heard of
• Women March for the Vote

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEW – Penn Cove Water Festival, Saturday, May 18, 11:00am – 5:00pm, Coupeville

2. NEW – Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Licensing Office Opening with Limited Hours
" . . . The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) gears up to reopen its much-anticipated Vehicle and Vessel Licensing Sub-Agency! Starting May 14th, mark your calendars for Tuesdays and Thursdays, the days when our doors will be open to serve you from 10 am to 12 pm and then again from 1 pm to 3 pm. All services will be offered, but please note that staff is still learning and may require more time to complete your transactions accurately. Although title services won't be available after 2:30 pm, we will gladly assist you with tabs, reports of sales, and disabled parking placards during these hours."

3. Farmer's Markets

• Anacortes – Saturdays, 9:00am to 2:00pm, The Depot, 611 R Avenue – Open Now
• Concrete – Saturdays, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Concrete Community Center, 45821 Railroad Avenue – Opens May 25
• Mount Vernon – Saturdays, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Skagit Riverwalk Park, 509 South Main Street – Open Now
• Sedro-Woolley – Wednesdays, 3:00 – 7:00pm, Hammer Heritage Square, 617 Metcalf Street (Ferry & Metcalf), Opens May 22
• Click Here for a listing of Skagit Valley farm stands and stores

4. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
For more information, visit the following sites:

• Asian/Pacific Heritage Month
• The Asian American Foundation
• Arts Washington
• Federal Register
• Wikipedia
• goSkagit

5. Skagit County Adopts Public Participation Program for 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update
"The Comprehensive Plan serves as a vital roadmap for the future growth and development of Skagit County. By adopting the PPP, Skagit County aims to ensure that residents, businesses, and stakeholders have ample opportunities to provide input, share insights, and actively participate in shaping the future of our community." Click Here to view the plan.
 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. 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 $.53. 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."

2. 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.
 

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