News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on November 10th, 2024
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for November 11, 2024
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Headquarters Office will be closed Monday, Nov 11, in remembrance of Veterans Day
2. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Headquarters Office hours now return to 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday
3. The Fidalgo Democrats meet Tuesday, Nov 12, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes
Kurt Dunbar, a history professor at Skagit Valley College, will be our presenter. "FASCISM HERE AND NOW. THE PRESENT DANGER! – Synopsis: Right-wing leaders around the world are on the rise. They share certain characteristics that are increasingly evident and influential in American politics. Fascist leaders all reflect a keen animosity towards democratic institutions, which in republics both young and old (including our own) represents a clear and present danger. Learn more about how it is happening here and now."
4. UPDATED – Skagit County Democrats Executive Board Meeting has been moved to Thursday, Nov 21, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link; Meeting ID: 231 460 3118, Passcode: 98273.
5. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Tuesday, Nov 19, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link.
6. NEW – Need for Ballot Curing Volunteers
Many ballots are coming in with outdated signatures or no signatures. These can still be counted if the voter “cures” their ballot before certification on November 26. We will be contacting likely Democrats to encourage them to cure their ballots. This can make a difference in close races (Upthegrove and Shavers races are great examples). If you would like to help with this, send an email to staff@skagitdemocrats.org.
7. NEW – Campaign Signs
We are accepting campaign signs at Headquarter for Bob Ferguson, Richard Brocksmith, and 10th LD candidates. Cutoff date is Friday, Nov 15. All candidates must pick up their signs no later than Tuesday, Nov 19 or they will be tossed. Please dispose of Harris/Walz signs. All other campaign signs should be returned to the respective campaigns or disposed of. Most campaigns retain an internet presence through which they can be contacted. Our HQ has limited space and resources for this activity.
8. NEW – A message from Skagit County Democrats Chair, Lynn Campbell
"I know many of you are hurting and feeling fearful about our future. If you think back on American history, our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities have suffered far worse. A dear friend sent me this passage. It has helped me, and I hope it helps you as well.
'You are awakening to the
same country you fell asleep to.
The very same country.
Pull yourself together.
And,
when you see me,
do not ask me
"What do we do now?
How do we get through the next four years?"
Some of my Ancestors dealt with
at least 400 years of this
under worse conditions.
Continue to do the good work.
Continue to build bridges not walls.
Continue to lead with compassion.
Continue the demanding work
of liberation for all.
Continue to dismantle broken systems,
large and small.
Continue to set the best example
for the children.
Continue to be a vessel of nourishing joy.
Continue right where you are.
Right where you live into your days.
Do so in the name of
The Creator who expects
nothing less from each of us.
And if you are not "continuing"
ALL of the above,
in community, partnership, collaboration,
What is it you have been doing?
What is it you are waiting for?'
Venice R. Williams (Venice R Williams has dual heritage. Her family's heritage is both African American and Choctaw.)
We must start attending school board meetings, city council meetings, and County Commissioner meetings. We must safeguard our schools and community by finding good Democrats to run for these positions. We also have ballots to cure. Please help out by becoming involved in our Party. Above all, never give up.
In solidarity, Lynn"
9. 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.
- Wargaming the Future of Climate Change
- The “Huge Potential” of Turning Abandoned Malls Into Much-Needed Housing Across the US
- “Tip-of-the-Tongue” Phenomenon Increases With Age, but Might Not Indicate Cognitive Decline
- FDA panel declares decongestant phenylephrine ineffective. What it is and what products contain it
- Silicon chips are no longer sustainable. Here’s what’s next
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – 28th annual Skagit County Veterans Day Parade and Flyover, Saturday, Nov 16, 11:00am – 2:00pm, downtown Burlington
Parade route is down Fairhaven Avenue from Walnut Street east to Skagit Street. Additional day's events include: The Pancake Breakfast and Soup and Sandwich Luncheon which are FREE to Veterans and open to the public by donation; these events are hosted by American Legion Post 91. You can also view the Military Display that will be open to the public at the Visitor Information Center. Click Here for the flyer.
2. Skagit County will host a Community Meeting, Tuesday, Nov 12, from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Commissioner’s Hearing Room, 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon
Topics include: Housing, Cold weather shelters, Emergency weather preparedness, New online permitting software, 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, Courthouse roof project, BESS energy project update. Click Here for more information.
3. NEW – Women's Work International Market, Saturday, Nov 30, 10:00am – 4:00pm, Skagit Valley College, Knutzen Cardinal Center, 2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon
Supporting women artists and women's causes.
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 $.56. 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."