The election season is beginning to take shape, and we've invited announced candidates to join us for supper at 6 PM to meet and greet. Dinner is chicken and rice, cole slaw, cornbread, and chocolate cake, all for $10. Vegetarian option available.

MEETING PROGRAM: Initiative 522 -- Labeling of Genetically- engineered food

Voters in the City of Ferndale should by now have received a ballot in the mail for the Special Election on a proposed property tax levy to raise the final dollars needed to build a new library. Ballots must be postmarked by April 23. Voters can also use the official ballot drop box at City Hall, 4th and Main Streets. The Whatcom Democrats have not taken an official position on the measure, but we urge voters to participate in the election.

It’s time to dig! April is here, and we need your plants! Potting parties will be happening at Ronalee's house and plants can be dropped off at any time at 2920 Eldridge, where there is a special area set up in the front yard. Call us at 647-7661 if you have plants to donate and need help digging them up. Mark your calendars for June 7 th , 8 th and 9 th , and the best plant sale ever.

Join State Representative Kris Lytton, State Senator Kevin Ranker and other elected officials to hear updates at the local, state and national level. Followed by questions and discussions. We will honor Peter Kremen for his work as County Executive as well. A delicious brunch of ham, potato and egg casseroles, roasted potatoes, fruit and pastries will be served for $15. Tickets available from Brown Paper Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/357192 or pay at the door. Please RSVP to Judy Mullenix 393-4213 judithemullenix@yahoo.com.

Do you like to write? For practically no cost at all, you can influence the hearts and minds of people in your community by writing letters to the editors of your local papers. The editorial pages are the most read pages of any paper.

Don't be your own worst enemy! Many don't write because they are convinced, maybe by past experience, that the paper won't print the letter. But that was yesterday; today is a brand new day. Take a chance and send your letters. Living in a purposeful, optimistic manner is the Democratic way.

The first meeting was great fun. We had snacks and drinks, while discussing our book. Our next meeting will be a free-for-all, discussing everyone’s political books. Tuesday, April 30th at 7:00 in the Whatcom Dems office. If you like books, food, and fun, please join us!

Join Al Krause and Ruth Higgins when they discuss their book Lessons From The Obama 2012 Grassroots Campaign on Sunday April 14 at 4:00 PM in the Readings Gallery of Village Books, 1200 11 th Street, Bellingham.

In February 2012, Krause and Higgins were selected as two of the few volunteers in the state to be photographed with President Obama when he spoke in Bellevue. Most of the others photographed were large-money contributors.

On March 13 th the Outreach Committee met, with 20 members attending, and discussed the upcoming events leading up to the November election. For our first event, the Community to Community Cesar Chavez fundraiser on March 29 th , we gave out palm cards about the Dignity Campaign and one titled “The Whatcom Democrats Stand With You”, both translated into Spanish.

 Our next monthly meeting will be held on Monday, April 8that the Olive Garden Restaurant(4276 Guide Meridian) beginning at 11:30. Lunch is available for under $10.00. Our guest will be Dan Pike, former Mayor of Bellingham. He will be speaking about transportation and global warming. Everyone is welcome to join us! For more information call Linda Pace at 734-1697.

The Bellingham Chapter of Drinking Liberally is looking for local politicians, activists, teachers, leaders and other movers and shakers to be featured guests. This is an enjoyable way for local citizens to have informal and casual dialogue with thought leaders in the community. Meetings are the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in The Horseshoe Cafe's Ranch Room (113 E Holly St.). All it requires is a five-minute introduction followed by casual and informal conversation with their friendly group. Those interested can email Tara at taraalmond98230@gmail.com.