As the August primaries draw near, press on the various campaigns increase.  Our judicial system includes several key elected positions, yet many voters are under-educated about what these positions do and how to determine which candidates to support.

Whatcom Women’s Network has invited the candidates for the Superior Court Judge Position 2 to dialogue on themselves and what they offer to the position they are seeking.

Please RSVP to: director {at sign} whatcomwomensnetwork.com

Although our members will certainly have personal opinions on this race, as an organization we strive to remain politically neutral and present a fair opportunity to explore the positions & issues from multiple perspectives.  We invite you to join us.

Planned Parenthood is often in the news – pro-choice/ pro-life debate, funding questions, politics & religion. However, there is also a bigger picture of an organization, it’s services, and how it contributes to our community.

Linda McCarthy, Executive Director, Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood, shares some history as well as current issues of interest for the organization and our community.

Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood is a non-profit family planning organization that has been helping women, men and teens make responsible choices about their sexual health for 42 years.  In 2010 nearly 12,000 women, men and youth visit Planned Parenthood in the three counties we serve; Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan.

Dedicated to delivering the highest quality reproductive health care services since 1969, MBPP is also committed to providing responsible, age-appropriate sexuality education. Protecting a woman’s fundamental right to choose is also a major part of this organization’s underlying philosophy.

March is Red Cross Month.  Our local chapter of the American Red Cross provides for the immediate needs of local disaster victims with shelter, food, clothing, financial assistance, and advocacy.  They hydrate and feed emergency response workers as they serve the public during local disasters.

They train thousands of residents each year in first aid, CPR, and other health and safety areas, all of which help to save lives.  They connect families with their loved ones in the military during emergencies.  They continually train their volunteers to ensure they have the necessary skills to strengthen our community’s response during a disaster.

Join us to learn more about the local impact of the American Red Cross and how you can make a difference in Red Cross Month.

During March, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to support their mission to help people in need.  Every president since 1943 has designated March as Red Cross Month.

Marinda Peugh with the Mount Baker Chapter says they responded to 74 local emergencies, assisted 397 military families and trained more than 8,000 people in lifesaving skills over the last year. She says the Red Cross is not a government agency, and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.  You can help the Mount Baker chapter by filling their emergency response vehicles with supplies such as food, water and blankets.

The ERV’s will be parked around Whatcom and Skagit County throughout March, and the Cascade Radio group will soon be announcing the date for its annual “Help Fill the ERV” live broadcast.   More info is available at mtbredcross.org or by calling 733-3290.

The Assistance League Mardi Gras Gala and Auction annual fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 11th at the Hotel Bellwether.

The event begins with a Silent Auction from 5-7 pm. Dinner will be served at 7 pm followed by a Dessert Dash and Live Auction. Tickets are $65 per person. A cash bar is available.

For more information, please email Nanci Zander at jnzander@comcast.net or call 360-398-2069.

Live Auction Item Preview!

Silent Auction Item Preview!

Silver Reef Hotel Casino & Spa Overnight Stay

Sherlock Holmes Chess Set

Kahler Glen Golf & Ski Resort Condo, Leavenworth – two nights

Janice Bethman painting – Lummi Island

Masquerade Wine Company – Wine Tasting Party for Sixteen

“Gardening Amongst the Fairies” Gift Basket

Handcrafted Cathedral Birdhouse

Handcrafted Birdseye Maple Cutting Boards

Great Harvest Bread Gift Basket

Whatcom Symphony – two tickets for two shows

“Jane Austen Victorian Tea Party” Gift Ensemble Basket

Kinross Cashmere Sweaters

Appel Farms Gourmet Basket

Claire Vg Thomas Theater & Dinner for Eight

Oak Wine Barrel Tray

Handmade Sterling Silver & Stone Pendant

Since 1976, Northwest Youth Services has been the doorway to safety and the pathway to progress for thousands of young lives. Much has changed in our communities during those years. What has not changed is the commitment of NW Youth Services to supporting the uniqueness of each youth served.

For runaway, homeless, “throw-away”, abused, neglected and other at-risk youth and young adults, NW Youth Services is their lifeline. NWYS’s mission is: to keep youth safe, heal family relationships, reconnect youth to the community and promote self-reliance.

Please join us to learn about this valuable community resource, their programs, and how we can be a part of the solution.

“The Community Energy Challenge makes achieving energy efficiency as easy as possible from start to finish. We provide each participating household and business with quality information, a full energy assessment, a customized energy action plan detailing cost-effective measures, assistance with utility and tax rebates, attractive and accessible financing opportunities, reliable contractors, and quality assurance.”

Business Owners & Individuals are invited to learn about the Sustainable Connections Community Energy Challenge

Learn how to save on your energy bills and live & work in a sustainable way.

Assistance League of Bellingham is an all volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to community enrichment through community service.  All volunteer means that every penny supports their five local philanthropic programs.

This gem of a local philanthropy provides new clothes to disadvantaged children, clothing & personal care items to women & children affected by domestic violence, sweats to folks in need in the emergency room, gifts for seniors in nursing homes, and scholarships for summer enrichment programs.

Come learn more about Assistance League – and their newest grant that brings new opportunities to their organization and our community.

Mark Your Calendar!  Upcoming Assistance League Fundraisers:

October 29th: Fall Fling Fashion Show & Luncheon

November 5th: Yule Boutique