Area Democrats Gathered Twice in April to Support Waldo County Woodshed, Welcome Spring, and Meet with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows — May Activities Will Feature the Upcoming Democratic State Convention
Area Democrats returned to the Waldo County Woodshed in Searsmont on Saturday, April 13, for a volunteer work day. Chainsaws were buzzing and wood splitters humming as about 25 volunteers helped process and load wood into one-quarter cord baskets. The Waldo County Woodshed purchases and processes firewood to provide as free heating assistance to residents who need it. Waldo County Democrats have donated both money and labor to support the organization and its mission over the past several years.
Following the work session, the crew travelled up the road to the Searsmont Town Office community room for a “Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!” potluck. Forty-five attendees from throughout Waldo County were greeted with festive patriotic centerpieces and tablecloth-adorned tables as well as a plentiful buffet. The program included remarks from Waldo County Democratic Committee Chair Sara Salley explaining how to support local candidates for office and thanking volunteers Cheryl Cassidy and Midge Browning of Lincolnville for organizing the day’s events. Senator Chip Curry (Senate District 11, Waldo County) and Representative Jan Dodge (House District 39, Belfast, Northport and Belmont) spoke briefly about recent legislative work and their campaigns for re-election. County Commissioner District 3 candidate Elise Brown and House candidate Mike Ray (House District 40, Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill and Searsmont) spoke about why they decided to run for office. Sheriff Jason Trundy, elected for a 4-year term in 2022, addressed the group, as did Representative Paige Zeigler (House District 40), who is serving his last term in the Legislature.
See more pictures from the Woodshed and Potluck here.
The following week, Waldo County Democrats’ monthly meeting featured a very special guest speaker, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who spoke to a standing-room-only crowd at the Belfast Free Library. Her presentation on “Protecting Democracy: What’s at Stake in 2024?” was received with an enthusiastic ovation. After Secretary Bellows’ address and Q&A session, WCDC heard from Representative Dodge and other elected officials and candidates. The group elected several new members and a slate of delegates to participate in the Maine Democratic State Convention in Bangor May 31-June 1. A total of seventy Waldo County Democrats have been elected as convention delegates; they will vote on the party platform and elect party leaders, presidential electors, and delegates to the party’s National Convention in Chicago this summer. Area residents can learn more about WCDC at www.waldocountydemocrats.com and about the State Convention at www.mainedems.org.
