Linn Dems to ring in the holidays |
| YOUTH 1. #TheTeaInLBL Youth Advisory Council (on behalf of Youth Era) is joining other community partners in providing Food Boxes youth 14-25 years old in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. These boxes are completely free of cost, and contain pre-packaged, non-perishable food items coordinated and assembled by young people, for young people (consists of a variety of snacks and easy-to-prepare food items). If you are a community partner serving young people, a parent looking for food assistance for their youth, or if you are a youth yourself, you are in the right place. Please complete a brief form to be added to the delivery queue by clicking here. ALBANY 1. FISH of Albany Address: 1035 2nd Ave, S.E. Albany Phone: (541) 928-4460 Hours: Call or come in between 9:00 AM. and 2:50 p.m. weekdays to order a food box. Food boxes can be picked up starting at 3:00 PM. the same day. 2. CHANCE Address: 231 Lyon St SE, Albany Phone: (541) 791-3411 Meals: Mon–Fri, 9:00–9:30 AM and 12:00–12:30 PM 3. Second CHANCE Shelter Address: 1100 Jackson St SE, Albany Phone: (541) 928-6347 Meals: Daily; call for times 4. First Christian Church Address: 432 Ferry St SW, Albany Phone: (541) 926-8606 Meals: Community Meal; Thursdays 5:00-6:00 PM 5. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Address: 1910 34th St. S.E. Phone: 541-926-4875 Meals: Drive-through Community Dinner; Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 PM. Dinners must be reserved by calling the church by noon Tuesday. 6. Strong Albany Schools × Albany Student Advocacy Project What it is: Launched Emergency Food Pantries in our Title 1 elementary schools in GAPS How to help: • Donate via Amazon • Donate Walmart Sparks • Make a financial contribution: https://bit.ly/47qkEkx BROWNSVILLE 1. Sharing Hands Address:107 W. Bishop Way Phone: 541-541-466-3003 Hours: Wed and Fri, 10:30 AM–3:00 PM HARRISBURG 1. God’s Storehouse Address: 180 Smith St., Harrisburg Phone: 541-359-5529 Hours: Tue, Thu, 9:30 AM–Noon and 1:00-4:30 PM LEBANON Donation drop-off sites 1. Lebanon Fire Department Address: 1050 Oak St. Phone: 541-451-1901 Hours: Mon—Thu, 7 AM—5 PM 2. Summit Ace Home & Garde Address:1055 Tangent St. Phone: 541-258-7107 Hours: Mon—Fri, 7:30 AM—6 PM, Sat, 8 AM—5 PM 3 Gillott Home Team KW Address: 266 E. Grant St. Phone: 541-451-2211 Hours: Sat, 10 AM—2 p.m. 4 Valley Life Church Office Address: 80 E. Vine St. Phone: 541-258-5315 Hours: Mon—Thu, 8 AM—4 p.m. | 5 The River Center Address: 3000 S. Santiam Highway Phone: 541-451-1271 Food Pickup and Meal Site Locations
Address: Lebanon First Christian Church, 170 E. Grant. St. Phone: 451-7667 Meals: Mon, Wed, Fri 4:30–5:30 PM 3. The Lord’s Storehouse Address: Lebanon Assembly of God, 726 SW Oak St, Lebanon Phone: (541) 259-1464 Hours: Mon & Thu, 10:00 AM–1:30 PM for food pickup Notes: Linn County families welcome Phone: 541-451-1271 Hours: Sun, 9 AM—1 PM 4. The River Center Address: 300 S. Santiam Highway Phone: 541-451-1271 Hours Mon, 2:30—5:30 PM for food pickup 5. St. Vincent de Paul Address: St. Edward Catholic Church, 100 S. Main St. Hours: Wed, 11:30 AM—3 PM for food pickup Phone: 541-258-5333 6. The Compassion Pantry (Neighborhood Pantry) Location: On the property of St. Martins Church, 257 Milton (side yard on Grove St) Hours: Open 7 days a week Notes: Please be respectful MILL CITY 1. Santiam Outreach Community Center Address: 280 S.E. Santiam Blvd. Phone: 971-332-5676 Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with a 24-hour food pantry onsite SWEET HOME 1. Sweet Home Emergency Ministries (SHEM) Address: 1115 Long St, Sweet Home Phone: (541) 367-6504 Hours: Wed & Sat, 9:00–11:30 AM (call first) 2. SHEM Soup Kitchen Location: Operated by Sweet Home Emergency Ministries. How to help: Donations welcome to support neighbors in need Phone: (541) 367-6504 OTHER RESOURCES
Address: 1305 Hill St SE, Albany, OR 97322 Phone: (541) 967-6580 Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (office) What it is: Nonprofit supporting families with young children; and help connecting to basics (diapers, food, clothing, referrals).
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A Thanksgiving theme for 8th banner drop
The Albany Banner Brigade presented its Thanksgiving edition banner drop Nov. 22, with seasonal messages for I-5 northbound ("GRATEFUL FOR DEMOCRACY") and southbound traffic ("FOOD NOT BALLROOMS") from the Santiam Highway overpass. Albany Region Indivisible organized the 90-minute banner drop. the eighth since Aug. 30. Fifteen people participated.
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Campaign 101 'a smashing success'
Nearly 40 people turned out Nov. 15 to learn what it takes to build a campaign and run for office. "Campaign 101," held at Albany Public Library, drew prospective candidates, campaign managers and people interested in the vital elections of 2026 and beyond. The participants had networking opportunities after hearing presentations trainers Shannon Richardson, community organizer and former campaign treasurer, who spoke on "Fundraising and Campaign Finance"; Dan Torres, executive director of the Oregon Labor Candidate School ("Field Organization"); Susan Leonard, political organizer ("Neighborhood Leader Program"); and Joanna Robinson, political organizer and co-chair of the Linn Dems Campaign Committee ("Messaging"). "Campaign 101, the first event of its kind hosted by the Linn County Democrats' Campaign Committee," Robinson noted, "was a smashing success with over 30 folks in attendance from Linn and Benton Counties." Thanks to everyone who helped with the event.
'Campaign 101' set for Saturday, Nov. 15,
at Albany Public Library
If you have ever considered running for office or have wondered what it takes to run a campaign, please join us for Campaign 101 from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave. S.E.
Come learn the basics of what it takes to build a campaign and run for public office. Former candidates and campaign team members with boots-on-the-ground experience in Linn County will share information about campaign finance, fundraising, crafting a message, and building your team. Whether you want to ...
Take your civic engagement to the next level!
This event is offered by the Linn County Democrats. We welcome all values-aligned folks who reside in Linn County and surrounding areas to join us for this fun event. Snacks, drinks, and childcare will be provided. To RSVP for Campaign 101, click the adjacent button.
Come learn the basics of what it takes to build a campaign and run for public office. Former candidates and campaign team members with boots-on-the-ground experience in Linn County will share information about campaign finance, fundraising, crafting a message, and building your team. Whether you want to ...
- Launch your campaign- Support another candidate
- Get more involved in local government
- Build your community network
Take your civic engagement to the next level!
This event is offered by the Linn County Democrats. We welcome all values-aligned folks who reside in Linn County and surrounding areas to join us for this fun event. Snacks, drinks, and childcare will be provided. To RSVP for Campaign 101, click the adjacent button.
| 'Campaign 101' trainers Dan Torres Executive Director, Oregon Labor Candidate School Campaign 101 Topic: Field Organization Dan Torres (he/him) is a political professional, labor advocate, and campaign expert from the Pacific Northwest. After working 8 electoral cycles on races from City Council up to Presidential, Dan took over as the Executive Director of the Oregon Labor Candidate School, a non-profit dedicated to training and supporting union members running for public office. Dan is passionate about leveling the playing field so non-traditional candidates and leaders have a seat at the tables of power. Shannon Richardson Community Organizer, former campaign treasurer Former Campaign Treasurer Campaign 101 Topic: Fundraising/Campaign Finance Shannon Richardson (she/they) joined policy-related community service during the 2008 election, campaigning for President Obama. In recent years, Shannon has become more engaged in local politics and local chapters of the Democratic and Working Families Parties. In 2025, Shannon served as the treasurer for a successful school board candidate’s campaign in the nonpartisan Greater Albany Public Schools District race. Working alongside campaign teams of other aligned candidates, Shannon learned many of the finer points of starting, funding, running, and ending a competitive campaign. Steven Richmond Political Organizer Campaign 101 Topic: Campaign Management Steven Richmond is a political organizer based in Corvallis. His first experience in politics began in high school, when he founded the Jackson County Democrat Youth Caucus, organizing Young Democrats clubs at South and North Medford High Schools and Southern Oregon University. He graduated from Western Oregon University with a degree in Public Policy and interned for Representatives Pam Marsh and Dan Rayfield at the Oregon State Capitol. Steven served as campaign manager for State Representative Sarah Finger McDonald in the closest |  legislative primary of 2024. Afterward, he worked for Congresswoman Val Hoyle as her Organizing Director and Campaign Manager. He currently runs a rural organizing PAC called Oregonize to Win and manages a competitive legislative race in House District 12. Joanna Robinson Political Organizer Campaign Committee Co-Chair, Linn County Democrats Campaign 101 Topic: Messaging Joanna Robinson (she/her) is a political organizer and co-chair of the Campaign Committee for the Linn County Democrats. Joanna is passionate about engaging and supporting the next generation of progressive leaders. In the May 2025 Special District election, Joanna managed a non-partisan campaign for school board and supported her candidate to victory. She believes that policies that make people’s lives better have universal appeal and that success can be achieved through strong, effective messaging that is rooted in values. Susan Leonard Political Organizer Neighborhood Leader Campaign 101 Topic: Neighborhood Leader Program Susan Leonard is a lifelong Democrat and was active in the party when she lived in her home state of Iowa. She moved to Oregon 6 years ago and became a Precinct Committee Person in the Linn County Democratic Party as soon as she was eligible. She serves on the Neighborhood Leader Program steering committee and is an inveterate door-knocker, usually hitting over 1000 doors in the run-up to all Primary and General elections. |
Fifteen members of the Albany Banner Brigade offered this Veterans Day message over I-5 from the Santiam Highway overpass.
Veterans Day 2025
The Albany Banner Brigade held its seventh banner drop with a Veterans Day message over I-5 from the Santiam Highway overpass. The message received "more truck honks than I've ever heard before!" said organizer Dave Pinyerd of Albany Region Indivisible. Fifteen brigaders turned out for the 90-minute Veterans Day banner drop. A few miles west, East Linn Indivisible's 20-member contingent of riders and walkers, including Linn County Democrats, took part in the Veterans Day Parade It was good day for a November parade and sharing our values.
 Linda Ziedrich and Robert Waterhouse led the East Linn Indivisible parade contingent.  East Linn Indivisible's Ruth Kish waves to the crowd. |  Wendy Nilson, Cindy Bethell and Brenda Sterner represented the Linn County Democrats in East Linn Indivisible's parade contingent.  Wendy Nilson, Cindy Bethell and Brenda Sterner represented the Linn County Democrats in East Linn Indivisible's parade contingent. |
Neighborhood Leaders to look
at their role in rising pro-democracy movement
| We hope you'll join us on at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, for our next Neighborhood Leader meeting on Zoom. (For Zoom access, contact Nancy Greenman.) We'll focus on the unique role we can play in this pro-democracy movement as it gathers strength. Neighborhood Leaders have access to both voters and to candidates, who recognize our ability to support their campaigns. How do we support our candidates to be bold in their vision of what is possible? How do we energize voters with a vision of the country we want? We'll also discuss reaching out to non-qffiliated voters (NAVs) and potential new Neighborhood Leaders. As always, we look to you to shape our agenda and plan for 2026. -- Susan, Carrie, Steve, Linda, Mark, Carol, Brenda & Nancy Linn Benton Democratic Neighborhood Leader Team |  |
SNAP benefits restored in Oregon
The office Gov. Tina Kotek issued this news release Nov. 7:
Yesterday afternoon, a federal court ordered the Trump Administration to immediately release 100% of funding to pay for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for all recipients nationwide by today, including more than 750,000 Oregonians. Following Governor Tina Kotek’s directive, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) worked through the night to issue full November benefits by Friday morning so families across the state can access the food they need.
As of this morning, Oregon families are beginning to access their full November SNAP benefits restored on their Oregon Trail Cards. This means all Oregonians receiving SNAP will have their full monthly benefit available now, regardless of their usual payment schedule.
“The Trump Administration’s decision to withhold food assistance from families in need was cruel and unlawful,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Oregonians shouldn’t have to wait for a court order to get the help they qualify for and need. I’m grateful to the federal courts for upholding the law and to our state teams who worked through the night to make sure every Oregon family relying on SNAP could buy groceries today and through the weekend.”
Because of the emergency preparations put in place by Governor Kotek, ODHS was able to work quickly with its electronic benefits transfer (EBT) vendor to ensure the funds were available as soon as the federal order was issued, making Oregon one of the earliest states to process benefits for residents upon receipt of the judge’s order.
Last Wednesday, the Governor declared a hunger emergency and authorized the use of $5 million in available funds to help the Oregon Food Bank statewide network of emergency food pantries. Yesterday, the Governor announced $1 million to Tribal governments for emergency assistance. The emergency declaration will stay in place until the uncertainty from the federal government is resolved.
Yesterday afternoon, a federal court ordered the Trump Administration to immediately release 100% of funding to pay for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for all recipients nationwide by today, including more than 750,000 Oregonians. Following Governor Tina Kotek’s directive, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) worked through the night to issue full November benefits by Friday morning so families across the state can access the food they need.
As of this morning, Oregon families are beginning to access their full November SNAP benefits restored on their Oregon Trail Cards. This means all Oregonians receiving SNAP will have their full monthly benefit available now, regardless of their usual payment schedule.
“The Trump Administration’s decision to withhold food assistance from families in need was cruel and unlawful,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Oregonians shouldn’t have to wait for a court order to get the help they qualify for and need. I’m grateful to the federal courts for upholding the law and to our state teams who worked through the night to make sure every Oregon family relying on SNAP could buy groceries today and through the weekend.”
Because of the emergency preparations put in place by Governor Kotek, ODHS was able to work quickly with its electronic benefits transfer (EBT) vendor to ensure the funds were available as soon as the federal order was issued, making Oregon one of the earliest states to process benefits for residents upon receipt of the judge’s order.
Last Wednesday, the Governor declared a hunger emergency and authorized the use of $5 million in available funds to help the Oregon Food Bank statewide network of emergency food pantries. Yesterday, the Governor announced $1 million to Tribal governments for emergency assistance. The emergency declaration will stay in place until the uncertainty from the federal government is resolved.
Food pantries and meal sites in Linn County
| ALBANY 1. FISH of Albany Address: 1035 2nd Ave, S.E. Albany Phone: (541) 928-4460 Hours: Call or come in between 9:00 AM. and 2:50 p.m. weekdays to order a food box. Food boxes can be picked up starting at 3:00 PM. the same day. 2. CHANCE Address: 231 Lyon St SE, Albany Phone: (541) 791-3411 Meals: Mon–Fri, 9:00–9:30 AM and 12:00–12:30 PM 3. Second CHANCE Shelter Address: 1100 Jackson St SE, Albany Phone: (541) 928-6347 Meals: Daily; call for times 4. First Christian Church Address: 432 Ferry St SW, Albany Phone: (541) 926-8606 Meals: Community Meal; Thursdays 5:00-6:00 PM 5. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Address: 1910 34th St. S.E. Phone: 541-926-4875 Meals: Drive-through Community Dinner; Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 PM. Dinners must be reserved by calling the church by noon Tuesday. 6. Strong Albany Schools × Albany Student Advocacy Project What it is: Launched Emergency Food Pantries in our Title 1 elementary schools in GAPS How to help: • Donate via Amazon • Donate Walmart Sparks • Make a financial contribution: https://bit.ly/47qkEkx BROWNSVILLE 1. Sharing Hands Address:107 W. Bishop Way Phone: 541-541-466-3003 Hours: Wed and Fri, 10:30 AM–3:00 PM HARRISBURG 1. God’s Storehouse Address: 180 Smith St., Harrisburg Phone: 541-359-5529 Hours: Tue, Thu, 9:30 AM–Noon and 1:00-4:30 PM LEBANON Donation drop-off sites 1. Lebanon Fire Department Address: 1050 Oak St. Phone: 541-451-1901 Hours: Mon—Thu, 7 AM—5 PM 2. Summit Ace Home & Garde Address:1055 Tangent St. Phone: 541-258-7107 Hours: Mon—Fri, 7:30 AM—6 PM, Sat, 8 AM—5 PM 3 Gillott Home Team KW Address: 266 E. Grant St. Phone: 541-451-2211 Hours: Sat, 10 AM—2 p.m. 4 Valley Life Church Office Address: 80 E. Vine St. Phone: 541-258-5315 Hours: Mon—Thu, 8 AM—4 p.m. 5 The River Center Address: 3000 S. Santiam Highway Phone: 541-451-1271 | Food Pickup and Meal Site Locations
Address: Lebanon First Christian Church, 170 E. Grant. St. Phone: 451-7667 Meals: Mon, Wed, Fri 4:30–5:30 PM 3. The Lord’s Storehouse Address: Lebanon Assembly of God, 726 SW Oak St, Lebanon Phone: (541) 259-1464 Hours: Mon & Thu, 10:00 AM–1:30 PM for food pickup Notes: Linn County families welcome Phone: 541-451-1271 Hours: Sun, 9 AM—1 PM 4. The River Center Address: 300 S. Santiam Highway Phone: 541-451-1271 Hours Mon, 2:30—5:30 PM for food pickup 5. St. Vincent de Paul Address: St. Edward Catholic Church, 100 S. Main St. Hours: Wed, 11:30 AM—3 PM for food pickup Phone: 541-258-5333 6. The Compassion Pantry (Neighborhood Pantry) Location: On the property of St. Martins Church, 257 Milton (side yard on Grove St) Hours: Open 7 days a week Notes: Please be respectful MILL CITY 1. Santiam Outreach Community Center Address: 280 S.E. Santiam Blvd. Phone: 971-332-5676 Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with a 24-hour food pantry onsite SWEET HOME 1. Sweet Home Emergency Ministries (SHEM) Address: 1115 Long St, Sweet Home Phone: (541) 367-6504 Hours: Wed & Sat, 9:00–11:30 AM (call first) 2. SHEM Soup Kitchen Location: Operated by Sweet Home Emergency Ministries. How to help: Donations welcome to support neighbors in need Phone: (541) 367-6504 OTHER RESOURCES
Address: 1305 Hill St SE, Albany, OR 97322 Phone: (541) 967-6580 Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (office) What it is: Nonprofit supporting families with young children; and help connecting to basics (diapers, food, clothing, referrals).
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Nov. 4 Election
From left: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger of Virginia; Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey; and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani of New York City.
Democrats notch big victories around the country
Democrats and democracy came away with huge wins across multiple states Nov. 4, building momentum for next year's midterms. Winners included Zohran Mamdani in New York City’s mayoral race, and Abigail Spanberger and Rep. Mikie Sherrill in their respective gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Californians also approved the Democrats’ redistricting push. "After poking the bear, this bear roared," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said of his state. He also asserted that the Democratic Party is "in its ascendency." Here's more from the Nov. 4 elections:
• 'Led by an immigrant': New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani calls out Trump in victory speech (Nov 4, ABC News)
• Spanberger, Virginia's first woman governor, says she'll defy Trump's 'bad policies' (Nov. 5, NPR)
• Mikie Sherrill says New Jersey voters want 'leadership' in face of Trump's challenges (Nov. 5, NPR)
• Spanberger and Sherrill were roommates on Capitol Hill. They’re now making history in their states (Nov. 5, CNN)
• California voters approve new U.S. House map to boost Democrats in 2026 (Nov. 4, AP)
• Democrats' 2025 election wins go beyond big races to places like Georgia, Pennsylvania (Nov. 5, NPR)
• Democrats hit back and a winning message — four election night takeaways (Nov. 5, BBC)
• 'Led by an immigrant': New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani calls out Trump in victory speech (Nov 4, ABC News)
• Spanberger, Virginia's first woman governor, says she'll defy Trump's 'bad policies' (Nov. 5, NPR)
• Mikie Sherrill says New Jersey voters want 'leadership' in face of Trump's challenges (Nov. 5, NPR)
• Spanberger and Sherrill were roommates on Capitol Hill. They’re now making history in their states (Nov. 5, CNN)
• California voters approve new U.S. House map to boost Democrats in 2026 (Nov. 4, AP)
• Democrats' 2025 election wins go beyond big races to places like Georgia, Pennsylvania (Nov. 5, NPR)
• Democrats hit back and a winning message — four election night takeaways (Nov. 5, BBC)
Nov. 4 Election
Linn Law Enforcement Levy passes
The Linn County Law Enforcement Local Option Levy, Measure 22-212, has been approved by voters. The latest results posted by Linn County Clerk's Office showed the measure receiving 14,872 yes votes (52.77 percent) to 13,313 no votes (47.23 percent). Turnout was 28 percent.
The four-year levy will be a continuation of the current levy, which expires in June.
The tax rate will increase by 10 cents to $3.08 per $1,000 of assessed value. All revenues will continue to fund sheriff's operations and maintain current service levels, including 24-hour patrol, the jail, criminal prosecution and juvenile offender supervision and detention.
The Linn County Democrats did not take a position on the law enforcement levy, but they heard a presentation by Sheriff Michelle Duncan, who spoke in favor of it during the Oct. 2 Linn Dems meeting on Zoom.
The four-year levy will be a continuation of the current levy, which expires in June.
The tax rate will increase by 10 cents to $3.08 per $1,000 of assessed value. All revenues will continue to fund sheriff's operations and maintain current service levels, including 24-hour patrol, the jail, criminal prosecution and juvenile offender supervision and detention.
The Linn County Democrats did not take a position on the law enforcement levy, but they heard a presentation by Sheriff Michelle Duncan, who spoke in favor of it during the Oct. 2 Linn Dems meeting on Zoom.
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