This next debate, December 19, has been keeping us on our toes. It got way more difficult for the candidates to make the thresholds both for money raised and standings in the polls. The candidates who have made the stage are Biden, Buttigieg, Warren, Sanders, Klobuchar, Steyer and Yang; only seven, have satisfied the thresholds required.

This is your invitation to watch this final debate before the February 11 primary.

Gusanoz has, once again, generously offered their wonderful space. Come eat dinner there and then watch the debate starting at 8 or just come at 8. So much more invigorating to watch with a group!

And, speaking of candidates, Sen. Michael Bennet will be visiting the Upper Valley on Saturday, December 21. He is deeply involved in the impeachment hearings on the Senate side so this is a quick sneak out of D.C. for our benefit. He is starting with a house party at 9 a.m. in Enfield. This house party can only accommodate 25 so send in your RSVP ASAP.

The Upper Valley Dems continue to bring you fascinating programs. Coming up on Monday, January 27, 6 p.m. at the Mascoma Valley Regional High School, Mascoma Forward and UVDems are sponsoring a very special screening of “It’s Criminal” by a very talented group of people from the Upper Valley. Following the screening will be a panel of women who participated in the movie. See the trailer below.

With the holidays closing in on us, politics is taking a backseat to baking and wrapping. When we come out of our holiday coma (around January 2) hopefully you will be working hard for your favorite candidate. Then we can take a breath. Happy holidays!

Calendar below- see email for details.

• Democratic National Committee Convention;
• Read and Share;
• December 14, Candlelight Vigil;
• December 17, Senator Jeanne Shaheen in Hanover; CANCELLED
• December 19, final UVD Debate night at Gusanoz, 8 p.m.;
• December 21, Bennet comes to the Upper Valley;
• January 27, UVD program,  “It’s Criminal”, film and panel.

Who knew the Upper Valley could be such a hot spot! Annie Kuster is coming this weekend for a meet and greet fundraiser; Jeanne Shaheen will be at a similar event on the 17th. We are the fortunate ones . . . our delegation needs to be kept in place and of course, unfortunately realistically, that involves $$. There is no getting around it. Supporting these wonderful women is definitely worth the investment. We need them to continue their good work in Washington. If you can’t make their events, please donate what you can.

And Upper Valley talent is revealed in our next program—“It’s Criminal: A Tale of Prison and Privilege.” This film follows two Dartmouth professors, a group of Dartmouth students, and a group of incarcerated women at the Sullivan County Women’s Prison. The UVDems and Mascoma Forward are sponsoring this important film followed by a panel of a number of the film’s participants. This exciting event will take place at the Mascoma High School Community Auditorium January 27 at 6 p.m. Please put this on your calendar. You won’t regret it.

And finally the UVDems will hold its final debate gathering at the very generous Gusanoz restaurant. The debates have served as endless discussion fodder. Come, eat and drink at Gusanoz, and watch together.

Upcoming events (click for details)!

• December 8, Annie Kuster in Hanover;
• December 14, Candlelight Vigil;
• December 17, Senator Jeanne Shaheen in Hanover;
• December 19, final UVD Debate night at Gusanoz, 8 p.m.;

• January 27, UVD program,  “It’s Criminal”, film and panel.

ONGOING

• Candidate campaign offices in the Upper Valley;
• NH Presidential Primary Democratic Candidate events, through December 7.