Nearly a hundred residents in the area fought blizzard conditions and icy roads to show up on Sunday, December 7 for the Bismarck-Mandan Democratic-NPL grand opening of its new regional office inside the North Dakota Kennedy Center at 1902 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck.

A community open house, ribbon cutting ceremony, and food drive were hosted at the new office. The public was invited to attend, meet local organizers, and learn more about upcoming opportunities to get involved. Cookies and hot cider were also served.

Special guests at the ceremony were Ukrainian singers Dmytro Somkin and his wife Kseniia Smokina, who moved to Bismarck about a year ago. They sang two songs, including Carol of the Bells by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, which they sung in Ukrainian.

Attendees were also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to support the Dream Center Bismarck, reflecting the Democratic-NPL’s commitment to compassion and community care. The Dream Center is currently providing groceries to 1,000 Bismarck-Mandan area households in need every week.

According to Bob Valeu, chairman of the Bismarck/Mandan Democratic-NPL organization, the new office will serve as a resource center for citizens, a meeting place for idea sharing, and a volunteer hub for civic engagement during the upcoming campaign season. “It reflects the Democratic-NPL’s growing momentum and its focus on affordability, ethics in government, and common-sense policy that puts families first,” Valeu said.

PHOTO: Pictured, from left, are Lynn Halvorson, who announced she will be running for candidacy of the North Dakota legislature for District 35; Bob Valeu; and Kimball Banks, who announced he will be running for candidacy of the North Dakota legislature for District 33.