You are invited to join the Bay Area New Democrats (BAND) for an old-fashioned family event 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1 in Landolt Pavilion at Clear Lake Park on NASA Parkway!

The BAND Family Picnic and Rally features food, fun and music, plus appearances by local and statewide candidates in the upcoming election. Among the candidates confirmed so far is Jeff Weems, the Democratic nominee for state railroad commissioner.

Bring the kids for the moon walk and then cool off as you join them on the water slide. We'll also have several games for all ages like ring toss and Bingo.

On Thursday, July 22, there will be a phone bank at the Panera Bread off of the Gulf Freeway. Come support Bill White while enjoying a delicious soup and sandwich!

This is a great way to get involved with the campaign while meeting other supporters. The group will be calling from a list of targeted voters from 5 to 8 p.m. Please bring your cell phone and a laptop if you have one.

Here is a another fun summer event, coming up Sunday, July 18. Area 5 Democrats invite you to a barbecue fundraiser honoring Ed Watson's 90th birthday. The event is 2-6 p.m. Sunday at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 West 13th St., Deer Park 77536. The Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, Linda Chavez-Thompson, is the keynote speaker. Sylvia Garcia, County Commissioner, Pct. 2, is the emcee.

Don't miss a timely discussion on global warming at the next BAND meeting. Dr. Inayatullah Ibrahim Lalani M.D., a retired surgeon, is the author of "Al-Battani Shield: Counteracting Global Warming." Dr. Gordon Johnson, a BAND member and mathematics professor, wrote the foreword for the book. Copies of Dr. Lalani's book will be for sale, and the author will be available for autographs.

Mark your calendars and plan to bring the kids for an old-fashioned family event 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1 at Landolt Pavilion at Clear Lake Park on NASA Parkway. Plans are in the works for the BAND Family Picnic and Rally, featuring fun games and amusements, music, food and appearances by the candidates in the upcoming election. Activities will include a moonwalk, water slide, ring toss, Bingo and more. Tickets to the picnic are $10 for anyone six and older, and free for anyone five or younger. The price includes admission to the event and all games and amusements.