Ken, Kelly and Benjamin Parker. Photo courtesy of Rick Bern Photography.....OK we admit he probably wasn't campaigning for Democrats when he was seven years old, but former Alderman, current Ward 6 member and Democratic State Committee Man Ken parker has been a great activist for the Party for many years.

Now, Ken is turning 40 years old - please join friends and family at his birthday party this Sunday evening at the home of Vicki Danberg and John Ficarelli. It will be an evening of food, festivity and fun in celebration of this milestone. 

Ward 1 member Sharon Stout alerts us to the fact that we are less than one week away from the Gen44 Boston event of the summer with David Plouffe, Congressman Mike Capuano, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray and First Lady Diane Patrick!

When:  July 21, 6 PM
Photo by Esquire Magazine

Where:  The Foundation Room (in the House of Blues) 15 Landsdowne St., Boston

RSVP and contribute by clicking here.

• general reception $44
• special reception $250 (starts at 5:30p)

The NE Steering Committee/Gen44 event featuring David Plouffe along with Governor Deval Patrick and Dianne Patrick, Lt. Governor Tim Murray and Congressman Michael Capuano is next Wednesday, July 21st.  Please plan to join us for an exciting evening reception in support of the Massachusetts Democratic Party and Governor Patrick’s re-election campaign -- we need your help in support of our Democratic candidates in the 2010 elections!  

David Plouffe, the architect and manager of the 2008 Obama-Biden campaign and author of The Audacity to Win, will speak about Massachusetts and national politics in advance of the pivotal 2010 mid-term elections... this is a rare opportunity to talk with David Plouffe!  Tickets start at $44! 

The strike against the company that owns Shaw's Supermarkets is over.  On Thursday, July 18, the members of UFCY Local 791 overwhelmingly ratified the contract which includes pay raises and provides health care coverage.  Thanks to all NewtonDems who participated in the boycott of the neighborhood Shaw's markets.  The boycott is no longer necessary and is thus over.  We can each return to shop there!

Thanks to Ward 4 member Priscilla Leith for keeping a close eye on the national political scene.  Click here for a detailed spreadsheet on the Senate and click here for one on the House races.  

Finally posted! ....click here.

Ward 3 Dem and Executive Director of the Family Equality Council Jenn Chrisler has helped win an important victory for gay families.  In partnership with the Human Rights Campaign, Jenn worked with the Obama Administration to ensure that gay families are provided the full benefits of the Family and Medical Leave Act.  This will ensure that thousands of gay parents nationwide will be able to take time off from work to care for their spouse or children and be ensured of a job when they return.  

From the New York Times:

Jennifer W. Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council, another advocacy group, estimated that one million lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families were raising two million children.

The upshot of the Labor Department policy, she said, is that “if you act like a parent, do the work of a parent and raise a child like a parent, then you are a parent for the purpose of the Family and Medical Leave Act.”

Family Equality Council is doing amazing work for families throughout the US. To learn more, check out their website here.

Update: Check out Jenn's great Op/Ed posted today on CNN.com!

Newton's elected Democratic leaders are hosting a number of great events.  Details below ... why not attend them all?

Campaign Kickoff for Representative Ruth Balser with special guest Lt. Gov. Tim Murray

• 7:00 pm
• Sunday, June 27
• 36 Audubon Drive (Rep. Balser's home)

Please Join Attorney Howard Goldstein for a Fundraising Reception In Support of Senator Cindy Creem

Lt. Gov Murray with a supporter at a 2010 Campaign Kickoff RallyLt. Gov Murray will be in town for a fundraiser for his re-election campaign.  Details are below.

• Wednesday, June 2
• 6:00 to 8:00 pm
• Residence of Maria Sullivan and Paul Donovan
• 47 Green Park, Newton, MA
• (617) 423-0426 or kellie@timmurray.org

Please consider supporting our great Lieutenant Governor by attending or making a contribution today. 

Ward 4 member Priscilla Leith keeps a close eye on national House and Senate races.  Thanks to her hard work we can take a comprehensive look at the campaigns and candidates running for Congress this year. 

Click here to see the US Senate outlook and click here to see the US House outlook.