Newton Dems Official Blog

Celebrate Ken Parker's 40 Years Of Great Democratic Activism This Weekend

Shawn P. Fitzgibbons — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:56:16 +0000

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.

Here are the details:

Sunday, July 25
6:00-8:00 PM
"Festive Casual" attire (i.e. wear whatever you want!)
At the home of Vicki Danberg and John Ficarelli, 30 Chase St., Newton Centre

No presents please, but donations to help pay off Ken's campaign debt are welcomed (and encouraged) and can be made at: http://www.kenparker.org/contribute/ - (Suggested donation is $40, but any amount is very much appreciated!)

July 4th Success

Tim Snyder — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:04:01 +0000

We had a great booth at Halloran Field on Albemarle Road, gave away lots of balloons and lemonade and survived the hottest July 4th Celebration in recent memory. Thanks to everyone who helped out, especially Herbie Robinson who was on hand from setup to tear down and beyond and holds the Newton record for most balloons inflated. Our booth was in the midst of a cluster of political booths and tables that included the Lyndon Larouche fans with their Obama/Hitler posters. The crowds were sparse due to the heat and the fact that the generator for the kids' rides failed. No rides, no kids, no families. We have some photos of the event in the Photo Gallery.

Party with David Plouffe, Help Patrick/Murray Win Re-Election

Shawn P. Fitzgibbons — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:30:00 +0000

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!

From Ward 2 member Bill Dain: Shaw's Strike is Over, Workers Secure Better Pay and Benefits!

Shawn P. Fitzgibbons — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:54:30 +0000

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!

National Update

Shawn P. Fitzgibbons — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:51:49 +0000

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.

Photos of the State Convention

Shawn P. Fitzgibbons — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 01:13:45 +0000

Finally posted! ....click here.

Ward 3 Member Jennifer Chrisler Makes a Difference Nationwide for Gay Families

Shawn P. Fitzgibbons — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:12:13 +0000

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!

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday! Great events hosted by our great Newton Delegation

Shawn P. Fitzgibbons — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:18:35 +0000

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

Monday, June 28th
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
At The Law Offices of Rosenberg, Freedman, & Goldstein
246 Walnut Street, Newton, Massachusetts
Personal contributions are welcome up to a maximum of $500 per person.
For More Information or To RSVP to Steve at stevehoward@cindycreem.com or 617-418-4581

House Party for Speaker Robert DeLeo hosted by Representative Kay Khan

Please Join State Auditor Joseph DeNucci, Former Mayor Thomas B. Concannon and Representatives Kay Khan, Ruth Balser and Peter Koutoujian for a house party in honor of Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo.

Tuesday, June 29th
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Home of Rep. Kay Khan, 18 St. Mary’s Street
Questions/RSVP: 617.557.5140 or laurenmpardi@gmail.com
Suggested Contribution $50 $125 $250 $500

AUGUST 3, 2010 SENATORIAL CANDIDATES

Janet Sterman — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:44:49 +0000

The public is invited to NewTV at 23 Needham Street at 7:30 o'clock PM for a candidates forum between Senator Cynthia Stone Creem and Charles Rudnick.

Please use this BLOG to indicate questions you would like to see addressed at this forum.

Event details may be found at http://www.newtondems.org/ward-1/?SSScrollPosition=0

Happening Now: Delegates Voting at the Convention!

Newton Dems — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:54:57 +0000

The chaotic and fun process of deciding who will appear on the primary ballot this fall.

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