Framingham Democratic Town Committee

March 20, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Rd, Framingham 01701

MINUTES

1. Call to Order: 10am , Tom Mahoney, Chair
2. Attendance: Elsa Aviza, Jerry Desilets, Beverly Hugo, Kathie McCarthy, Tom Mahoney. Stephanie Mercandetti, Farooq Mirza, Mary Murphy, Betty Muto, Joan Rastani, Pam Roberts, Norma Shulman, Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw, Michael Zimmer…Chris Broyles, Mike Bower, Caroline Levy… Jack Duffy, Carmen Chico, Ramuel Raagas, Steve Grossman, Eric Silverman, Kevin D. Crotly, Ghafooe Sheikh, Adam Blumer, Laurie Lee, Brian LeFort, Dennis Giombetti, David Miles
3. Minutes of Jan. 9, 2011                                                                                 Approved
4. Treasurer’s Report: Beverly Hugo, Treasurer

• Gave Beverly authorization to change Bank for FDTC funds after discussion about fees and security issue
• Cookbook – Need more recipes, New deadline May 1^st – Cookbook Committee Beverly, Mel, Parwez, Nandi
• Reminder: April 8^th Deadline to pay for Convention, Tom says for those who need it they should file for waiver and wait.
• Donations next month: gently used Children’s books – Grades K through 5
• Breakfast meeting next year, March 12, 2012 – St. Patrick Day’s Breakfast/Roast,  Committee –     Beverly Hugo, Kathie McCarthy, Elsa Aviza, Tom Mahoney, Jack Duffy, Mel Warshaw
• Organize Bike Drive – Bikes not Bombs, Sun. May 15^th or Sat. May 21^st , massbike.org, Baystate Bike week, 4-6 volunteers needed, $10 processing fee per bike, Norma said “Get the word out.” Check with Recreation dept about date. Can bikes be donated to needy Framingham kids?
• Jerry recognized Sen. Karen Spilka,  Mary Murphy, Selectman Lauren Lee, David Miles
• Speakers included Selectman Dennis Giombetti, Eric Silverman, School Committee Member -Mike Bower, Tom Mahoney
• May 11^th CHAPPA meeting Plymouth Church Affordable Housing
• April 10^th MWD Coalition Breakfast $25/ticket

5. Old Business

6. New Business

7. Program: Town Election Candidates Forum – Jerry Desilets

8. Announcements

9. Next Meeting – April 10^th, Speaker Bob Massie
10. Adjourn – 11:37

Submitted by P. Nandi Varris, Secretary

Framingham Democratic Town Committee

January 9, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Rd, Framingham 01701

MINUTES

1. Call to Order: 6:30pm , Tom Mahoney, Chair
2. Attendance: Elsa Aviza, Jerry Desilets, Jeanne Eversley, Linda Fields, Beverly Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Kathie McCarthy, Tom Mahoney. Sarah Micciche, Terene Micciche, Farooq Mirza Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully Stoll, Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, MelWarshaw,

Alan Khazei, Emily Cherniack, Kate Donahue, Susan Scully-Petroni

3. Guest Speaker:  Alan Khazei (Parwez Wahid introduction)

Acknowledged the tragedy of killings in Tucson Arizona, (six fatal and 13 wounded) Wants us to think about how does someone get access to semi automatics. Gabrielle Giffords was one of the Democrats in Sarah Palin’s cross hairs, we must recommit ourselves to having our tone be correct. He is the City Year founder and saw power of citizen action with 100 hours of testimony in the Capital, “Mr. Smith goes to Washington” after City Year lost its funding. It became a national service organization thanks to support of Senator Ted Kennedy and President Clinton. Khazei authored new book, “Big Citizenship” which he wrote out of gratitude. Khazei quoted President Truman “not leaving the highest office” “assuming the highest office” – Citizenship.

Khazei’s parents made many sacrifices: Dad from Iran, who loves “Democracy”, Mom Italian (classic) taught “everyone has special gift” Alan did not win when he ran for the Senate but… Learned to talk and listen to anyone. Make sure you’re family is with you – if you run.

Suggested a Micro agreement to encourage everyday people to get involved. Quoted Lincoln- “Think anew, Start anew.” Find someone you disagree with and have a conversation.

• Economy must work for everybody
• Challenges- must look to citizens to help solve problem (innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs, creative environment)
• Government must change (accountability and transparency)
• Public Private Partnerships
• Reclaim sense of common purpose – WE- THE PEOPLE

“I support President Obama although I don’t agree with everything he does” Is doing good job with the circumstances he inherited. “He has the highest number of death threats than any president ever.”

Each person should get one person to join, tell story to get interest in ideas

Linda Fields: “Biggest problem refute the lies”

Al: “Get the facts, start with friends.”

Mel W: “We are fighting a network- Fox News”

Al: Tea Party is about 15% of voters.  Call Scott Brown, ask, “Are you going to fully support Serve America with funding?” www.serve.gov

4. Minutes of Nov. 14, 2010                                                                               Approved
5. Treasurer’s Report: Beverly Hugo, Treasurer               1/9/11 Bal. $1997.90             Approved
6. Fundraiser: Jeanne Eversley – Photos for $1.00 Proceeds to FDTC
7. FDTC Community Support Projects

• Dec. meeting – Pathways Toiletries (kitchen work project mentioned)
• Feb. meeting – Lucy and Joe Frail Elders Sarah Miccichi will type up requirements Nandi send requirements twice before meeting
• Joan Rastani.: Homeless luncheon at GFCC suggestion for mid Feb.
• Norma Shulman: Notify community that FDTC is doing stuff
• Terene Micciche: Habitat for Humanity
• Sarah Micciche: Once a month serve community
• Norma Shulman: “Stand for Children” Charlotte said to have leader speak.

8. Other Suggestions:

9. Public Relations Director- Linda Fields
10. Hospitality Committee

Needs volunteers for March 20^th Breakfast Meeting

Elsa Aviza and Terene Micciche volunteered

11. March 1 Cookbook Deadline
12. Feb. 13 Caucus Framingham Green 6:30 Registration, Call to Order 7:00pm SHARP!

• Elect 16 males 16 females
• Caucus Planning Committee: Farooq, Parwez, Norma, Sarah, Tom, Nandi
• Phone Calls for Caucus
• June 4 Issues Convention Lowell

Submitted by P. Nandi Varris, Secretary