Author Archives: Framingham Democrats

Meeting to discuss “Lessons Learned from the Election.”

FRAMINGHAM (11/16/16) – The Framingham Democratic Town Committee (DTC) will be holding its regular monthly meeting on Sunday November 20, 2016, at the function room at The Heritage Framingham at 747 Water Street in Nobscot– not our usual location – at 7:00 PM.

The evening’s program will focus on “Lessons Learned from the Election.” This will be a discussion of the role of the Democratic Party as we move forward in the next two-year cycle, a discussion of the successes shared by those who participated in the Metrowest Coordinated Campaign Office, and how that energy can be harnessed as the planning begins for the mid-term election season and our next town-wide election.

In addition, there will be a vote on several final provisions in the amended by-laws of the organization.

As usual, there will be refreshments served and members are encouraged to bring a pot luck item.

For this month’s charity, the Committee will be collecting cash and nonperishable food items, to be donated to Daniel’s Table, which sponsors a food truck that feeds the hungry in our town, and whose mission is to eradicate hunger in Framingham.

All Democrats are welcome to attend and participate.

Framingham DTC Minutes of October 16, 2016


Framingham Democratic Town Committee

Coordinated Campaign Office 931 Worcester Rd. Framingham, MA 01701

Meeting Minutes – Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 7:00 PM  

Call to Order: Chair Beverly Hugo called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.

Note: prior to tonight’s meeting, there was phone-banking to NH from 4-6 PM, and a potluck social hour from 6-7 PM. This meeting was a joint meeting with the Ashland Democratic Town Committee until 8 PM, after which time the two Town Committees met individually. (Many thanks to the folks who brought food for the potluck supper.)(Read more…)

FDTC Minutes of September 18, 2016

Framingham Democratic Town CommitteeHeritage Framingham 747 Water St. Framingham, MA 01701

Meeting Minutes – Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM 
  Call to Order: Chair Beverly Hugo called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
1. Announcements:  Happy Birthday to Vice-Chair Jim Stockless; Mel Warshaw is recovering from surgery, folks can send cards or [:~)] food!  Congratulations to Jack Lewis on his primary win in the race for state Representative of the 7th Middlesex District. Congratulations also  to Phil Jack and Brett Walker on well-run campaigns.
2. Attendance: Members: Elsa Aviza, Lori Bornstein, Craig Broyles, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Jack Lewis, Chris Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Joan Rastani, Margareth Shepard, Norma Shulman, Jim Stockless, Cheryl Tully Stoll, Rep. Chris Walsh. Lifetime Members: Betty Muto.  Associate Members: none. Guests: Deborah Butler, Debbie Clark, Peg Espinola, Sara Fontes, Heather Gonzalez, Ohad Klopman, Sheri Thomas.
3. June 5 and August 18, 2016 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc      Approved with one abstention.
4. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Margareth Shepard                                         Approved unanimously

A total income of $2, 031.35 and expenses of $1,159.05 increased the 6-1-2016 balance of $3,960.05 to $4, 832.35.  
5. State House News: Chris Walsh reported that House members are working on campaigns until November or working quietly to rewrite legislation.  Chris urged that FDTC members get out to work for Jack Lewis, as there is a strong Republican contender for the 7th Middlesex representative seat. (The 7th Middlesex District includes south Framingham and Ashland.)
6. Announcements:

·         Joan Rastani noted that the TAB newsletter reported that out Civics Education bill has been “sent to the graveyard” and needs to be resubmitted again next year. 

·         Jack Lewis offered his thanks to all of the folks who supported him in the election; Yolanda Greaves is a formidable opponent so he needs everyone to help keep the seat in Democratic hands.  He has brought lawn signs tonight for anyone who would like one.

·         Ohad Klopman announced that the Framingham High School Model Congress will host a forum with Jack Lewis, Yolanda Greaves and Cliff Wilson on Tuesday, September 27 at 6-9 PM at Framingham High School.  All are welcome to attend.

·          Peg Espinola, a member of the Sudbury DTC and a guitarist, played an original composition entitled “Backward, backward” for this meeting.  Peg writes celebrated political songs, and has CDs available!

·         Bev thanked DSC member Sue Kennedy for the donation of “Framingham for Hillary” buttons which will be given to campaign volunteers.

·         Cheryl Tully Stoll reminded FDTC members that the 7th Middlesex Representative seat  has been held by a Democrat for 56 years! It is imperative that e keep the Tom Sannicandro seat. PLEASE everyone get out and help with the Lewis campaign! We should focus on Ashland.
7. Speaker: Nick Black, Director of Massachusetts for Hillary, spoke on the Clinton / Kainecampaign plans for MA and NH.  Marty Walsh will be campaigning in NH on Wednesday evening.  Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be leading a NH canvass launches this Saturday the 24th in Nashua & Manchester, and appearing with Maggie Hassan at a rally at UNH at 5 PM. Contact Norma Shulman at the office for carpooling!

·         There will be phone banking from the office in shifts from 11-1, 1-3, 3-5, and 5-8 PM. Sign up at [email protected].

·         There will be debate watch parties on Monday 9-26, Tuesday 10-4, Sunday 10-9, and Wednesday 10-19.  All are 9-10:30 PM.  Reply to [email protected] if you can host a party, or wish to attend one.

·         There will be a GOTV dry-run on Saturday & Sunday Oct 15 & 16.  Please come to rehearse! New Hampshire’s 4 electoral votes will be important.

·         New Hampshire does not have early voting, but does have same-day registration.  Teams are working on campuses.

·         Nick reminded us in MA that our early voting will start on October 24.  We should vote early so we are free to work on election day.
8. Member Reports:

– Bev reported that the Coordinated Campaign Office 931 Worcester Rd. is up and running at this time on a private basis until the handicapped ramp is installed. Phone banking, data entry, and carpooling are ongoing, as are headquarters for the Jack Lewis for Representative and Peter Koutoujian for Sherriff campaigns.  Norma is offering training on phone calls.

– Early voting in Framingham will take place during the weeks of 10-24 and 10-31:  

            From 8:30 – 5PM Monday through Friday at the Town Clerk’s office, and Saturday 10 AM-3 PM

            From 10 – 2 Tuesday through Thursday at the McAuliffe Library.

            Adaptive technology for disabled persons will be available.

 – Margareth Shepard announced there will be a “Brazilians for Hillary’ event on Sunday September 25 at 6:30 PM at the Ashland VFW on Pleasant St.

– Jack Lewis is planning campaign events in Boston, Ashland and Framingham. The Framingham event is 10-20 Thursday at 7 PM.

– Chris Lorant reminds us of two campaigns: 1) the “No on 2”: he has lawn signs; 2) a state senate race for Natick & to the south.

– Norma is taking volunteers for the National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, 9-27.  This is a State Committee project; we will focus on Mass Bay Community College and at Stop & Shop.  Norma will send more information.

– Contact info for canvassing questions:  [email protected] or [email protected]

– Sara Fontes (for Jack Lewis): [email protected] or 508-309-2071 or the office 508-879-2016
  Bev thanked everyone who brought goodies for tonight’s meeting, and especially Jeanne Bullock for her constant hard work running the Hospitality Committee!

Also, thanks to the folks who brought donations for the Pathways Shelter.

All business being concluded, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara LeDuc, Secretary