March 13, 2020/Dispatch

COVID-19 Precautions, Events, & More.

Dear Democrats,

As I’m sure many of you have heard, the MassDems made the difficult, but necessary, decision to temporarily suspend caucus season due to the spread of COVID-19. We’re thankful to have Senator Markey’s and Congressman Kennedy’s support in making this decision, and we’re committed to electing all delegates to this year’s Convention. The MassDems are developing an alternative process should this suspension continue for an extended period of time. 

The spread of COVID-19 has led to event cancellations across the state, and many of the events listed below may be cancelled over the next week. So please, check in with the event organizers to see if the event is still on. We’ve listed below if an event has notified us of a cancellation. We’re encouraging our Town and Ward Committees to go ahead with their scheduled meetings (more on that below), but are working to provide dial in and video conference tools they can use if necessary. 

It’s crucial that we all take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves, and others, healthy during a time like this. Make sure you’re washing your hands frequently, sanitizing objects and surfaces, limiting contact with others, and if you’re feeling sick: stay home

Again, make sure to check with event organizers and have a safe and healthy weekend!

All the best,

Allison Mitchell
Communications Manager, Massachusetts Democratic Party

Ideas for Committees

Many Town and Ward Committees may go ahead with their scheduled meetings. Unlike caucuses, these meetings are usually smaller gatherings with a defined membership, limiting attendees’ exposure to people outside their normal social circles. We’re working to provide committees with virtual tools members may use to attend meetings; those tools will be provided to chairs sometime soon. In the meantime, here are a few things committees can do to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

  • Send your membership an email prior to your meeting, asking them to stay home if they feel sick. Encourage those attending to bring their own materials if needed. 
  • Try to disinfect high traffic areas and frequently-touched objects before and after your event.
  • Seat folks at least 3 feet apart if possible, and at the start of the meeting, make an announcement asking people to avoid close contact, sneeze and cough into their arms or a tissue, and wash their hands regularly. 
  • Have plenty of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, tissues, and garbage cans near by.
  • Try to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces before and after your event.
  • Keep the names and contact information of attendees for at least a month to help public health personnel determine who has been exposed to the virus should someone develop symptoms after your meeting. 

As always, follow the guidelines set by your local board of health. They know how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 best–if they ask you to postpone your meeting, please do so. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the MassDems at (617) 939-0800.

Event details:

3/14/2020 CANCELED: Malden Democrats Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast and Awards Ceremony

Saturday, March 14, 9 – 11 AM

Irish American Club, 177 West Street, Malden 02148

Statement from the Malden Democratic City Committee: In light of the guidance received by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in declaring a state of emergency, and in conjunction with both the City of Malden and the Massachusetts Democratic Party postponing the majority of crowd-gathering events until further notice, we have decided to postpone our annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast scheduled for this Saturday, 3/14 out of precaution for the health and well being of our members and attendees. We appreciate the committee’s support and look forward to providing our honorees (Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Ariane Taylor, Jean Voltaire, Deborah Gesualdo, and Sarah Zeiberg) some well deserved recognition in the not too distant future. Tentative plans are being developed to hold an awards reception on April 11 at our next scheduled meeting, while being cautiously optimistic about the public health situation at hand. Stay tuned for more information! 

3/15/2020 CANCELED: Fundraiser for Congressional Candidate Quinn Nystrom (MN-8)
Sunday, March 15, 3 – 5 PM
Article 24, Downstairs in the Bandita, 458 Western Ave, Brighton
Suggested Contribution or Raise Levels: Young Professional: $25, Guest: $100, Ally: $250, Sponsor: $500, Chair: $1,000, Host $2,800. RSVP by donating at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mar2020boston 

3/16/2020 CANCELED: Re-Election Kickoff for Rep Jack Lewis
Monday, March 16, 6 – 8 PM
Springdale Beer Co, 102 Clinton St, Framingham 102 Clinton St, Framingham
This event has been canceled by the host http://bit.ly/2QadUk2 – – – – – – – – Join community leaders, friends, and neighbors as they kick off Jack’s re-election campaign. And with delicious food and on tap Springdale brews, it’s sure to be a fun evening. Parents, feel free to bring your kids! There are snacks and your entire family will enjoy, plus plenty of arcade tokens! Questions: Email Jack directly at Jack@ElectJackLewis.com. Donations can also be mailed to: Committee to Elect Jack Lewis, PO Box 373, Ashland, MA 01721  

*3/16/2020 MassDems Training: Run for National Delegate and the MassDems State Committee*
Monday, March 16, 6 PM
https://zoom.us/j/379269105
Are you interested in being a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, WI on July 13-16 for your favorite candidate? Do you want to help define the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s goals and help elect Democrats? Have you wondered what the Democratic Party state committee is and how to become an elected member of the Party leadership? On this webinar, we will answer all of these questions, walk you through the basics of becoming a national delegate and joining the state committee and answer any of your questions. 

*3/16/2020 CANCELED: Wayland DTC Meeting*
Monday, March 16, 7 PM
120 Grill, 171 Commonwealth Rd, Wayland
Social at 6:30pm, meeting at 7pm. Please RSVP to waylanddems@gmail.com. 

3/17/2020 CANCELED: Pepperell Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 6:45 PM
Charles Lawrence Library, 15 Main St, Pepperell, MA 01463
Join the Pepperell Democratic Town Committee for their monthly meeting. Contact tjdem@charter.net for more information. 

3/18/2020 Burlington DTC Meeting
Wednesday, March 18, 7 PM
NOTE: This is now a virtual meeting
Contact christopher.donald.campbell@gmail.com for more details on the virtual meeting 

*3/20/2020 Wayland Dems Breakfast*
Friday, March 20, 7 – 9 AM
Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe, 310 Commonwealth Rd, Wayland
Join for coffee and conversation anytime between 7-9am. 

3/21/2020 CANCELED: A Call to Action on Housing: Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts Annual Conference
Saturday, March 21, AM
Lasell University, Newton
This year’s conference kicks off with a panel of experts on housing, including Rep. Mike Connolly and Eric Shupin from CHAPA. Then they’ll break into working groups to sharpen advocacy skills for use on a range of topics (not just housing), including one on effective grassroots strategies for lobbying for legislative action. At lunch you can network with activists to get up to speed on crucial policy issues before us during rounds of their popular Issue Speed Dating program. Then, they’ll wrap up with a lively discussion on winning the fight for progressive leadership in the State Legislature — with retired State Rep. Jay Kaufman and Jordan Berg Powers of Mass Alliance. Suggested donation $25. Buffet lunch included. Sign Up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pdm-spring-issues-conference-tickets-92079930551 

3/21/2020 Greater Lowell Area Democrats Meeting
Saturday, March 21, 8 AM
Chelmsford Police Station, 2 Olde North Rd, Chelmsford
Join the Greater Lowell Area Democrats and special guests Candidate for Congress (CD-6) Jamie Belsito and State Sen. Ed Kennedy for their meeting. Contact Christopher Jenkins at jenkins@gwmail.gwu.edu 

3/21/2020 Rep. Kathy LaNatra’s Campaign Kick-Off
Saturday, March 21, 5:30 – 7 PM
Mussels Grille @ the Kingsbury Club, 186 Summer St. Kingston
Join Rep. LaNatra and supporters for her Re-Election Kick-Off! Appetizers, cash bar & special guests. RSVP to abbelmore@hotmail.com; walk-ins welcome too. Campaign donations greatly appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Committee to Elect Kathy LaNatra.  

3/22/2020 (LIKELY CANCELED) Fourth Congressional District Candidates Forum Hosted by Newton Dems and Progressive Newton
Sunday, March 22, 7:30 – 9 PM
War Memorial, Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton Centre, MA
Confirmation of cancellation expected next week. Join Newton Dems and Progressive Newton for an evening with the candidates running to fill the 4th Congressional District seat. They will have a moderated panel discussion and then the individuals candidates will be available for questions as well as information about their campaigns and opportunity to get involved. 

*3/23/2020 CANCELED: Northborough Democratic Town Committee Monthly Meeting*
Monday, March 23, 7 PM
Northborough Free Library large meeting room, 34 Main St., Northborough
This meeting has been canceled. Contact Janet Cason at janetqcason@verizon.net for more information.  

3/24/2020 CANCELED: Billerica DTC Meeting
Tuesday, March 24, 7 PM
Billerica Town Hall, 365 Boston Road, Billerica Billerica
Contact: billericademocrats@gmail.com 

3/25/2020 Annual Women’s Event in Support of Attorney General Maura Healey
Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 – 7 PM
Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St James Avenue, Boston
Suggested Contributions $125, $250, $500, $1,000, Young Professionals $50 (Limited). RSVP to info@maurahealey.com 

*3/25/2020 CANCELED: Wakefield DTC Reorganization Meeting*
Wednesday, March 25, 7 PM
Brightview, 29 Crescent Street, Wakefield, MA
Reorganization meeting to elect town committee officers. 

3/25/2020 Wellesley Democrats 2020 Organizing Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 7 PM
Wellesley Community Center, 219 Washington St, Wellesley
Join us at 7:00 p.m. for social and refreshments, 7:30 p.m. for our business meeting, 7:45 p.m. to get organized! RSVP here: https://www.wellesleydems.org/events/2020-organizing-meeting 

3/28/2020 Attleboro 23rd Annual Democratic Spring Brunch
Saturday, March 28, 9 AM
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N Main Street, Attleboro
Join together with city, town committee members, for a morning of good food and conversation with like-minded folks. Tickets are $25, available at door. Tickets can be also purchased in advance by mailing a check payable to Attleboro Democratic City Committee C/O Treasurer, Jackie Romaniecki, 120 Augsburg Dr, Attleboro, MA 02703 Guests include: US Senator Ed Markey, Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux, State Representative Jim Hawkins, Secretary of State Bill Galvin, Former State Treasurer and Former DNC Chair Steve Grossman, State Senator Paul Feeney, State Senator Becca Rausch, Governors Councilor Bob Jubinville, Register of Probate Tom Hoye, Candidates for the 4th Congressional District Jesse Mermell, Becky Walker Grossman, David Cavell, Jake Auchincloss, Ihssane Leckey, Alan Khazei, Ben Sigel, and Tom Shack, and candidate for State Rep Brendan Roche. 

3/28/2020 Springfield Ward 6 Reorganization Meeting
Saturday, March 28, 11:45 – 1 PM
Forest Park Library, 380 Belmont Avenue, Springfield
Join the Ward 6 Democratic Committee as we reorganize following the primary wherein the committee was reelected. Planning for upcoming events and potential speakers are to be discussed. More to come. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/614312629421724/ 

3/28/2020 Cape & Islands Democratic Council Annual Kennedy Legacy Dinner
Saturday, March 28, 6 – 9 PM
Resort & Conference Center, 35 Scudder Ave, Hyannis, MA
Please join the Cape & Islands Democratic Council for this year’s dinner. The theme is Climate Change Emergency – Cape Cod & Beyond. Keynote Speaker: US Senator Ed Markey. Guest Speakers: Congressman Joseph Kennedy III and Dr. Phil Duffy, Exec. Dir. of the Woods Hole Research Center. VIP Reception 5-6PM. Dinner 6-9PM. Online tickets and information: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cidcdinner2020. Contact Steve Leibowitz StevenL57@gmail.com for inquiries and program advertising opportunities  

3/29/2020 Groton DTC Meeting
Sunday, March 29, 4 PM
Legion Hall, 75 Hollis St, Groton
Agenda includes reorganization. Contact: grotondtc@gmail.com 

4/4/2020 Democratic State Committee Reorganization Meeting
Saturday, April 4, 10 AM
Iron Workers Local 7, 195 Old Colony Ave, South Boston, MA 02127
Save the date of the DSC Reorganization meeting. Check https://massdems.org/your-party/state-committee for more information as it is announced. 

4/4/2020 Wilmington Democratic Town Committee Scholarship Breakfast
Saturday, April 4, 10 AM
Windsor Place, 92 West St, Wilmington
RSVP: wilmingtondtc@gmail.com 

4/5/2020 Organizing Corps 2020 Brunch with Congressman Jim McGovern
Sunday, April 5, 11 – 1 PM
Home in Holliston
Join Congressman Jim McGovern and Organizing Corps 2020 Founder Meg Ansara for brunch in Holliston. The program will ensure that the eventual Democratic nominee has 1,000 community based field organizers in the key battleground states necessary to win back the White House in November 2020, tickets are $25, $50, $100, $250. For info and address contact James Arena-DeRosa email arena-derosa@msn.com or 508-429-8665.  

4/5/2020 Sturbridge Democratic Town Committee Unity Brunch and Fundraiser
Sunday, April 5, 11 AM
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge
Promote and support Democratic candidates and raise funds for their annual scholarship award. RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/2509188312684489/  

4/5/2020 Waltham Democratic City Committee Hero’s Brunch
Sunday, April 5, 11 – 1 PM
Chateau Restaurant, 195 School Street, Waltham
The WDCC Heroes Brunch will be held on Sunday, April 5. There will be much food, merriment, remembrances, a few political speeches, and of course, Heroes to honor! 

4/5/2020 Lexington DTC Reorganization Meeting
Sunday, April 5, 7:30 PM
Brookhaven, 1010 Waltham St, Lexington
 

4/6/2020 Lowell DCC Reorganization Meeting
Monday, April 6, 7 PM
East End Club,15 West Fourth Street, Lowell
Contact: Judith Durant at judithdurant1@comcast.net 

4/6/2020 Wilmington DTC Reorganization Meeting
Monday, April 6, 7 PM
Wilmington Community Television, 10 Waltham St, Wilmington
 

4/7/2020 Pepperell DTC Meeting
Tuesday, April 7, 6:45 PM
Charles Lawrence Library, 15 Main St, Pepperell
Agenda includes reorganization. Contact: tjdem@charter.net 

4/8/2020 Boxford Democratic Town Committee Reorganization Meeting
Wednesday, April 8, 7 PM
Boxford Community Center, 4 Middleton Road (corner of Elm Street), Boxford
Agenda will include the election/re-election of officers. For further information contact: Ken Thompson, Chair@BoxfordDems.org or 978-502-2078. 

4/11/2020 Malden DCC Organizational Meeting
Saturday, April 11, 10 – 12 PM
Irish American Club, 177 West Street, Malden
Committees from the 8 Malden wards and the MDCC will organize and elect officers for a 2-year term. If you are a member, please attend and participate if you can. For more information, please contact Adam Weldai (Chair), adamweldai@gmail.com or (781) 264-1629 or your ward chair.  

4/13/2020 Franklin Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Monday, April 13, 7 – 9 PM
FranklinTV and Radio Station, 23 Hutchinson St, Franklin
 

4/15/2020 Burlington Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 15, 7 PM
Town Hall Annex, 25 Center St, Burlington
 

4/25/2020 Democratic National Convention Caucuses
Saturday, April 25, 1 PM
Various
 

4/26/2020 Longmeadow Democrat of the Year Breakfast
Sunday, April 26, 9:30 AM
Twin Hills Country Club, 270 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow
The Longmeadow DTC will be holding its annual Democrat of the Year Breakfast, honoring Sheriff Nick Cocchi, with U.S. Senator Ed Markey and U.S. Representative Joe Kennedy III as our keynote speakers. Other notable guests include Congressman Richie Neal, State Senator Eric Lesser, State Rep. Brian Ashe, and Hampden County DA Anthony Gulluni. 

4/26/2020 Groton Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Sunday, April 26, 4 PM
75 Hollis St, Groton, MA 01450
Contact: grotondtc@gmail.com 

5/2/2020 Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Saturday, May 2, 10 AM
1009 Main Street, Tewksbury
 

*5/3/2020 Wakefield DTC Breakfast – Blue 2020 Vision: What’s at Stake?*
Sunday, May 3, 8:30 – 11 AM
Four Points Sheraton, One Audubon Rd, Wakefield
The Wakefield DTC will be recognizing the Wakefield Human Rights Commission. The Breakfast will be held on May 3, 2020 at Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield 8:30 am-11:30 am. Tickets are $28 Students-$15. Guests include Congressman Seth Moulton and State Senator Jason Lewis. 

5/3/2020 The Gloucester Democratic City Committee’s Annual Fundraising Brunch
Sunday, May 3, 11 AM
Elks Lodge at 97 Atlantic Road, Gloucester.
Join the Gloucester DTC during their annual fundraising brunch on Sunday, May 3rd at the Elks Lodge!  

5/9/2020 Three Towns & Two Cities Breakfast
Saturday, May 9, 9 AM
Nicholson Hall, 9 Harris Street, Newburyport 01950
8:30 AM coffee/9:30 AM breakfast. Tickets are $35 if purchased in advance and $40 when purchased at the door. For more information, contact Kathy Pasquina at kathypasq2@hotmail.com or (978) 270-0529. 

5/9/2020 Malden Democrats Monthly Meeting
Saturday, May 9, 10 – 11 AM
Irish American Club, 177 West Street, Malden
For more information, please contact Adam Weldai (Chair), adamweldai@gmail.com or (781) 264-1629.