Anne Bergen & Kaye Kelly selected for 20th Annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023

Join us on June 23, 2023 to celebrate this year's incredible class of Commonwealth Heroines. 

Anne Bergen & Kaye Kelly selected for 20th Annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023

Each year the Commission partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. Each legislator is encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service, who are making a big difference in their communities but not necessarily making the news.

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) will be celebrating the 20th Annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023 on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Massachusetts Statehouse in the Great Hall of Flags. Opening remarks will be made by MCSW Chairwoman Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith, followed by a special recognition of all 125 honorees.

“The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make all the difference in their communities,” said MCSW Chairwoman Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith. “Thousands of women in every community across the Commonwealth perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators - they are the glue that keeps a community together.”

We are proud to announce the following women as this year’s Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023 and look forward to publicly recognizing them at our event on Friday, June 23nd, 2023: 

• Anne Bergen of Franklin
• Kaye Kelly of Franklin

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the MCSW at MCSW@mass.gov.

Shared from -> https://www.mass.gov/event/2023-commonwealth-heroines-celebration-2023-06-23t110000-0400-2023-06-23t140000-0400

 20th Annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023

"Franklin teen honored as a Commonwealth Heroine"

"Speaking up, and making a difference. Franklin teen honored as a Commonwealth Heroine"

Not so long ago, Ndoumbe Ndoye would never have imagined herself getting up in front of a crowd to talk about issues of social justice and racism, and to share her own personal encounters.

Now she can't imagine NOT talking about these things — ever since she steeled herself to get up in front of a crowd on the Franklin town common last year as people rallied following the death of George Floyd.

There, she gave an emotional speech that brought tears to her own and others' eyes. And since then she has been actively working to promote racial understanding and justice.

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/country-gazette/2021/07/08/franklin-teen-recognized-commonwealth-heroine/7890318002/

The announcement of Ndoumbe's recognition

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/franklins-ndoumbe-ndoye-awarded.html

Franklin Senior Ndoumbe Ndoye is a determined and passionate youth activist. Photo used with permission from Ndoumbe Ndoye (Pantherbook image from Jason Beckett )

"She gets the job done without fanfare"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Apr 25, 2009 @ 11:35 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Paula Mullen, a Franklin resident and vice chairwoman of the School Committee, was one of 100 women in the state named a 2009 Unsung Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

She will be recognized by the commission for outstanding contributions to her community in a ceremony on May 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the State House in Boston.

School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy nominated Mullen.

Roy thought she was "a perfect fit," especially because she hates the limelight, but deserves the recognition for all the volunteer work she does.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.

"To receive an award for something that you do every day and that you enjoy doing just doesn't make sense"

Deborah Pellegri, Franklin Town Clerk, was quoted in the Milford Daily News as part of the article on the state recognition for "unsung heroines":

"To receive an award for something that you do every day and that you enjoy doing just doesn't make sense,'' said Pellegri, who helped to raise money for the town's statue of Benjamin Franklin.
Pellegri, who also planned the town's yearly Fourth of July activities for years, said she is excited to go to the State House for the ceremony.
"My husband and I are going to hop on the train and we'll scoot into the State House for day,'' she said.

Read the full article in the Daily News here.