Barbara Rondeau of Franklin was honored as an Unsung Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women on Monday, April 29, 2013 in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston. Representative Jeffrey N. Roy recommended Ms. Rondeau for this recognition because of her extraordinary service to the Franklin community.
She was honored with 82 other Unsung Heroines from throughout Massachusetts. The ceremony included a program hosted by Liz Brunner acknowledging each of the 83 Unsung Heroines of 2013, followed by a group photograph and a Just Desserts reception.
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Rep Jeff Roy - Barbara Rondeau |
“Barbara A. Rondeau was the ideal candidate for this nomination,” noted Rep. Roy. “Throughout her years of service to the Franklin community, she gave her time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others. She never sought the limelight and returns each year to the task of making Franklin a great place to live.”
The Unsung Heroines are women who don’t always make the news, but truly make the difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community has them.
Ms. Rondeau is a lifelong resident and a tireless volunteer in Franklin. She is also a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She volunteers her time in the tax work off program in Franklin and is a long time member of the Franklin Alden Club, a women’s service group dating back to 1893. Barbara is also the chairperson of the “Concerts on the Common” that schedules concerts and children’s entertainment on Franklin’s Town Common during the summer months. Those events are enjoyed by many in the town. Barbara is also chair of the Santa Claus on the Common committee that brings Santa to the common each year to the delight of Franklin’s children and parents alike.
This event was made possible with the support of the following community sponsors: Cape Air, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College, Casner & Edwards, LLP, Continental Resources Inc., Day Pitney LLP, and the members of MetroWest ATHENA Women. The Commission’s annual Unsung Heroine initiative is underwritten by these private sponsors and the MCSW Trust Fund and no tax dollars are used to fund this event.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.