North Reading’s Francine Coughlin Named a Commonwealth Heroine

North Reading resident and business owner Francine Coughlin has been named a Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW).

Coughlin is the Immediate Past President of the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the North Reading Historical Commission, where she previously served as its Vice Chairperson. She is also the owner of Bark n’ Roll Canine Care and the founder of Rock n’ Rescue, a non-profit dog rescue organization. She recently created the Hornets Against Hate Facebook group and helped lead the effort to organize last week’s peaceful protest on the Town Common in memory of George Floyd.

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), who nominated Coughlin for the award, and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) praised Coughlin for her work in the community.

“Francine’s commitment to the continual improvement of the Town of North Reading is truly commendable,” said Representative Jones. “Through her combination of enthusiasm, creativity, commitment to community, and hard work, she truly exemplifies the kind of Commonwealth Heroine that the MCSW seeks to recognize.”

“I am happy to share in recognizing Francine for the role she plays in supporting people in North Reading and for her many thoughtful acts of service to others and her kindness to community and K-9 alike,” said Senator Tarr. “She is deserving of this honor and I congratulate and thank her for her countless acts of engagement on behalf of the betterment of others.”

Since 2004, the MCSW has recognized women across the Commonwealth “who don’t make the news, but make the difference.” A total of 133 women are being honored this year.

“Thousands of women in every community of the state perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live,” the MCSW noted. “Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators who strive to protect and represent the interests of seniors, victims of violence, children, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. They are the glue that keeps a community together.”

The MCSW plans to hold a virtual celebration of its 2020 Commonwealth Heroines on June 24 by sharing a slideshow provided through a shared link on its social media platforms, including Twitter (@MassCSW) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/MassCSW). The event is made possible with the support of Eastern Bank, Eversource and Flour Bakery.

Created by the Legislature in 1998, the MCSW is an independent state agency that works to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities.