Ipswich Dems Breakfast Features Community Service Award
IPSWICH — The Ipswich Refugee Program took center stage on March 21 as it received the 2026 Community Service Award at the Ipswich Democratic Town Committee’s (IDTC) 17th annual breakfast.
More than 80 residents filled Boone Hall at Ascension Memorial Church, where IDTC Chair David Russell presented the award, noting that the organization’s work has become “even more critical now.”
Although the group was honored just four years ago, Russell said this year’s overwhelming vote among committee members reflects its growing importance.
Refugee Program President Lynn Lenhart and Vice President Meredith Joss said the program’s focus has shifted from resettling newly arriving refugees to supporting those whose legal pathways to permanent residency have stalled over the past year.
The organization also received a citation of appreciation from the State Auditor’s Office.
DiZoglio and Kassner
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, the event’s keynote speaker, emphasized her office’s role in holding state agencies accountable. She pointed to audits involving MBTA safety contracts and mental health care within the Department of Children and Families.
DiZoglio said Massachusetts is often cited as one of the least transparent state governments in the country and drew applause for her continued push to audit the state Legislature — a measure that was approved by 72% of voters in 2024.
State Rep. Kristin Kassner spoke about challenges at both the local and national levels and the importance of civic engagement.
“We will keep showing up. We will keep doing the work and, together, we will build a Massachusetts that is resilient and fair,” she said.
Kassner highlighted Ipswich’s new “100% affordable” Harborlight Homes project on Washington Street and ongoing marsh restoration efforts.
She also pointed to two priorities for local residents: updating the state’s decades-old bottle bill and restricting the use of anticoagulant rodenticides.
Other business
Town Historian Gordon Harris reflected on Ipswich’s “outsized” role in the American Revolution and the Massachusetts Constitution, and fielded questions about a Town Meeting article calling on Congress to exercise oversight of the president.
The committee also launched a new Civic Engagement Scholarship for Ipswich High School students, to be awarded to a junior beginning in 2027.
Ipswich is part of the 6th Congressional District, and several Democratic candidates seeking to replace Rep. Seth Moulton attended to introduce themselves to voters.
