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        <title><![CDATA[Massachusetts Community Connections - Medium]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Connecting you to local small businesses, community events, and trending topics within Massachusetts. - Medium]]></description>
        <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
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            <title>Massachusetts Community Connections - Medium</title>
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            <title><![CDATA[A Local Favorite Revisited: Sizzling Fajitas, Cozy Atmosphere & Great Service in Massachusetts]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/a-local-favorite-revisited-sizzling-fajitas-cozy-atmosphere-great-service-in-massachusetts-e5dfe469c88e?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[restaurant-review]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts-news]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[new-england]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:21:48 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-04-14T17:21:48.436Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*OIuFNW5DJz1RaaI4VzOoFA.jpeg" /></figure><p>There is a specific kind of nostalgia that comes with revisiting a local staple after a long hiatus. For me, Cancun’s Family Mexican Restaurant in Kingston, Massachusetts, had been a frequent stop for over a decade, though it had been five years since my last visit. Returning this past Thursday for lunch, I was curious to see if my old favorite still held its spark. As it turns out, the timing couldn’t have been better as my visit coincided perfectly with their Fajita Thursday special, which offers 25% off chicken or veggie fajitas.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*K7lMYJu5R3CpTHbtyFL5Gw.jpeg" /></figure><p>The first thing I noticed upon entering was how the space has evolved. The decor has been thoughtfully updated over the years, striking a beautiful balance between sophisticated modern touches and vibrant Mexican culture. While the large dining room features colorful, tiled tables in the middle of the room and painted booths featuring intricate scenes wrapped around the exterior, we were seated in the bar area. The atmosphere there was notably cozy, anchored by a gorgeous fireplace, festive string lights, and dark wood accents that made the room feel tucked away from the midday bustle.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*vrdzNVnPZFBKv8eLQ96h_g.jpeg" /></figure><p>The service was immediate, and before we even had our menus open, we were greeted with warm chips and a detail I particularly appreciated: individual salsa bowls for everyone at the table. It’s a small touch, but one that completely eliminates the double-dipping anxiety of a shared appetizer. Our waiter was kind and attentive, and always seemed to appear right when we needed something, from extra napkins to the check at the end.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*t-4B6_VN9VKmUyqeBqoalA.jpeg" /></figure><p>As for the main event, the chicken fajitas arrived exactly how you want them to: hot, sizzling, and smelling delicious. The portion size was impressive, accompanied by rice and beans topped with melted cheese, plus a generous dollop of sour cream, fresh shredded lettuce, and plenty of cheese, along with warm tortillas. The spices on the chicken and vegetables were spot-on, providing a deep, authentic flavor. My only minor critique was the cut of the onions, as they were sliced quite thin, which caused them to stick to the skillet slightly. I would have preferred a thicker cut, but the flavor was good that it didn’t dampen the experience whatsoever.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*dHfJGOKnTQWtW1gMjSIP8w.jpeg" /></figure><p>Beyond the Thursday fajitas deals, Cancun’s has different reasons for you to visit throughout the week: Margarita Mondays feature 50% off appetizers with a margarita purchase, while Taco Tuesdays offer a choice for every budget: you can grab $2 tacos (ground beef or shredded chicken with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, dine-in only) or take 25% off any taco entree. That being said, be sure to check their for the most up-to-date information about these weekly deals, as by the time you’re reading this article, the details of their deals may have changed.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*vnZk364OXQgWJfnxd8FdPA.jpeg" /></figure><p>Perhaps the most surprising part of the meal was the bill. For two people enjoying chicken fajitas and sodas, the total came to about $35! In an era where a casual lunch for two can easily climb toward $60, finding this level of quality and quantity for the price felt like a genuine steal. Whether you are a local who hasn’t stopped by in a few seasons or a visitor exploring the Plymouth area, Cancun’s remains a reliable, welcoming choice, especially if you can time your visit with one of their weekly specials!</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*TnnyBr1Sc7P4xOnfVxYGwA.jpeg" /></figure><p>If you enjoyed this article and want to discover more hidden gems around the area, I’m regularly sharing my latest dining experiences and honest food and drink reviews over on Substack at <a href="https://communityconnections.substack.com/t/restaurant-reviews"><em>https://communityconnections.substack.com/t/restaurant-reviews</em></a>. Feel free to click through and join the conversation about where I should eat next!</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*RAS26hSgz_vfdt-x17ESEg.jpeg" /></figure><p><em>Originally published at </em><a href="https://www.newsbreak.com/dianna-carney-1587871/4562140622970-a-local-favorite-revisited-sizzling-fajitas-cozy-atmosphere-great-service-in-kingston"><em>https://www.newsbreak.com</em></a><em> on March 27, 2026.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=e5dfe469c88e" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/a-local-favorite-revisited-sizzling-fajitas-cozy-atmosphere-great-service-in-massachusetts-e5dfe469c88e">A Local Favorite Revisited: Sizzling Fajitas, Cozy Atmosphere &amp; Great Service in Massachusetts</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections">Massachusetts Community Connections</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[The Small Act of Kindness That Saved an Injured & Stranded Seagull]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/the-small-act-of-kindness-that-saved-an-injured-stranded-seagull-b1f82c1dea43?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2066/1*odRpJta8JoRKp1eVTJI2tw.png" width="2066"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">In a small act of everyday kindness, Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that cares for injured and orphaned&#x2026;</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/the-small-act-of-kindness-that-saved-an-injured-stranded-seagull-b1f82c1dea43?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4">Continue reading on Massachusetts Community Connections »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/the-small-act-of-kindness-that-saved-an-injured-stranded-seagull-b1f82c1dea43?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[nature]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[wildlife]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[animals]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[new-england]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:31:01 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-03-25T12:31:01.155Z</atom:updated>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Marylou’s March Flavor of the Month: Is Chocolate Chip Cannoli a Sweet Success or a Swing & a Miss?]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/marylous-march-flavor-of-the-month-is-chocolate-chip-cannoli-a-sweet-success-or-a-swing-a-miss-5387fef31670?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2076/1*9FzChYp7d6ahrowAmRrruw.png" width="2076"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">This is the second article in my new monthly series where I&#x2019;ll be testing out the latest monthly flavor at Marylou&#x2019;s Coffee! Check back&#x2026;</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/marylous-march-flavor-of-the-month-is-chocolate-chip-cannoli-a-sweet-success-or-a-swing-a-miss-5387fef31670?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4">Continue reading on Massachusetts Community Connections »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/marylous-march-flavor-of-the-month-is-chocolate-chip-cannoli-a-sweet-success-or-a-swing-a-miss-5387fef31670?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/5387fef31670</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[coffee]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[food-review]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[rhode-island]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[new-england]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-03-23T12:31:00.712Z</atom:updated>
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            <title><![CDATA[Marylou’s Coffee Reveals Limited-Time March Flavor: Here’s My Honest Review]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/marylous-coffee-reveals-limited-time-march-flavor-here-s-my-honest-review-3e3f14797b74?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2066/1*Nuq0NBQW2nIiulGdz2G24w.png" width="2066"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">This is the start of a new monthly series where I&#x2019;ll be testing out the latest monthly flavor at Marylou&#x2019;s Coffee! Check back next month&#x2026;</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/marylous-coffee-reveals-limited-time-march-flavor-here-s-my-honest-review-3e3f14797b74?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4">Continue reading on Massachusetts Community Connections »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/marylous-coffee-reveals-limited-time-march-flavor-here-s-my-honest-review-3e3f14797b74?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/3e3f14797b74</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[coffee]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[new-england]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[food-review]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[rhode-island]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:20:19 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-03-22T00:20:18.891Z</atom:updated>
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            <title><![CDATA[From YA to Adult: #1 NYT Bestselling Author Karen M. McManus Announces New Novel]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/from-ya-to-adult-1-nyt-bestselling-author-karen-m-mcmanus-announces-new-novel-95cdd8cc76a4?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1280/1*T0G-S2S2TJf2L_laDNYHkg.jpeg" width="1280"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">Karen M. McManus, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight books so far, often dubbed the &#x201C;queen&#x2026;</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/from-ya-to-adult-1-nyt-bestselling-author-karen-m-mcmanus-announces-new-novel-95cdd8cc76a4?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4">Continue reading on Massachusetts Community Connections »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/from-ya-to-adult-1-nyt-bestselling-author-karen-m-mcmanus-announces-new-novel-95cdd8cc76a4?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/95cdd8cc76a4</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[authors]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[reading]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[books-and-authors]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:35:55 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-03-04T16:35:56.504Z</atom:updated>
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            <title><![CDATA[Injured Eastern Screech Owl Begins Recovery After Blue Jay Attack]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/injured-eastern-screech-owl-begins-recovery-after-blue-jay-attack-f5511a4528c1?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/f5511a4528c1</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[nature]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[nonprofit]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[wildlife]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[animals]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:00:48 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-02-18T19:00:48.645Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>The injured owl was discovered by a neighbor who witnessed the attack and immediately contacted Barnstable Natural Resources.</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*u3aTMThcqs2hl6jijDwjyg.png" /><figcaption>Photo by Cape Wildlife Center</figcaption></figure><p>An Eastern screech owl is receiving care at Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable, Massachusetts, after losing a confrontation with a flock of blue jays. The nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CapeWildlife/posts/pfbid02fRPMFxYYVyDiz24u1CRRJ8nRVXUoumXCQyuDKYyPsDqLa8w4HuCfioEEQWyYhaPfl">shared</a> with the community on February 17th that they are providing round-the-clock monitoring as the small raptor battles head trauma and potential poisoning. The injured owl was discovered by a neighbor who witnessed the attack and immediately contacted Barnstable Natural Resources. Officials quickly responded and transported the disoriented bird to Cape Wildlife Center for emergency treatment.</p><p>“He arrived to our hospital with head trauma, squinty eyes, and some blood in his mouth and in his droppings,” the center reported. Medical staff suspect the injuries resulted from the blue jay encounter, but the symptoms also raised concerns about possible toxin exposure. “This can also point to signs of toxin exposure, so we started him on vitamin K while we run tests to rule out anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning,” the center explained.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*t96M0blZcU9X0MGjmUQkqA.png" /><figcaption>Photo by Cape Wildlife Center</figcaption></figure><p>Anticoagulant rodenticides are poisons that interfere with blood clotting and can move up the food chain when predators consume affected prey. Cape Wildlife Center noted that toxin exposure “may also help explain how he ended up getting caught in the blue jays crosshairs to begin with.”</p><p>Veterinary examination brought some positive news. An ocular exam and fluorescein eye stain test confirmed no damage to the owl’s retina or cornea. The center determined that “the squinting is due to generalized inflammation in the eye.” The patient is currently receiving supplemental oxygen and medication to address both head and eye trauma, while staff monitors for increased neurological symptoms and further bleeding.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*hNmFGo0yiTR_N-y_yVN85Q.png" /><figcaption>Photo by Cape Wildlife Center</figcaption></figure><p>The timing of the injury is particularly concerning for the species. Unlike many birds of prey, Eastern screech owls remain active throughout winter rather than migrating south. “Late winter is also when they start courtship and territory selection, so staying healthy now is especially important,” the center noted. The increased activity associated with breeding season may have contributed to the territorial dispute with the blue jays, as “food sources and territory are at a premium this time of year.”</p><p>Cape Wildlife Center remains cautiously optimistic about the owl’s prognosis. “For now he is stable, medicated, and under observation while we wait on test results,” staff reported. “With a little time and supportive care, we are hopeful he will be back on night shift soon, ideally keeping a respectful distance from the birds on the day shift.” The center has asked the community to “send some positive thoughts to this tough little Eastern Screech Owl” as he continues his recovery.</p><p>Those interested in learning more about the Cape Wildlife Center, including how to donate towards the work they do, can visit the website at <a href="https://capewildlifecenter.com/">https://capewildlifecenter.com/</a>.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*nK6e6od5HukDyLMk305Ebw.png" /><figcaption>Photo by Cape Wildlife Center</figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=f5511a4528c1" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/injured-eastern-screech-owl-begins-recovery-after-blue-jay-attack-f5511a4528c1">Injured Eastern Screech Owl Begins Recovery After Blue Jay Attack</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections">Massachusetts Community Connections</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[From 1 Cat to 400,000 in Only Seven Years: The Shocking Math Behind Feline Overpopulation]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/from-1-cat-to-400-000-in-only-seven-years-the-shocking-math-behind-feline-overpopulation-625984b58ffb?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1364/1*5B6TcYPLGhJolbF51ue-uw.png" width="1364"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">Kingston Animal Control/Shelter in Kingston, Massachusetts, is using February&#x2019;s Spay/Neuter Awareness Month to educate the public about&#x2026;</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/from-1-cat-to-400-000-in-only-seven-years-the-shocking-math-behind-feline-overpopulation-625984b58ffb?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4">Continue reading on Massachusetts Community Connections »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/from-1-cat-to-400-000-in-only-seven-years-the-shocking-math-behind-feline-overpopulation-625984b58ffb?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[cats]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[animals]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[pets-and-animals]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[pets]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:04:19 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-02-03T21:04:18.111Z</atom:updated>
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            <title><![CDATA[Massachusetts State Senate Launches “The Gavel Drop” Newsletter for Direct Constituent…]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/massachusetts-state-senate-launches-the-gavel-drop-newsletter-for-direct-constituent-49e21fe1c9ad?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/49e21fe1c9ad</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[government]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[united-states]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[local-government]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:56:59 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-01-21T20:56:58.361Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Massachusetts State Senate Launches “The Gavel Drop” Newsletter for Direct Constituent Communication</h3><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*rdGVFpTdYfxcFGcrSXSEXA.jpeg" /><figcaption>Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels</figcaption></figure><p>The Massachusetts State Senate has launched a new Substack newsletter called “The Gavel Drop” to provide direct communication with the community about legislative activities and policy decisions. <a href="https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=312">Announced</a> on January 15, 2026, the digital newsroom <a href="https://substack.com/@masenate?utm_source=substack-feed-item#:~:text=Housing%20Affordability%20Crisis%3F-,The%20Massachusetts%20State%20Senate,updates%2C%20and%20insights%20straight%20from%20the%20source%E2%80%94free%20and%20without%20paywalls.,-The%20Gavel%20Drop">aims</a> to bypass traditional media filters and deliver information “straight from the source — free and without paywalls.”</p><p>Senate leadership <a href="https://substack.com/home/post/p-180730452">describes</a> the newsletter as a response to growing demand for transparency and accessibility in government. “You deserve substance, not spin,” the inaugural post states. “That’s why we’re taking a fresh approach: sending the news directly to you.”</p><p>The newsletter will focus on three primary objectives: explaining Senate actions and their impact on constituents, clarifying the legislative process, and demonstrating how the Senate’s work aligns with Massachusetts values. According to the announcement, “The Gavel Drop” will provide “regular updates on major initiatives and votes,” along with “behind-the-scenes context on complex policy areas and how we get to ‘yes.’”</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*0jZJd-8MRTZyuLYb1l2JRw.png" /><figcaption>Photo from Massachusetts State Senate via Substack</figcaption></figure><p>The Senate positions the newsletter as a resource for multiple audiences, including advocates, journalists, and residents interested in Beacon Hill activities. “Our goal is simple: to make the Senate’s work more accessible, more transparent, and more connected to the people we serve,” the post explains.</p><p>Subscribers can expect periodic updates featuring policy explanations, legislative updates, and perspectives from senators across the chamber. The Senate encourages readers to “share it with someone who cares about affordability, transparency, and protecting Massachusetts residents and values” to expand the newsletter’s reach throughout the Commonwealth. This new Substack newsletter is a shift toward direct digital communication by state legislatures, allowing elected officials to control their messaging while increasing public engagement with the legislative process.</p><p>To learn more about the new Massachusetts State Senate Substack Newsletter, The Gavel Drop, including how to subscribe, visit it at <a href="https://masenate.substack.com/">https://masenate.substack.com/</a>.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=49e21fe1c9ad" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/massachusetts-state-senate-launches-the-gavel-drop-newsletter-for-direct-constituent-49e21fe1c9ad">Massachusetts State Senate Launches “The Gavel Drop” Newsletter for Direct Constituent…</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections">Massachusetts Community Connections</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Offers Free Admission for MLK Day]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-offers-free-admission-for-mlk-day-a14bd8ee966b?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2600/1*ExUOWc42aufpyO5952jX8Q.jpeg" width="5000"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King with a free day of programming.</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-offers-free-admission-for-mlk-day-a14bd8ee966b?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4">Continue reading on Massachusetts Community Connections »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-offers-free-admission-for-mlk-day-a14bd8ee966b?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[museums]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[boston]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[massachusetts]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:09:51 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-01-15T21:09:30.525Z</atom:updated>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Go Beyond the Hand-Turkey: Two Free Games That Teach the Real History of Thanksgiving]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/go-beyond-the-hand-turkey-two-free-games-that-teach-the-real-history-of-thanksgiving-2968f0c4cd53?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1642/1*bwLiqn7iX2F_vF5YeKhJ8g.jpeg" width="1642"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">A leading history museum has released virtual interactive adventures to help kids understand early America.</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/go-beyond-the-hand-turkey-two-free-games-that-teach-the-real-history-of-thanksgiving-2968f0c4cd53?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4">Continue reading on Massachusetts Community Connections »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/massachusetts-community-connections/go-beyond-the-hand-turkey-two-free-games-that-teach-the-real-history-of-thanksgiving-2968f0c4cd53?source=rss----9374df0bb374---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/2968f0c4cd53</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[teaching]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[learning]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[american-history]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[teachers]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dianna Carney]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:44:07 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-11-13T12:44:06.221Z</atom:updated>
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