Phil Johnston was a longtime friend and staunch supporter of public retirees. Our Association worked closely with him over the years, first as a State Representative and then as Secretary of Health and Human Services. After leaving government and helping to found the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, Phil’s office was next to our’s on the 3rd floor of 11 Beacon Street for many years. He was a good person, who did great work to help many. He will be deeply missed. Our condolences go to the Johnston family. (fb)

We had a great turnout of Mass Retirees members on Friday for our first-ever Natick Area Meeting! Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend. And a BIG thank you to our friend, Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis for clearing his schedule in order to drop by and say hello. Rep. Lewis is now the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government -a committee of great importance for public retirees and employees. We will certainly be back in Natick again in 2026! Our next Area Meeting takes place in Leominster on Friday, April 11. Members should look to page 3 of the April edition of The Voice for a full list of upcoming events. (fb)