Toy Drive Kick-Off Tonight at the China Blossom in North Andover

Join North Shore 104.9 and United Way of Massachusetts Bay Merrimack Valley as we help collect unwrapped toys, gift cards, and monetary donations to help local children in need, including those impacted by the gas explosions and fires in the Merrimack Valley. All contributions will be donated to the United Way.

 Join us for a live radio broadcast from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.at the China Blossom, 946 Osgood Street in North Andover.

This live event will feature local entertainment, complimentary appetizers, and interviews with local officials.

See you tonight.

Discover Gloucester Awards Luncheon

I was happy to join with Discover Gloucester​ at its annual luncheon to honor Pauline Bresnahan, Gloucester Harbormaster TJ Ciarametaro and others who contribute significantly to the economy of the city and the region.

AIM’s Regional Celebration in Lawrence Bestows Sustainability Award to Analog Devices, Inc. of Wilmington

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts had its annual Merrimack Valley Regional Celebration this week in Lawrence at Salvatore's Lawrence at Riverwalk. This annual event honors Merrimack Valley employers for their unique contributions to economic opportunity in the Commonwealth.

One of the components of the evening is a brief awards ceremony – including a Sustainability Award, which was presented to Analog Devices, Inc.. Analog has a Wilmington campus of six buildings for offices, semiconductor manufacturing, laboratories for research and a central utility plant. Following a newly implemented major efficiency effort the company has saved more than $1 million of annual savings in electricity costs – a 34 percent reduction in usage, and a 19 percent spending reduction on chemicals.

Their efforts included changes to a host of other practices from shipping logistics to reducing nighttime lighting.

Advisory: Daytime Rock Work on Rockport Commuter Rail Line on December 8

Work to occur in Gloucester 6AM–6PM

MassDOT and the MBTA are undertaking federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) infrastructure installation which will increase the safety of commuter rail customers and would like to advise the community of upcoming daytime rock drill work within the right-of-way along the MBTA Rockport Line. Due to the equipment necessary to perform this work, high noise levels can be expected.

On Saturday December 8, 2018, the PTC Systems Integrator Ansaldo STS USA, Inc. is scheduled to perform rock drilling activities during daytime work hours of between approximately 6AM – 6PM as needed at locations on the line in Gloucester from the Gloucester Drawbridge to Gloucester Station.

For further information regarding PTC please visit: mbta.com/ptc.

USS Thomas Hudner Christened

This weekend I attended the commissioning ceremony for the Navy’s destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner, named for Thomas Hudner of Fall River and Concord.

I had the opportunity to be with Captain Hudner on several occasions, he was truly an inspiring man who loved the Navy, loved his country and was a kind and giving person.

The Captain was a top-flight pilot and he understood the risks that he took when, in December of 1950, he intentionally landed on a Korean mountain behind enemy lines during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir so that he could attempt to save the life of Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first African-American pilot, whose plane had been shot and damaged causing him to land in a fiery crash. Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman.

While he was able to attend the christening of the ship in April of last year I was deeply saddened by his passing just over a year ago. Not only was he a skilled pilot during wartime he was also a leader in connecting veterans with needed services during peacetime as Commissioner of Veterans’ Services for Massachusetts.

Toy Drive Gatherings Momentum- In Studio With Lindsey Matt and Erica of North Shore 104.9

Had a good time in studio this morning on North Shore 104.9's morning show - Lindsey Matt and Erica featuring Lindsey Robbins Matt Knight and Erika Hemingway.

 We talked about the Senator Bruce Tarr's Toy Drive Kick-Off With North Shore 104.9 event that we are having Monday night at the China Blossom in North Andover from 6 pm to 8 pm.

And, we talked about our all-day Toy Drive which rolls happens later in the week on Thursday from 6 am to 6:30 pm. Your contributions of unwrapped toys, checks or gift cards are welcome and can brighten the holidays for a local child in need.

For more information, including our broadcast locations, for the Thursday Toy Drive visit - https://www.northshore1049.com/sen -bruce-tarr-holiday-toy-drive/W

Happy Hanukkah!

“May the lights of Hanukkah usher in a better world for all humankind.” ~Author Unknown

The State House will be the setting this afternoon for the annual Menorah lighting at the Grand Staircase.

The lighting of the Menorah is in recognition of Hanukkah, which commenced on Sunday, December 2nd. Today’s lighting is open to the public and will take place on the 2nd floor of the State House, and begins approximately at 4:00pm.

Happy Hanukkah!