Good News For Cape Ann Commuter Rail Riders

I attended the MBTA's Fiscal Management and Control Board meeting to advocate for action on the Annisquam River Commuter Rail Bridge located in Gloucester. The T has decided to move forward with the project by selecting one winning bid from five entries.

The J.F. White Contracting Company was awarded the contract set at $56.9 million. I will have more details, such as expected start and completion dates soon.

Kids Ride Rolls in Money to Support Pan-Mass Challenge

Recently I had the honor of attending a great fundraising event in Manchester-by-the-Sea in support of the Pan-Mass. Challenge Kids Rides program. This was the final event of more than 30 of the year in Massachusetts for the Kids Ride program.

The PMC supports the work and patients of the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute, in fact, every dollar raised by PMC bike riders goes to Dana-Faber. You can still offer your support for PMC and help fight cancer by donating at http://www.pmc.org/…/…/pedal-power-pmc-kids-rides-are-coming

The Manchester ride had a great turnout of parents, kids – some riders were as young as three, and awesome community supporters.

Today, the people of Nevada have been besieged with unimaginable pain caused by the violence that took place in Las Vegas.

At our Senate session today I asked the Senate to stand together and unite and observe a moment of silence for those who lost their lives, those who were wounded, and for all of those who are experiencing the consequences of these devastating and tragic actions.

At 2:45 this afternoon in Memorial Hall in the State House I joined with Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Attorney General Maura T. Healey, Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, and several other colleagues for a somber moment of reflection. What matters most now is to remember that we are all Americans, and to stand in solidarity and support with and for those experiencing terrible pain because of this horrendous violence.

On Yom Kippur

I wish you peace and happiness on this day of reflection and in the New Year.

G'mar Chatima Tova.

First Annual Senate Food Drive

Today, Senate President Stan Rosenberg and I held the 1st annual Senate Food Drive with all items to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank. The items were presented in a ceremony at the State House.

Food is a fundamental need and far too many people regularly go without the nutrition and sustenance that they need. By partnering with the Greater Boston Food Bank the members and staff of the Senate are working together to make a very real difference in the lives of people who need this food.

Joining me with President Rosenberg were Greater Boston Food Bank’s Manager of Public Affairs Catherine Drennan, Brian Merrill,Senior Manager of Donations, Anne Ziaja, Executive Director Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement, Rita Noonan, Deputy Director Senate Office of Senate Education and Civic Engagement and my Chief of Staff Attilio Paglia.

Visit the Breater Boston Foodbank at www.GBFB.org

Update on the MBTA Annisquam River Drawbridge Project.

I have been informed that the T will be taking bids on the 106 year old bridge until Thursday October 5th. The T's Fiscal Management and Control Board will likely receive a presentation and briefing on the project at their October 16th meeting.

Timothy Callahan - American Hero

This summer, North Reading lost a true American hero- Timothy J. Callahan, a combat veteran in World War II, passed away at his home at the age of 96 – I had the Senate adjourn in his memory.

Yesterday, at the North Reading Veterans 8th Annual Dinner, we honored him and thanked his family. Mr. Callahan served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II fighting in in Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland. Remarkably, he survived two plane crashes and flew 63 other combat missions as a pilot of the B-26 Marauder. He earned numerous awards and commendations including: the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Distinguished Unit Citation, the Medal of Humane Action and the Purple Heart.

Mr. Callahan served his community for 34 years as the Director of Veteran’s Services for the town of North Reading, retiring from this position at age 89.

Yesterday’s gathering was all about recognizing veterans, their families, and those who support them. Courage, distinction, and service to our nation – these are the hallmarks of those that we honored - the men and women of the American Armed Forces.

I thank Susan Magner, Director of Veterans Services, for her efforts to make the day a fitting tribute. Francisco Urena, Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans' Affairs, Bob Mauceri of the board of Selectmen and Representative Brand Jones also thanked our veterans during the presentation.