Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Joe Poirier Retires

I was honored to congratulate Joe Poirier on the occasion of his retirement as the Maintenance Service Manager at Central Grammar Apartments in Gloucester. Joe jumped into the job as soon as the school was converted into homes for seniors 42 years ago. Throughout his decades of work he has been resourceful, courteous, effective, and a friend to many. Thankful for his service, I wish Joe the very best in his retirement.


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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Talia Needs Our Support

The days leading up to Christmas were festive, exciting and in many ways eye opening. Not only do we gather toys and raise funds for local non-profit charitable organizations (see the list at the end of this post) on my annual toy drive we also raise awareness of those in need. One very special organization Cure CMT4J is in a race to find a treatment and cure for an illness that fewer than twenty-three people in the world have been identified with– a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Talia Duff, a 12 year old girl from Ipswich, has CMT Type 4J this extremely rare neuro-degenerative disease can cause progressive and profound muscle weakness leading to paralysis. Today, there is no known cure or treatment - - but that can change.

Talia’s parents have been working tirelessly to find, fund, and empower a world-class research team of doctors and investigators to better understand the genetic mutation.

You can support Talia and the researchers by visiting this link and donating - https://donate.curecmt4j.org/

Action Inc.
Pathways for Children
Family and Children's Service of Greater Lynn
Ipswich Caring
Beverly Bootstraps
Neighbors in Need
Bates Elementary School of Salem







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Friday, December 22, 2017

Shining a Light on Shriners Hospital for Children

A visit to Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston is truly an uplifting experience and one that I am glad to be able to share the experience with others each year as we bring Santa Claus and his wagons of toys for the patients who are receiving care there. We met with Hospital Administrator Eileen Skinner, Chief of Staff, Dr. Matthias Donelan, and staff members.

I hope that you will keep Shriners Hospital in mind as you consider charitable organizations that deserve your support, the pediatric surgical care staff there are world-class in every respect.













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Thursday, December 21, 2017

Dean Tran Sworn In to Senate

Congratulations to my new colleague, Senator Dean Tran. He was sworn into office yesterday by Governor Charlie Baker. With the new Senator were his family, the Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Harriet Chandler, members of the Massachusetts Senate GOP Caucus and the Governor’s Council.










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Monday, December 18, 2017

Boxford's Grand Illumination

Boxford residents gather each year at the town’s Holiday Tree to commence a procession called the “Grand Illumination” throughout the historic East Village where houses built in the 1700’s and after still stand. The event features a festive crowd of people who carol from door to door asking residents of the community to “light up their lights”.

The event started at the town library’s field with a holiday bonfire and the lighting of the Christmas Tree on the Community Center lawn. Carolers were led by the Boxford Historical Society, folks moved through the neighborhood from home to home singing carols and asking each homeowner to light their home’s Christmas lights.








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Gloucester Veterans And Wreaths Across America

Honored to join Wreaths Across America at Beechbrook Cemetery in Gloucester to place wreaths on Veterans' graves. Very moving. With Cape Ann Wreaths Across America, Adam Curcuru - Director of Veterans' Services, Amanda Orlando Kesterson, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, City Councilors Sean Nolan, Jamie O'Hara, and Joe Orlando, and Beth Lindstrom.










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Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Happy Hanukkah

I was happy to join with Rabbi Rachmiel Liberman of Congregation Lubavitch Synagogue at the State House for the ceremonial lighting of a 15-foot tall Menorah.  May these days of celebration bring peace and joy to you, your family, and neighbors. 

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North Shore Holiday Toy Drive

The holiday season is here and at this time of giving I would like to share with you information about the toy drive that I have been hosting for decades. The North Shore 104.9 Holiday Toy Drive, in collaboration with the great folks at North Shore 104.9 FM, will take place all day this Thursday.

With the need for toys at an all-time high for local children we are accepting toys and collect as many toys, gift cards, and monetary donations as possible to those needs. The live broadcasts are open to the public and will feature local entertainment, school choirs and bands, great food, and a visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus!

You can join Catherine Browne and me, either in person or by tuning to 104.9, so that we can share the holiday spirit, and lots of live entertainment, with you.


 













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Monday, December 11, 2017

Recognizing a Distinguished Veteran


               Today, I had the honor of presenting the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty to the family of Army Specialist 5 (SP5) Matthew P. Amaral III. December 14 will mark the 50th anniversary of his death in a helicopter crash while serving in Vietnam.

                The presentation was made as part of a ceremony conducted by the Cape Ann Office of Veterans' Services in which a flag was raised in honor of SP5 Amaral. That flag will be flown at the Veterans Center throughout the week. Such flag displays are an important tradition, and they are conducted on behalf of veterans regularly. Please contact the Veterans Center at 978-281-9740 to learn more about them, or to arrange to have a flag flown in honor of a particular deceased veteran.
          You can learn more about the Medal of Liberty at  http://www.mass.gov/veterans/cemeteries-and-honors/medals/

 

             
 
 
 
 
 



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Friday, December 8, 2017

Statement Regarding Former State Senator Brian Joyce:

“The indictment made public today by the U.S. Attorney’s office regarding former State Senator Brian Joyce is the result of what appears to be the product of an extensive investigation which details reprehensible acts of criminal behavior.

The nature and scope of the offences delineated in the indictment are disgraceful, violating numerous federal and state laws as well as the public trust, and should be addressed swiftly and effectively by our criminal justice system.”

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Thursday, December 7, 2017

North Shore Holiday Toy Drive Ready to Roll

The North Shore Holiday Toy Drive is on Thursday, December 14th from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm. Tune in to hear local entertainment and festive school groups as they light up the airways of North Shore 104.9. You can visit any location or follow North Shore 104.9 Toy Drive on Facebook to watch performances LIVE!

Governor Charlie Baker will visit Capitol Diner in Lynn as we kick-off our morning. Attend a broadcast stop to have a photo taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! As a way to say thank you for donating, Manchester Athletic Club is offering a one-day pass to the club when you deliver an unwrapped toy between now and Thursday 12/14. Receive a free large cheese pizza from Rasta Pasta Pizzeria of Beverly when you deliver an unwrapped toy (at least $15 value) between now and Wednesday 12/13. The broadcast is brought to you by Aubuchon Hardware.

The live broadcast locations are open to the public:  6:00am-7:00am Capitol Diner, Lynn: Bristol Entertainment
7:30am-8:30am Delande Lighting, Salem: Tenley Shai and Alexandra Grace & Josh Cominelli
9:00am-10:00am Flint Library, Middleton: Fuller Meadow and Howe Manning School Choruses
10:30 am-11:30am Aubuchon Hardware, Beverly: Beverly High School Vocal Ensemble
Noon-1:00pm First Ipswich Bank, Ipswich: Middle School String Ensemble and Frank “Paco” Stewart
1:15pm-2:15pm Woodman’s of Essex: Teen Challenge, Dan King, Joe Cardoza, and Renee Dupree
2:30pm-3:30pm Manchester Athletic Club, Manchester: Chelsea Berry, North Shore Ringers, the Northshoremen Quartet
4:00pm-5:00pm Shalin Liu Center, Rockport: Middle School Chorus, Livi Tsetsilas, David Coffee, and Miranda Evans
5:30pm-6:30pm Cape Ann Savings Bank, Gloucester: Allen Estes, Fly Amero, Le Petit Choral, and Cape Ann Big Band
Additional donation drop-off locations through December 18th are listed at www.northshore1049.com.


Photos of the Toy Drive kick-off party held at the China Blossom Restaurant in North Andover-



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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Gold Star Families Tree Dedication and Lighting

Military Friends Foundation Annual “Gold Star Families Tree Dedication” with Governor Charlie Baker and First Lady Lauren Baker in Memorial Hall at the State House was a great success. Gold Star Families from across the Commonwealth, including from Gloucester, came to recognize the sacrifices made by their spouses and family members connected to their service in the United States Armed Forces.










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