In the harbor and nearby waters of America’s oldest seaport vessels will be arriving in Gloucester throughout the day today. Starting at 6 PM there will be a block party downtown on Main Street.
Maritime Gloucester Heritage Day begins Saturday at 10 AM, a concert on Stacy Boulevard from 5 PM to 10 PM both before and after the Parade of Lights and Fireworks. The Boat Parade of Lights begins at 7 PM.
A must see on Sunday is the Parade of Sail on Sunday morning from 10:30 to Noon. The Mayor’s Race kicks off at 1 PM.
Be a part of this annual tradition that takes place during the Schooner Festival - the Parade of Lights Boat Parade.
The Gloucester Daily Times has an article in today's paper with details. For parking please consider Stage Fort Park or Gloucester High School, and walk towards the river or Blynman Bridge. The bridge will be up when the parade passes through.
One sweet way to beat the heat is ice cream. Yesterday, I co-hosted a nice social occasion for North Andover seniors with State Rep. Jim Lyons and Representative Diana DiZoglio.
Earlier this month the Bluefin Blowout - a multi-day fishing tournament and charity fundraiser, drew great interest and attendance to Gloucester’s Cape Ann's Marina Resort.
The culmination of this annual event was this week’s presentation of a check for $155,000 raised to support the important work of the Alzheimer's Association.
This two day bluefin tuna fishing tournament also features a cook-off, corn hole tournament, a children’s fishing derby, an auction, wonderful vendors, raffles and great food. This year’s winner of the “Bluefin Blowout Trophy”, Dog House, had the home-town edge, the Gloucester boat pulled in the winner - a 680 pound tuna.
Congratulation to the organizers, sponsors and participants of the Bluefin Blowout. Your selfless actions have helped to support a very worthy and needed organization.
What a stunning day today with the Manchester Council on Aging for their Summer Cookout at Tuck's Point. An outstanding meal with great conversations, and terrific entertainment - a wonderful event enjoyed by all. Joining me were MaryAnn Nay from my district staff and Representative Brad Hill.
Following the sad news of the death of Senator John McCain, I have been reflecting on the extraordinary life that he lived and the service he gave so passionately to our nation.
As the son of a decorated high ranking Navy admiral who was also the son of a Navy admiral, it might appear that John McCain was fulfilling his 'destiny' by also becoming a Navy officer. But, John McCain didn't live life as if it were already scripted for him - he lived it knowing that his choices and his actions would be difficult, at times excruciatingly painful, and always grounded by his strong conviction to do what was right.
Throughout his tenure in the U.S. Congress he inspired many in public service, including me, to always put the needs of our nation ahead of internecine political fighting, to prioritize problem solving and civil engagement, and to be forthright and fair-minded in our work.
I feel fortunate and honored to have known this great American hero. The time that I spent with Senator John McCain was extraordinary. We will remember him for many reasons - his service to our nation; his ability to inspire the best in others; and for showing us that we can each create the pages and passages in our own stories to overcome challenges, by thinking independently and acting collaboratively, and living a life of honor - as he did.
My office received the following information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding the increased risk level of West Nile virus statement:
Massachusetts public health officials raise West Nile
virus risk level to moderate statewide
Residents
urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes
BOSTON (August 21, 2018) – The Massachusetts Department of
Public Health (DPH) today announced it was raising the risk level for West Nile
virus from low to moderate in
every Massachusetts city and town and urged residents to take precautions
against mosquito bites.
Of the 351 cities and towns
in Massachusetts, 162 communities are already considered to be at moderate risk
for West Nile virus. This is only the second time that public health
officials have raised the risk level statewide.
“The hot, humid weather in
Massachusetts combined with frequent heavy rainfall has provided perfect
conditions for mosquito species carrying West Nile Virus to breed,” said Public
Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “I strongly encourage
everyone to keep using insect repellant and to be especially aware of mosquito
activity at dusk and dawn when the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is
greatest. Move indoors if you are getting bitten.”
While WNV can infect people
of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.
WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV
symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more
severe illness can occur.
“August and September
are the months when most human cases occur,’’ said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr.
Catherine Brown. “That’s why we are taking this step today so together we can
help keep people from getting sick.”
Avoid Mosquito Bites:
Apply
Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent
with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin,
picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or
IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products
should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in
concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should
not be used on children under three years of age.
Be
Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from
dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling
outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high
risk.
Clothing
Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing
long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away
from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your
Home:
Drain
Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in
standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to
breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain
gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change
the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install
or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having
tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals:
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding
sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as
buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs
provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least
once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas.
Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk
of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian
about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to
prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are
required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795
and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.
More information,
including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus
Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquitoor
by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
Today
in Quincy I was pleased to join with Governor Baker, EOEEA Secretary Matt
Beaton, administration officials, legislative colleagues, local officials and
others for the ceremonial signing of H.4835, " An Act Promoting Climate
Change Adaptation, Environmental and Natural Resource Protection and Investment
in Recreational Assets and Opportunity", otherwise known as the
Environmental Bond Bill. This bill contains $2.4 Billion in authorizations for
spending to protect and support our Commonwealth's natural resources.
Importantly, it specifically identifies funding for climate adaptation and
resilience. I have been a strong supporter of this bill throughout the
legislative process, and worked to include by amendment several items that are
important for our region, including:
$350,000
for improvements to Magnolia Pier in the city of Gloucester
$250,000
for planning, development and construction of a foot bridge at Good Harbor
beach in the city of Gloucester
$2,500,000
for planning development and construction to the Long beach sea wall in the
town of Rockport
$500,000
for the restoration of the Miles River which runs through the towns of Hamilton,
Ipswich and Wenham and the city of Beverly
$775,000
for the replacement of the Town Wharf Sewer Pumping Station in the town of
Ipswich
$480,000
for improvements to culverts along Topsfield Road in the town of Wenham
$500,000
for improvements to Ipswich River park in the town of North Reading
$45,000
for road improvements and the planning development and construction for
signalization at the intersection of Central street and United States highway
route 1 in the town of Rowley
$250,000
for road improvements and planning and development of Maple street on state
highway route 62 in the town of Middleton
Additionally,
the legislation included major policy components that I secured through working
with my colleagues. They include:
A study by the Division of Marine Fisheries to
facilitate the expansion of lobster processing to include parts. Currently,
only lobster tails and whole lobsters can be processed in Massachusetts
The creation of the Fishing Innovation Fund to
finance grants, through the guidance of a stakeholder advisory board for : (i)
permit banks; (ii) the design, construction and modification of commercial
fishing vessels including, but not limited to, research, development and
construction of innovative fishing vessels with attributes including, but not
limited to, increased fuel efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, improved
stability and the capability of supporting sustainable fishing practices
through harvesting and on-board storage and processing methods; (iii) research,
development, acquisition and deployment of advanced or innovative technologies
including, but not limited to, sonar, radar, radio communications, satellite
and global position and other locating and tracking devices; and (iv) the
research and development, acquisition and deployment of safety equipment and
technologies
The creation of the Agriculture Innovation Fund
to finance grants, through the guidance of a stakeholder advisory board for the
commonwealth’s agricultural and cranberry producers through the agricultural
innovation center for programs that may add value to the producers’ products
and services. The center shall develop an outreach program to identify
and foster new, innovative ideas and approaches to adding value to the
commonwealth’s agricultural and cranberry economy. The center may solicit
requests from the commonwealth’s agricultural and cranberry industry for funding
and technical assistance in: (i) reclamation and revitalization of cranberry
bogs; (ii) training, marketing, distribution, applied research, agritourism,
aquaculture, forestry, processing, fiber and agricultural resource management
research, development, poultry and red meat processing and construction of
energy efficient agricultural buildings and structures; and (iii) research,
development and construction of energy efficient agricultural equipment
Grants that promote carbon sequestration and
climate change resiliency through sustainable forestry and salt marsh
restoration
On Saturday the community came together for the annual Fishermen's Memorial Service in Gloucester. While rain caused the speaking portion of the program to be moved inside to American Legion Post 3, following that portion of the program those who have lost loved ones at sea, and many others, gathered at the Fisherman's Memorial on the harbor to place wreaths and cast flowers upon the water in memory of those that have been lost.
Guest speaker Ron Gilson eloquently and passionately chronicled years of history of the commercial fishing industry in Massachusetts, and compellingly reminded us all of how much we owe to the fishing families who have worked so hard over the years to harvest food for the nation, bring prosperity to the region and the state, and to support a unique and cherished way of life.
I was honored to join with Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, members of the United States Coast Guard, Reverend James M. Achadinha, members of the memorial service committee, singers Alexandra and Josh, and everyone who was part of this moving and inspirational service.
Welcome to Tarr Talk, which is created to offer you convenient access to information about state government, public policy, and important events that are shaping the future of our state. My staff and I are working to give you timely insights into the issues faced by the legislature and the events that relate to these issues. I hope that you find this site to be a valuable resource, and that you'll visit us often for a view of what's happening on Beacon Hill and beyond.
Office Contact
You may call my office at (617) 722-1600 and speak with a member of my staff to discuss any issue or email me at Bruce.Tarr@MaSenate.Gov.
