Thursday, December 26, 2019

The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge Lecture at the Patton Homestead

The Patton Homestead, the home of not one but two two great American generals – General George S. Patton Jr. and his son Major General George S. Patton IV will be the setting for a January 12th lunchtime lecture on the 75th Anniversary of Battle of the Bulge. This Lecture Series at the Patton Homestead, a non-profit located in Hamilton and affiliated with the Wenham Museum, is from 12 Noon to 1 PM. I highly recommend a visit whenever they are open. Bring a lunch for yourself- $5 admission.

https://pattonhomestead.org/




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Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Merry Christmas To Al

From the North Pole to the South Pole, and all points in between, I wish you a very merry Christmas wherever you may be. Christmas reminds us that the gifts that we give and the gifts that we receive are truly special because each is an expression of kindness. We can always lift spirits in our personal lives and around the world when we first open our hearts to love, light, hope and peace.

In that spirit, it is my hope that you will also take a few moments today to acknowledge our men and women in uniform who are currently on duty and away from family. Their service on our behalf is also a gift. On this very special day, I wish you and your family good health and happiness.

God bless.


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Monday, December 23, 2019

State House Menorah Ceremony

The State House Menorah is glowing. This afternoon, I joined with many who gathered to share in the annual State House Menorah lighting ceremony that first began decades ago.

Governor Charlie Baker, Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Karen Spilka, Secretary of State William Galvin, Attorney General Maura Healy, and other state officials were in attendance.

Hanukkah commemorates the liberation of a sacred temple in Jerusalem at a time, around 200 B.C., when practicing Judaism was made illegal. It is a time when Jews around the world pray for peace and understanding.

Rabbi Mayer Zarchi was a graceful and welcoming master of ceremonies. Rabbi Rachmiel Liberman of Congregation Lubavitch Synagogue, who passed away earlier this year, has hosted the event for more than three decades He was a friend to many and he will be missed.

With State Representative Tram T Nguyen, Professor Jack Porter.









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FUNDS TO HELP KEEP THE STATE MOVING FORWARD

To close out the year the House and Senate sent to Governor Baker a comprehensive bill which contains important funds to provide direct assistance to our cities and towns for essential roadway repairs and projects. Communities in our area will receive addition funding for road projects in an allocation known (by the chapter of state law) as Chapter 90 Funds.

State approved funds from this account are allocated using a longstanding formula based on community road miles, population, and employment. These dollars are put to use by your community to maintain public safety, repair local roads and bridges, and keep the economy of the Commonwealth strong.

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Essex Bicentennial Winter Solstice Celebration

The final event of the Essex Bicentennial Celebration was an old fashion reception at Town Hall. After five years of planning, and a community event each month, the celebration committee hosted the final get-together to commemorate the town’s bicentennial. Congratulations to Dawn Burnham, the Bicentennial Celebration Committee Chair, the members of the Committee, and the residents of Essex.




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Sunday, December 22, 2019

Happy Hanukkah!

This very special holiday begins at sundown. To all of my Jewish friends and constituents, I wish you all a happy Hanukkah celebration. May you enjoy eight days of peace, happiness, and joy with your loved ones. And, may this season of light fill your heart and home with happiness!

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Thursday, December 19, 2019

House Speaker Robert DeLeo Visits Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

Delighted to have House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Representative Alice Peisch, Education Committee House Chair, visit the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy at the invitation of Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante. Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Inc., is a world-class non-profit marine biotechnology research and job training organization. Their ongoing work has helped to encourage young people to pursue careers as biotech lab technicians and their research has made Cape Ann a biotechnology hub. With Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken.



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Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Boxford Veteran Celebration in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion

I was honored to offer a Senate Citation to members and supporters of the Corporal James Melvin American Legion Post 379 at last night's #Boxford Board of Selectmen meeting in recognition of the American Legion Centennial.

The American Legion and Post 379 have gone a long way toward contributing to Boxford's community. The American Legion has been a staunch advocate for veterans and their families since its inception in 1919.

Members have made major impacts on our government and our society, from advancing compassionate care and treatment for disabled veterans, to protecting veterans benefits, and demanding quality VA health care. The Legion is invaluable to us all.

Legion membership is open to military personnel and veterans who have served their nation on active duty during wartime and is open to all who have served since 1990.
With Representative Lenny Mirra, State Representative Tram Nguyen, Selectwoman Mary Ann Nay, my Community Outreach Specialist, the Board and leaders of Post 379.









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Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Tarr: Budget Solution There if Negotiators Will Reach for It

Since October, House and Senate negotiators have been unable to agree to a uniform budget bill needed to finalize the Fiscal 2019 budget. There are many important government functions that are contingent on a final bill reaching the Governor. Today, I talked briefly with State House News Service about bridging the impasse.

Tarr: Budget Solution There if Negotiators Will Reach for It

The House and Senate are holding their sessions open Wednesday, apparently to see whether they can salvage a deal on a fiscal 2019 surplus spending bill in time to avoid the comptroller's plan to sweep the surplus into the state savings account.

Sen. Walter Timilty gaveled the Senate in just after 11 a.m. and immediately declared a recess. "Who knows what will happen today," he told the News Service. "It's a very inexact science."

Said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr: "I think this is certainly a situation where there is a solution if we're willing to reach for it. And I'll leave it at that."

Another running thread in recent Senate sessions has been inability to agree on a special election date to fill the vacant Plymouth and Barnstable Senate seat. Senate Republicans object to President Karen Spilka's proposed March 3 date. Tarr said Wednesday it's "a very heartening thing that we're able to have a discussion about what the right date should be."

That discussion might now include a second special election. Sen. Donald Humason has notified Senate leaders of his plans to resign Jan. 6 to become mayor of Westfield, his office told the News Service on Wednesday.

Rep. Paul Donato gaveled the House in at 11 a.m. and that branch is also in recess. - Sam Doran/SHNS

Among the spending being held up in the supplemental budget is a $50 million to accelerate MBTA improvements, $17 million in local scholarships, $2 million for special education , $2.4 million for regional school transit and $2 million for transportation costs for homeless students.

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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

FUNDS TO PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS FROM CONTAMINATED GEAR

A $500,000 grant program to provide critical funds to local fire departments that I secured in the state budget came to fruition today as Governor Charlie Baker announced the awarding of grants from the new program to 174 fire departments across the state.

The Governor made the announcement at a ceremony hosted by the Marlborough Fire Department, at which he also announced grants from a $425,000 program sponsored by Senator Paul Feeney of Attleboro to help departments acquire extractors, which launder the gear firefighters wear to remove contaminants that can pose serious health risks.

Together the two programs represent $925,000 being spent to protect the health and safety of firefighters across the state.

We have become increasingly aware of the threat posed to firefighters not only from the work they perform but also from the gear that is meant to protect them if that equipment has been exposed to hazardous materials.

The Governor was also joined today in Marlborough by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Public Safety and Safety Undersecretary Jeanne Benincasa Thorpe, Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, Senator Paul Feeney, Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant and Marlborough Fire Chief Kevin Breen.

Essex Fire Department             $2,500.00
Ipswich Fire Department     $2,430.00
Middleton Fire Department     $5,440.00
North Andover Fire Department     $7,181.10
Rockport Fire Department     $7,181.09
Rowley Fire Department     $2,484.00
Gloucester Fire Department     $6,416.72
Groveland Fire Department     $3,476.00 







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Monday, December 9, 2019

Santa Skips Sleigh In Rockport Ride

It's not everyday you get an opportunity to have a visit with Santa but each year he makes a special visit to Rockport to make sure everyone is getting ready for his big ride in two weeks. Harbormasters Rosemary Lesch and Scott Story help him make a smooth landing where he was greeted by a great group of people, all, I am told, on the 'Nice' list.











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Toy Drive Schedule

This Thursday is my 24th annual Toy Drive with North Shore 104.9​ and the fuel that keeps us moving is YOU! We will visit 9 places, each for an hour, to raise spirits, collect toys, and make people happy. I want to personally welcome you to come out and see the broadcast magic happen live, we will entertain you, thank you for your support, and share in the joy of helping others. Spend some time with us and make a real difference in a local child's life.


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Friday, December 6, 2019

Talking About Toys and Joys for Kids With Action Inc.'s Megan Merlin and Jen Orlando

The "Senator Bruce Tarr North Shore 104.9 Toy Drive' continues to partner with Cape Ann Savings Bank and Action Inc. to bring joy to families and children. Our drive is Thursday the 12th.

President Bob Gillis and the friendly staff of Cape Ann Savings Bank will host the grand finale next Thursday at 109 Main Street in #Gloucester. All donations will support Action Inc. and their Project Uplift.

Project Uplift is a pop-up holiday store located at 7 Pleasant St., Gloucester – the former Pleasant St. Tea Company space. You can help by donating toys, hosting a collection box, making a donation or volunteering.

Megan Merlin and Jen Orlando tell us more about it.


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Thursday, December 5, 2019

Toy Drive Talk With North Shore 104.9 This Morning

I always enjoy visiting my friends at North Shore 104.9 and this morning I joined with Erika Hemingway, Joe Piantedosi, of the Breaking Bread Show, and Salem State University's Vice President for Public Safety Gene Labonte about next weeks Bruce Tarr's North Shore 104.9 annual Toy Drive.

This all-day Toy Drive, broadcast live, kicks off Thursday from 6 AM in Lynn and keeps going strong to Gloucester when we bring it all together for a close at 7:00 PM. I personally invite you to come to any of our 9 locations to say hello. Your contributions of unwrapped toys, checks or gift cards are welcome and can brighten the holidays for a local child in need. Everything that we raise goes to support local non-profit organizations to bring cheer to a child this holiday season.

For more information, including our broadcast locations, for the Thursday Toy Drive visit www.northshore1049.com



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Monday, December 2, 2019

Commuter Rail Delays on Newburyport Line / Rockport Line Trains

8:30 AM update-
A crossing gate issue in Chelsea is causing delays. These trains are expected to be 25-35 minutes behind schedule.
Please use caution when near railroad crossings or train stations. Please also be careful when boarding and alighting trains, as well as when accessing platforms via ramps or stairs.

8:00 AM update-
Delay UP TO 10 MINUTES
Rockport Line Train 103 (7:50 am from North Station) is expected to depart North Station 5-10 minutes behind schedule due to a signal issue in the terminal.
Affected direction:
Outbound
Service Change
Due to inclement weather conditions, please use caution when near railroad crossings or train stations. Please also be careful when boarding and alighting trains, as well as when accessing platforms via ramps or stairs.

Delay UP TO 10 MINUTES Rockport Line Train 103 (7:50 am from North Station) is expected to depart North Station 5-10 minutes behind schedule due to a signal issue in the terminal. Affected direction: Outbound

Service Change Due to inclement weather conditions, please use caution when near railroad crossings or train stations. Please also be careful when boarding and alighting trains, as well as when accessing platforms via ramps or stairs.

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving to You

May we all have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

We have frequently been reminded that we would do well to set aside this special day to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to give thanks. As we do so, it is important to also keep in mind that many brave men and women will be away from their families and unable to share time with loved ones. As we gather at tables to serve ourselves, these courageous people will be on duty here and around the world serving us all. I am thankful for them, their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of those who served before them to keep us safe and our American values preserved.


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Monday, November 25, 2019

Making our roads safer

This afternoon I joined with legislative colleagues, the families of victims, survivors, administration officials, law enforcement officials, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Governor Baker, as the Governor signed H.4203, "An Act Requiring the Hands-Free Use of Mobile Telephones while Driving." The bill is the product of years of effort and advocacy, and is designed to make our roadways safer.
You can read the full text of the new law at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4203.




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