Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Honoring Frederick Douglass and Celebrating the Newly Renovated State Senate Chamber

In anticipation of tomorrow's celebration, a bust of abolitionist Frederick Douglass has now been placed inside the Senate Chamber - this may be the first time a bust or statue of a person of color has been in the State House.

I was pleased to be a member of the committee that helped guide the year and a half long renovation, we have made the chamber more accessible and we have honored the contributions of our diverse state.

Last month, in my first remarks on the floor of the 'new' chamber, I shared the story of Angelina Grimke who was an inspiration for Douglass. From this chamber in 1838 Grimke gave a speech advocating the abolition of slavery. She was the first woman to address a legislative body in the United States. Frederick Douglass often quoted her book, "American Slavery As It Is", in his speeches given in cities and towns of Massachusetts.

Douglass gave more than 250 speeches in our state in 150 cities and towns between 1839 and 1845. He continued to return here until his death in 1895.

In addition to his bust, on loan from the Museum of African American History - Boston and Nantucket, the chamber now displays this text from Douglass - -- "Truth, Justice, Liberty, and Humanity Will Ultimately Prevail."

Read more...

North Shore Community College Supporting our Veterans

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Veterans Center at the Lynn Campus of North Shore Community College and to learn more about the many things the resourceful people at the center do to support the men and women who have served our nation in the armed services.
Led by Kristine Babcock, herself a Navy veteran, the NSCC Veterans Services department has developed many partnerships and collaborations that enable it to assist with a wide range of needs from academic counseling to housing and health care support.  During my visit I had a chance to discuss with student veterans the many ways that the department and the college support veterans and the veteran’s community.
You can learn more about those resources at https://www.northshore.edu/veterans/, or by calling 978-762-4187.




Read more...

Monday, February 25, 2019

Celebrating West Newbury's Bicentennial

Some special events occurred last Saturday and Sunday to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Town of West Newbury, and I was honored to be able to participate in them.


On Saturday evening a festive gala at the Groveland Fairways kicked off the year's schedule of celebrations. Joining Representative Lenny Mirra at the event, I presented town officials with a plaque containing reproductions of the original legislation establishing the town.


The formal evening on Saturday was followed by a spectacular birthday party for the town at the Pentucket Regional Middle School on Sunday afternoon. The spirited festivities included cakes of all sizes and types, created by contestants of all ages in different categories.


During the birthday party Representative Mirra joined me in presenting citations from the Senate and Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito to the co-chairs of the Bicentennial Committee, the Board of Selectmen, and the Town Manager.


A special thanks to the Bicentennial Committee for producing these important and enjoyable celebrations, photos of which are posted below:


 










Read more...

Friday, February 22, 2019

Rowley's Own G. Robert Merry Recognized By The Senate

I invited former Rowley Selectman Merry and his family to come to the State House and be recognized by the State Senate and he yesterday I had the pleasure of his visit.

All toll, he has given more than a half century of service to the Town of Rowley. In addition to his service as Selectman, Commissioner on the Board of Light Commissioners, and manager of the Rowley Municipal Light Plant, he was also the town's official cannoneer.




Read more...

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

MBTA UPDATE ON THE GLOUCESTER DRAWBRIDGE

Monday, March 11, 2019 6 PM
Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Avenue

The MBTA will present a status update of the #Gloucester Drawbridge project. The project includes the full replacement of the bridge, including new foundations, approach spans, mechanical and electrical components, and track. A new control tower will be built on the Gloucester Station side of river.

In order to reduce impact to rail traffic during construction, the bridge will be built in stages. One half of the bridge will be demolished and reconstructed at a time, while rail traffic is maintained on the other half. Therefore, passenger rail interruptions will be minimized. However, there will be times that require construction over nights or weekends when no rail operation will be allowed on the bridge.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to fully participate in the meeting, American Sign Language interpreters, assistive listening devices, and /or handouts in alternate formats, please submit your request to Trish Foley at 857-368-8907 or email trish.foley@state.ma.us at least 7 days prior to the meeting.




Read more...

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Scouts Day on the Hill


Today I was pleased to join with Senate President Spilka in welcoming members, leaders and family members from across Massachusetts to receive the 2018 Annual Report to the Commonwealth from the Scouts of America.

 

In addition to receiving the report, we heard inspiring remarks from Lily Desgroseilliers, a Scout from Wilmington. Demonstrating their commitment to service to others, the Scouts also presented us with a check for $547 for Daniel’s Table, a food bank in Framingham.

 

Also, on hand to receive the report were Senators Michael Moore, Vinny deMacedo, and Dean Tran, and Representatives David Robertson and Lenny Mirra.

 

Posted below are pictures from today’s events.   








 

 


Read more...

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Cardiovascular Disease, The Number 1 Killer Of Women

Here at the State House it's #GoRedForWomen Day! I am proud to stand with my colleagues to raise awareness about heart health.

Thank you to American Heart Association -- Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators for organizing this great awareness event.

With House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, Senate President Karen Spilka, Attorney General Maura Healey, State Senator Vinny deMacedo, Representative Brad Hill, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Senator Dean A. Tran and Representative Carolyn Dykema.





Read more...

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Stop Heart Disease - Go Red

Experts say nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, but cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat. Join me and American Heart Association -- Massachusetts in taking charge of your heart health! #GoRedBoston

Tomorrow I will go red and join with many colleagues to help help the American Heart Association promote the Go Red for Women effort.

Read more...

Monday, February 11, 2019

Wilmington High School Auditorium Dedication

This Sunday, Wilmington officially commemorated the naming of the Wilmington Public School's High School auditorium in honor of Joanne Benton.

Joanne served as Wilmington’s Assistant School Superintendent, School Superintendent, and Interim School Superintendent. The engaging program featured speakers and artistic performances.

With Peggy Kane, former School Committee Chair, Mike Caira, former Town Manager, Paul Ruggiero the Assistant Superintendent.











Read more...

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Rotary Polar Plunge

From the shore side of the Cape Ann Motor Inn of Long Beach - the 9th Annual Rotary Polar Plunge to Eradicate Polio.

Tremendous turnout today to help the Rotary's efforts to put the big chill on polio. Hosted and organized by Rotary Club of Gloucester and Rotary District 7930 Please consider supporting their work, proceeds benefit The Rotary Foundation’s End Polio Now Campaign! A special incentive - all gifts will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation!




Read more...