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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Friday, November 22, 2019

Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project Update

Project Advisory: Upcoming Route 1 Lane Shifts
• Beginning on Sunday, November 24, roadway configuration changes and overnight lane shifts will take place on the Tobin Bridge and through the Chelsea Curves. These changes will run for the next 2 to 3 weeks.
• 2 travel lanes will continue to be open in each direction on Route 1 during peak travel periods.
• Drivers should take care to pay attention to all signage and move carefully through the work zone.

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Thursday, November 21, 2019

Hammond Castle Museum Happenings

For the first time in over a decade, Hammond Castle Museum will be open to celebrate with the #Gloucester community this holiday season! Their holiday programs include a craft fair with local and regional vendors, a performance by the Gloucester High School Theatre Program, musical performances including 2 nights of concerts with local singer and songwriter, Chelsea Berry, and their premier event: Santa Arrives at Hammond Castle.

Over the course of two days, they will host 140 children at the Museum for a free Christmas program featuring Santa, Mrs. Clause, Elves and special guest, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken. During the Sunday, December 15th event, they will host 60 children and their parents from the Cape Ann YMCA and from Pathways for Children programs. At the Sunday, December 13th program they will welcome 80 children from the greater Gloucester community.

Each child will be given a new, wrapped gift from Santa, enjoy snacks, crafts and sing-alongs with Santa’s Elves, played by members of the Ice Queen Cosplay Princess Parties. The programs will conclude with Mayor Theken reading “Twas The Night Before Christmas.” These programs are generously sponsored in part by Cape Ann Savings Bank with contributions by Market Basket and Schylling Inc.

Other events include: Meet The Artist Night: Marion Rayner, December 2nd
Marion Rayner is an experienced watercolor artist who’s inspiration comes from the natural beauty that surrounds Cape Ann. She is particularly fond of the landscapes, seascapes and scenes around her home. The opening reception will be from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and Rayner’s show will be available in our Museum Shop through the month of December. Opening reception tickets are free and may be reserved at: https://www.hammondcastle.org/event/meetthenartistmarionrayner/

Deck The Halls December 7th to the 20th
The museum invited local community groups to sponsor a room, deck its halls and trim the tree. Guests can vote for their favorite rooms and a winner will be crowned at the end of the season. The museum will be open for self guided tours daily from Saturday, December 7th through Friday, December 20th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Last tickets will be sold at 2:30 pm. Ticket are: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors and $10 Children. *Please note exceptions: On December 14th - all tickets will be $20 as we will be hosting Myschyffe Managed which will perform renaissance madrigals and more throughout the day. THE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH FOR A SPECIAL EVENT.

Holiday Craft Fair with Local Vendors, Saturday, December 7th
What better way to do all your holiday shopping than in a seaside castle offering local crafts? On December 7th, from 10 am to 2 pm, they will be hosting a craft fair in the Great Hall. On hand will be local artisans, sourced from local farmers markets and well-loved local businesses. Ticket are: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors and $10 Children. Tickets may be purchased at: https://www.hammondcastle.org/event/hammond-castle-museum-holiday-craft-fair/

Gloucester High School Theatre Program: A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Sunday, December 8th
The museum welcomes the Gloucester High School Theater Program’s holiday performance of “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” Based on the classic holiday movie with a clever twist thrown in, the story is staged as a live radio broadcast. Actors portray numerous characters, and sound effects are done through Foley tricks. There will also be a special presentation about Hammond's work on radio technology and his original radio patents will be available for the students to learn more about the invention process. Priced to accommodate families, student and child tickets are $5 and adult tickets are $10. Proceeds from this event will support both non-profits! https://www.hammondcastle.org/event/ghs-theatre-program-holiday-performance/

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Senate Sends Flavored Nicotine Ban Bill to Governor

The House and Senate agreed to final version of the bill in this, our final formal session for the year, which contained three amendments which I authored. One, called Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention, will set funds aside to be used for the state's program of reducing the health and economic burden of tobacco use.

Specifically, the amendment requires money collected from fines from this act to be used by the Department of Public Health's Tobacco and Prevention Program. This is a statewide public health program focused on tobacco and nicotine use reduction. It helps nicotine users to quit, and protects children and adults from secondhand smoke. Currently the program is supported by both state and federal funds. These funds also are directed to municipal boards of health to support enactment and enforcement of local tobacco regulations and regional Tobacco-Free Community Partnership work.

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Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Northeast Coastal Coalition Meeting to Discuss Flood Hazards Friday

BOSTON- On Friday, November 22nd, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) and members of the Northeast Coastal Coalition will convene at Essex Town Hall to discuss flood hazards and flood insurance.

Two guest speakers have been invited to make presentations, Joy Duperault, Director of Flood Hazard Management Program for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Joe Rossi, Chair and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coastal Coalition, a nationally recognized non-profit organization working to educate, advocate, and inform professionals and stakeholders regionally and nationally, on flood hazards.

Where: Essex Town Hall
Third Floor Auditorium
Essex, Massachusetts

When: Friday, November 22nd 2019
10 AM to 12 PM

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MASSACHUSETTS SENATE ADOPTS STUDENT OPPORTUNITY ACT

BOSTON - Today, the Massachusetts Senate gave legislative approval to a landmark bill that will rework the state's school funding formula for the state’s public school systems. The bill, the Student Opportunity Act, implements many of the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission and it devotes $1.5 billion in new funding for schools. Senators gave unanimous support with 39 members voting in favor.

 “The Student Opportunity Act represents not moths of analysis and debate but rather years of strong collaboration from Republican and Democrat lawmakers working together to achieve a workable solution that represents a benefit to every school child in every school district in the Commonwealth,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester). “High quality public education is a cornerstone of our state’s history and it remains a key to our success.

The bill makes several changes to the existing funding formula, known as Chapter 70, to reflect adequate and equitable funding and policy enhancements in four key areas including:
• Special education enrollment,
• School districts’ employee and retiree health care costs,
• Increases funding for English learners,
• The needs of districts educating high concentrations of students from low-income households.

The final version of the bill incorporates changes long advocated for by Senator Tarr that were components of the Foundation Budget Review Commission. He also worked to make adjustments to the state’s School Building Assistance Authority funding procedures.

“I want to thank the Minority Leader, Bruce Tarr, who has been working on these issues for many years has been a champion for fixing the formula and was instrumental in the Foundation Budget Review Commission and the work we have done since then to make sure this has been a bipartisan effort,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education during floor debate. “The process to develop this bill was deeply rooted in collaboration: across legislative chambers and political ideologies, and with the perspectives of stakeholders from across Massachusetts."

The legislation now moves to the desk of Governor Charlie Baker for his consideration.

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Masconomet Regional Middle School State House Visit

Students and staff of Masconomet Regional Middle School came to the State House today and we all posed for a great group photo in Nurses Hall with House Minority Leader Representatives Brad Jones, Senator Joan Lovely, State Representative Tram Nguyen, Representatives Lenny Mirra, and a member of Representative Ted Speliotis' staff.

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito came by and sent a greeting to us all.



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Monday, November 18, 2019

Children’s Health and Wellness Bill

This afternoon, a 6 member conference committee, which I was a member of, finalized a month-long negotiation on a wide-ranging children's health bill that improves access to treatment for vulnerable youth and studies ways to help manage their care.  I signed my name to this important and comprehensive bill so that it can receive further legislative action at an upcoming formal session.

When the Senate took up this bill we adopted it unanimously, 40-0.

One amendment that I authored, and the Senate voted unanimously to adopt, was disappointingly left out of today's conference committee report. That amendment would create a pediatric mental health care task force to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the delivery of pediatric mental health services. I have spoken to the chairs of the committee and secured a commitment that more legislation on this critically important aspect of children's health will be forthcoming when we return to our formal session in the new year.

To read the final bill click here - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4210

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Here's The Scoop on the Boxford Ice Cream Social

I had the pleasure of joining with the Boxford Council on Aging for an Ice Cream Social. A great time was had by all who participated, and it was fun to scoop ice cream with State Representative Tram Nguyen, Representative Lenny Mirra, and Mary Ann Nay of my staff. We all enjoyed a treat and good company. Below are some pictures from the event.

I hope everyone who attended had as wonderful of a time as I did.


 






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Friday, November 15, 2019

Senate Adopts Bill To Reduce Prescription Drug Costs

Senator Bruce Tarr Champions Proposals to Lower Medication Prices and Enforce Transparency Requirements 

Boston- The Massachusetts Senate has now approved a comprehensive bill aimed at stemming the ever increasing costs of medicines and expanding consumer access to information and the oversight role of government agencies regulating the pharmaceutical industry.

The bill, an Act Relative To Pharmaceutical Access, Cost and Transparency incorporates several components previously filed as bills or amendments by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), aimed at controlling the increasing costs of prescription medicines and better equipping patients with greater access to healthcare services and information.

Those provisions championed by Tarr include:
• Lifting a so-called ‘gag rule’ prohibiting the disclosure to consumers of lower cost medicines,
• Instituting licensure for pharmacy benefit managers, and,
• Requiring pharmacy benefit managers to be audited.

In addition, the Senate adopted other amendments to the bill that Tarr offered to:
• Extend the life of the state’s authorization of the prescription drug coupon program to lower consumer costs,
• Study the price impact of pharmacy benefit managers.

Tarr also collaborated with Senator Eric Lesser (D- Longmeadow) on an amendment to explore the potential of an interstate bulk drug purchasing program.

“The Senate’s action today reflects a bipartisan product that incorporates ideas proposed by members of the Republican Caucus including; extending drug discount couponing, subjecting pharmacy benefit managers to licensure requirements and auditing for the first time, expanding transparency in pharmacy system costs, and ending a long-standing ‘gag rule’ that has prevented pharmacists from offering lower prices for medicines,” said Senator Tarr. “The Senate’s bill puts systems in place that will reduce costs of life-sustaining medicines while also increasing access to them. These cost savings, coupled with expanded transparency and oversight within the pharmaceutical industry, will bring needed relief to families across the Commonwealth.”

The bill, known as the PACT Act, moves Massachusetts forward in its ability to respond to growing calls for relief from high drug costs and enhanced accountability for the industry. It requires both pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy benefit managers to submit cost, pricing, rebate and other relevant information to state regulators for analysis and reporting.

Pharmacy benefit managers are not currently subjected to rigorous oversight by the state, making it unclear if they act in the best interest of the consumer or health insurance plans when they negotiate with pharmaceutical makers on drug prices. The PACT Act authorizes the Division of Insurance to license and regulate pharmacy benefit managers and establish sanctions if they fail to meet certain standards.

Tarr, long a proponent of removing a so-called ‘gag rule’ which currently prevents pharmacists from informing consumers when a prescription drug is available at a lower retail price than their own insurance plan would charge, said the bill now ends that practice.

“Healthcare is only effective when people in need can obtain it,” said Senator Tarr. “Having a policy that needlessly fosters higher costs is a barrier to health and it needs to be eliminated.”

In addition, the legislation directs the state’s Health Policy Commission (HPC), to establish a process for identifying drug price levels that jeopardize patient access. Other provisions allow the HPC to recommend pricing measures to increase patient access to necessary medications.

The bill introduces immediate price relief for more than 700,000 Massachusetts residents who live with diabetes by setting a cap on the cost of insulin at $25 a month. The same drug can cost more than $1,000 a year under some insurance plans.

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Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Senate Set to Debate Prescription Medicine Access And Costs

Tomorrow the Senate will debate a bill, Senate 2397, An Act Relative To Pharmaceutical Access, Costs And Transparency, as well as 44 amendments offered by members of the Senate. I have filed several amendments including for drug discount coupon programming, interstate bulk purchasing of pharmaceuticals and a requirement on pharmaceutical makers to disclose payments that they make that are used to influence public policy related to prescription drugs.

Proponents of the bill say a key proposal is to increase access to medicine by placing a cap on expensive prescriptions and by expanding transparency and oversight of costs. The bill establishes an oversight role for the Health Policy Commission to examine more than 400 drugs. These would include any that cost a patient at least $50,000 annually or those that have been deemed as essential medicines.

As an example of a cap under the bill- today was World Diabetes Day at the State House and attendees said that insulin can cost more than $1,000 a year under some insurance plans - the new bill would cap the cost of insulin at $25 a month. 700,000 Massachusetts residents live with diabetes.

While our state is fortunate to have a health care system renowned for high quality we all also recognize that services and prescription meds are often quite costly. The bill has many components and I invite you to read them. You can find it, and the text of the 44 amendments, at this link - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2397/BillHistory.


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Tuesday, November 12, 2019

State House Hearing on Gas Pipeline Safety Bills

On September 13, 2018 the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of residents and workers of the Merrimack Valley were disrupted and put into grave risk by explosions, fires and widespread destruction caused by gas leaks.

Today, at a State House hearing of the legislature's Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy I offered testimony in support of legislation aimed at protecting public safety and the loss of property from natural gas. I filed Senate Bill 2013, An Act Ensuring Public Safety At Natural Gas Sites, which directs the Department of Public Utilities to develop regulations to ensure that natural gas pressure is monitored by qualified professionals at each site where gas work is being performed involving the pressurization of transmission lines, to support an urgent recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board, the federal agency that investigated the catastrophe. The NTSB's safety recommendations said "Gas main pressures should be continually monitored during these modifications and assets should be placed at critical locations to immediately shut down the system if abnormal operations are detected." This is exactly in keeping with the bill I filed.

The legislative delegation representing Andover, Lawrence and North Andover stood strong today in support of legislation to protect all of us in the Commonwealth.

The factors that caused the severe and long lasting hardships experienced by residents, local businesses, and the tragic loss of life caused by the gas explosions and fires are now better understood and we have well-reasoned proposals to protect the public ready for advancement.

With: State Senator Barry Finegold, State Senator Diana DiZoglio, Representative Frank Moran, Representative Tram T Nguyen, Representative Marcos Devers, Representative Christina Minicuccii, Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, former North Andover Town Manager and state Comptroller Andrew Maylor, Andover Town Manager Andrew Flanagan and others.




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Monday, November 11, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Veterans Day is today, November 11th. Please join me in remembering our military veterans. There are events and ceremonies planned in communities throughout the Commonwealth and across the country - your attendance will be most welcomed.

The unyielding and unchanging core principals of our nation; freedom, liberty, and justice expressed in our founding documents would be unrealized without the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans.

We are blessed to have had men and women wear the uniforms of our military organizations to take actions to defend, preserve, and promote those values and principles here and around the world. The family members of our veterans, and of those who wear the uniform today as members, also deserve our deep appreciation.

Patriotism is alive, the vitality of those who served our nation from the War of Independence to this day continues to beat in our hears, and all U.S. veterans, and those who are currently serving, should know that they are appreciated by the citizens of this great nation. Again, I welcome and invite you to attend one of the many ceremonies that will take place today and encourage you to express your gratitude to these great veterans anytime you can.

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Thursday, November 7, 2019

Senate Passes Campaign Finance Reform Bill


Senate Passes Campaign Finance Reform Bill

Legislation Bolsters Transparency and Accountability

 

BOSTONThe Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday unanimously passed An Act relative to campaign finance, sponsored by State Senator Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen), which increases transparency and accountability in the Commonwealth’s elections by reforming fiscal reporting requirements.  The bill also establishes a commission to study allowing the use of campaign funds for family-related care.

 

“Running for public office is one of the most exciting and impactful steps you can take as a citizen in a democracy,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).  “It is also a lot of work.  Massachusetts must ensure that our campaign finance laws and reporting requirements are under constant review to make certain that we are being as transparent as possible, while opening up the possibility of running for office to more people.”

 

The depository reporting system, run through the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF)—the independent state agency that administers Massachusetts’ campaign finance law—directs candidates for public office to submit to stringent campaign finance reporting requirements.  Currently, the legislature and some mayoral candidates are exempt from the law that requires statewide, county and many other municipal candidates to use this reporting system. An Act relative to campaign finance seeks to remedy this disparity by requiring all legislative and mayoral candidates in Massachusetts to participate in the depository system.

 

“Nearly all candidates, including statewide officers, county officers, Governor's Council, mayors and councilors in cities over a population of 65,000, have participated in this depository reporting system—with the exception of some mayoral and all legislative candidates,” said DiZoglio. “This landmark legislation enhances transparency and accountability in our campaign finance law by requiring that bank statements are sent to OCPF and that we disclose our sources of campaign contributions and expenditures much more often for the public to see.”

 

“I’m proud of the Senate for passing this campaign finance reform legislation today,” said State Senator Barry R. Finegold (D-Andover). “The depository system will lead to increased transparency and uniformity, while minimizing the accidental errors in reporting that often plague campaigns. Voters deserve to know how we get our money as candidates and how we spend it, and the move to the depository system will make all of that data more readily available.”

 

“Accurate reporting of campaign donations and expenditures is critical for the integrity of our elections and the public trust our democracy depends on,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester). “This modernization of our reporting system will expand a proven methodology to more candidates, and produce more timely and accurate information about financial activity. “

 

By requiring all legislative and mayoral candidates to participate in the depository reporting system, this bill will increase accountability by requiring monthly reports that disclose all campaign finance activity, in addition to reports filed by their designated financial institution. Currently, filings for those presently exempt from the depository system occur only two or three times a year.  By increasing the filing frequency to 12 times per year, the legislation seeks to increase transparency in statewide campaign finance activity.

 

This revised process will assist OCPF in identifying discrepancies between a candidate’s public disclosure of campaign finance activity and their bank accounting records.  It would also help OCPF promptly address issues associated with data entry errors, missed deposits, balance issues and uncashed checks.  In addition, the change will make it easier to see how much money a candidate is raising and spending during the course of the entire election cycle.

 

During floor debate, an amendment was debated that would establish the creation of a commission to study the use of campaign funds for family-related activities such as child care and caring for relatives with medical needs. The amendment passed unanimously.

 

“Campaigning is so hard and has so many barriers, especially with family to care for,” said State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville). “But, today we are starting the process to remove one more barrier by examining whether candidates should be able to use donated funds to pay for family care services during campaign activities. We must take bold steps to diversify our elected office holders.”

 

The bill now returns to the House for further consideration.

 

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Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Fuller Meadow Elementary School Teaches The Value of Civics

Lisa Scharffenberg, a first grade teacher at the Fuller Meadow Elementary School in Middleton, Massachusetts, invited me to attend her classroom to meet with her students to discuss civics and democracy. Some might think that this is too lofty of a topic for 1st graders, I am happy to report that they were active, engaged and very thoughtful.

Lisa and her colleague Lindsay Foden have put together a social studies program called “Electing a Leader” and the idea is to use project-based learning to help frame an important question - “How can we, as responsible citizens, identify important qualities of candidates in order to make informed voting decisions?”

Superintendent Scott Morrison and Principal Dr. Diane Carreiro have supported the teachers and even suggested that I should be contacted and invited to come in for an ‘in-person” visit with the class- I am glad that I did. As a legislative sponsor of laws that have expanded access to civics education in our state I am delighted to see this approach for students. The experience was wonderful and I am encouraged by their interest.

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Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Purple Heart Trail 10K and Fun Run This Sunday

Help me spread the word about the November 10 Veterans Day weekend Purple Heart Trail 10K and Fun Run. This event is November 10, 2019; the Fun Run at 8:30 and 10K at 9:00.

In honor of all our military past and present, come and run a 10K from the Patton Homestead, circling around to the Sherman Tank in Patton Park, and back to the Homestead. Kids and those wishing to walk or run a shorter distance can participate in the Fun Run, a 1K loop following the wood road along the perimeter of the beautiful Patton Homestead property.

The first 100 registrants race will receive a long sleeve technical t-shirt and all Fun Run participants will receive a ribbon. All proceeded benefit the The Patton Homestead, Inc. to help them further their non-profit mission.

The Patton Homestead Inc. is the lead host along with the American Legion: Post 194 Hamilton, MA.


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DISCUSSION ON AGEISM AND UNEMPLOYMENT

50+ Job Seekers Regional Networking Meeting 

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting at Essex North Shore Agricultural Technical School with a number or Council on Aging Directors, and other people, to discuss the challenges confronting those over 50 years of age seeking employment.

The Massachusetts workforce is aging. In fact, demographically we have an older population than the rest of the nation and this has an impact on workers, our economy, communities and public policy. Recently, the North Andover COA was awarded a grant funded and supported by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging to help those over 50 who are looking for a new job or new career direction.

People over 65 were 14 percent of the Massachusetts population in 2010. In 2030, they will be 21 percent of the population. Councils on Aging are working together to support efforts to connect people with valuable resources.

All 50+Job Seekers Regional Networking Meeting meetings are open to anyone who resident of the state who is over 49 years old. Participants are given a regularly scheduled, professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment. Each meeting is facilitated by a certified career and includes a presentation-workshop on topics relevant to career transitions and job searches.

Guest Speakers included - Susan Drevitch Kelly, a consultant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and leads the 50+ Job Seekers Regional Networking Group Program throughout the state. Sheila Taylor, COA Director of Ipswich, on this program in her community, how the program developed, the grant they applied for, and the success they have had with it. Cahla Ahlstrom, Assistant to Irene O’Brien of North Andover, on developing this program and what they hope to accomplish.

With Mary Ann Nay my Community Outreach Specialist.




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Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Services & Vehicle Inspections Unavailable Veterans Day Weekend

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced that due to its final upgrade to new technology no customer service transactions can be conducted starting at 6 PM, Friday, November 8 and until 7 AM, Tuesday, November 12.

In addition, inspection station locations will not be able to conduct motor vehicle inspections on November 9, 10, and 11.
Customers may go online prior to Veterans Day, getting vehicles due for November inspections into service stations prior to November 8, and, if in-person transactions are required, visiting Registry and AAA customer service locations as soon as possible or waiting until later in November.
To summarize- from Friday, November 8 at 6 PM until Tuesday, November 12 at 7 AM there will be no:
* RMV services, including registration or licensing services, will be available at the RMV, AAA, auto dealerships, or at insurance companies.
* vehicle safety or emissions inspections.
* RMV available internet transactions or phone service.

For more information, please visit mass.gov/rmv.


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Friday, November 1, 2019

Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project Update From Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Construction Look-Ahead: November 3, 2019 – November 16, 2019

Traffic Impacts-
• Route 1 Northbound: Approaching the Tobin Bridge from Boston, the workzone begins in the left lane and continues in the center lane. Drivers can travel on either side of the center lane workzones. 2 of 3 travel lanes will be open during daytime hours (5 a.m. – 10 p.m.) and at least 1 travel lane will be open during overnight hours (10 p.m. – 5 a.m.).

• Route 1 Southbound: Approaching the Chelsea Curves from the North Shore, the workzone begins in the left lane before the Carter Street off-ramp and continues in the center lane. Drivers can travel on either side of the center lane workzone at the Carter Street off-ramp using the left or right travel lanes. 2 of 3 travel lanes will be open during daytime hours (5 a.m.–10 p.m.) and at least 1 travel lane will be open during overnight hours (10 p.m.–5 a.m.).

• Fourth Street Off-ramp: The Fourth Street off-ramp will remain closed for 1-2 months. Northbound traffic headed to Chelsea must be in the right lane when crossing the bridge to access the Beacon Street off-ramp. After Beacon Street, the next opportunity to exit Route 1 Northbound will be at Webster Avenue.

• Carter Street: Travel lanes passing under Route 1 will be diverted to avoid the active workzone on the eastbound side. Traffic will remain two-way and police details will be used to guide travelers.

• Upcoming Temporary Closures: For one or two nights during this construction period, complete closures of all lanes of traffic will be required for brief periods of time during overnight, off-peak hours for repairs at several locations on the Tobin Bridge. Overnight closures are weather-dependent and MassDOT will provide additional information and notice once the dates have been determined.

Work Hours
• Most work will occur in during daytime working hours (6 a.m.–2 p.m.) on weekdays. Some work will take place during afternoon (2 p.m.–7 p.m) and overnight hours (7 p.m.–6 a.m.) and on Saturdays (7 a.m.–7 p.m).
• No work will occur on Monday, November 11 in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.

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Ribbon Cutting at Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative

This morning I was happy to join with members and friends of the Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative in Gloucester to present them with a Senate Citation and help them celebrate 30 years in business. In that time they have had more than 200 members participate all while earning the support of the community. We had refreshments, live music, good stories and a grand time.

With Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, members of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, artists, members and others.






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