Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony At The Cape Ann Museum Green At The Janet & William Ellery James Center

Last night I enjoyed participating in ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, its members, and the local business community to the new campus in Gloucester. Hanging on the walls inside the museum's new facility is a new exhibition of the Community Self Portrait Project. 

Here's how CAM describes the project: For over a year, the Cape Ann Museum has been collecting self-portraits from residents in Cape Ann to be exhibited at the Janet & William Ellery James Center. Displayed in a grid, these portraits come together to form a tapestry. They will be on view along with community quilts by Clara Wainwright and by participants in the Rose Baker Senior Center Art Program, under the direction of Juni Van Dyke.

 

 

The Topsfield Fair Is almost Here, I'm Going

America's premier fair will run from October 1-11 with a full schedule of events, entertainment, exhibits, and activities. Check the Website for all the latest details: www.topsfieldfair.org 

#topsfieldfair

 

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day

Today is VFW Day. The #VFW is the largest and oldest war veterans service organization and to honor all those who have served and those that have given the ultimate sacrifice, I say thank you for your service and to your families for their lifelong support.

 

Registry of Motor Vehicles Offers “Senior Hours”

The RMV is offering “Senior Hours” on Wednesdays for customers age 65 and older to conduct Registry transactions at 27 designated Service Centers on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Please note, a reservation is required. 

To make a reservation: 

• Go online and visit myRMV Online Service Center at atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv 

• Call (857) 368-8005, or 

• Send an email to MassDOTRMVSeniors@dot.state.ma.us

 

Manchester Celebrates it’s 375th Anniversary 2.0

The Manchester Parade this weekend was a great time even as the Manchester 375th Anniversary Committee had to make accommodations last year due to COVID-19. Committee chairs Sue Thorne and Tom Kehoe, both former select board members, had an outstanding team of Committee Members and volunteers. The parade, a wonderful tradition, was resplendent in sight and sound with music from precision marching bands, colorful homemade floats, antique cars, bands, fire trucks, a delegation of Shriners, and the Danvers High School Marching Band and so much more.

 #Manchester was the place to celebrate.

 

Your Blood Donation Matters

Two upcoming dates and there are some spaces available. Please make an appointment for Thursday the 30th to help someone in need. You can learn about this blood drive, and others in your area, by visiting https://redcross.org/local/massachusetts.html 

#RedCrossMA

 

Manchester Veterans Honor Roll Dedication

This weekend, I had the honor of participating in a dedication ceremony to dedicate an Honor Roll of Manchester's Veterans Servicemembers - men and women, both alive and deceased, who have served from World War I to today. 

The design, construction, permitting, and fundraising for the granite monument has been a tremendous undertaking with the involvement of many dedicated volunteers and spearheaded by Amaral Bailey Post 113 American Legion. Former Representative Brad Hill and I worked together to secure a portion of the needed funds in the form of a state budget appropriation. Other public funds came from the state's Heritage Grant Funds and the Manchester Community Preservation Act. The lions' share of funds were donated privately, over a number of years, from generous supporters dedicated to seeing this Town Common Honor Roll shine for generations to come.

 

Protection Against COVID-19 Offered

Public health and safety will always be a priority for me, so when I had a chance to help stand up a regional effort to offer vaccines my staff and I got on it. I visited the Rockport site the other day to help out. Vaccines are free to all Massachusetts residents age 12 and up. 

The Greater Cape Ann Community Collaborative - https://capeannclinic.com - has clinics throughout the area. These vaccination sites accept walk-ins and they are free of charge.

MONDAYS

Ipswich, Our Lady of Hope rectory, 1 Pine Swamp Road, Mondays, 1-4 p.m., through the end of 2021 (Closed Indigenous Peoples Day 10/11).

WEDNESDAYS

Hamilton-Wenham: Hamilton Senior Center from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

THURSDAYS

Essex Town Hall Annex, 30 Martin St., from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Topsfield Town Hall, 2nd floor, 2-3:30 p.m., from Sept. 9 to Oct. 14.

SATURDAYS

Rockport, Community House, 58 Broadway, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Tune In Tomorrow For A Live Radio Broadcast With North Shore 104.9's Erika and I As We Promote "Shop the Readings" From 10 AM to Noon

We will be broadcasting live from the Horseshoe Grille at 226 Main Street in North Reading - Erika and I will be talking with Lisa Egan, executive director of the Reading North Reading Chamber of Commerce, and other local champions including Pat Lee from Horseshoe Grille. 

www.shopthereadings.com

 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Helps You Find a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Near You

With 745,771 Total Confirmed Covid-19 Massachusetts Cases and 18,504 deaths state-wide getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important option to consider and getting one is now more convenient than ever. Mobile pop-up vaccination clinics are happening in cities and towns across the state at community centers, auditoriums, parks, and other locations. If you are not vaccinated and would like to be, you can find a clinic near you: http://mass.gov/MobileVax

 

Protecting Costal Resources

I testified today on a bill I wrote, To Protect Coastal Resources, Senate Bill 621. 

Massachusetts has nearly 200 miles of coastal shoreline, which provides incalculable benefits to the economy, character, and quality of life for residents, visitors, and wildlife. Changing climatological conditions and sea-level rise directly threaten public and private property, infrastructure, and critical habitats. New and continuing threats demand innovative solutions, and the possibility exists to develop and deploy solutions using natural resources and processes. 

 

Essex Public Safety Building Open House

Essex recently completed construction on the new public safety building for its Police and Fire Departments, after years of exploring options. On Saturday, the new facilities were open for tours, a cookout, and a gathering of residents. Police Chief Paul Francis and Fire Chief Ramie Reader hosted the open house. Two years ago I initiated a state budget appropriation to help cover some planning and design costs. Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante and I were able to secure $40,000 for the new space.

 

 

Boxford Apple Festival 2021

With hardly a hint of Fall in the day Boxford celebrated a wonderful tradition yesterday - Boxford Apple Festival. On this occasion, we also gave special recognition to Doffy Faulk, and her late husband Craig, for creating this Apple Festival 50 years ago. 

Held each year in East Boxford Village, the event featuring streets lined with artisan vendors, local musicians, a variety of well-crafted local treats, and sumptuous foods, is sponsored by The Boxford Historical Society. 

With State Rep. Lenny Mirra, MA State Rep. Tram T. Nguyen, and #Boxford Selectwoman Mary Anne Nay.

 

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a Presidential Proclamation of President Carter. Each president since has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. 

National POW/MIA Recognition Day honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.