Wednesday, October 27, 2021

National Weather Service Boston And The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency: Nor'Easter Update

Effects & Impacts Timeline: Autumn Nor'Easter Significant impacts continue across eastern MA and RI. Strong to damaging winds will continue, with pockets of Moderate coastal flooding for this afternoon's high tide. 

 Power outages of over 407,000 customers. Avoid downed power lines, check on neighbors, & use generators outside away from buildings. Power outage safety tips: http://mass.gov/mema/power-outages Outage tracking map: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html



 


Read more...

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

National Weather Service Report

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a Nor’easter to continue to impact Massachusetts through Wednesday afternoon. The system will bring prolonged periods of rain, flooding, damaging winds, and minor coastal flooding and beach erosion. 

Periods of moderate to heavy rain are expected to continue across the state overnight into Wednesday morning. The axis of heaviest rainfall is expected to shift to eastern Massachusetts starting this evening. Rainfall totals through Wednesday are expected to be 2 to 4 inches with localized amounts of 3-5 inches. Rain will transition to lighter rain with occasional showers Wednesday morning then diminish to isolated showers and finally end Wednesday afternoon. 

 In addition to the heavy rain, minor coastal flooding is a concern for eastern MA during the Wednesday morning and late afternoon high tide cycles. The greatest risk for beach erosion is expected this afternoon into early Wednesday. Winds will increase across the state starting this evening. The strongest winds are forecasted for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with windy conditions expected to ease Wednesday afternoon. The areas at greatest risk for wind impacts are eastern MA, Cape Cod, and the Islands. Sustained winds along the east coast are expected to range from 30- 45 mph, and 40- 55 mph on the Cape Cod and the Islands. Maximum wind gusts on the east coast are expected to range from 50- 70mph, and 60- 75 mph on Cape Cod and the Islands. The storm is expected to move offshore later Wednesday, and drier weather is expected Thursday.



 


Read more...

Essex County Greenbelt's 60th Anniversary Celebration

Congratulations to Greenbelt - Essex County's Land Trust and the outstanding staff and volunteers who have propelled the organization through six decades of conserving habitats, landscapes, and precious farmland for the 34 cities and towns of Essex County. 

It was an honor to present an official State Senate Citation and a resolution from Governor Charlie Baker to Kate Bowditch, Executive Director, and Board Chair Alison Falk. The Cox Reservation in Essex was a wonderful setting for the celebration. I encourage you to learn more about the work accomplished, the mission, and the values of this world-class non-profit organization. www.ecga.org

#conservation #EssexCounty





 


Read more...

Middleton Pumpkin Festival And Haunted Hayrides

It's in the air - the 31st of October is drawing near and to celebrate in good community spirit the Town of Middleton Pumpkin Festival Committee put together a great Pumpkin Festival. Thanks to their efforts, and those of many volunteers and Town of Middleton staff, hundreds of families got to enjoy hayrides, pumpkin carving, music, magic, and of course delicious foods like pies, ice cream from Richardson's Ice Cream, cider, doughnuts, and popcorn.

Read more...

Monday, October 25, 2021

Student Nutrition Tops The Order - Governor Baker Signs New Law

Governor Charlie Baker today signed into law an act to Promote Student Nutrition which ensures that more children have greater access to nutritious school meals. As many as 10,000 more kids in Massachusetts will now have access to free school meals. The State Senate adopted the bill last month and I am glad to have Governor Baker's support on this important issue. The law requires schools and districts where a majority of students are low-income to enroll in federal programs, known as the Community Eligibility Provision and Provision 2, that allow them to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. When students accrue school meal debt, it requires school districts to determine whether they are eligible for free-or reduced-price meals to maximize federal revenues. 


Read more...

Three Sweet Peas Bakery Cafe Ribbon Cutting

I think we all agree that the world is a better place with locally owned bakeries dedicated to handcrafted deliciousness - that's what you will find when you visit Three Sweet Peas Bakery Cafe in Rowley MA. We had such fun helping Angela Daley and her team with their grand opening. 

Here's what you will find when you visit their Italian bakery and café - sweet and savory freshly baked items like; Italian pastries, cookies, breads, cakes for any Occasion, breakfast pastry, sandwiches, salads, coffees and much more. https://threesweetpeasbakerycafe.com

 







Read more...

Friday, October 22, 2021

North Shore Blue Economy Report

Today, I was delighted to help further discussions on the importance of the North Shore's blue economy - one that embraces the unique opportunities that we have connected to our coastal communities. Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, members of the Baker-Polito Administration, and many key stakeholders came together at the Cape Ann Museum​ to release the North Shore Blue Economy Phase I Findings and Vision Forward report. 

This Phase I work was led by the UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station and supported by Essex County Community Foundation​, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce​, #Gloucester Economic Development & Industrial Corporation, North Shore Innoventures​, North Shore Technology Council​, City of Gloucester, MA​, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Our blue economy has tremendous potential for the future and capturing that potential and strengthening current area uses such as marine and life sciences, tourism, technology, and of course fishing. You can listen to this WBZ News Radio​ report in the item below and read the paper here: https://www.umass.edu/ses/gloucester-marine-station/north-shore-blue-economy

 




 

 


Read more...

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Update on Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Availability, Additional State-Sponsored Booster Sites Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 boosters now available for eligible residents

BOSTON — Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced how eligible Massachusetts residents can access Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots. In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Moderna COVID-19 booster is now available to individuals 65 years of age and older, and individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who received their second shot of Moderna vaccine at least six months prior. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster is now available to all individuals who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 single dose vaccine at least two months ago. 

Both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster shots are now available to: 

  • Individuals 65 years and older 
  • Individuals 18+ who live in long-term care settings 
  • Individuals 18+ who have underlying medical conditions 
  • Individuals 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings 

 
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots are now available to: 

  • All individuals 18 and older who received a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago. 

CDC recommendations now allow for mixing and matching of different COVID-19 booster doses. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. The Administration recommends that residents with questions about which booster is right for them should ask their health care provider for advice. 

To view more information from the CDC, please click https://www.cdc.gov/.../p0924-booster-recommendations-.html

Massachusetts residents are able to receive COVID-19 booster doses from more than 460 locations, including over 450 retail pharmacies, and state sponsored COVID-19 booster locations, with appointments available now for booking. With the approval of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters, over 750,000 residents are newly eligible for booster shots under federal eligibility criteria. 

Additional State Sponsored COVID-19 Booster Sites 

On Tuesday, October 26th, two additional state-sponsored COVID-19 booster locations will open in Brockton and Danvers. Brockton: Brockton Vaccination & Booster Clinic, Shaw’s Center at 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton, MA 

Opening October 26th, the Brockton Vaccination & Booster Clinic has capacity to administer 450 doses daily and can ramp up to capacity for 1,000 doses daily. The clinic will offer Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters and primary series doses. Appointments can be booked by visiting vaxfinder.mass.gov, with walk ins also accepted. Language translation services will be available on site. Brewster Ambulance will serve as the provider for this clinic. Danvers: Danvers Vaccination & Booster Clinic, 1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA Opening October 26th, the Danvers Vaccination & Booster Clinic has capacity to administer 300 doses daily and can ramp up to capacity for 1,000 doses daily. The clinic will offer Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson boosters, as well as primary series doses. Appointments can be booked by visiting vaxfinder.mass.gov with walk ins also accepted. Language translation services will be available on site. Transformative Healthcare will serve as the provider for this clinic. 

How to Get a Booster 

If you are eligible, here are the steps to find a convenient location for getting a COVID-19 booster: 

  • Visit the VaxFinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of locations. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering boosters, with appointments available now for booking. Many locations are booking appointments out weeks in advance. 
  • For individuals who are unable to use VaxFinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM-2 PM) is available by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts for assistance. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available to in approximately 100 additional languages. 

Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. Fully vaccinated residents should receive a COVID-19 booster shot when they are eligible and as vaccines are authorized by the CDC. As a reminder COVID-19 can be given at the same time as your annual flu shot. If you are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose and have not received your annual flu shot yet, ask your health care provider or pharmacist for both vaccines. 

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster. Additional information on the COVID-19 booster, including FAQs, can be found at mass.gov/COVID19booster

Individuals can check if they are eligible for a booster using the eligibility tool at mass.gov/BoosterCheck

Massachusetts leads the nation in first dose vaccination rates per capita, with more than 90% of eligible residents having received at least one dose. Almost 79% of the eligible population, totaling over 4.7 million residents in Massachusetts, are fully vaccinated. 

 



Read more...

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Today in the formal session of the Senate, I was pleased to stand in bipartisan support of two bills offered by my legislative colleagues. They are: Senate Bill 2557, An Act Concerning Genocide Education, will provide education to middle and high school students on the history of genocide and to promote the teaching of human rights issues. Each middle school and high school in the state will include instruction on the history of genocide under the provisions of the bill. We must ensure next generations can be good stewards of this democracy and be leaders in our society. Genocide is horrible, unthinkable, and because it's difficult to discuss and sometimes difficult to understand, it must not be ignored or allowed to fade into history.

You can read the language of the bill here: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2557

Senate Bill 2558, An Act Relative To Military Spouse-Licensure Portability, Education And Enrollment Of Dependents, supports military families who relocate to the Commonwealth by providing career stability for the spouses of service members and quality education for their children. The Senate has always advanced bills to expand our efforts to care for of our service members and veterans. We have passed landmark legislation to support family members and veterans and provide them with needed resources and this bill continues in that tradition.

You can read the language of the bill here: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2558

This legislation, known as the SPEED Act, would speed up the professional licensure process for military spouses to ensure they can continue their careers, allow for advanced and virtual enrollment for military children to minimize disruptions in education, provide in-state tuition continuity for military-connected college students, and establish a Purple Star Campus designation to identify public schools that show a major commitment to military families. The bill would also help Massachusetts meet criteria used by the Department of Defense and military officials when considering basing assignments and federal investments for military installations.

Thanks to Senators Senator Michael Rodrigues , the lead sponsor of S. 2527, and Senator John Velis, who is the lead sponsor of S. 2558. The Senate approved these bills by a vote of 39-0, and I am glad to be one of those votes.

 

 

 


Read more...

Cake Ann Has A Plan

Fun time helping with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cake Ann at their beautiful new location at 63 Rogers Street in Gloucester. You can certainly tell by all the smiles that everyone was in a festive mood and happy to celebrate their sweet new home. 

www.cakeann.com


 



 


Read more...

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Redistricting Map Proposals Issued by the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting

Yesterday the legislature's Special Joint Committee on Redistricting released proposed maps for the State House of Representatives and Senate. The districts reflected on the maps, which are based on information received from the 2020 Federal Census, would go into effect for the next regular elections in 2022. You can view the maps here: Redistricting (malegislature.gov)  



Read more...

Friday, October 8, 2021

Dory Boat Racing In #Gloucester

Looking for an extraordinary experience this weekend? Consider watching dory boat races on Saturday morning hosted by the International Dory Racing Committee. The races will lead off from the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center dock travel out and around Ten Pound Island, and then back to the start for a mile and three-quarters of heart-pounding racing. 9:00 AM start and refreshment following. www.internationaldories.com 

 

From Good Morning Gloucester

IT’S TIME TO COMPETE FOR THE OARMASTER’S CUP.

 

Saturday, October 9th at 9 AM the International Dory Racing Committee will hold the annual Oarmaster's Cup Race (solo dory race) to crown the best single dory rower in the land. All members are welcome to compete, and the public is welcome to attend the races for some exciting waterfront entertainment! (Rain date will be Sunday Oct 10th)... https://goodmorninggloucester.com/2021/10/08/its-time-to-compete-for-the-oarmasters-cup-2/?fbclid=IwAR3ZGkn3xHah0Y5wZrqEYP_06nwu8mOB7F1b4MhROAcIY-r6LY0PHF8bgr4


 


Read more...

Thursday, October 7, 2021

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

I've learned a lot from firefighters over the years, what tools they need to keep us and them safe and one of the things that they always say is that they want the public to know what to do to to prevent fires from causing harm. In a fire, seconds make all the difference. Fire safety is important for every member of the community - children, adults, and the elderly and taking just a little time every October during Fire Prevention Week can help us all understand how to stay safe in case of a fire. 

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. 

Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety: 

  • A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. 
  • Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. 
  • A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. 
  • All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years. Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. 

If there is a fire, remember: 

  • Leave the building immediately and call 9-1-1. 
  • If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, cover & roll to put out the flames. 
  • Most fire victims are hurt trying to fight the fire. Leave firefighting to the professionals. To keep your home safe from fire: 

Make sure you have working smoke alarms. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. If the alarms have regular batteries, change them every time you change the clocks. Consider installing home sprinklers. Sprinklers buy time, and time saves lives.


 


Read more...

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

CONSTITUENT SERVICE OFFICE HOURS

Join my staff for our regular schedule of constituent service office hours at local councils on aging. My State House contact information is:

Office of Senator Bruce E. Tarr
Senate Minority Leader
State House, Room 308
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-1600

October: 

Hamilton: Tuesday, Oct. 12th from 9:30 AM–10:30 AM 
Wenham: Tuesday, Oct. 12th from 11:00 AM—12 Noon 
Rowley: Tuesday, Oct. 12th from 1:00 PM–2:00 PM 
 
Gloucester: Wednesday, Oct. 13th from 8:00 AM—9:00 AM 
Wednesday, Oct. 13th from 9:30 AM–10:30 AM 
Rockport: Wednesday, Oct. 13th from 11:00 AM–12:00 Noon 
Manchester-by-the-Sea: Wednesday, Oct. 13th from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM 
 
North Reading: Thursday, Oct. 14th from 9:30 AM—10:30 AM 
Wilmington: Thursday, Oct. 14th from 11:00 AM—12 Noon 
North Andover: Thursday, Oct. 14th from 1:00 PM—2:00 PM 
 
West Newbury: Monday, Oct. 18th from 9:00 AM—10:00 AM 
Middleton: Monday, Oct. 18th from 11:00 AM—12 Noon 
 
Boxford: Tuesday, Oct. 19th from 9:00 AM—10:00 AM 
Georgetown: Tuesday, Oct. 19th from 10:30 AM—11:30 AM 
Groveland: Tuesday, Oct. 19th from 12:00 Noon—1:00 PM 
 
Ipswich: Thursday, Oct. 21st from 9:00 AM—10:00 AM 
Essex: Thursday, Oct. 21st from 10:30 AM—11:30 AM 
Newbury: Thursday, Oct. 21st from 12:00 Noon—1:00 PM 

 

Read more...

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Domestic violence is multifaceted and may include verbal, physical, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse of a victim and is often hidden from public view. Although it's not limited to women, domestic violence is the root of more injuries to women than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Abusers impact men, women, and children in a dynamic that distorts power over peace. 

This observance helps bring awareness across the nation about domestic violence and its effects. Together we can break the silence and end the violence. For information, services, and help for yourself or someone you care about: 

Safelink: 1-877-785-2020 is a 24-hour, free, and confidential multi-lingual domestic violence hotline in Massachusetts 

To find the domestic violence program nearest you outside of Massachusetts, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233). 

Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence – (617)557-1807; www.janedoe.org 

Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-for-victim-assistance 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers assistance and safety planning 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 for live support. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto www.thehotline.org to chat online. 

#EndDomesticViolence


 


Read more...

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Ipswich Hosts A Memorial Of Loved Ones Lost To COVID- 19

Yesterday, I attended a moving tribute to those we have to the viral pandemic which has so greatly impacted us all. Hosted by Sheila Taylor, Director of Senior Services of the Ipswich Council on Aging, the intention of this memorial is to invite people to write the names of loved ones, or special thoughts. on ribbons and then tie them to a display. 

Each loss of life has torn at the fabric of the connections between us all. In addition to the Ribbon Tying, there was also a dedication of a memorial bench just outside the #Ipswich Town Hall’s Green Street Entrance. This special space will be available for all during the month of October as the town continues to celebrate Ipswich Illumination. 














 


Read more...