Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year

I invite you to stay in touch throughout the year to share your thoughts. You can find me easily at the State House, online, by mail, or in your neighborhood. My contact info is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr/ , at @SenBruceTarr on Twitter, and at https://www.tarrtalk.com 

Here's to a good 2023 for you and yours.

Library Challenge Grant - Deadline Fast Approaching

I want to make sure that you know that Gloucester's Sawyer Free Library is on the crest of a $100,000 challenge. A private non-profit foundation has offered to support the library with $100,000 if the Gloucester and surrounding Cape Ann community can raise the same. That is a very generous and inviting offer. I hope you consider pitching in, here is how you can help before tomorrow's deadline - https://www.sawyerfree2025.org/

May This Christmas Bring Blessings And Joy To You

As the sun begins to rise on Christmas morning, I hope everyone can feel the joy and magic of the holiday. Christmas is a time of peace, love, and happiness, a day when we can come together as a community, even with those who may be strangers to us. I also hope that on this special day, we take a moment to remember and honor the servicemen and servicewomen who are working to protect our country, even as they are far from home.

Grand Menorah Lighting in North Andover

This week's lighting ceremony on the North Andover Common. Congregation Ahavat Olam sponsored this year’s celebration. I loved the theme of letting lights. love and latkes bring the community together.

 

Boxford Grand Illumination

Thanks to President Brian Gregory and the Boxford Historical Society for another great Grand Illumination this past Sunday - a wonderful holiday tradition. 

 

Happy Hanukkah

To all of my Jewish friends and constituents, I wish you a happy Hanukkah celebration. May this season of light fill your heart and home with happiness! 

 

Ken Riehl's Retirement Party

Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce said goodbye and farewell to CEO Ken Reihl after his many years of service to our regional economy, culture, and quality of life. We had a good time honoring him at The Gloucester House with well-deserved accolades, touching stories, and our very best wishes.

 

Ipswich High Volleyball Team State Champions 2022

The Tigers' tall tale ended with another state championship and the honor of being celebrated for their hard work, dedication, and determination. The championship victory took a lot of grit and the final match has been hailed as "an epic final". I was pleased to present the team with an official Senate Citation to recognize their achievements. I wish the team staff and student members the very best in all their future endeavors. 

With Representative Jamie Belsito.

Manchester-by-the-Sea Nets $568,250 For Reed Park

The state's Seaport Economic Council granted Manchester-by-the-Sea, $568,250 to add 500 additional feet of docking space at Reed Park with water, electricity, and pump-out facilities to accommodate transient vessels. The town will use funds to engineer and permit the expansion of the docking facility, as well as a portion of the construction. Three years ago Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Manchester-by-the-Sea Town officials and other local leaders to celebrate the re-opening of Morss Pier. Vital repairs to the Pier and adjacent seawall were made possible through a $327,000 Seaport Economic Council award.

Newburyport Downtown "Invitation Night" with Nate Allard President of Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

In Italy, a nightly walk is called - passeggiata, a friendly stroll chatting with friends. The other night in Newburyport I enjoyed walking along lifted by the holiday spirit while in great company. The decorations sparkled around us as we took in the hospitality of local merchants, enjoyed live entertainment, tasted treats, and felt welcomed in the beautiful and festive downtown Newburyport.

Nevins Farm Adoptable Animals

Each year around this time I like to prepare a holiday greeting that includes adoptable farm animals and pets. That holiday card starts with a visit to Nevins Farm to meet with old friends and make new ones. Here are a few photos of a recent visit. Our friends at MSPCA-Angell at Nevins Farm would love to assist you with animal adoption. Help an animal find a new home for the holidays.

 

Catalytic Converter Theft Legislation

I joined WBZ News Radio's WBZ Nigh Side With Dan Rea to talk about a bill that I have co-sponsored to stem the theft of catalytic converters. Stolen catalytic converters are plaguing vehicle owners across the nation. I'm at the 20-minute mark of the audio. The bill requires adequate recordkeeping by those dealing in used automobile parts and prevents the purchase of used catalytic converters without adequate proof of ownership, in order to crack down on the sale of stolen automobile parts.

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Awards Support Local Departments

I am happy to share that a number of local fire departments have been selected to receive Firefighter Safety Equipment grants. These funds will be used to purchase a variety of equipment that will help protect responders and the public. The long-term health of our firefighters will be enhanced, a fact that we can all celebrate. I am deeply thankful for their efforts on our behalf every single day.

Heating season has arrived and with it the need to spread the word about an important issue – home heating assistance for low-income families. Throughout my work as a legislator, I have advocated for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – known as LIHEAP, because in New England heating is a basic human need. 

Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent, can apply for help. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older. Household income cannot exceed 60% of the estimated State Median Income. 

Home energy assistance for renters and homeowners programs receive funding through the state budget and is managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development and provided through local agencies throughout Massachusetts by MASSCAP. An online application is now available and I invite you to apply. Find your area agency here: https://hedfuel.azurewebsites.net/ Cape Ann's LIHEAP agency is Action Inc.

 

Final Joint Republican Caucus with Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito

Governor Baker and his administration have been excellent partners with all members of the Legislature. Yesterday, the combined House and Senate Republican members had one final gathering in the Governor's office.