An Act to Promote Payroll Transparency

Today I testified before the Joint Committee on State Administration on behalf of S.2427, " An Act to Promote Payroll Transparency ", a bill I have filed to require Massachusetts Quasi- Public agencies to report employee compensation information to the state Comptroller so that it can be posted in the state's " Open Checkbook " system, which currently contains such information for state employees. The information is available for public inspection at CTHRU - Office of the Comptroller (macomptroller.org). You can read the bill here Bill S.2427 (malegislature.gov), and recent editorials supporting the substance of the bill here Mass. quasi-government agencies shouldn't hide payroll data (bostonglobe.com).

Gloucester Fraternity Club 100th Anniversary

I was honored to join with the Gloucester Fraternity Club for a spirited celebration of the Club's 100th Anniversary recently.

Congratulations and thanks to club and auxiliary members past and present for 100 years of service to the community in so many ways.

Chief Janvrin Retirement

Congratulations to Newbury Fire Chief Doug Janvrin on retirement after 36 years of dedicated service to the community. 

Howard Blackburn Day

On Saturday, July 16, Maritime Gloucester hosted its first " Howard Blackburn Day", in association with Gloucester 400.  I was honored to be among the readers of excerpts of Joseph Garland's "Lone Voyager," which chronicles in poignant and beautifully written prose the life of this remarkable Gloucesterman, whose life story reflects many of the foundational virtues of the nation's oldest seaport. The evening segment of the event featured the premiere of Kory Curcuru's " Timeline Cape Ann " documentary about the adventures of Blackburn, based on exhaustive research and showcasing an incredible portfolio of historic photos. You can view the documentary on the website of 1623 Studios, Cape Ann's community cable television station. Thanks to Kerry McKenna and everyone involved in making this event memorable, informative, and successful.

Cows Rock Ice Cream

Congratulations to Corrine Willis on the Grand Re-Opening of Cows Rock Ice Cream at 5 Johnson Street in North Andover! It was a pleasure to join you for the celebration of National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 16, to sample some great ice cream and present a Senate citation to mark the occasion. Best wishes for continued success - I will be back. 

                                              

Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce Lowell Five Bank

The Lowell Five is celebrating 10 years of being in its North Andover branch on Chickering Road, and on Wednesday the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce held a celebration to mark the anniversary. I was happy to join with chamber executives Joe and Michael Bevilacqua and Representative Tram Nguyen to present citations to the bank in recognition of this milestone, and the bank's contributions to the local economy and the community. Thanks to the chamber and all of the representatives of area businesses that made this a great event!

Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce Award Celebration

In May the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting and presented awards to several businesses and individuals to recognize their contributions to the local economy and the community.  On Wednesday, joined by Chamber Executive Director Nate Allard, I had the honor of visiting several of the honorees to personally present them with Senate citations in recognition of their chamber awards. The recipients included :  

• Cross Insurance
• Turning Point
• Institution of Savings/ Mary Ann Clancy
• Nauti Pearl
• Bar 25

Thanks to the Chamber for highlighting these worthy awardees, and thanks to Nate for helping me to do the same

Salisbury Beach Betterment Association’s 2023 Annual Meeting

 The Salisbury Beach Betterment Association held its annual meeting on Monday, July 10 at the Blue Ocean Music Hall, and it was informative, productive, and filled with the spirit of neighbors working together to make Salisbury Beach better and more prosperous. I was glad to join with members of the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Neil Harrington, Police Chief Tom Fowler, Past SBBA Presidents, and current SBBA President Bill Grielich in presenting updates and information about our collaborative efforts on initiatives such as restoring beach access points 8,9, and 10 this spring, and our ongoing efforts to repair the erosion caused by winter storms. We also highlighted our partnership with DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo, and Governor Maura Healey, who have been incredibly responsive and collaborative.  Thanks to everyone who made this a great meeting.

Informational Webinar: "Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind Energy and Impacts on Ocean Habitat, Fisheries, and Coastal Communities"

Informational webinar on Wednesday, July 12th from 5 PM to 6: 30 PM Est on "Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind Energy and Impacts on Ocean Habitat, Fisheries, and Coastal Communities." Hosted by

UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station and Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association. Registration link: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/.../tJYscOqgqzwiG9C8tczk...

Gloucester Boulevard Concert and Fireworks

Gloucester's boulevard concert and fireworks were postponed on July 3rd, but the show went on Saturday, July 8th, with a large crowd and plenty of ongoing Independence Day spirit. Thanks to everyone involved for making these events happen!

International Dory Race-Continuing a great tradition of friendly international competition

On Saturday. July 8 competitors from sister cities Gloucester, Massachusetts and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia boarded dories and raced on a course in Gloucester Harbor as they have for 71 years.  This friendly competition, rooted in the proud fishing legacy of both ports, features strength, athleticism, strategy, and teamwork. Most importantly, it showcases the enduring international bond between these two communities that has grown stronger over the years and continues to bring people from many generations together as a shining example of the type of friendship and partnership our world needs. Thanks to the Gloucester International Dory Racing Committee and the Lunenburg Canadian Dory Racing Association for the dedication and hard work it takes to keep this tradition alive.  I was happy to join with the committee members, rowers, families and friends for the Welcoming Reception at the St. Peter's Club on Thursday night. and again on the docks of  Maritime Gloucester to watch the races on Saturday morning. A special thanks to US Coast Guard Station Gloucester for opening up the station property for spectators on Saturday, and to Leo Francis for his work as the announcer for the races. The competition next moves to Lunenburg Harbor on August 26.  You can learn more about this incredible tradition at Gloucester International Dory Racing – Gloucester International Dory Racing (internationaldories.com).  Below are some photos from the reception and the races.