Recently, celebrated and hosted our Scouts at the annual
Scouting Report to the Commonwealth in the Senate Chamber at the State House.
Each year the Scouts come from all over Massachusetts to
make a report of their activities and progress. Each of them are inspiring
individuals personifying the Scout Law
April is Autism Awareness Month
Honored to support
Chief Francis and the Essex Police Department's recent Autism Awareness Program
fundraiser in collaboration with the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism.
April is nationally recognized as Autism Awareness Month and
affects 1 in 36 children in the United States. The Essex Police Department has
been selling and wearing autism acceptance police patches for the month of
April.
All proceeds from patch sales go toward the Flutie
Foundation's safety programs, which focus on keeping those affected by autism
protected within their communities.
It was an honor and a privilege to speak at the Renaming
Ceremony of the Flotilla 38 Boathouse on Plum Island to the Commodore Ronald W.
Booth Boathouse.
I presented a State Senate citation to Commodore Ronald W.
Booth in recognition of his exemplary service, commitment, and dedication to
Flotilla 38 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxilary.
Today we celebrated the 2nd annual Right Whale Day and I had the privilege of joining EEA Undersecretary of Environment Stephanie Cooper, DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea, DMF Director Dan McKiernan, Vikki Spruill, President & CEO, New England Aquarium, state and local officials, fishing industry representatives and partner conservation organizations during today’s speaking program at the New England Aquarium.
Saving the right whale from extinction is an epic challenge, and one that summons us to action because our waters host such a substantial number of a limited population for several months. Through an ongoing commitment, innovation, and sacrifice by the commercial fishing industry, Massachusetts is rising to the challenge, and taking the actions our stewardship demands.
Having successfully pursued significant measures over the last several years to protect endangered North Atlantic Right Whales in Massachusetts, as the Senate Chair of the legislature's Coastal Caucus, I have partnered with other members of the caucus, in taking another major step to protect the whales, the marine environment, and the state's commercial fisheries, by filing SD.3009, "An Act Relative to Abandoned Fishing Gear,” which would establish the legal framework for this chronic nemesis to be removed from the state's waters through appropriate regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. This bi-partisan, bi-cameral legislation has garnered early co-sponsorship from Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Representatives Ann Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) and Kathleen LaNatra (D-Kingston).
The filing of the bill comes following months of research on the subject by the DMF, and collaboration with myself and other legislators, with a focus on prioritizing the protection of right whales while recognizing the high price currently being paid by those in the commercial lobster fishery to protect this endangered species through the extreme economic sacrifice of enduring fishery closures that last for months and prevent harvesters and others from being able to earn a living.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Massachusetts Environmental Trust’s (MET) Right Whale/Roseate Tern license plate, the first philanthropic specialty license plate established to benefit conservation. Over the last 30 years, the Trust has awarded more than $28 million to 800 projects that have supported the protection of endangered marine animals and restoration of critical aquatic ecosystems.
During the event, I had the honor of presenting a special
citation to the Center for Coastal Studies’ Right Whale Ecology Program
Director Stormy Mayo in recognition of his 47-year career pioneering right
whale research and conservation in Cape Cod Bay. Mayo also received a
commemorative right whale license plate.
Right Whale Day 2024 at the New England Aquarium
Today we celebrated the 2nd annual Right Whale Day and I had
the privilege of joining Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
(EEA) Undersecretary of Environment Stephanie Cooper, Department of Fish & Game Commissioner
Tom O’Shea, Division of Marine Fisheries Director Dan McKiernan, Vikki Spruill,
President & CEO, New England Aquarium, state and local officials, fishing
and lobster industry representatives and conservation partner organizations
during today’s speaking program at the New England Aquarium
Saving the right whale from extinction is an epic challenge,
and one that summons us to action because our waters host such a substantial
number of a limited population for several months. Through an ongoing
commitment, innovation, and sacrifice by the commercial fishing industry,
Massachusetts is rising to the challenge, and taking the actions our
stewardship demands.
#DenimDay Awareness 2024
Today, Wednesday, April 24th is #denimday. Join me in taking
action to support this sexual violence prevention and educational campaign.
With Passover commencing this evening, I would like to wish
all of my Jewish friends and constituents a happy and joyous holiday. Chag
Pesach Sameach!
Last week, we toured Triton Regional High School’s cafeteria
with Sarah Littman, Director of Food and Nutrition, for the Triton Regional
School District, cafeteria staff, Superintendent Brian Forget, Members of DESE,
as well as, State Representative Dawne Shand and Kristin Kassner State
Representative 2nd Essex District to see first-hand how the Universal School
Meals program is impacting our district.
We focused on the following during our tour:
• Celebrated the state's progress made since 2020 in
providing school meals at no cost to families
• Highlighted examples of school meals since universal
school meals: incorporation of culturally diverse meals, scratch cooking, and
serving local Massachusetts-sourced foods
• Connected with students to hear their first-hand
experiences of school lunch
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, giving both
drivers and passengers time to reflect on choices made on the road. Cell phone
use, including texting, talking and social media use is now the most common
distraction behind the wheel, according to NHTSA.
More than 1 in 4 fatal motorcycle accidents occur between
March and May in Massachusetts.
Recently, I had the honor of participating in the Bikers
Helping Bikers Nelson Family Pancake Breakfast. Since 2000, this annual
get-together has been a focal point for raising awareness of motorcycle safety
and remembering & honoring the life of Nelson Selig and his family.
At the age of 37 Nelson was killed while riding his
motorcycle on Route 133 in Ipswich after a young driver crossed the center line
and hit Nelson straight on. Paul Cote of Amesbury and Jason Hallock of
Gloucester put together a ride in August 2000. More than 1,000 motorcyclists
have participated in any given year.
Each year, by way of a legislative act, the Governor issues
an annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Proclamation.
Every driver can help promote motorcycle awareness and
reduce accidents and injuries. Safety starts when you choose to operate. So,
please check twice – you can save a life.
Today is Purple Up Day for Military Children.
I signed a Joint Resolution in support of Purple Up Day and
recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child to honor, support, and
express gratitude for these young heroes who sacrifice each and every day by
having their parents serve in the military.
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger first
designated April as the “Month of the Military Child" in 1986,
acknowledging the significant role military-connected students play in our
communities.
On a designated day during the Month of the Military Child,
communities throughout each state join and wear purple to honor military
children.
Purple is a combination of Army green; Marine Corps red; and
Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, and Navy blue. As such, it represents
military children from all branches.
Let us come together to honor the courage and determination
of our forefathers. May their legacy continue to inspire us to defend freedom
and justice for all.
As we head into Patriots' Day tomorrow, I am reflecting on
all of the patriots' who have dedicated their lives to protecting our rights of
freedom and justice for all.
Remembering many of our communities recent ceremonies held
on Vietnam War Veterans' Day, including the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Gloucester and the Regional Vietnam War Memorial
Rededication Ceremony at North Andover High School in North Andover.
Such fitting tributes for the remarkable men and women
patriots who dedicated their lives to protect and serve our great country.
Wilmington Minutemen Company Installation of Officers
Happy to have been invited to witness the Wilmington
Minutemen ceremony at their headquarters at the Wilmington Town Museum / Col.
Joshua Harnden Tavern in #Wilmington.
This was the 56th Wilmington Minutemen annual election and
swearing in of officers.
As the minutemen prepare for their annual march to Concord
early tomorrow AM to commemorate the famous Battle of Lexington and Concord
during the Revolutionary War, I commend them for carrying on this important
tradition of service to the community.
Last weekend, I attended the Annual Pancake Breakfast hosted
by the Kiwanis Club of Georgetown, MA at the Penn Brook School. There was a
good turn out out to support the Georgetown Kiwanis Club's fundraiser in
recognition of all they do to support various kinds of events and community
needs.
To celebrate National Library Week, I wanted to take a
moment to recognize local Rockport librarian Emily Souza who recently was named
a Public Library Innovation Exchange (PLIX) Creative Learning Ambassador by the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She will be advocating for
creative STEAM learning in Rockport and nationally.
Enjoyed attending the first regional #CaringForceRally at
the Holiday Inn in Peabody, MA!
Over 200 Caring Force members rallied to speak about the
workforce crisis and low wages in the sector.
The Caring Force is the grassroots advocacy initiative of
the Providers' Council. The Caring Force seeks to empower those who care about
the human services sector to advance an agenda that creates an environment in
Massachusetts that protects our most vulnerable neighbors and creates a
stronger economy with the pay, recognition, and respect our workers deserve.
To learn more about The Caring Force, click here:
https://providers.org/the-caring-force/
To read more about the rally, click here:
https://providers.org/tcf-blog/northeast-tcf-rally-recap/
Merrimack Valley Chamber Legislative Breakfast 2024
A very engaging meeting this year at the Merrimack Valley
Chamber of Commerce annual State Senate Breakfast held at the Andover Inn in
Andover.
I had the opportunity to join with Senate colleagues to
discuss the Massachusetts economy and other factors of interest to many civic
and business leaders from the region.
With: State Senator Pavel Payano, State Senator Barry
Finegold, MVCC CEO / President Joseph Bevilacqua
Congratulations to the newest recruits of the Topsfield Fire
Department! Honored to have presented them with official Senate citations at
their Swearing-In Ceremony to commemorate this significant accomplishment.
Kicked off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month by
attending the 16th Annual Animal Rights Law Day!
Congratulations to Dean Coyne and Assistant Dean Sullivan
for another successful Animal Rights Law Day at the Massachusetts School of Law
at Andover.
It was a great opportunity to promote animal welfare in our
state.
Great highlight below of one my recent amendments protecting
our furry friends' rights.
Happy National Volunteer Recognition Month!
Recently, I joined my colleagues State Representative Jerry
Parisella and Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District at the
SeniorCare Annual RSVP Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held in the ballroom of
Danversport.
I had the honor of acknowledging the RSVP Volunteers of The
Northshore and thanking them for their years of dedicated service to our
communities.
In 2023, 380 volunteers provided 39,614 hours of service
throughout the North Shore -- proving that Volunteers Plant Seeds of Kindness!
Eid mubarak!
As Ramadan comes to a close, I am reflecting on last week
when I joined local Muslims and friends at their 7th annual Iftar event
organized by the Human Rights Commission held at the Newburyport High School.
Together we broke fast with Mayor Sean Reardon, State
Representative Dawne Shand, Mayor Kassandra Gove of Amesbury, Jean Costello,
Vice-chair of the Human Rights Commission Board, and other local officials and
community members as a panel of speakers shared Muslim traditions within
Ramadan.
Had the distinct pleasure of being a guest speaker at the
Ipswich High School in the Town of Ipswich for two recent events.
☑️ Spoke to the newly formed High School Student Republican
Committee - with moderator Dan Kelly and State Committee Woman Lisa Marie
Cashman.
☑️ Spoke at a school-wide Voting assembly organized by both
the High School Student Democratic and Republican Committee Co-Presidents -
with Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District and Councilor
Eileen Duff.
It was encouraging to see such spirited, engaged, and
dedicated students coming together to raise awareness around the importance of
civic engagement and voting
Congratulations to Pathways for Children on the recent
celebration of their Family Resource Center’s 1-year anniversary!
Essential work being done by providing crucial resources to
families across 26 communities.
We are very lucky to have this organization in our district
helping member of our community - and beyond!
Happy National Library Week 📚
Had a great time reading “There was an Old Lady Who
Swallowed a Dragon” to students at Pathways for Children in Gloucester during
their Read Across America event last month.
Thank you to the local libraries in our district and
throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a special thank you to our
teachers and children’s librarians who continue to bring these stories to life
for kids - each and every day.
Recently attended another outstanding free public event
offered by a local non-profit in our community: Gloucester Education
Foundation’s Power of Play hosted in the Gloucester High School’s gymnasium.
Thank you to GEF’s Executive Director, Event Chair Ingrid
Conti, Senior Advisor Heather Widtfeldt, the Power of Play planning committee,
GEF board members, dedicated community and student volunteers, as well as city
officials who made sure event attendees were safe.
On Saturday at Rockport, MA’s Annual Town Meeting, Rep.
Ann-Margaret Ferrante and I presented a signed copy of the legislation recently
signed into law that officially changes the name of the ‘Board of Selectmen’ to
the ‘Select Board,’ a significant step towards recognizing the service of all
Rockport residents, regardless of gender.
We also celebrated Sarah Wilkinson for her 18 years on the
Select Board, as she has decided not to run for re-election after her current
term. Thank you Sarah for your years of service and dedication to the Town of
Rockport.
Congratulations to Harborlight Homes on the recent ribbon
cutting at the Maple Woods Affordable Housing complex in the Town of Wenham,
Massachusetts creating 45 affordable units for seniors!
Today, Friday,
April 5th, people of Greek descent and others from across the Commonwealth came
to the State House to celebrate the anniversary of Greece's independence from
the Ottoman Empire (now modern day Turkey) in 1821. 🇬🇷
This year's celebration included several state legislators,
Greek officials, and guests. I was honored to once again serve as a host and
the Master of Ceremonies for this event.
The spirit of Greek Independence was well represented and I
am humbled to have been able to take part in the event again this year.
Recently had the pleasure of hosting the 8th grade class
from the Rupert A Nock Middle School from the City of Newburyport at the State
House.
My colleague State Representative Dawne Shand and I enjoyed
learning about their "I Am We" projects, focused on legislative
priorities that are being debated in the State House.
Captain Lester S. Wass Post 3 of the American Legion Easter
Meals 2025
Thank you to the members of Post 3 and to the many
volunteers who helped prepare, serve, and deliver 450 Easter meals this year to
those in need in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Ipswich, and the Essex area
yesterday on Easter Sunday.
I have shared this before and will share it again - Post 3's
mission statement for this event:
No one should be alone and without a hot meal on Easter
Sunday.
Recently, I had the honor of being a judge at the annual
Hamilton-Wenham Civics Bee hosted by the League of Women Voters of
Hamilton-Wenham, MA at the Miles River Middle School. It was a spirited
competition centered around the theme of Elections and Voting.
