Friday, May 31, 2024

Pride Flag Raising Ceremonies across the North Shore

🏳️‍🌈 Honored to have participated in the Pride Flag Raising ceremonies today in the Town of Essex, the City of Gloucester, MA, and the City of Newburyport 🏳️‍🌈

Cape Ann Pride Coalition

Newburyport Pride



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Commonwealth Heroines 2024

Honored to have nominated Cheryl Forster Cahill of the Town of Rowley as a Commonwealth Heroine Class of 2024!

Please join us in celebrating her and the Class of 2024 on Friday, 6/14 at the State House.



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Kittredge Elementary School Visit

Great visit with the North Andover Kittredge Elementary School students at the State House yesterday!



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Monday, May 27, 2024

Memorial Day Services 2024

 Memorial Day 2024

I was truly honored to be able to share remarks at Memorial Day Services held throughout our community, including: Wenham, Gloucester, Salisbury, Newburyport, and Rowley.

Memorial Day was established so we would all remember those who died in service to our country. Cities and towns across our state and country remember these heroes with plaques, parades, and solemn occasions.

As a community, it is important that we give ourselves an opportunity to grieve, remember, and give thanks to those who died while serving us in uniform.

Today I am also grateful to all of the organizations, volunteers, and officials who do the work to plan and carry out these meaningful, impactful ceremonies.

May we never forget those who sacrificed it all for our freedoms.

Town of Wenham, Massachusetts

City of Gloucester, MA

City of Newburyport

Town of Salisbury

Town of Rowley



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Honoring Memorial Day 2024

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.  They have earned our undying gratitude.  America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman

This Memorial Day let us thank our veterans for their service and honor those who have passed.  I hope that you have a chance to attend a parade or ceremony in honor of the memories of those who lost their lives fighting for liberty and freedom for each of our nation's citizens.



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Sunday, May 26, 2024

Supporting Veteran Mental Health

With Memorial Day approaching, the Massachusetts Senate took a major step toward supporting veteran mental health on Thursday with the adoption of State Senator Ryan Fattman's Amendment #1014: Veteran Mental Health Pilot Program.

This amendment creates a pilot program for service members to access mental health services and care through a telehealth platform that features ease of access and confidentiality. 

I was proud to co-sponsor this amendment, which was passed unanimously by the Senate, and represents another chapter in Massachusetts' long history of leadership and innovation on behalf of those who serve our nation in the armed forces.



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Thursday, May 16, 2024

Ipswich High School Food Drive

Thank you to the Ipswich High School Republicans Club for their civic engagement and dedication to our community by recently hosting a Food Drive at the Town of Ipswich MA 's Town Meeting on Tuesday night.



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Wednesday, May 15, 2024

National Small Business Week

Small businesses are the backbones of our community.

As #NationalSmallBusinessWeek came to a close last week, I had the honor of speaking with many local small business owners and advocates sharing opening remarks at Small Business Day at Beacon Hill, an event co-hosted by NFIB, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM), and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA) in the State House.



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Awarding Partners in Excellence in Groveland

Monday evening I had the honor of presenting Grace McIntyre, an Advanced Placement (AP) teacher at Haverhill High School and a resident of Groveland, the Partners in Excellence Award at the Selectboard Meeting in the Town of Groveland, MA

She was recognized for exemplary contributions to student success during the 2022-2023 academic year and I also was able to present her with an official Senate citation in honor of her achievements.

The awardees were selected from over 600 AP teachers participating in Mass Insight’s AP STEM & English program. Selections were based on their performance as measured by achieving the goals of our program—to increase student participation in AP classes and to increase the number of students receiving a qualifying score of three or higher on the rigorous AP exam—and their significant participation in the professional development and student support services offered by Mass Insight.



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Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Discussing Discretionary Background Checks on Providers with Criminal Records

Recently sat down with Boston 25 News Ted Daniel, Investigative Reporter, to discuss a breaking news investigative report RE: the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) use of discretionary background checks on providers with criminal records.

https://www.boston25news.com/.../733BLXBVGJED7NU3ZRSJJA7XZE/



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Honoring Military Appreciation Month

May is National Military Appreciation Month

Let us honor and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who have served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.



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Monday, May 13, 2024

YMCA Engaging Communities Luncheon

Thank you to Governor Maura Healey for visiting the City of Newburyport recently at the YWCA of Greater Newburyport's 14th Annual Engaging Communities Luncheon.



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Friday, May 10, 2024

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

NATIONAL MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY

On National Military Spouse Appreciation Day let us recognize the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of the spouses of the Armed Forces.



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Thursday, May 9, 2024

Youth Day of Action 2024

Young leaders and adults from across Massachusetts celebrated Kick Butts Day 2024

Youth Day of Action at the Massachusetts State House in April.

The teens from The 84 Movement educated legislators about the influence of the tobacco and vaping industries in their communities and about what they care most about, emphasizing racial justice and mental health issues.

Shout out to local students in our district who are members of the Tri-Town Council youth at Masconomet Regional High School for their engagement in advocacy!

(pictured from left to right: Helen Ray, Leo Peiken, Neva Partal, Belle Dicarlo and Dawn Seymour, advisor)



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Honoring Correctional Officers and Employees

Thank you to our Correctional Officers and Employees for your dedicated service!



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Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Salisbury Agespan Luncheon

Last week, MaryAnn Nay, our Senior District Director, attended AgeSpan’s “50 Years of Inspiring Aging: Celebrating the Power, Value, and Voices of Older Adults” luncheon at the Blue Ocean Music Hall in the Town of Salisbury.

During this event, AgeSpan introduced their “50 over 60 List,” showcasing older adults whose remarkable lives serve as daily inspiration to others. Maryann was able to share in the celebration by recognizing our local constiuents honored on this list.

In her recent column, CEO Joan Hatem-Roy reflects on the impact these individuals have had on the Merrimack Valley and North Shore communities, the significance of #OlderAmericansMonth, and this year’s theme of “Powered by Connection.”



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Greater Cape Ann Caucus in Ipswich

Last week, I had the pleasure of providing a legislative update on state affairs at the Spring 2024 Greater Cape Ann Caucus held at The Residence at Riverbend - Ipswich, MA,

The Greater Cape Ann Caucus is a twice-yearly meeting coordinated by the Government Affairs Council of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. The Caucus convenes Council members, greater Cape Ann’s legislative delegation, local officials, and school leaders to share information and engage in dialogue on key issues of regional and statewide importance. Caucus participants are encouraged to explore opportunities for regional and public/ private collaboration.



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Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Honoring Nurses Week

Happy Nurses Week! Thank you for all that you do - day in and day out!


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Newburyport Asset Builder Awards 2024

Congratulations to this year's 2024 Asset Builder Award winners. Our community is a better place because of you!

The Asset Builder Awards publicly acknowledge youth, adults, and organizations throughout the greater Newburyport area who are supporting young people through their work or character.

Nominated by members of the community, the recipients are selected for the award based on their natural ability and desire to support youth in Newburyport. Their relationships with youth in the city are positive, encouraging, supporting, and empowering.



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Newburyport Constituent accepted into Boston Mensa

Memorable day at the State House celebrating our 6-year old constituent from Newburyport, Hudson Rivera, who was recently accepted into Boston Mensa!

Hudson was recognized for this significant achievement with an official Senate citation.

An avid fan of robotics, Hudson was delighted to visit with Spot, the Robot Dog, presented by Boston Dynamics also visiting the State House that day.



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Honoring Teacher Appreciation Week

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, let us take a moment to thank our teachers who play a critical role in educating and shaping our children into the future leaders of our country.

Today, National Teacher Appreciation Day, is a special day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.

Every one of us has at least one teacher in mind who encouraged and motivated us during our education. Take the time today to say "Thank You" to the exceptional teachers you know.



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Thursday, May 2, 2024

Earth Day in Boxford and Newburyport

 

Great time last week attending Earth Day activities throughout the district 🌍

Fun in Newburyport and Boxford at their Earth Day Celebrations!



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Mass Society Animal Lobby Day

This week I had the pleasure of attending the annual Animal Lobby Day held by Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Humane Society, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

I met with a group of citizens and discussed concerns about animal welfare, as well as, spoke about some of the legislative efforts we have been working on to advance the cause of animal welfare.

If you are passionate about animal welfare, I encourage you to get involved in the legislative process. You can make a difference by contacting your elected officials and letting them know how you feel about animal welfare issues.



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Read Across America Day

Happy #ReadAcrossAmerica Day! 📚

In celebration of Read Across America Day, I joined Mrs. Nawoichik's third grade class at Steward Elementary School in Topsfield.

Join the nationwide celebration of literacy and grab a book to share with a young reader.

Let's make reading a lifelong adventure!



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Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month 2024

1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year and only half of them receive treatment.

Recently, I joined the NAMI Cape Ann Annual Meeting to present George Howe with a Senate citation acknowledging George Howe of Ipswich for his many and varied contributions to the community as an Advocate for Mental Health for more than a decade of service as a strong advocate for improved mental health, reduction of stigma, and support for families whose loved ones are struggling with mental health challenges.

Thank you George for touching the lives of hundreds of people.

Seeking mental health support? Look no further than NAMI's comprehensive suite of programs - join us in making a difference today!

www.nami.org/mham



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