Sidney's Rainbows

Recently, I joined Senator Barry Finegold at his first annual presentation of the Sue Tucker Award for Community Service.

My friend and colleague Sue Tucker – who served in the House and Senate for 20+ years – embodied public service. She was a trailblazing, highly effective and persuasive voice on behalf of the voiceless, especially children and seniors.

This award is intended to shine a light on an organization or individuals whose commitment to the community reminds us of Sue’s limitless capacity for doing good.

Congratulations to Mary Beth Ellis, Eric Olson and Sidney’s Rainbows for their tremendous impact in the Town of Andover!

Mary Beth Ellis and Eric Olson started Sidney’s Rainbow as a way to honor their daughter Sidney by advocating for safe streets and to encourage outdoor activity for kids. They have become effective advocates for policy including changes to streets design, Andover’s adoption of Vision Zero, and successful launch of its Complete Streets program.  They also create awareness and opportunity for kids to be together safely with family and friends through programming at the farmer’s market and the upcoming Sidney’s Rainbow Run.

Learn more here: https://www.therainbow.fund

Tarr In The News 11.11.24

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.11.24

Excerpt from the Daily News of Newburyport Article by Matt Petry:

State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, was also in attendance and spoke about how during these divisive times in America, celebrating veterans is a good way of bringing folks together.

“When we stand here, and those colors of the flag are raised and that anthem is sung, we’re reminded of something deep within our DNA that unites us as Americans,” Tarr said.

To read the full article, visit: https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_9b1ddcc0-a068...

📸: Keith Sullivan

Veterans Day 2024

 Veterans Day 2024

It is an incredible honor to reflect on and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform.

I was proud to participate in Veterans Day services across our community, including in Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Wenham. This day serves as a reminder that our nation’s strength comes from the countless veterans who have stood ready to defend it, and to all those who continue to serve.

On this Veterans Day, we not only honor those who have served but also express our deep gratitude for the families who support them. I am especially thankful for the organizations, volunteers, and local officials who help organize these important ceremonies, ensuring that we never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf.

Today, we pause to recognize their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

Veterans Day 2024

Honoring Veterans Today and Every Day

Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding our freedoms remind us of the true cost of liberty and the courage it requires.

This Veterans Day, let us not only thank them, but also commit to supporting veterans and their families in every way possible.

To our veterans: we are forever grateful for your service and dedication. May we strive to honor your legacy by upholding the values you fought to protect.

Celebrating Veterans day in Ipswich

Honored to have sponsored the Annual Ipswich Veterans Breakfast, along with Brad Hill and the Veterans Service Office, last week in celebration of Veterans Day at the First Church of Ipswich.

NEWWA Symposium

. I was honored to be the Keynote Speaker at the recent New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) Symposium held at the Devens Common Center.

To a full auditorium of water utility managers, planners, public works managers, consulting and regulatory professionals, and watershed association representatives, I was able to present "Building Water Resilience: A Collaborative Blueprint for the Future": which focused on the work being done by the North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force, specifically the evolution of the group, the varying viewpoints shared, how we coalesced the communities and my fellow colleagues to support this effort, and funding I have secured for the on-going evaluations.

Learning the Importance of the Fishing Industries

Recently, William Currier, our Legislative Aide of Sustainability attended the Agriculture Committee and Coastal Caucus’ Oyster Farm Tour & Roundtable.

My colleagues Chair Schmid and Chair Comerford hosted with a visit to one of the many oyster farms that have been affected by combined sewer overflow (CSO) closures this year.

The group toured Blue Stream Aquaculture’s oyster farm, followed by a discussion about the importance of the shellfish industry and how the legislature can support growers

Compass Youth Program Graduation

Recently I was honored to deliver remarks to the graduating class at the Compass Youth Program Graduation held at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport.

Congratulations to the graduates for all of their hard work leading up to this moment and best wishes for success in your future endeavors!

To learn more about Action Inc.’s Compass Youth Program, visit: https://actioninc.org/education/compass-youth-program/

Merrimack College Grand Opening of Life Sciences Lab

Recently, joined my colleagues Senator Barry Finegold and MA State Rep. Tram T. Nguyen and Dr. Kirk Taylor, President and CEO of MLSC and her team at the Grand Opening of the Life Sciences Instrumentation Lab in Palmisano Hall at Merrimack College in North Andover.

I was honored to share words of encouragement during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony as they continue their journey toward becoming a leading anchor research institution.

The Life Sciences Instrumentation Lab was established through a generous $750,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) Workforce Development Capital Program. This funding has enabled Merrimack College to acquire state-of-the-art life sciences equipment, significantly enhancing our ability to prepare students for high-demand careers and to strengthen training programs that address critical skill and talent gaps in the state's life sciences industry.

The Open Door's Annual Breakfast

When You Help, Hope Will Follow

Recently shared remarks at The Open Door’s Annual Autumn Breakfast held at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester.

The Autumn Breakfast kicks off the giving season for The Open Door Holiday Basket program, which helps keep local people fed through the holidays and beyond. Holiday Baskets provide households with all the ingredients needed to make a special meal at home for Thanksgiving and the December Holidays.

The event also honors outstanding volunteers and celebrates community.

Our Neighbors Table Annual Breakfast

Our Constituent Services Legislative Liaison Kristin McDonald recently attended the Our Neighbors Table’s Annual Breakfast at the Blue Ocean Music Hall.

Donors, sponsors, volunteers, local leaders, partners and supporters from across the region joined together because “together, we’ll make every table full.”

Congratulations to The Dolan-McDonald Family and SPS New England for being the 2024 Community Champion Award winners!

Chebacco Lake & Watershed Association Fall Forum

Recently had the opportunity to speak to attendees at the Chebacco Lake & Watershed Association’s Fall Forum at the American Legion in Manchester. Everyone gathered to continue important discussions of lake health and restoration.

For more information on the CLWA’s efforts, visit: https://chebaccolake.org/.../CLWA-Sep2024-20240918v2-0.pdf 

Gloucester Receives $10,000 for AEDs

Officially presented the check for a local earmark I secured in the FY25 Budget: $10,000 for the City of Gloucester, MA to be used for Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs).

I was joined by my colleague Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Mayor Greg Verga, City of Gloucester, members of City Council, Chief Eric Smith and other local officials.

Middleton Wildfire Field Command Center

Last night, I joined my colleague Sally Kerans for State Representative for a situational progress update on the containment elements of the wildfire at the Town of Middleton Wildfire Field Command center.

Thank you to everyone involved, including Middleton Fire Department Chief LeColst, Massachusetts Deputy Chief Fire Warden of Forest Fire Control Andy Regan, the North Shore Mutual Aid Fire Departments, and to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for their collaborative efforts with a mutual aid response.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month - a time to bring attention to one of the most challenging cancers affecting families across our nation.

As we turn the month purple, we honor patients, survivors, and the memories of those we have lost.

Join me in raising awareness, sharing this post, and supporting the dedicated work towards a cure.

Let’s continue to fight for a future where no one faces pancreatic cancer alone. 💜