Why We Wear Denim: Standing Together for Change

Denim Day is a powerful reminder that what someone wears is never an excuse for assault. This day of action and awareness challenges harmful myths, supports survivors, and calls for continued education and advocacy.  

Let us all work together to build a culture of respect, consent, and safety for everyone. 

Hamilton and Wenham Special Education Fundraiser

A heartfelt thank you to Five Sons Pizza, the Hamilton Fire Department, the Hamilton MA Police Dept, the @wenham_fire Department, the Wenham Police Department and to everyone who took part in the 4th annual Autism Awareness Fundraiser last night!

It was an honor to join Hamilton and Wenham first responders in offering free deliveries with every order—each one personally delivered by members of the Hamilton and Wenham Police and Fire Departments and myself.

With 20% of Tuesday’s sales going to the Hamilton and Wenham Special Education Department, this event was a powerful reminder of how our community supports meaningful causes—when we come together.

A truly fitting way to close out Autism Awareness Month—with generosity, teamwork, and heart.

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.30.25

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.27.25

'Boston Hosts Series of Events Honoring the Greek Revolution of 1821'

Εθνικός Κήρυξ / The National Herald Article by Theodore Kalmoukos

Read the full article here: https://www.thenationalherald.com/boston-hosts-series-of.../

A Century of Service: Celebrating Stephen Stickney

Congratulations to Stephen Stickney of Boxford on the celebration of his 100th birthday!

I was honored to present Stephen, a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard, with an official Senate & Governor Citation marking this momentous occasion at The Center in Boxford. 

A Legacy of Liberty: Greek Independence in the Massachusetts Senate

I am pleased to share more moments from this past Friday’s inspiring celebration of Greek Independence Day that I was honored to host at the State House. 

Held in the Senate Chamber and hosted in partnership with the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England, the ceremony honored the historic fight for Greece’s independence on March 25, 1821.

It was a privilege to welcome special guests from Greece, including:

Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas  

Deputy Andreas Nikolakopoulos, Former Undersecretary of Public Order  

Deputy Philippos Fortomas, Chairman of the Parliament's Standing Committee on Greeks Abroad  

We were also joined by Consul General Symeon Tegos, Senator Michael Brady, and Representative Kevin Honan for this meaningful celebration of freedom, democracy, and shared values.  

To view the full ceremony, visit:  

https://malegislature.sharepoint.com/sites/StateHousePublicVideos/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FStateHousePublicVideos%2FVideos%2F042525%20Greek%20Independence%20Day%2Emp4&ga=1&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2E841ba01f%2De1b6%2D41ab%2Da8a1%2Da769d6a85bc4

Save The Date: North Shore Health & Wellness Expo!

 

Senator Joan B. Lovely and I are organizing the North Shore Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held on Saturday, September 27, at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School in Danvers. 

I have attached the flyer for your review in the hopes of your participating in what will be a very productive health care expo.

Please share with any interested potential exhibitors, presenters, and service providers.

The deadline for application submissions is May 16, 2025.

To express your interest in participating, please complete the online application form at https://tinyurl.com/NSHWExpoApp or https://forms.gle/KEKKmLBBQzG43rHX9

20 Years of Literary Magic: The Newburyport Literary Festival

This weekend, Newburyport celebrated 20 incredible years of the Newburyport Literary Festival! 

The festival brought award-winning authors, engaging panel discussions, and lively entertainment to the heart of the city, all under this year’s fitting theme: “The Importance of Being a Reader.”

A special congratulations to Vicki Hendrickson and Sue Little honored Saturday night at the Firehouse Center for the Arts for their long-standing leadership and dedication to this cherished tradition. 

Vicki Hendrickson, founder of the festival and in her final year as Festival Director, was recognized and I presented with an official Senate and House Citation to mark this momentous occasion.

Sue Little, owner of Jabberwocky Books and long-time festival supporter, was also honored.  

Thank you to them both for leaving lasting legacies in our community and to all who made this milestone year such a successful event! 

100 Years, Endless Stories: Celebrating Joyce Mitchell

 

Congratulations to Joyce Mitchell on the celebration of her 100th birthday! 

I was honored to present Joyce with an official Senate citation marking this momentous occasion at The Residence at Riverbend in Ipswich.

Workers' Memorial Day: The Strife for a Safer Workplace

 

It was an honor to attend the Workers’ Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the AFL-CIO and MassCOSH featuring keynote speaker Attorney General Andrea Campbell on the front steps of the State House today in Boston. 

This solemn event, held in partnership with United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF), allowed us to remember the lives of those lost due to workplace tragedies and to stand with their families in solidarity.

Forty-eight Massachusetts workers tragically died on the job in 2024. It was incredibly moving to hear their names read aloud in memoriam. 

Our constituent, Rena Harrington of Topsfield, USMWF President, also addressed the crowd by bravely sharing the story of her son Justin and speaking on behalf of families who have lost loved ones from traumatic workplace injuries. 

Together, we honor the memory of the fallen and recommit to building safer, healthier workplaces for all.

Recognizing Excellence in Our Community: The Newburyport Asset Awards

Recently, Kristin McDonald, my District Liaison Legislative Aide, attended the Newburyport Asset Awards at the Newburyport Senior Center to honor outstanding individuals in our community on my behalf.  These awards shine a light on those who make a lasting difference in the lives of young people through their encouragement, support, and leadership.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees:

*Asset Builder Award*  

- Laurie Naughton, Newburyport (recognized this year for her 2023 award)  

- Kendall Bowie, Newburyport  

- Deborah Szabo, Newburyport  

- Amari Murphy, Newburyport  

- Alice Sedgwick, Georgetown  

- Raelyn Crifo, Newburyport  

- Andrea Egmont, Amesbury  

*The Lindamae Lucas Award for Excellence*  

- Nicole Twomey, Ipswich  

*The Prevention Champions Award*  

- Michael Nesson, Newburyport  

Each of these recipients was nominated by members of the community for their meaningful impact on local youth—and their contributions are truly deserving of celebration.  

Thank you to all who make the Asset Awards possible and to everyone working every day to build stronger, more supportive communities for our young people.

Animal Rights Day: 17 Years and Going Strong

                                        

Last weekend, I had the honor of sharing remarks at the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover’s 17th Annual Animal Rights Day—a powerful gathering that highlights compassion, advocacy, and action on behalf of animals.

Congratulations to Dr. Brian Rambarran of Rambarran Rescues, Inc., recipient of the Humane-Itarian Award, for his extraordinary dedication and tireless efforts to rescue and care for dogs in need.

17 Thank you to the Massachusetts School of Law for continuing this important tradition, and to all the local vendors and community leaders who make Animal Rights Day such an inspiring event year after year.

DON'T FORGET TO SAVE-THE-DATE

WHEN: Sunday, April 27, 2025 @ 1:00 pm

WHAT: BIRDS: The Gateway to Conservation Action | A Presentation by Scott Weidensaul

& Dr. Amy Weidensaul

WHERE: 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport, Mass.

FREE-open to the public.

Followed by a reception with regional environmental leaders.

Temporary EBT Outage

You will not be able to use your EBT card from 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, until mid-day on Sunday, April 27, due to system maintenance. 

Get your shopping done early! 

Visit http://mass.gov/EBT for more details.

Civics in Action: Our Statehouse Adventure

 

Recently, students from Rupert A. Nock Middle School in Newburyport visited the State House as guests of myself and Representative Dawne Shand. 

Our staff helped welcome them to Beacon Hill for their visit to learn more about our state’s history and government. Opportunities like this help foster civic engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Thank you to the students, teachers, and chaperones for making the trip and taking part in this meaningful experience! 

Spring 2025 Greater Cape Ann Caucus

 

It was a pleasure to join local leaders, school officials, and members of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce for the Spring 2025 Greater Cape Ann Caucus at Essex Town Hall.

Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District and I had the opportunity to provide a legislative update and discuss key issues affecting our region—from education and public safety to economic development and state budget matters.

 

The caucus continues to be a valuable forum for open dialogue, collaboration, and community-driven problem solving.

Thanks to the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Council for organizing this important event and to everyone who participated in thoughtful and productive conversations about the future of Cape Ann.

Whale of a Day: Celebrating and Protecting the Right Whale

 

I was honored to join with so many partners in the effort to save the North Atlantic Right Whale today at the New England Aquarium for a celebration of "Right Whale Day" in Massachusetts.  Following an intensive campaign, Right Whale Day was established by legislation that became law on January 4, 2023. The day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of this endangered species, and our special obligation to protect and support these incredible creatures, with as much as 75% of them being in Massachusetts waters in the winter and spring.

Beyond adopting the North Atlantic Right Whale as the official Marine Mammal of our Commonwealth, our state has taken several important steps toward meeting our responsibility for their stewardship, including measures I have secured over the past several years to provide funding for the Environmental Police to conduct specialized patrols to protect the whales when they are in our area ,and  to provide grants to participants in the lobster fishery to purchase innovative gear to prevent whale entanglements. Most recently, on November 20, 2024, Governor Healey signed into law legislation I filed to give the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Environmental Police the clear authority to remove abandoned fishing gear from our waters, helping to eliminate a major threat for whale entanglement. Thanks to Senators Montigny, Lovely, and O'Connor for co-sponsoring that legislation, and all of my colleagues in the House and Senate for supporting it.

One way you can help the effort is to get a Massachusetts Right Whale & Roseate Terns Conservation License Plate. To learn how to get this plate please go here: https://www.mass.gov/.../massachusetts-right-whale...

Thanks to all of the public officials, state and federal agencies, organizations, and individuals who continue to work together for the goal of  increasing the population of Northern Right Whales, including those who earn a living from commercial lobster fishing, who make a tremendous sacrifice by not fishing for several months each year when right whales are most likely to be in our coastal waters.

MIT Science Policy Initiative Legislative Seminar

Last week, I had the opportunity of hosting members of the MIT Science Policy Initiative at the State House. 

Thank you for inviting me to share my experiences with the MIT Sea Grant and key environmental policy initiatives and for the engaging shared dialogue. 

I was very impressed by the thoughtful questions and the group's dedication to strengthening communication between science and public policy. 

Charting a Course for Curiosity in Newburyport!

 

I had the distinct pleasure of joining community leaders for the opening of the Kid's Discovery Center at the Custom House Maritime Museum Newburyport. This milestone is a celebration of our rich history and a beacon for innovate learning and community engagement. Congratulations to everyone who poured their passion and effort into making this vision a reality. 

For more information about the Kid's Discovery Center and the Custom House Maritime Museum Newburyport please go here: https://customhousemaritimemuseum.org

Gloucester's Guardian Angel

Last week, I joined Mayor Verga, Tony Gross, City Council President and Marjorie Grace, Ward 3 City Councilor at Gloucester City Hall in presenting special citations to Bernard Christie, a true hometown hero, in recognition of his incredible act of humanity.

On April 4th, Bernard witnessed a moment of distress as 14-year-old Jayden, who has profound autism, accidentally dropped his iPad—his essential communication tool—into the harbor. Without hesitation, Bernard climbed down the seawall and jumped into the cold water to retrieve it. His quick, selfless act meant the world to Jayden’s mother, Kim Brisbois, who called him a “guardian angel.”

While the device couldn’t be saved, the impact of Bernard’s compassion and courage will long be remembered. In a world where small acts of kindness can mean everything, Bernard showed us all what it means to be a good neighbor.

In the words of Jayden's mother, Kim: "It gives me hope to know that people like him (Bernard) are in this world."

Read more about this citation presentation by visiting the Gloucester Daily Times' article by Ethan Forman: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_8272498c-c6ed...

Briefing in Boxford: Building a Better Town in the State House

 

On Monday, April 14, I was invited by the Boxford Select Board to join their meeting to share a FY2026 Legislative update and key priorities.

Understanding local needs is crucial, and I appreciate the Select Board providing a platform for this important dialogue.

Watch the full meeting at: www.boxfordcabletv.com (my remarks start at the 13:57 mark)

Happy Earth Day

 

🌍 Happy Earth Day 2025 ​🌍

Today, on Earth day, we celebrate our planet and reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Let us use this day as a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices and the role each of us plays in preserving our planet for future generations.​

Scouting Civics: Inspiring Commitment in the Senate Chamber

 

I had the honor of hosting members of Scouting units from across Massachusetts at the State House. During the Senate session the Scouts presented the annual Scouting America’s Report to the Commonwealth, showcasing dedication to community service, leadership, and making our state stronger.

Thank you to the Scouts for inspiring us all with your commitment to making a positive impact. Your efforts remind us of the importance of supporting the next generation of leaders.

Make Every Day Earth Day

 

On Saturday, I was honored to share remarks at the 2025 Earth Month and Day celebration in Newburyport organized by the Alliance of Climate and Environmental Stewards (ACES), which this year placed a special spotlight on the incredible work and voices of our youth.

Communities from across the region gathered to showcase environmental efforts led by student clubs, youth groups, and young leaders committed to building a more sustainable future. From climate concerns to innovative projects, these young stewards are making a real impact—and it was inspiring to witness their passion and dedication firsthand.

Last year’s theme to *“Make Every Day Earth Day”* carried forward with renewed energy, and this year's celebration reminded us that environmental leadership has no age limit.

Thank you to ACES for organizing and to all who participated in this important event for your commitment to our planet and future generations.

Tides of Change: Innovation at the Gloucester Marine Station

Last week, I had the honor of visiting the UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station with Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Dr. Katie Kahl GMS Director, UMass CNS Dean Mike Fox, and Chris Dunn, Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations at UMass.

Seeing their cutting-edge research firsthand highlights the station's vital role in understanding our marine environment and in supporting the Blue Economy. 

We had a productive discussion on how we can continue to support this critical work and about the upcoming and future renovations. 

Thank you, once again, to UMass Amherst and the Gloucester Marine Station for another informative tour.

Thank you also to Secretary Hao for taking the time to meet with us in Gloucester! 

Wishing you much success in your next endeavors - it was an honor working together on long-term, sustainable economic development solutions for the Commonwealth!/

 

Patriot's Day 2025!

Happy Patriots' Day 2025 

Today, we honor the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord—the spark that ignited our nation's fight for independence. Patriots' Day is a time to reflect on the courage and determination of those who stood for liberty in 1775.​

This year, our communities have come together to commemorate this historic milestone with reenactments, parades, and educational events that bring our rich history to life. ​

Let us remember the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today and continue to uphold the values of democracy and civic engagement.​

Northshore Health & Wellness Expo 9/27/2025

Senator Joan B. Lovely and I are organizing the North Shore Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held on Saturday, September 27, at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School in Danvers. 

I have attached the flyer for your review in the hopes of your participating in what will be a very productive health care expo.

Please share with any interested potential exhibitors, presenters, and service providers.

The deadline for application submissions is May 16, 2025.

To express your interest in participating, please complete the online application form at https://tinyurl.com/NSHWExpoApp or https://forms.gle/KEKKmLBBQzG43rHX9

Temporary EBT Outage

 

You will not be able to use your EBT card from 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, until mid-day on Sunday, April 27, due to system maintenance. 

Get your shopping done early! 

Visit http://mass.gov/EBT for more details.

4/15 Wellbeing and Safety Community Forum and More

This past Tuesday, April 15th, Gloucester families, students, and community members gathered at O’Maley Middle School in the Library for a Community Forum focused on the wellbeing and safety of our youth.

I was glad to be there to hear the scope of concerns and it was encouraging to see such a strong turnout of community members seeking positive solutions. 

Mayor Verga and representatives from the YMCA, Gloucester Public Schools, Police Department, Department of Health, and local businesses joined the conversation to:

• Hear community concerns about adolescent behavior

• Share efforts currently underway in schools and across the city

• Collaborate on solutions to support our young people

Thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke up. This is how we build stronger, safer communities—by working together.

As a follow-up to this meeting, I encourage you to attend another upcoming Family Forum on Monday, May 5th from 6 - 7:30 PM for continuing discussions on youth safety.  

Honoring the Legacy from Lexington and Concord

 

On Friday, April 19th around, in the early hours of the morning, I had the privilege of joining the Wilmington Minutemen to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.”

Beginning just after midnight, we marched through the town to honor the brave patriots who answered the call at Lexington and Concord—sparking the fight for American independence.

Their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us, and it was an honor to walk in their footsteps on this historic occasion.

A Well Deserved Retirement

After 47 years of dedicated service with Action Inc., Elliott Jacobson, Vice President for Energy Services, is embarking on a well-deserved retirement.

Elliott’s incredible career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to helping others, improving lives, and building stronger communities through energy services and support. His work has left a lasting impact across our region, and his legacy will continue to shine through the countless lives he’s touched.

Thank you, Elliott, for your decades of service and leadership — wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter!

 

Happy Easter

Wishing peace, joy, and happiness to everyone celebrating today!

Happy Easter 🥚 Buona Pasqua 🕊️ Feliz Páscoa 🌸 Καλό Πάσχα ☀️ 

May your day be filled with love, laughter, and blessings.

 

SAVE THE DATE: South Hamilton Hearing Seminar

 

SAVE-THE-DATE: April 24th @ 6:30PM

Beauport Hearing Care will be conducting a FREE Seminar on hearing.

The Community House

MassDOT Route 1 Advisory

 

MassDOT Advisory for Newbury: Temporary Lane Closures and Detours on Route 1 from Boston Road to Elm Street

Temporary Lane Closures and Detours on Route 1 from Boston Road to Elm Street

Overnight from Tuesday, April 22, to Friday, April 25, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the following morning

NEWBURY - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that temporary overnight lane closures will be implemented on Route 1 (Newburyport Turnpike) both northbound and southbound from Boston Road to Elm Street in Newbury. These temporary lane closures are necessary to allow crews to safely and effectively perform joint repairs at the Parker River Bridge.

One lane of travel northbound will always remain open. Southbound traffic will be detoured as follows:

Route 1 southbound detour:

🚧 Turn right onto Boston Road

🚨 Turn left onto Middle Road

🚧 Turn left onto Elm Road

🚨 Turn left onto Route 1 northbound or right onto Route 1 southbound.

Police details will be used to direct traffic on Route 1 and the affected intersections. Detour signage will be clearly posted during the work operations.

Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.

All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

This work is part of a $17.2 million project to resurface and perform related work along approximately 7 miles of roadway on this section of Route 1.

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:

🚧Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.

🚧Dial 511 and select a route to hear real time conditions.

🚧Follow @MassDOT on X (formerly known as Twitter) to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.

TARR IN THE NEWS 4.20.25

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.18.25

'State award closes funding gap for senior housing project in Gloucester'

Gloucester Daily Times Article by Andrea Holbrook

Excerpt below:

""Our state continues to face a serious housing shortage, and we can't afford to lose units from our public housing inventory because of deferred maintenance or other unmet needs," state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said. "These funds, placed in the capable hands of housing authority officials, will prevent that from happening, modernize these units, and ensure that they continue to be safe and available for the people that need them.""

Read the full story here: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_eb50b5a9-a7d5...

Spring at the State House

 

Nothing says spring in Boston quite like the cherry blossoms - caught this stunning view at the Massachusetts State House this week. 

If you haven't seen them yet, plan a trip to Boston this week to enjoy such a beautiful sign of the season.

Kiwanis's Annual Pancake Breakfast

 

This past Saturday I attended the Georgetown Kiwanis Club's Annual Pancake Breakfast.

Not only were the pancakes delicious, but it was wonderful connecting with club and community members alike!

Kiwanis Club of Georgetown, MA 

Welcoming Chief Shamshak Jr.

It was an honor joining the Essex Board of Selectmen and local, state, and law enforcement officials for the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Thomas Shamshak Jr. as the new Chief of Police for the Essex Police Department.

Held at Essex Public Safety Building, the event was a fitting tribute to Chief Shamshak’s dedication to public safety and his deep ties to the community—including heartfelt remarks from his father, retired former Chief of Police Thomas Shamshak Sr.

Congratulations to Chief Shamshak - I look forward to working with him to support the important mission of protecting and serving the people of Essex!

Thank you also to Chief Paul Francis for 30 years of dedicated service to our community - wishing you a happy retirement!

Birds: The Gateway to Conservation Action

 

SAVE-THE-DATE 

WHEN: Sunday, April 27, 2025 @ 1:00 pm

WHAT: BIRDS: The Gateway to Conservation Action | A Presentation by Scott Weidensaul

& Dr. Amy Weidensaul

WHERE: 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport, Mass.

FREE-open to the public.

Followed by a reception with regional environmental leaders.

TARR IN THE NEWS 4.19.25

 

'State tells feds action ensure groundfish season starts May 1'

Gloucester Daily Times Article by Ethan Forman

Excerpt below:

"“This is very much a collaborative effort,” state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said of the effort to get the right groundfish rules in place by May 1. “We are all on the same page.”

There are two competing issues, Tarr said; the need to get the rules in place on time, but also the need to make sure the science used in going from two to four cod stocks is right.

“We need to go back and address the science and substance of the framework.

“This framework and even the amendment reflect a major change in the way we manage the cod fishery,” he said. The change needed an adequate and robust process.

“The feeling that I think a lot of us have … is it was rushed to meet the May 1 deadline but the result of that is a completely inappropriate suite of measures,” Tarr said."

Read the full article here: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_b90cc980-72d2...