Thursday, August 14, 2025

Today In The Chamber 8/14/25


Today, Thursday, August 14th, the Senate will be holding an informal session in the Senate Chamber set to begin at 11 AM:

You can read a copy of the tentative agenda in advance online at the following location:
▶https://malegislature.gov/ClerksOffice/Senate/Agenda

To watch today's informal session LIVE, visit:
▶ https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7517

Read more...

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Honoring Bravery: Steve Bohn's Purple Heart Ceremony

 



On Thursday, August 7th, I had the honor of sharing remarks during the Purple Heart Ceremony in Ipswich, where Steve Bohn, District Director, Eastern Essex District Department of Veterans’ Services, recognized Purple Heart recipient Tony Reeves, of Ipswich, for the extraordinary sacrifices he made while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Purple Heart, originally designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, at his headquarters in New York, to honor those wounded or killed in service to our nation.

We remain deeply indebted to all Purple Heart recipients for their bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering service to our country. 💜



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Property Fraud Watch Program Presentations



📢Senator Tarr Announces Property Fraud Watch Program Presentations at Local COAs Throughout the District 📢

The Office of State Senator Bruce Tarr is partnering with the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds to host a series of community meetings focused on protecting residents from property fraud—a growing concern that can affect any property owner.

At each session, Tyler Carlton-Kelley will give a short presentation on the Property Fraud Watch Program, covering what property fraud is, warning signs to look for, and steps to take if it happens to you. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to register their property with the Registry of Deeds to help safeguard against fraud.

No documents are required to attend, and handouts will be provided.

📅 Schedule for August 2025 📅 
Rowley COA | Tuesday, August 12 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Wenham COA | Tuesday, August 12 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Topsfield COA | Tuesday, August 12 | 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Gloucester COA | Wednesday, August 13 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Manchester-by-the-Sea COA  | Wednesday, August 13 | 12:30–1:30 p.m.
West Newbury COA | Monday, August 18 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Middleton COA |  Monday, August 18  |  11:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
Boxford COA |  Tuesday, August 19  |  9:00–10:00 a.m.
Groveland COA  | Tuesday, August 19  | 10:45–11:45 a.m.
Georgetown COA  | Tuesday, August 19  | 12:15–1:15 p.m.
Essex COA | Thursday, August 21  | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Newbury COA | Thursday, August 21  | 12:15–1:15 p.m.
We encourage residents to join us for these important sessions to learn how to protect their most valuable asset—their property. This program will help protect all of us against property fraud.



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Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Tout The Team Tuesday





This Tout The Team Tuesday, we’re highlighting Neko, one of the talented interns supporting our office and making a difference for constituents in our district.  

Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, bright ideas, and passion with our team, Neko!

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Monday, August 11, 2025

In District Office Hours

 

Upcoming Constituent Services Office Hours for next week [August Week 3]  🗓️ ⬇️ 

Have a question or concern? Meet with a member of my staff in person.

Official points of contact so that my office can assist you:

📞 (617)-722-1600 

📧 Bruce.Tarr@MaSenate.gov


Read more...

This Week In The Chamber 8/11/25


Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber, the Senate will be holding informal Sessions on Monday, August 11th and Thursday, August 14th set to begin at 11 AM:

You can read a copy of the tentative agenda in advance online at the following location:
▶https://malegislature.gov/ClerksOffice/Senate/Agenda

To watch today's informal session LIVE, visit:
▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7515

Read more...

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Annisquam Village Player's Presents: Hello Dolly

 

Last night, I had the honor of offering opening remarks at, as well as, enjoying the Friday evening performance of Hello, Dolly! presented by the Annisquam Village Players in Annisquam. 

The AVP is a special place because for 162 years, our neighbors come onto this stage, perform magic, and reconnect us with the humanity in our souls.

Only tonight and tomorrow remain to see the wonderful cast, crew, and musicians perform this classic, brought to life by talent of all ages from Cape Ann.

📅 Aug. 5–10, 2025

⏰ 7 p.m.

📍 Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard St., Gloucester, MA

🎟 Reserve your tickets today: https://annisquamvillageplayers.com/tickets-to-hello-dolly


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2025 Tax Free Weekend


📢TAX-FREE WEEKEND 2025 | TODAY & TOMORROW | AUGUST 9TH & 10TH 📢
Don't forget the sales tax holiday for 2025 will be held today, Saturday, August 9 and tomorrow, Sunday, August 10. 
Most retail items of up to $2,500 will be exempt from the 6.25% sales tax. 
The following items are still taxable and do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:
🛍Meals
🛍Motor vehicles
🛍Motorboats
🛍Telecommunications services
🛍Gas
🛍Steam
🛍Electricity
🛍Tobacco products
🛍Marijuana or marijuana products
🛍Alcoholic beverages, and
🛍Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.
For additional information: https://www.mass.gov/.../sales-tax-holiday-frequently...

Read more...

Friday, August 8, 2025

Feature Friday 8/8/2025





This Feature Friday, we’re highlighting Brooke, one of the talented interns supporting our office and making a difference for constituents in our district.  

Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, bright ideas, and passion with our team, Brooke!

Read more...

2025 Tax Free Weekend

 


📢TAX-FREE WEEKEND 2025 | AUGUST 9TH & 10TH 📢

The sales tax holiday for 2025 will be held tomorrow, Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10. 

Most retail items of up to $2,500 will be exempt from the 6.25% sales tax. 

The following items are still taxable and do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:

🛍Meals

🛍Motor vehicles

🛍Motorboats

🛍Telecommunications services

🛍Gas

🛍Steam

🛍Electricity

🛍Tobacco products

🛍Marijuana or marijuana products

🛍Alcoholic beverages, and

🛍Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

For additional information: https://www.mass.gov/.../sales-tax-holiday-frequently...


Read more...

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Parade


 It was an honor to march in the Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Parade this past Sunday and to see so many familiar faces lining the streets!

This parade is always a highlight of Yankee Homecoming, bringing neighbors, families, and visitors together to celebrate the rich spirit and history of our community.

Thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, and participants who make this tradition such a memorable event year after year.


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Thursday, August 7, 2025

North Andover's National Night Out

 


North Andover's National Night Out which is an annual community building campaign that promotes police/community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

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Whittier Regional Career Technical Initiative Graduation Ceremony





The 2025 graduation for participants in the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Career Technical Initiative was inspiring as graduates were recognized for their hard work, focus, and commitment in developing critical skills in a number of trades. 

Thanks to Superintendent Maureen Lynch, Principal Chris Laganas, and the dedicated corps of teachers at Whittier that made this special learning opportunity possible, and congratulations to the graduates!


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Annual Topsfield Volunteer Picnic

 



The annual volunteer picnic at the Topsfield Fair was a tremendous showing of appreciation for the hundreds of volunteers whose dedication and countless hours of service make the fair a success year after year and continue a strong tradition of recognizing the importance of agriculture in our communities and our lives.

Thanks volunteers!


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A Brave Journey



On Saturday, July 26, my friends Jimmy Tarantino and Sarah LeWine embarked on an adventure to row from Gloucester to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in a traditional fishing dory. 

This voyage recalls and celebrates the tradition of brave fishermen  venturing into the Atlantic to harvest its bounty. 

They are expected to reach their final destination of Lunenburg within the next week and I invite you to support their mission by visiting this link ⬇️ 

▶️ https://gofund.me/c7374af0

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Know Your Community fair & Yankee Homecoming





My team and I were honored to take part in two wonderful Yankee Homecoming traditions last week.

First, we joined the community in celebrating our heroes at the Veterans Luncheon at the Elks Lodge—an inspiring afternoon honoring the service and sacrifice of those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

Later in the week, we attended the Know Your Community fair at the Council on Aging, connecting with residents and sharing local resources—plus handing out some delicious whoopie pies to sweeten the day!

Events like these capture the spirit of Yankee Homecoming: honoring those who serve and strengthening the bonds that make our community so special.



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Today In The Chamber 8.7.25

 

Today, Thursday, August 7th, the Senate will be holding an informal session in the Senate Chamber set to begin at 11 AM:

You can read a copy of the tentative agenda in advance online at the following location:
▶https://malegislature.gov/ClerksOffice/Senate/Agenda

To watch today's informal session LIVE, visit:
▶ https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7513


Read more...

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Honoring Nicholas George

 


On Monday, July 21, 2025, I had the distinct honor of adjourning the Senate session in memory of Nicholas George.


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Annual Ipswich Community Greek Festival

 


I was delighted to once again join the Ipswich community for their annual Greek Festival this year!

From delicious food and lively music to the warm hospitality of everyone involved, this celebration was a wonderful showcase of culture and community spirit.

Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers who make this tradition such a success year after year.





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Swearing In The New Recruits

 

Congratulations to the Gloucester Police Officers and Firefighters who were recently sworn in and received their badges during a ceremony at Gloucester City Hall.

Your professionalism, commitment to public safety, and dedication to keeping us all safe are deeply appreciated each and every day. 

Read more about the ceremony and those who were recognized in the Gloucester Daily Times article by Ethan Forman ⬇️ 

➡️ https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_7749b3c9-b8c6...


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Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard


⚓Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard⚓

Today, we celebrate the founding of the United States Coast Guard, an institution that has stood watch over our shores and waterways for 235 years.

The men and women of the Coast Guard exemplify courage, commitment, and service—protecting lives, safeguarding commerce, and defending our environment. 

Their dedication strengthens our Commonwealth and our nation every day.

On this anniversary, we extend our gratitude and best wishes to all who serve, past and present.

Read more...

Tax Free Weekend 2025


📢TAX-FREE WEEKEND 2025 | AUGUST 9TH & 10TH 📢
The sales tax holiday for 2025 will be held on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10. 
Most retail items of up to $2,500 will be exempt from the 6.25% sales tax. 
The following items are still taxable and do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:
🛍Meals
🛍Motor vehicles
🛍Motorboats
🛍Telecommunications services
🛍Gas
🛍Steam
🛍Electricity
🛍Tobacco products
🛍Marijuana or marijuana products
🛍Alcoholic beverages, and
🛍Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.
For additional information: https://www.mass.gov/.../sales-tax-holiday-frequently...

Read more...

In District Office Hours

 

Upcoming Constituent Services Office Hours for next week [August Week 2]  🗓️ ⬇️ 

Have a question or concern? Meet with a member of my staff in person.
Official points of contact so that my office can assist you:

📞 (617)-722-1600 

📧 Bruce.tarr@masenate.gov

Read more...

Monday, August 4, 2025

Meet The Team Monday: Kelly Dillion




This Meet The Team Monday, we’re highlighting Kelly, one of the talented interns supporting our office and making a difference for constituents in our district. 

Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, bright ideas, and passion with our team, Kelly!

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2026 Budget Press Highlights


Throwback Thursday…on a Monday! 
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since the FY26 state budget became law. 
Here’s a look at some of the press coverage highlighting the funding I secured to support our communities and strengthen our district ⬇

Gloucester Daily Times: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_025e518c-e1ef...

Daily News of Newburyport: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_025e518c-e1ef...

The Cricket: https://www.thecricket.com/.../good-local-news-from-mas...

WHAV: https://whav.net/.../groveland-to-benefit-from-45000-in.../


Read more...

This Week In The Chamber 8.4.25


Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber, the Senate will be holding informal Sessions on Monday, August 4th and Thursday, August 7th set to begin at 11 AM:

You can read a copy of the tentative agenda in advance online at the following location:
▶https://malegislature.gov/ClerksOffice/Senate/Agenda

To watch today's informal session LIVE, visit:
▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7511

Read more...

Friday, August 1, 2025

Honoring Christopher J. Dailey

 


On Monday, July 28, 2025, I had the distinct honor of adjourning the Senate session in memory of Christopher J. Dailey of Gloucester.

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