Congratulations to Fr. Brian Flynn on his Installation Mass
held earlier this month at St. Theresa's North Reading in North Reading, MA.
Archbishop Richard Henning presided over the Mass, followed
by a wonderful reception in the parish hall.
Wishing Fr. Flynn every blessing as he begins this new
chapter of service to his parish community!
To see more photos, visit
Missed last week’s dedication of the new Robert “Boots”
Chouinard Lifeguard Command Center at Salisbury Beach?
It was an unforgettable tribute to his service and legacy.
At 101 years young, Boots continues to inspire us all.
Thank you to Lance and Chris at SCTVMC
for livestreaming the entire ceremony so everyone could take part in this
special moment.
Watch the full event here
https://sctvmc.float-zone.com/CablecastPubl.../show/11813...
I recently attended the annual Rockport Illumination at
Harvey Park, a wonderful summer event for families with children’s activities,
live music, glowing lanterns, and fireworks lighting up downtown.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and community
leaders for creating such a fun and welcoming celebration!
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Annual
International Dory Races hosted by the Canadian Dory Racing Association at the
A&K Wharf on Saturday, August 23rd in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia where the
spirit of friendly competition and international camaraderie was on full
display once again.
Congratulations to all the competitors who showed tremendous
spirit and perseverance in every race!
Thank you to the Gloucester International Dory Racing
Committee (IRDC) and the Canadian Dory Racing Association (CDRA) for carrying
forward 74 years of partnership and goodwill between Gloucester and our sister
city, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
In addition, a special thanks to:
Robert Fox, President of the Canadian Dory Racing
Association
Bill Edmonds, President of the Gloucester International Dory
Racing Committee
Kelly George, Dory Racer & Member of Canadian Dory
Racing Association
NBC10 and Political Reporter Matt Prichard and cameraman for
highlighting this cherished maritime tradition
From six thrilling races—five at a half-mile and one at a
full mile—to the incredible crowd filled with supporters from both communities,
this event is a powerful reminder that while the competition is strong, our
shared history and friendship are even stronger.
As the International Dory Races sail into their 75th year,
I’m looking forward to continuing the celebration of this long-standing
tradition of camaraderie, community, and friendly competition between
Gloucester and Lunenburg.
To learn more visit: internationaldories.com
This Feature Friday, we’re highlighting Sienna, 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, Sienna!
On this Feel Good Friday, I’m grateful for the chance to
celebrate local hero and WWII veteran Robert “Boots” Chouinard.
Tuesday’s dedication of the new Robert “Boots” Chouinard
Lifeguard Command Center at Salisbury Beach was an unforgettable tribute to his
service and legacy.
At 101 years young, Boots continues to inspire us all.
Thank you to WBZ
/ CBS News Boston and Breana Pitts for recently sharing this special
story with our community.
Read more here:
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/video/salisbury-beach-lifeguard-station-named-for-101-year-old-wwii-veteran/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h&fbclid=IwY2xjawNU0a9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnkffnosM9Stxa_-RhfTjWb3t0l3qzUJ8js8VBvf0rq_cUqU591zJt4oFXa9_aem_3wEpy7dtWbkP90ICdKkFOg
Thank you to the Town of Lunenburg Mayor Jamie Myra, Deputy
Mayor Rachel Bailey and the people of Lunenburg for welcoming us once again to
our sister city this past weekend with warm hospitality and neighborly spirit!
This past Tuesday, August 26th, was a proud and memorable
day as Robert “Boots” Chouinard – a local hero and WWII veteran – received
well-deserved recognition with the renaming of the Salisbury Beach State
Reservation Lifeguard Station as the Robert “Boots” Chouinard Lifeguard Command
Center.
Filing the legislation that made this possible was an honor,
and seeing it come to fruition for a man whose service and sacrifice continue
to inspire us all was even more meaningful.
Special thanks to Governor Maura Healey, Former DCR
Commissioner Brian Arrigo, DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle, EEA Secretary
Rebecca Tepper, Rep. Dawne Shand, Salisbury Town Manager Neil Harrington, the
Salisbury Board of Selectmen, Former Sheriff Frank Cousins, officials from the
Salisbury and Newburyport Fire and Police Departments, the dedicated DCR team,
Boots’ family and friends and everyone else involved in helping make this
recognition a reality.
A full version of the legislation I filed can be found at:
TARR IN THE NEWS | 8.27.25
'A Local Hero Immortalized'
By Caitlin Dee | Daily
News of Newburyport
Photo Credit: Keith Sullivan / Staff Photo
Excerpt below:
"SALISBURY — Robert “Boots” Chouinard, a member of the
Greatest Generation, will be recognized for generations to come after the
Salisbury Beach Reservation’s lifeguard command station was renamed in his
honor.
The ceremony, held Tuesday at the station, was attended by
local leaders such as Gov. Maura Healey, lifeguards, first responders and
others who wished to honor him.
Chouinard, 101, is a Salisbury resident who began
lifeguarding at Salisbury Beach after graduating from high school in 1943.
Chouinard has served many roles in the community, becoming a
beloved local hero.
So, to honor his commitment to the town, the Salisbury Board
of Selectmen made a unanimous request to recognize his contributions.
Later, legislation sponsored by state Senator Bruce Tarr was
passed on Jan. 8, making the designation official.
The ceremony offered local leaders, residents and others the
chance to recognize and celebrate Chouinard’s service over the years. Others
making the trip included Tarr, state Rep. Dawne Shand, D-Newburyport,
Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle,
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tapper
and the entire Salisbury Board of Selectmen."
Read the full article 
https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_fb0e5419-6ee0...
Today, Thursday, August 28th, 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:
Honored to have shared remarks at the dedication of the
newly named Robert “Boots” Chouinard Lifeguard Command Center at Salisbury
Beach State Reservation yesterday, Tuesday, August 26th.
Boots, a true local hero and WWII veteran, started
lifeguarding at the beach in 1943.
Thank you to reporter Steve Cooper at 7News
- WHDH Boston for coverage of this special moment!
This Meet the Team Monday, we’re highlighting Seamus, our talented Senate Fellow
Communications Intern who's played a pivotal role in amplifying our
communication messaging this past quarter.
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, bright ideas, and
passion with our team, Seamus!
Thank you
to NBC10
Boston and Matt
Prichard for highlighting the important conversation with Bernadette
Jordan, the Consul General for Canada, about trade, tariffs, and the strong
bond shared between the U.S. and Canada.
Our continued partnership is vital to both nations.
Find the full story here:
https://www.nbcboston.com/video/on-air/as-seen-on/sunday-sitdown-1-on-1-with-the-consul-general-for-canada-in-boston/3796202/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNUyg9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhAbOKTjsqAEP5FO8zVcXA4SOGIjPFe7xSzqgx1-oZA_TNNABVFoZ6_9-b78_aem_Hpa7ynovnP0ZxUpnc7G7bg
Great way to kick off the 74th International Dory Races
yesterday— with a spirited parade of participants through downtown Lunenburg!
Thanks to NBC10 Boston’s Matt Prichard for providing coverage of this important international competition and 74-year tradition between the sister cities of Gloucester, MA and the Town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
More posts of NBC10’s coverage of the 74th Annual International Dory Races to come.
Watch the interview here: https://www.nbcboston.com/.../international-dory.../3795831/
Learn more about the 74th Annual International Dory Races at: internationaldories.com
This Feature Friday, we’re highlighting Marlena, 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, Marlena!
MassDEP is excited to announce that the fourth round of Gap
Energy Grants are now available. This grant is designed to fill the last “gap”
in project financing, which will give facilities the ability to reduce energy
use, increase energy efficiency, and generate renewable energy.
These funds help communities, nonprofit multifamily
affordable housing organizations, nonprofit agricultural food producing
organizations, and small businesses engaged in food distribution and processing
realize their energy and cost savings by implementing energy efficient and
renewable energy upgrades.
Applications are due by 5:00 PM EST on September 19, 2025.
To learn more and apply, visit our website at the link in our bio.
Image 1: A solar panel array installed on top of the rooftop
of a barn
Image 2: A solar panel array installed on a flat roof
Image 3: New electrical motors, pumps, and piping at a
wastewater treatment facility
Image 4: A new electric motor and pumping system at a
drinking water plant
No one should profit from stealing gravestones or disturbing
burial grounds. These memorials honor lives and history, and they deserve
protection.
Working with Ipswich constituent Rachel Meyer, I filed
S.1629, An Act relative to the theft of graves. This bill would strengthen
protections against the theft, sale, and unauthorized possession of cemetery
memorials and artifacts.
In addition, I submitted written testimony to the Joint
Committee on Public Health in support of this bill, to make sure our laws
defend these sacred places.
Grateful to Rachel for her advocacy and partnership in this
important work.
Learn more about our legislation by visiting
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1629/
Learn more about Rachel’s advocacy by reading The
Local News article
https://thelocalnews.news/.../gravestones-for-sale.../
This past weekend, the Community Green Fest on the Rowley
Town Common was a wonderful celebration of sustainability and community.
Families, kids, and neighbors came together to enjoy fun,
educational activities that highlighted the importance of protecting our
environment.
I want to commend Striving for Sustainability for organizing
such a thoughtful event, and thank everyone who participated for taking steps
toward a greener future.
It’s events like this that show how our communities can come
together to make a real difference.
Read all about it in this The Local News article
https://thelocalnews.news/.../striving-for.../
These grants help cities, towns and community groups enhance
public education and participation during the assessment and cleanup of
disposal sites.
MassDEP offers up to $20,000 per applicant and the deadline
to apply is August 29, 2025.
To learn more about the grant and how to apply, visit
https://www.mass.gov/.../technical-assistance-grants...
This past weekend in Rowley, a new U.S. Flag Retirement Box
was unveiled—an inspiring project led by a dedicated local Girl Scout Jessica
Garron and placed outside the fire station.
Designed with stars, stripes, and topped with an American
bald eagle, it provides a dignified way for our community to retire worn
American flags with the respect they deserve.
Our office was pleased to be represented by Cesare Paglia at
this important event.
We are grateful to the young Girl Scout for her initiative,
the Rowley Fire Department for hosting the box, and all who came together to
support this meaningful addition to the community.
Read the full The
Local News article:
Today, Thursday, August 21st, 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/7521
Semper
Fi!
The Marine Corps will celebrate its 250th birthday in Boston
beginning this morning Thursday, August 21st to Sunday, August 24th, 2025.
Check the link below for a schedule of demonstrations,
displays, and opportunities to meet the Marines who serve our nation with honor
and dedication.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the
Topsfield Business Social, an event organized by the Topsfield Economic and
Community Development Committee (ECDC), at the 1793 Barn at Meredith Farm in
Topsfield.
This was the second business social hosted by the ECDC this
year, and it brought together local business owners and community leaders in a
meaningful way. During the event, the committee presented new development plans
for 10 School Street.
Thank you to the ECDC for their continued work in supporting
local businesses!
