53rd Anniversary of SeniorCare

I was honored to join SeniorCare Inc. during their 53rd Anniversary Celebration, recognizing more than five decades of service supporting older adults and their caregivers across the North Shore.

The evening featured remarks from SeniorCare Board President Bruce Billingham and CEO Scott Trenti. To mark this momentous occasion, I presented official Senate citations in celebration of this year's Community Heroes Award winners in celebration of a remarkable group of awardees whose dedication strengthens our communities every day.

Community Hero Awardees

Fred Cowan of Gloucester – Rosemary F. Kerry Community Service Award

Barbara Sienkiewicz of Gloucester – SeniorCare Advisory Council Volunteer of the Year Award

George Nickless of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Dr. Thomas Sullivan of Beverly, and Thomas Tanous of Wenham – Board of Directors Community Impact Awards

Patricia “Patsy” and Paul Valcour of Ipswich – Myra L. Herrick Outstanding Older American Award

Donations raised from this fundraiser will help fund critical unfunded and underfunded services in the coming year, ensuring that SeniorCare can continue providing essential care, connection, and dignity to those who need it most.

Congratulations to all of the awardees, and thank you to the entire SeniorCare, Inc. team for your continued leadership and compassion in serving our region’s older adults!

To learn more about this event, visit the Gloucester Daily Times article here

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_7ab1e87a-6366...

Boxford Apple Festival 2025

I had a fantastic time attending this year's Boxford Apple Festival!

The streets were filled with artisan vendors, live music, delicious apple treats, historic house tours, and true New England charm.

Proceeds from the festival supported the Holyoke-French House and the work of the Boxford Historical Society.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, vendors, and everyone who made this year’s festival such a wonderful success - a truly wonderful celebration of Boxford’s heritage, creativity, and community spirit.

 

Tarr in the News: Senator Tarr Discusses COVID Relief Funds Mismanagement

TARR IN THE NEWS | 9.27.25

'Funds to monitor COVID relief go unspent'

By Christian Wade | Published in Gloucester Daily Times

EXCERPT BELOW:

"Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr said the data raise questions about how much oversight the state has provided to billions of dollars in federal funding received since the outset of the pandemic.

“When such a large amount of federal money comes into the Commonwealth, we need to know how it is being spent,” the Gloucester Republican said. “We need to account for these dollars, not only to maintain the integrity of state spending, but also our relationship with the federal government.”

Tarr pointed to revelations that the state Department of Unemployment Assistance wrongly used $2.1 billion in federal money to fund state unemployment benefits. He said the mistake is an example of how lax oversight of federal aid can end up costing the state more money.

“There are serious ramifications to misspending these federal dollars and we have to do everything possible to make sure that they have been properly,” he said."

Read the full article:

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_9d06901a-2a43...

 

Coming Up this Week in the Senate Chamber: October 6

Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber, the Senate will be holding informal Sessions on Monday, October 6th and Thursday, October 9th, each 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/7548

 

Celebrating the Legacy of John Feehan

It was an honor to join the YWCA Greater Newburyport in celebrating the remarkable legacy of John Feehan, who has led the organization with vision and dedication for the past 16 years as Executive Director.

Under John’s leadership, the YWCA strengthened its programs, expanded its reach, and continued to be a vital resource for affordable housing, childcare, and community support.

His commitment has left an enduring mark on Greater Newburyport and the larger region, and it was a privilege to present him with an official Senate citation in recognition of his service.

Congratulations also to Kate Slater, the new Executive Director, who will carry this important mission forward.

The YWCA Greater Newburyport is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Read more about this event in the Daily News of Newburyport article here:

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_11459488-1598...

Learn more about the YWCA's Community Initiatives:

https://www.ywcanewburyport.org/

Thank you to Robert "Boots" Chouinard

Thank you to Robert “Boots” Chouinard for expressing his gratitude in this moving article and reflection on a lifetime of service.

It was the greatest honor to file the legislation and ensure its passage that helped bring about the recognition you so deeply deserve at Salisbury Beach State Reservation by installing a remembrance plaque and by renaming the park’s lifesaving station to the Robert “Boots” Chouinard Command Center.

Your leadership as a Salisbury Beach lifeguard, your service to our nation as a WWII veteran, and your continued presence in our community have left an indelible mark and an enduring legacy for years to come.

Thank you, Boots, for everything you’ve given to Salisbury and beyond.

Read Boots' article 'As I See It' in the Daily News of Newburyport:

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_16498462-8095

Fire Prevention Week

Today marks the start of Fire Prevention Week 2025 (October 5–11), and this year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

This campaign reminds us all how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely to prevent dangerous fires in our homes and neighborhoods.

A special thank you to our local fire departments for the work you do every single day to keep our communities safe — your dedication and service are deeply appreciated.

Learn more about this year’s theme and get safety resources

FPW.org

Celebrating 32 Years of the North Reading Fire Department

Please join me in congratulating the Town of North Reading Fire Department Deputy Barry Galvin on 32 years of dedicated service!

I had the honor of joining his colleagues, friends, and family to celebrate his decades-long career.

Thank you to Deputy Galvin for decades of leadership, commitment, and professionalism and for serving the people of North Reading with honor and integrity.

Please join me in thanking Deputy Galvin for his remarkable service and wishing him all the best in retirement!

 

Happy 100th Birthday to Barbara Brewer!

Congratulations to Barbara Brewer on the celebration of her 100th birthday!

I was honored to present Barbara with an official Senate citation and ceremonial proclamation from Governor Healey marking this momentous occasion at The Residence at Riverbend in Ipswich.

 

Tarr in the News: Salisbury and West Newbury Awarded Grants to Combat Climate Change

TARR IN THE NEWS | 9.20.25

'Salisbury, West Newbury awarded grants to combat climate change'

Daily News of Newburyport

EXCERPTS BELOW:

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"This year, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) made a targeted effort to recruit rural and small towns into the Massachusetts Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant program, with $11.1 million going specifically to those areas, according to state officials.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R–Gloucester, said MVP Action grants provide critical resources in preparing for the impacts of climate change.

“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration for releasing this important funding for essential local initiatives in Ipswich, Salisbury and West Newbury. These projects will not only enhance public safety and protect vital infrastructure but also strengthen the ability of our coastal and riverfront communities to withstand increasingly severe storms and flooding.”

The funding supports real, on-the-ground improvements – such as rebuilding parks with shaded spaces where residents can cool off during heat waves, protecting wetlands that reduce flooding in neighborhoods, and designing safer, more affordable housing on higher ground. Other projects include new wildfire evacuation routes, culvert upgrades to stop roads from washing out, and emergency plans to protect people most at risk."

Read the full article:

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_a116e890-5941...

Statement r on the Loss of State Senator Edward J. Kennedy

Statement from Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr on the Loss of State Senator Edward J. Kennedy:

“Senator Ed Kennedy was a gentleman, a dedicated public servant, an unyielding champion for the people of the city of Lowell and the towns of Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell and Tyngsborough, and a friend.

He was a true partner in the Senate as we worked together to lead efforts to improve the health of the Merrimack River, to prevent harm to circus animals, to strengthen our state’s tourism sector, and other shared priorities.

Ed’s passing is a great loss for the Senate, and for all of us fortunate enough to count him as a friend. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, and all of those in a district he represented with such commitment and pride.”

 

Boxford DPW Begins Construction on New Facility

Recently, I attended the Town of Boxford groundbreaking ceremony for their DPW facility.

This project will ensure our dedicated DPW team has the modern resources they need to serve the community safely and effectively for years to come.

Gloucester named #3 Best Place to Live on the East Coast by Travel and Leisure

Congratulations to the City of Gloucester, MA on earning the #3 spot out 10, featured in the '10 Best Places to Live on the East Coast' article by writer Lydia Mansel for Travel + Leisure!

Read the article here:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-live-on-the-east-coast-11811943

Tarr in the News: 'A Great Place to Live and Be'

TARR IN THE NEWS | 9.22.25

'A Great Place to Live and Be'

By Caitlin Dee | Daily News of Newburyport

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"“We probably had one of the busiest car and motorcycle shows that we’ve had that I can remember. Because we had beautiful weather, a lot of cars showed up and Sen. Bruce Tarr came on,” Salisbury Selectman Gil Medeiros said, referring to the Republican lawmaker from Gloucester."

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Read the full article here: https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_a1b9a835-d36e...

Today in the Senate Chamber: Thursday, October 2nd

Today, Thursday, October 2nd, 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/7546

Congratulations to our Local Businesses

Congratulations to the newest members of our local small business community and to those celebrating milestone anniversaries!

Skin MD | Newburyport

J.Hilburn  | Newburyport (Men's Style Advisor)

Seacoast Oasis  | Salisbury

Precision Pilates | Newburyport

Bountiful Farms | Rowley

Common Crow Natural Market  | Gloucester | Congrats on celebrating your 25th anniversary!

Feather & Wedge  | Rockport | Welcome to the new owners!

TreetopYoga  | Gloucester | Happy Sweet 16 & congrats on the new logo!

Wishing a Blessed Yom Kippur

G’mar Chatimah Tovah!

Wishing my Jewish friends, constituents, and neighbors an easy fast and a meaningful Yom Kippur.

Action Inc. Celebrates 60 Years

Congratulations to Action Inc. on an incredible milestone — 60 years of service to the Cape Ann community!

Nearly 250 people came together to celebrate this legacy of impact at their 60th Anniversary Celebration, raising more than $200,000 to support Action Inc.’s continued work advancing economic equity and fostering a thriving community on Cape Ann and beyond.

It was an evening filled with reflection, connection, and community spirit — made possible by the generosity of so many sponsors and supporters.

Thank you for your dedication to lifting up lives and strengthening Cape Ann. Here’s to another 60 years of making a difference!

Learn more about Action Inc.

https://actioninc.org/