City of Gloucester Holiday Gathering

On December 19th, 2025, I attended the annual City of Gloucester staff holiday gathering, hosted by Mayor Greg Verga, to celebrate the people who make our city so special.

 
As this year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank Val Gilman, Gloucester City Councilor for her 16 years of combined service to the City of Gloucester, MA.

Val has served 10 years on the City Council - 8 years as the Ward 4 Councilor and 2 years as an At-Large Councilor - also serving as City Council President for 2 years and City Council Vice-President for 2 years. In addition, she served 6 years on the School Committee.

Thank you, Val, for your leadership and commitment to our residents leaving a lasting impact on our community.

 
Wishing you the very best in the new year and best wishes in your retirement from public service!

Recognizing Diane Ellyane Klein

Last month, I was pleased to recognize Diane Ellyane Klein of Greater Newburyport at the AgeSpan Ceremony for Lifelong Learning Awards.

Senior District Director Mary Ann Nay presented Diane with an official Senate citation on my behalf in recognition of her dedication and contributions to lifelong learning.

A lifelong learning advocate, Diane shared her journey from substitute teaching to teaching adult learners, emphasizing the importance of fun and adventure in education.

Thank you to AgeSpan for hosting this meaningful event and for your continued dedication to lifelong learning in our community. Congratulations, Diane, and thank you for inspiring us all!

In Awe of This Community's Giving Nature

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TARR IN THE NEWS | 12.8.25

'Tarr visits Salisbury COA for annual toy drive'

By Caitlin Dee | Daily News of Newburyport

Excerpt Below:

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"“It’s always warm and there’s always a lot of energy, and that’s true here today. And, of course, one of the reasons it’s true is because we’re here to do great things for kids on the North Shore and in the Merrimack Valley over the holiday season,” Tarr told the crowd.

Tarr also said he was “in awe” of the giving nature of community members throughout Salisbury and beyond.

“It always fills me with the holiday spirit. It always inspires me to see how generous the people in our region are and how we can all work together to make a brighter holiday season for kids all across the region,” he said."

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To learn more about how you can still donate to the @North Shore & Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive, visit: https://northshoreholidaytoydrive.org/.

Read the Full Article

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_a7c1f518-4df6...

Continued Commitment to Our Veterans

Today’s Wreaths Across America ceremonies reminded me of the profound sacrifices our veterans have made—and continue to make—for our nation. Their courage and commitment deserve our deepest gratitude.

Last month, I had the honor of joining Secretary Jon Santiago reading with students at Beeman Elementary, an effort organized by former American Legion Commander Mark Nestor and Cape Ann Veteran Services to connect veterans with our youth.

Secretary Santiago also paid homage at Gloucester’s waterfront Veterans memorials, honoring those who served and sacrificed.

As he steps down from his post this fall, I want to thank him for his dedicated service and leadership in his role, and for his continued commitment to our veterans throughout the Commonwealth.

Thank you to everyone at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, and to our local veteran service partners, who work each day to ensure the legacy of our veterans is remembered and honored.

Happy Birthday Doris Aspesi

Please join me in wishing Doris Aspesi a happy 100th birthday!

I was honored to mark this momentous occasion last month by presenting her with an official Senate Citation and citation from the Governor, as well, at the Seacoast Rehab and Nursing Center located in Gloucester.

2,000 Toys and $20,000 in Donations for Children

TARR IN THE NEWS | 12.12.25

'Stocking the holiday store: Firefighters, Tarr drive donate to Cape Ann Kids for holidays' | By Stephen Hagan and Andrea Holbrook | Gloucester Daily Times

Excerpts Below:

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"The shelves of the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund’s holiday store will be filled with toys thanks in part to the work of Gloucester firefighters and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr’s North Shore and Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive, and the community’s generosity."

AND

"On Thursday, Tarr and a band of volunteers spent the afternoon picking up toys and donations made at the Cape Ann stops of the North Shore and Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive, and delivering them to Pathways for Children on Emerson Avenue.

About 2,000 toys and about $20,000 in donations and gift cards were collected by the drive. The drive stopped in 14 locations, each with a designated charity so that gifts stay in the community, the Gloucester Republican said.

“Our fundraising goal was $10,000 and we nearly doubled that!” Jessica Margiotta, Tarr’s director of communications, said.

Toys and gift cards donated at three stops — Woodman’s of Essex in Essex, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at Dock Square in Rockport and Cape Ann Savings Bank on Main Street and Gloucester — went to the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund.

“Once again we’re so grateful for the outpouring of support for the kids,” Tarr said. “And I continue to be impressed by and thankful for the generosity of the community.”

Donations may be made to Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund at https://capeannkids.org/."

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Read the full article

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_41c5c5af-257f...

A Successful North Shore & Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive

A heartfelt thank you to the many generous businesses and organizations that participated in our North Shore & Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive benefiting many local charities throughout the region.

Yesterday, December 12, 2025, Ted Costa, my Deputy Director of Community Outreach and volunteer Leo Francis picked up toys from our partner locations.

I joined in delivering the donations to the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund’s sorting warehouse located at Pathways for Children in Gloucester—where they will soon be prepared for local families.

In this post, I wanted to highlight some of the locations that helped collect toys for our non-profit charity partner Cape Ann Kids Holiday, bringing holiday joy to families across Cape Ann.

Thanks to everyone's collective efforts, we were able to fill a box truck with 2,000 toys this year:

Woodman's of Essex
Cape Ann Savings Bank (all 4 locations)

Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
The Lobster
Gordon College Athletics
Magnolia Library and Community Center
Gloucester VFW Post 1624
Capt. Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3
Gloucester MA Elks Lodge #892
Gloucester Police Department (Official) Community Impact Unit
Kops-n-Kids
Nor'east Cleaners (Gloucester & Manchester locations)

For more information on how you can donate or support the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund, please visit: 

www.capeannkids.org.

Action Inc.

Wellspring House

Wreaths Across America—Honoring Those who Serve Our Nation

Tomorrow, communities throughout our district, in the Commonwealth, and across the United States will take part in Wreaths Across America—a powerful tradition honoring the men and women who served our nation with courage and sacrifice.

I had the privilege of speaking in this informative video, produced by North Andover CAM, that highlights the inspiring work happening in North Andover this year to ensure every veteran is remembered and how you can participate.

https://youtu.be/cv_Qvy4wxr4?si=ce1AIHXzjh8N6kEI

As I shared in the video, “This is a simple act of kindness and symbolism to be able to place a wreath on the grave of a veteran and reminds us all that those folks are not forgotten.”
To learn more about Wreaths Across America, how to participate or to find an event near you, visit:

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/.../179800/Overview/...

Protecting Our Property Tax Payers

Together, S.1933 and S.1935 aim to protect property tax payers from unpredictable property tax increases and give cities and towns new authority to offer targeted tax relief, creating a more stable and equitable local tax system.

I co-sponsored both of these bills - and have filed similar legislation in years past - because I am committed to protecting our residents from property tax hikes ensuring that not only they can stay in the cities and towns they've called home for many years, but also future generations to come.

Thank you to my Senate colleagues for joining me in sending these important bills to the Senate Committee on Ways & Means, taking them one step closer to becoming law and protecting the interests of those who deserve it most - our taxpayers.

Cut Bridge to be replaced in 2028

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.26.25

'Cut Bridge to be replaced in 2028'

Gloucester Daily Times | By Ethan Forman

Link to full article: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_f38ccf76-2925...

December 11th Informal Session 2025

Today, Thursday, December 11th, 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/7595

The Reopening of Ipswich Methodist Church

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.25.25

'Ipswich Methodist Church to reopen its doors Dec. 7'

The Local News Article | By Amy Palmer

EXCERPTS BELOW:

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"On a recent tour of the church, Sen. Bruce Tarr called it “turning a hardship into an opportunity.”
The partnership with Ipswich Community House is certainly a great opportunity for the church as well. With attendance declining at churches across New England, Randazzo said using the Methodist as a community space gets people through the doors.

“At the end of the day, this partnership is ensuring our survival,” he said.

Now, Ipswich has multiple brand new spaces — including the 65-by-55-foot sanctuary and an equally large community room downstairs — where people can come together as a community."

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: Amy Palmer

The Battle of Gloucester: Back to Life

Recently, I had the honor of joining Mayor Greg Verga, City of Gloucester, Jonathan Lane, Executive Director, Revolution 250, state and local community leaders, as well as, event organizers to share remarks at the press conference announcing the Battle of Gloucester reenactment coming to Gloucester's Stage Fort Park in 2026 on June 20th & 21st!

As I shared at the event, “Colonists and patriots here in Cape Ann wrote a different chapter in the history of America, and they set into motion a chain of events that could be said ultimately led to the development of the United States Navy.”

This reenactment will help bring that powerful story to life.

We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on this lesser-known, but pivotal moment in the American Revolution, and in turn, to celebrate Gloucester’s enduring role in our nation’s history.

Follow along for updates as preparations for this once-in-a-lifetime event progress:

IG: @battleofgloucester

Facebook: Battle of Gloucester

Online: battleofgloucester.com

Sawyers and Tree Experts Team Up with 6th Graders!

TIMBER MILLING @ O’Maley Science Central: Wed, Dec. 10th | 8–10 AM

ALL VISITORS WELCOME!

Local sawyers and tree experts are teaming up with Gloucester O'Maley 6th graders for a hands-on timber milling experience!

Students will be measuring, sawing, nailing, and sanding pine boards as they build 100+ Eastern Bluebird nest boxes before the holiday break.

These student-made nest boxes will be installed across Cape Ann this spring to support bluebird habitat restoration.

Science Central, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, 32 Cherry St., Gloucester, MA

Letters: Memories Made for Veteran

TARR IN THE NEWS | Gloucester Daily Times | Wednesday, 11.26.25

'Letters: Memories Made for Veteran' | By The Family of Newton Myles McCarthy, Sr.

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"To the editor:

We are writing to express our deepest appreciation for everything the staff at Seacoast Nursing Home have done for Newton McCarthy during his time in your care.

You have made an extraordinary difference in his life and in ours. Your compassion, dedication, and attention to his wellbeing have made his transition into assisted living incredibly smooth, and it has brought our family tremendous comfort knowing he is supported by people who truly care.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible effort you put into making this past Veterans Day so special for him — and for us.

We want to extend a special thank you to our state senator, Bruce Tarr, and Gloucester’s Veterans Services for their time and effort as well. The thoughtful details and genuine care that went into celebrating Veterans Day were remarkable, and we will never be able to be able to thank you enough. It is day that will remain a lasting and meaningful memory for Newt and for our entire family.

Thank you, sincerely, for all that you do.

The family of Newton Myles McCarthy Sr., Gloucester"

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Cape Ann Veterans Services

Seacoast Rehab and Nursing Center

December 8th and December 11th Informal Session 2025

Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber the Senate will be having informal sessions today, Monday, December 8th and Thursday, December 11th at 11 AM.

You can read a copy of TODAY's tentative agenda in advance online at the following location:

https://malegislature.gov/ClerksOffice/Senate/Agenda

To watch TODAY's informal Senate Session LIVE, visit

https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7593

December 4th Informal Session 2025

Today, Thursday, December 4th, 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/7591

Central Grammar’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.23.25

'Central Grammar celebrates 50 years as senior housing'

Gloucester Daily Times

EXCERPT BELOW:

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"Recently, residents, the builders, and other got together to celebrate the building 50th anniversary at housing for Cape Ann seniors.

According to state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, who attended the apartment building’s 50th anniversary celebration, it was the nation’s first adaptive reuse of a school building, a model that continues to thrive today.

Many residents, including a former superintendent, attended class in the building at one time. Several former teachers have lived in the Central Grammar’s 80 units as well."

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Read the full article
https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_b4da476b-ea9c...

BankGloucester Highlight on Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, I wanted to highlight once more the local efforts of BankGloucester featured in this Gloucester Daily Times article by Andrea Holbrook.

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.19.25

'Bank Awards Grants to Nonprofits'

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EXCERPT BELOW:

"The awards were presented at a reception Oct. 9 at BankGloucester’s headquarters at 160 Main St. The event brought together nonprofit leaders, community members, bank staff, and local officials, among them Mayor Greg Verga, state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, and Nina Goodick, district liaison for state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante."

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Read the full article
https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_29d89318-0aa2...

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.12.25

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.12.25

'Ipswich clammers face another harsh winter of flats closures'

By Trevor Meek | The Local News

EXCERPTS BELOW:

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"That same frustration was shared by many who spoke at the meeting, including Sen. Bruce Tarr, who likened efforts to reopen the flats to fighting an invisible opponent.

“What we are trying to do is shadowbox with a threat that could occur,” he said. “We’re talking about something that is hypothetical. And we’re trying to solve that problem.”"

AND

"When asked about moving the treatment plant’s outflow pipe away from the shellfish beds, Tarr said Rep. Kristin Kassner had recently secured funding to study that possibility.

“We’re working with the town to get that money released so that study can begin,” he said.

However, Tarr emphasized that the focus should be on trying to change the FDA’s current dilution standard for the Ipswich River.

“It’s important to remember that the standard was changed once already by the work of [the DMF],” Tarr said. “But now we’re hitting a brick wall — and that’s the essence of the problem.”"

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Read the full article
https://thelocalnews.news/.../ipswich-clammers-face.../