Friday, February 27, 2026

ChamberPot Fundraiser


Always a great night with the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce at their annual ChamberPot fundraiser helping draw this year’s winning names!

A wonderful evening celebrating community, local businesses, and the people who make Greater Newburyport thrive.

Congratulations to all the winners — and thank you to everyone who helps make this event such a success year after year.

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Recognition of First Essex & Middlesex District Schools


Congratulations to the outstanding students, educators, and school leaders from across the First Essex & Middlesex District recognized as 2025 Schools of Recognition by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

This well-deserved honor celebrates academic excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to student success.

2025 Schools of Recognition:
• Cutler School – Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District 
• Ipswich High School – Ipswich High School 
• Manchester Essex Regional High School – MERSD 

Thank you to the teachers, staff, families, and students whose dedication makes these achievements possible. We are proud of your continued excellence and leadership in education.

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Go Red for Women Event at the State House


As American Heart Month comes to a close, I was proud to join fellow lawmakers and the American Heart Association at the State House for the annual Go Red for Women event to raise awareness about women’s heart health.

Heart disease remains the #1 killer of women, yet nearly 80% of cardiac events are preventable through education, awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices. 

By wearing red, we help shine a light on the importance of prevention, early detection, and access to lifesaving information.

Thank you to everyone who continues supporting the Go Red for Women movement and helping spread awareness across our communities. 

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
Learn Hands-Only CPR and become part of the #NationofLifesavers at heart.org/nation.

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Thursday, February 26, 2026

This Thanksgiving, We're Grateful for Victoria Mori Daigle and Hirak Shah


Tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, I want to express my deepest gratitude for two immensely talented and dedicated members of my team: Victoria Mori Daigle and Hirak Shah.

At its recent Fall Meeting, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) presented them with MAPC’s Legislative Staff of the Year Award—an honor that could not be more deserved. It was my privilege to offer congratulatory remarks at the ceremony and highlight the extraordinary work they do every single day for our constituents and the entire Commonwealth.

Victoria has taken the lead since the very beginning of the North Shore Water Resilience Task Force, guiding its early work, facilitating critical conversations, and helping build trust among 17 municipalities and countless partners. Her dedication has been the momentum behind this regional effort from day one.

Inspired by that commitment, Hirak has strengthened and advanced our legislative work—drafting and filing key amendments, supporting major policy initiatives, and helping secure essential state budget funding that ensures communities have the resources they need when challenges arise.

Both Vicki and Hirak are diligent, dedicated, and valued staff members who never forget that our constituents are at the center of everything we do. Every day they give their very best to efforts like the North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force, that is forging a new path for collaboration in our region for the Ipswich River and the public water supplies that people depend on.

I deeply appreciate the partnership of MAPC, and the commission's recognition of these two outstanding public servants.

Their combined efforts are creating real, measurable progress for the communities and constituents we serve, and I am profoundly grateful for their dedicated service, their professionalism, and their unwavering commitment to public good.

Congratulations, Vicki and Hirak, on this well-deserved distinction —and thank you for all you do.

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Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Celebrating Small Business Milestones




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

North Andover Modern Dentistry  | North Andover, MA

Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce 

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Thursday, February 19, 2026

Statement from Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr on the Loss of Former Gloucester Mayor Bruce Tobey

Statement from Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr on the Loss of Former Gloucester Mayor Bruce Tobey:

“Bruce Tobey was truly a son of Gloucester, who lived a life filled with public service and civic engagement that made difference for our city and beyond.

From working on the waterfront to duty in the Coast Guard, to both appointed and elected service in City Hall, Bruce gave his time and talent to important elements of our community, and he led with the wisdom and insight learned from those experiences.

His love for his family, his community, and the causes he cared about will long be remembered as his legacy and his example for others to follow endures.”

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Remembering Iwo Jima




Today, we honor the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Let us remember the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of the Marines and service members who fought in defense of our freedom.

The flag raised over Mount Suribachi became a symbol of hope, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of America. 

May their heroism never be forgotten, and may we continue to live in a way that honors their sacrifice.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2026

DCR Looking for Lifeguards


🛟DCR is looking for lifeguards for this summer - earn money while working outside at a pool or waterfront all across the state! 🛟

Check the link for details (including potential free training) ⬇
🔗 https://bit.ly/4ccsoun
@massdcr 

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Thursday, February 5, 2026

Welcoming Masconomet Regional High School Varsity Cheerleading Team to the State House


I along with my colleagues Rep Tram T Nguyen Brad Jones Sally Kerans for State Representative, State Representative Adrianne Ramos, Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the Masconomet Regional High School Varsity Cheerleading Team to the State House to honor their incredible achievements this season.

These student‑athletes brought home the 2025 Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association Small Co‑Ed Division Championship and earned the title of MSAA Grand Champions — a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their discipline, teamwork, and relentless drive.

Congratulations to the entire team, the coaching staff, and the Masconomet community.

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Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Supporting the Gloucester Fishing Community and the Families of the Lily Jean's Crew



In the wake of the tragic loss of the F/V Lily Jean and her seven crew members, many have asked how they can help. Here are two verified, secure options that are available for those looking to support families and the Gloucester fishing community.

The F/V Lily Jean Fund was established to provide direct financial assistance to the families impacted by this tragedy. The fund accepts tax-deductible contributions and will distribute the proceeds to the families of the crew, with 100% of donations distributed equally to those families. 

For those wishing to support essential, ongoing services, Fishing Partnership Support Services is providing critical assistance including grief counseling, emergency financial support, health care access, and long-term recovery services for fishing families.

Gloucester has always stood together in moments of profound loss. Thank you to everyone who has shown compassion and generosity during this difficult time.

Learn more or donate by visiting the below links ⬇️ 
🔗 fvlilyjeanfund.org
🔗 fishingpartnership.org/donate

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Monday, February 2, 2026

Senator Tarr, Governor Healy, and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll Standing with the Gloucester Community



I am profoundly grateful to Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll for standing with Gloucester during this incredibly difficult time. Their compassion and support mean so much to our community.

We are also deeply thankful for the Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS), an organization created by and for fishing families, for being present for the loved ones affected by the loss of the F/V Lily Jean. FPSS is providing counseling, connections to emergency financial assistance, and long-term support to help families through this unimaginable loss.

As Gloucester grieves, we also hold in our hearts fishing communities across New England and beyond who have experienced similar tragedies. Each loss reminds us of the risks taken by those who provide for us all, and of the importance of caring for one another.

For those asking how to help, donations may be made directly through to the Fishing Partnership Support Services specifying it's for the Lily Jean families:
👉 https://fishingpartnership.org/donate 

In the coming days, the City of Gloucester, will continue to update their website with verified ways to offer additional support directly to the families impacted as more resources become available.
Thank you for the compassion, kindness, and solidarity being shown by our community.

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Statement Regarding the U.S.C.G. Release of the List of Crew Members Aboard the Gloucester F/V Lily Jean.

Today I released the following statement regarding the U.S.C.G. release of the list of crew members aboard the Gloucester F/V Lily Jean.

Link to U.S. Coast Guard Northeast Most Recent Press Release:
https://www.news.uscg.mil/.../coast-guard-northeast.../

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Tarr in the News: Cleanup of 'Ghost Gear

TARR IN THE NEWS | 1.28.26
'New Rules Allow Cleanup of 'Ghost' Gear | Gloucester Daily Times 
By Christian Wade
+++

EXCERPT BELOW:
Legislation filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, authorized the state Division of Marine Fisheries — with the approval of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission and the Department of Fish and Game — to set the regulations allowing the removal of fishing gear from state waters.
Under previous law, commercial fishing gear was considered private property and couldn’t be removed when it became dislodged and sunk to the ocean floor or washed up on the shore. Backers of the changes say abandoned fishing gear poses a threat to the marine environment and ecosystems.

“Left unchecked, abandoned fishing gear poses several threats to our marine environment and ecosystems,” Tarr said. “It ‘ghost fishes,’ increasing mortality without any harvest benefit, presents a major risk of entanglement for right whales and other marine species, clutters and pollutes the ocean floor, and creates ongoing problems for coastal communities when it washes ashore and must be collected and disposed of before it causes further damage.”
The new rules also include protections for commercial fishermen, including a provision that clarifies it is unlawful to “take, use, destroy, injure or molest” traps, lines and other gear “without the consent of the owner.”"
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Read the full article ⬇

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Sunday, February 1, 2026

Memorial Mass Service for the F/V Lily Jean


Following the 4 PM Memorial Mass Service at Saint Ann’s Church, Fishing Partnership Support Services and Riverside Community Care clinicians will be available in the church basement to support families and friends of the F/V Lily Jean. 

Coffee, food, and space to talk will be provided.

As Gloucester mourns this heartbreaking loss, help is on the ground. Fishing Partnership Navigators are offering trauma support, financial resources, and more. To connect directly, call Morgan Eldredge at 774-722-0737.

As we continue to grieve together, let us support those in our community who need it most.

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Mary Anne Nay: Community Engagement Through Biscotti in Newbury


Great to see our Senior District Director, Mary Ann Nay, lending a hand at the Newbury Council on Aging alongside Select Board Chair Bill DiMaio during his biscotti demonstration. Mary Ann serves as a familiar and trusted resource for constituents at the COA each month, and on Thursday she stepped into the role of *sous chef* as well.

Community engagement takes many forms, and whether it’s assisting residents with state matters or helping bring people together around a kitchen counter, Mary Ann brings the same care and commitment to the people of our district and I am grateful to have her as a member of my staff.

Read the full article featured in the Daily News of Newburyport by Matt Petry all about her most recent community engagement at the Newbury COA ⬇

Newbury Council On Aging

Friends of the Newbury Council on Aging

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