Postpartum Depression Awareness Day and Virtual Hearing

1 in 7 pregnant and new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers may experience depression or anxiety. That's why I sponsored legislation that created a special legislative commission to address postpartum depression (PPD) in the state. As a member of this Commission, 

I want you to know about an upcoming date for a virtual hearing day on Tuesday, May 17 at 10:00 AM. The Commission, chaired by Senator Joan B. Lovely and Representative James J. O’Day, looks at policy initiatives to address perinatal mental health and promote mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our Commissioners include women who have lived with PPD, physicians, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, and more. The Commission seeks to improve resources for perinatal mood disorders available to women and their families. 

To register please click this link: https://www.ppdcommission.com/events

 

Rolling on the Rail - MBTA Annisquam River Drawbridge Readying

I've been working with local officials, neighbors, and others to move this vital MBTA project forward and we have now made it to the penultimate stage - getting ready for passengers. I'm thankful to my staff, in particular Ted Costa, for making arrangements for this trip. 

The bridge carries commuter rail riders for the Rockport Line over the Annisquam River between the West Gloucester and Gloucester Stations. The existing bridge was built in 1911, reconstructed in 1932, and updated in 1984. It is being replaced as a part of the MBTA's reliability and modernization program. The MBTA suspended service across the bridge in April 2020. You can expect a return to service on May 23rd.  

www.MBTA.com/GloucesterDraw

 

Michael Smolak Given The Lifetime Preservation Award by North Andover Historical Society

I have had many visits to the Smolak family farm - each was enjoyable but this most recent one was extra special. This time it was to celebrate the North Andover Historical Society's 2022 Lifetime Preservation Award recipient Michael Smolak, Jr., he is the owner and operator of Smolak Farms. Michael has ably managed the farm for a half-century. You can learn more about him and the many facets of the farm at https://www.smolakfarms.com/

 

MBTA Updates - Rockport Line and Blue Line

To complete additional work and finish scheduled work, Blue Line service will continue to be suspended until Friday, May 13, between Airport and Bowdoin stations with alternate shuttle bus and ferry services provided. Details regarding alternate shuttle bus service and ferry schedules are available at mbta.com/harbortunnel. 

Riders should allow for extra commuting time and expect some delays in shuttle bus service. The MBTA apologizes in advance for these delays and appreciates the patience of its riders as work on the Blue Line is completed.

The previously scheduled Blue Line service suspension between May 12 and May 29 from Wonderland to Orient Heights stations to allow for work on the Suffolk Downs pedestrian bridge will be rescheduled to a later time with alternate dates to be provided soon.

Rockport Line customers should note a change in service alternatives beginning tomorrow, May 9, through May 13 during upcoming construction work. Alternate service on the Rockport Line is as follows:

· From May 9 to May 13, shuttle buses will operate from Rockport Line stations to Beverly station for continued service to Boston at North Station

· From May 14 to May 22, shuttle buses will operate from Rockport Line stations to Orient Heights station for connections to the Blue Line. Chelsea Station customers can use the Silver Line 3. 

· From May 23 to June 5, trains will operate from Rockport Line stations to Beverly station with shuttle buses operating from Beverly to Orient Heights stations for connections to the Blue Line. Chelsea Station customers can use the Silver Line 3. Customers should note that the Gloucester Drawbridge opens on May 23. 

· During the weekend of June 11-12, trains will operate from Rockport Line stations to Salem stations with shuttle buses operating from Salem to Orient Heights stations for connections to the Blue Line.

An updated Newburyport/Rockport Line schedule effective May 9 will be posted online soon.

For more information, visit mbta.com/harbortunnel, or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA.

EMPTY BOWL TO GO 2.0

This Saturday from 4-6 PM you can participate in the Empty Bowl Dinner organized by The Open Door in Gloucester. I'll see you there. This drive-up and drive-through event is by appointment only. You can get more info, get a ticket, or participate in the on-line auction of locally crafted painted bowls at this link https://www.foodpantry.org/ 

The Open Door is a non-profit serving Greater Cape Ann residents to help alleviate the impact of hunger. 

 

Suicide Prevention Virtual Conference May 18 — 19 9:00 AM-3:30 PM

Learn the latest about supporting those in need - this virtual event is geared towards public and mental health professionals, social workers, public safety officials, first responders, community leaders, survivors, counselors, clergy and faith leaders, educators and school administrators, elder service staff, persons working with youth programs, GLBT advocates, providers of veterans’ services and anyone interested in preventing self-harm and suicide. 

Register for this annual conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and AdCare Educational Institute of New England at https://web.cvent.com/.../765b74af-2164-4644-a87a.../summary 

• Conference Objectives: 
• Increase awareness of suicide as a public health issue by gaining new knowledge in the field of suicide prevention 
• Learn more about the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention by attending a virtual reception hosted by the Coalition 
• Gain knowledge about the special needs of suicide survivors and survivors of suicide attempts through various workshops 
• Enhance suicide assessment and intervention skills by participating in various workshops instructed by leaders in the field
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Boxford Earth Day Celebration

The Boxford Village Garden Club and the Boxford Recycling Committee hosted the 2022 Boxford Earth Day celebration this weekend. I love going to this event each year. Folks who helped collect trash from around town were offered free Benson's Homemade Ice Cream and lots of smiles.