Rockport 9/11 Ceremony

The Rockport Fire Department prepared a moving ceremony yesterday to honor fallen firefighters, and remember those who were killed, injured or missing on September 11, 2001. The gathering helps support public safety members and families and those in the community.

Newburyport Field of Honor 9/11 Ceremony

Over the past several days The Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport set up and displayed this field of honor of flags, which were individually sponsored in the names of veterans, first responders, and community members. Yesterday, at the site on Bartlett Mall, they conducted a ceremony commemorating the events of 9/11/01. I had the honor of speaking at the event You can visit today and see the three hundred three-foot by five-foot flags and banners that are on display.

 

Newburyport Field of Honor

Today, I visited a place for remembrance and reflection on the brave men and women who are no longer with us. The Newburyport Field of Honor contains hundreds of American flags in a beautiful setting. This is the 13th year for the field and I appreciate all those who organized and supported the creation of this The Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport touching tribute to veterans, service members, first responders, and other heroes.

 

North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau Maria Miles Visitor Center Fall Tourism Mini Grant Awards

Happy to be part of a grant award program held at the Maria Miles Visitor Center in Salisbury off Interstate 95. The grants help Essex County organizations promote travel and tourism in the region. The Maria Miles Visitor Center is the “Gateway Center” to Massachusetts welcoming 400,000 visitors each year, offering concierge service, snacks and refreshments, souvenirs, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff to provide directions and information on attractions, restaurants, and lodging. 

Invited: Nancy Gardella, Executive Director, Keiko Orrall, Executive Director of the MA Office of Travel and Tourism - Visit Massachusetts, Jim O’Brien, President, North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, State Senator Joan B. Lovely, State Rep. Lenny Mirra, Discover Gloucester, the Essex Heritage Commission, and the Wenham Museum.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Comprehensive Online Resource, Map Tool for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of a new comprehensive, user-friendly website designed to provide survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and their families with information on resources available to them in a variety of critical issue areas, as well as an interactive map tool for locating services throughout the Commonwealth. 

Building on the Baker-Polito Administration’s efforts since taking office in 2015 to bolster supports for survivors across Massachusetts, this new tool ensures that aggregated, important information is readily available and easily accessible on mass.gov. The website provides information on major service categories, including housing, legal resources and employment assistance, as well as more immediate support such as the SafeLink Hotline and area Rape Crisis Centers. In order to further protect survivors seeking resources, the page also has an escape link located at the top of the page so that survivors may quickly exit the page and be redirected to the mass.gov homepage. Additionally, the website and interactive map tool are both accessible on mobile devices. 

“This new tool is another way to support survivors in Massachusetts and let them know that they are not alone, and that there are resources available to them,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration is committed to partnering with survivors and advocates to facilitate the delivery of these critical services, and I am grateful to the Lt. Governor, who Chairs the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, for her continued leadership and advocacy for survivors.” 

To visit the Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence website, click https://www.mass.gov/orgs/governors-council-to-address-sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence

 

MBTA Gloucester Grade Crossing Safety

At my invitation, several officials from the MBTA came to Gloucester to discuss commuter rail grade crossing safety procedures with officials from the City including Mayor Greg Verga, City of Gloucester, and Vice President Sean Nolan representing the City Council. Key to ensuring safer crossings is documenting any incidents, I'm encouraging people who observe malfunctions to officially report what they see to the MBTA's call center. The phone number, 800-449-6393, is available at each crossing along with a unique identifier number for every signal. 

 

 

UMASS AMHERST GLOUCESTER MARINE STATION

The blue economy and our maritime heritage are vital, as is our stewardship of this amazing coastal environment, and that is why I have been so supportive of the UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station - including securing $200,000 for it in the latest state budget. This research, learning, and training facility brings staff and students to the North Shore’s marine and coastal systems and in turn engages public-private partnerships that are unlocking applications for our region and far beyond. 

The Open House was a celebration of the rich history, successes, and investment strategy of this coastal research facility and the advances made in microbiology, fisheries, and coastal ecology. 

With Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy and College of Natural Sciences Dean Nathaniel Whitake, Mayor Greg Verga, City of Gloucester, Congressman Seth Moulton, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, #Gloucesterma officials, and others.