Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

This month, we honor the rich history and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). AAPIs have made significant contributions to our nation in all areas of society, from the arts and sciences to business and government. They have also faced discrimination and racism, but they have persevered and made our country a more diverse and inclusive place. This month, let's celebrate the AAPI community and stand united in creating a more just and equitable society for all. 

Here are some ways you can get involved: 

• Learn about AAPI history and culture. 
• Support AAPI-owned businesses. 
• Speak out against anti-AAPI racism and discrimination. 
• Get involved in your local AAPI community. 

Thank you for celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

#AAPIHeritageMonth

 

Senator Tarr, Representative Shand, and Salisbury Officials Hail Collaborative Efforts With Department of Conservation and Recreation to Restore Beach Access Points in Salisbury

#Salisbury, MA In response to the closure of Salisbury Beach access points 8, 9, and 10 by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Senator Bruce Tarr, Governor Maura Healey, State Rep. Dawne Shand, local officials, and concerned stakeholders have committed to promptly address the situation. Following winter storms that damaged the beach access points, necessitating their closure, a move that raised concerns, town and state officials have gathered to find a solution to this pressing issue. 

Yesterday, at a Merrimack River Beach Alliance Salisbury Sub-Committee meeting, DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo and his team provided details for work that will commence beginning Monday. DCR will renovate and restore two access points, 9 and 10, immediately. They will secure certification for the placement of sand at those points to provide additional support for the structures.

Access point 8 will require demolition to build an entirely new structure - DCR is working to finalize plans for that portion of the project. The town has also engaged environmental consultant Tom Hughes and a structural engineer to contribute to the analysis and planning of the replacement of the access points. Hughes has also produced a larger plan, on behalf of the town, to remediate severe erosion between access points 5 and 10. DCR has convened a team to work on that plan

Following site visits on the beach this week, Governor Maura Healey, DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo, and a delegation of state officials, including Senator Bruce Tarr and State Rep. Dawne Shand, discussed the importance of maintaining these access points for public safety, environmental protection, and beachgoers' convenience. The officials emphasized restoring the access points to use as soon as possible will require collaboration and speedy and effective action to get the job done without delay.

"Through commitment, collaboration, and resourcefulness, we are now on a determined path, with specific action steps, to get these access points back to service to accommodate the beachgoers that the summer season is bringing. Thanks to Governor Healey, Commissioner Arrigo, and Salisbury's municipal officials for working with us to get the job done," said Senator Tarr who Chairs the Merrimack River Beach Alliance.

Under Commissioner Brian Arrigo's leadership, DCR has assembled a team and has engaged the services of Stantec, a structural engineering consulting company, which has already made a site visit to Salisbury Beach to evaluate the structural integrity of the closed access points and has created work plans for two of the three structures. In addition, the meeting included further talks on beach erosion concerns on other portions of the beach that will require sand restoration.

Commissioner Arrigo said repairs on two of the elevated structures and the placement of sand and snow fencing will commence under existing orders, likely within the month. Stantec is also expected to prepare construction details for the scope of work and timeline for the structure at access point 8.

Tarr, and Representative Dawne Shand expressed appreciation for the prioritization of this issue by Governor Healey and Commissioner Arrigo, and also acknowledge their commitment to a phase 2 to include greater efforts to address beach erosion.

"We are grateful to DCR for their swift actions and to the residents and municipal officials of Salisbury for their patience and steady advocacy," said State Representative Dawne Shand.

"With swift responses from DCR and the Healey-Driscoll Administration, our objective of ensuring public safety, protecting the environment, and providing vital beach entry points is moving forward effectively," said Senator Tarr. "Salisbury Beach is an important resource that has attracted people and wildlife for generations and these steps affirm our best efforts to keep the beach accessible."

“I am pleased with the cooperation the Town has received with regard to accesses 8, 9 & 10. I look forward to our mutual interests being addressed. I also want to thank Governor Healy, Senator Tarr, and Representative Shand for all they have done,” said Chairman Chuck Takesian, Salisbury Board of Selectmen.

“The Town is grateful for the diligent attention that Senator Tarr and Representative Shand have paid to this issue. Providing convenient access to Salisbury Beach for residents and the thousands of people who will want to visit the Town this summer is critical for our community. Thanks also to DCR for stepping up and addressing the problem of the damaged infrastructure at Access points 8, 9, and 10,” said Salisbury, Massachusetts Town Manager Neil Harrington. “With Memorial Day just around the corner, we all want people to be able to enjoy the beach this summer."

Salisbury Beach, acquired by the state of Massachusetts in 1933, holds tremendous historical significance as a public resource, guaranteeing coastal access for all. With nearly 500 campsites within the state park, the campground attracts thousands of visitors during the summer season. 

 

Boxford Town Meeting - Thank You to Gerry Johnston and Dr. Richard Taylor

Last night I attended Boxford, Massachusetts' Town Meeting where we gave special recognition to two remarkable men - Gerry Johnston, who is stepping down as Town Moderator after 26 years, and Dr. Richard Taylor from the Board of Health. These two have provided decades of service and we are grateful. I presented each with an official State Senate Citation to mark these milestones and give thanks for all that they have done. With MA State Rep. Tram T. Nguyen

 

Happy Older Americans Month!

Every May, we celebrate and honor the contributions of older adults to our society. The theme for this year is "Aging Unbound," emphasizing older adults breaking free from stereotypes and redefining aging. Please, take a moment to show your appreciation for the older adults in our lives and the countless ways they make our world a better place.

 

Hammond Castle Arch Rededication

Hammond Castle Museum held a special observance yesterday to mark their successful restoration of the beautiful 12th and 13th-century medieval archways that overlook the ocean. These newly restored arches flanked our 21st-century tent for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

I was pleased to present a Massachusetts State Senate citation recognizing this historic project. The Castle has so many dimensions to be shared and treasured and the stewards of the Castle are to be commended. I know that the museum was delighted to showcase the structures and to express gratitude to the Gloucester, Massachusetts Community Preservation Committee for support and funding from the Community Preservation Act. 

With: Mayor Greg Verga, City of Gloucester, and Gloucester Preservation Committee members Kerry McKenna, Jane Remsen, Matt Lundberg, and Mark Poulin

 

John Updike Commemoration In Ipswich

On Friday, the Ipswich Historical Commission, the Ipswich Poetry Group, and others commemorated the life, literary legacy, and residence in Ipswich of the renowned author John Updike - one of the greatest American writers of the 20th Century. I spoke on the floor of the Senate on Thursday and those remarks were given to Updike's children at the event. 

To celebrate and honor his contributions, the Ipswich Historical Commission unveiled a plaque that was placed on the Caldwell Building in the Town of Ipswich MA. This building, recorded on the National Registry of Historic Places, was where Updike took office and where he wrote some of his most acclaimed works. 

Updike published over 60 books during his lifetime. His work included novels, short stories, poetry, and essays. He was a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. The Updikes raised four children together in Ipswich- Elizabeth, David, Michael, and Miranda. Updike was a member of the Ipswich Historical Commission and even helped write a book on Ipswich for the commission, Something to Preserve: A Report on Historic Preservation in America’s best-preserved Puritan town, Ipswich, Massachusetts. 

Although he died of lung cancer at the age of 76 he is today remembered as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th Century. Massachusetts residents have a lot to be proud of in recognizing the literary contributions of John Updike. His work has enriched the lives of readers all over the world, and he is remembered as a giant of American literature. 

 

DCR Recreation Advisory: Plum Island Reservation Reopening

WHAT: Effective immediately, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will reopen Plum Island Reservation in the City of Newburyport. The beach was closed to accommodate a beach nourishment project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dogs are not permitted on the beach seasonally from May 1 to September 15. 

WHERE: Plum Island Reservation in the City of Newburyport 

WHEN: Effective immediately