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:

+++

"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."

###

: 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