Being a Berry Institute of Politics Board Member

Proud to be an Advisory Board member at The Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics at Salem State University (Berry IOP) for another year. 

Looking forward to partnering with the newly expanded Advisory Board, and offered the following quote in their recent press announcement: 

“The future of our democracy depends on the development of young leaders who value public service of all types, and who grasp the complexities of effective public policy and the collaborative efforts needed to integrate different perspectives into cohesive and meaningful government actions that achieve fair results.

Sen. Berry led with those values, and the institute that bears his name builds on his legacy of working collaboratively with colleagues, including senators like me from across the aisle. I appreciate being engaged with the Institute to give students powerful exposure to real world issues and the leadership needed to address them.”

According the Berry IOP, "these change-makers guide the IOP in engaging students and the greater campus community to actively participate in our government and our democracy, as well as supporting pathways into public service." 

Learn more about the full Berry IOP Advisory Board membership 

https://tr.ee/YUvm52oL-m

OR

Email: berryiop@salemstate.edu

City of Gloucester Holiday Gathering

On December 19th, 2025, I attended the annual City of Gloucester staff holiday gathering, hosted by Mayor Greg Verga, to celebrate the people who make our city so special.

 
As this year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank Val Gilman, Gloucester City Councilor for her 16 years of combined service to the City of Gloucester, MA.

Val has served 10 years on the City Council - 8 years as the Ward 4 Councilor and 2 years as an At-Large Councilor - also serving as City Council President for 2 years and City Council Vice-President for 2 years. In addition, she served 6 years on the School Committee.

Thank you, Val, for your leadership and commitment to our residents leaving a lasting impact on our community.

 
Wishing you the very best in the new year and best wishes in your retirement from public service!

Recognizing Diane Ellyane Klein

Last month, I was pleased to recognize Diane Ellyane Klein of Greater Newburyport at the AgeSpan Ceremony for Lifelong Learning Awards.

Senior District Director Mary Ann Nay presented Diane with an official Senate citation on my behalf in recognition of her dedication and contributions to lifelong learning.

A lifelong learning advocate, Diane shared her journey from substitute teaching to teaching adult learners, emphasizing the importance of fun and adventure in education.

Thank you to AgeSpan for hosting this meaningful event and for your continued dedication to lifelong learning in our community. Congratulations, Diane, and thank you for inspiring us all!

In Awe of This Community's Giving Nature

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TARR IN THE NEWS | 12.8.25

'Tarr visits Salisbury COA for annual toy drive'

By Caitlin Dee | Daily News of Newburyport

Excerpt Below:

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"“It’s always warm and there’s always a lot of energy, and that’s true here today. And, of course, one of the reasons it’s true is because we’re here to do great things for kids on the North Shore and in the Merrimack Valley over the holiday season,” Tarr told the crowd.

Tarr also said he was “in awe” of the giving nature of community members throughout Salisbury and beyond.

“It always fills me with the holiday spirit. It always inspires me to see how generous the people in our region are and how we can all work together to make a brighter holiday season for kids all across the region,” he said."

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To learn more about how you can still donate to the @North Shore & Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive, visit: https://northshoreholidaytoydrive.org/.

Read the Full Article

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_a7c1f518-4df6...

Continued Commitment to Our Veterans

Today’s Wreaths Across America ceremonies reminded me of the profound sacrifices our veterans have made—and continue to make—for our nation. Their courage and commitment deserve our deepest gratitude.

Last month, I had the honor of joining Secretary Jon Santiago reading with students at Beeman Elementary, an effort organized by former American Legion Commander Mark Nestor and Cape Ann Veteran Services to connect veterans with our youth.

Secretary Santiago also paid homage at Gloucester’s waterfront Veterans memorials, honoring those who served and sacrificed.

As he steps down from his post this fall, I want to thank him for his dedicated service and leadership in his role, and for his continued commitment to our veterans throughout the Commonwealth.

Thank you to everyone at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, and to our local veteran service partners, who work each day to ensure the legacy of our veterans is remembered and honored.

Happy Birthday Doris Aspesi

Please join me in wishing Doris Aspesi a happy 100th birthday!

I was honored to mark this momentous occasion last month by presenting her with an official Senate Citation and citation from the Governor, as well, at the Seacoast Rehab and Nursing Center located in Gloucester.

2,000 Toys and $20,000 in Donations for Children

TARR IN THE NEWS | 12.12.25

'Stocking the holiday store: Firefighters, Tarr drive donate to Cape Ann Kids for holidays' | By Stephen Hagan and Andrea Holbrook | Gloucester Daily Times

Excerpts Below:

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"The shelves of the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund’s holiday store will be filled with toys thanks in part to the work of Gloucester firefighters and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr’s North Shore and Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive, and the community’s generosity."

AND

"On Thursday, Tarr and a band of volunteers spent the afternoon picking up toys and donations made at the Cape Ann stops of the North Shore and Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive, and delivering them to Pathways for Children on Emerson Avenue.

About 2,000 toys and about $20,000 in donations and gift cards were collected by the drive. The drive stopped in 14 locations, each with a designated charity so that gifts stay in the community, the Gloucester Republican said.

“Our fundraising goal was $10,000 and we nearly doubled that!” Jessica Margiotta, Tarr’s director of communications, said.

Toys and gift cards donated at three stops — Woodman’s of Essex in Essex, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at Dock Square in Rockport and Cape Ann Savings Bank on Main Street and Gloucester — went to the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund.

“Once again we’re so grateful for the outpouring of support for the kids,” Tarr said. “And I continue to be impressed by and thankful for the generosity of the community.”

Donations may be made to Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund at https://capeannkids.org/."

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Read the full article

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_41c5c5af-257f...