35th annual Gloucester Schooner Festival

The 35th annual Gloucester Schooner Festival In the harbor and nearby waters of America’s oldest seaport vessels will be arriving in Gloucester throughout the day today.

From 5 to 7:30 tonight the I4C2 Schooner dock will be open to the public for viewing, it’s on Rogers Street (Route 127) between Building Center and the The Gloucester House. Starting at 6 PM there will be a block party downtown on Main Street. Maritime Gloucester Heritage Day begins Saturday at 10 AM, with live entertainment on Stacy Boulevard from 5 PM to 10 PM both before and after the Parade of Lights and Fireworks. Look for the Boat Parade of Lights beginning at 7 PM. A must see on Sunday is the Parade of Sail on Sunday morning from 10:30 to Noon. The Mayor’s Race for the Esperanto Cup, Columbia Trophy, Ned Cameron Trophy; and Betty Ramsey Trophy takes place at 1 PM.

https://gloucesterschoonerfestival.net

Lucy Frederiksen Social Services and Shine Coordinator Counselor for the Town of Hamilton Retirement

A wonderful celebration today for Lucy Frederiksen as she formally ends her contributions as Hamilton Council on Aging and Senior Center's social services maven.

I presented here with a citation from the State Senate recognizing her many years of public service to area elders. Lucy has helped many people and I was glad to be able to join with her colleagues and many friends to help her celebrate.

With Mary Beth Lawton the Director of the Hamilton Council on Aging, Representative Brad Hill, and my staff members Dick Curran and Mary Ann Nay.

 

Let's Stay Connected

There are lots of ways to follow, like and share –
• @SenatorBuceTarr on Facebook,
• @SenBruceTarr on Twitter,
• TarrTalk.com for my blog,
• Bruce.Tarr@MaSenate.gov also, directly with my office-
• Senate Minority Leader, Room 308, State House, Boston, MA 02133

Pentucket Regional High School Is Ready

I enjoyed the opportunity to say a few words at this morning's back to school staff meeting at Pentucket Regional High School.

This freshman group of students will be the Class of 2023 and I wish them, their fellow students and the staff a great school year.

Manchester-By-The-Sea

Friends, Sun, Sand, And Sea, That Sounds Like Summer To Me

A wonderful day today with Manchester senior for the August luncheon at Tuck's Point Chowder House.The Manchester Council on Aging organizes this summer cookout at Tuck's Point each year. We enjoyed an outstanding meal which was accompanied by great conversations, and terrific live entertainment. The turnout, weather, and food were all wonderful. With Representative Brad Hill.

Back-To-School Safety

This is the time of year when summer vacations come to an end and school officially begins. That means there are lots of children on and near roads. The start of school is not only a great time to teach children how to cross streets and ride school buses safely, it’s also a good time to remind adults how to use street smarts when it comes to obeying speed limits, stopping for buses, and yielding to pedestrians – young and old alike – at crosswalks.

Here are some good resources that drivers, parents, and school students can use to keep kids out of harm’s way throughout the school year.

According to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, 1 in 5 motor vehicle deaths involved a pedestrian. When driving near crossing guards and children follow these tips:
• Look out for signs that you are near a crosswalk, such as pedestrian crossing signs, hand-held stop paddles, and the reflective vests that crossing guards wear,
• Slow down when approaching a crosswalk,
• Avoid distracted driving — don’t do things that will take your attention off the road like texting, emailing, surfing the web, or playing games on your phone,
• Look out for pedestrians at all times. Take extra care when you’re in areas with lots of pedestrians like school zones, parks, playgrounds, and bus stops,
• Try to make eye contact with pedestrians so you know that they see you. Just because you see them doesn’t mean they see you,
• Be aware that children and crossing guards may be blocked from view by buses or cars. Use caution around other vehicles.

Boxford officials have been advised by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that mosquitoes from Boxford have tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.

Health officials warn that human exposure to EEE can be life-altering. In fact, sadly, a woman from our state died yesterday from EEE. The state's DPH has confirmed 36 communities this year with EEE exposure.

State agencies, the Boxford Board of Health, and other local officials are working to minimize the mosquito population.

Boxford has issued an order to close all playing fields, outdoor recess and outdoor sports at school until barrier spraying has been completed.

DPH suggests ways you can avoid mosquito bites
• Be Aware Of Peak Mosquito Hours - Dusk To Dawn,
• Wear Skin Covering Clothing,
• Apply Insect Repellent,
• Drain Standing Water At Your Home,
• Install or Repair Window Screens.

More info here - https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases. Here’s a link to where spraying is scheduled. https://www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019