Reserve Officer Peter Lovasco Retires

Manchester-by-the-Sea's Officer Peter Lovasco has entered retirement after more than 18 years of service, I was happy to prepare an official Senate Citation to mark the occasion which was delivered and presented by Ted Costa from my office. Thanks to Officer Lovasco for his years of dedication and service, I wish him well in his retirement!

Cape Ann Chamber Small Business Luncheon

Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce 2022 Small Business Persons of the Year Awards Luncheon at the Castle Manor Inn in Gloucester to honor the winners from each of the five communities. In addition, six scholarships were also presented to local high school students. Small businesses are a powerful component of our economy and our community. The leaders selected truly represent the better qualities of Cape Ann and we are all glad and grateful for their contributions to making Cape Ann a great place to live, work, and visit.

 

Happy Father's Day

70th International Dory Race Reception Saturday

Celebrating a great maritime tradition - dory boat racing between rowers from Gloucester and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. For many decades these races have been bringing folks together in a good spirit of competition. Here I am presenting a citation to Bill Edmonds, President of the Gloucester International Dory Racing Committee and Robert Fox, President of the Canadian Dory Racing Association. Saturday, June 18th, 9 AM – 70th International Dory Races Versus Nova Scotia, Canada At: Jodrey State Fish Pier 

*Open to the public.

 

Breaking Ground To Help Feed People

Cape Ann moved an important step towards reducing food insecurity yesterday when The Open Door in Gloucester put shovels in the ground to begin building their new facility. I write about The Open Door here a lot because this non-profit organization has championed a mission of reducing the impact of hunger. I was able to secure $100,000 toward that purpose for them in the most recent state budget adopted by the Senate. They do outstanding work for us all. I encourage you to visit their Website if you or someone you know needs assistance. https://www.foodpantry.org

 

Baker-Polito Administration Distributing Over 2 Million At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests for Massachusetts Residents

The Baker-Polito Administration continues to increase the availability of free COVID-19 tests and this week will begin distributing over 2 million rapid tests for municipalities to provide to their residents. The Baker-Polito Administration has made these tests available to all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth, and to date a total of 264 municipalities have requested tests. Each municipality will determine how to distribute tests to their residents. 

“This initiative builds upon the Commonwealth’s nation-leading efforts to make testing accessible for residents throughout the pandemic,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Along with vaccines and treatments, testing remains an important tool to manage COVID, which is why we will continue to ensure testing resources remain widely available.”

Over the past six months, the administration has secured nearly 30 million rapid antigen tests for Massachusetts residents, municipalities, and a broad range of educational, health, human services, food banks, shelter, correctional, senior and low-income housing, and other community-based organizations. Today’s announcement marks the latest step in the Administration’s effort to provide COVID-19 tests for residents across the Commonwealth.

“The Administration remains committed to providing our residents with the tools to manage COVID-19 and testing is one key tool to combat the spread of COVID-19” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, "We will continue our aggressive efforts to provide these crucial tools, to ensure the safety and health of Massachusetts residents.”

Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccination rates with over 84 percent of eligible residents fully vaccinated and over half of adults boosted. COVID-19 tests are one risk-reduction tool Massachusetts residents have access to, along with vaccinations, that can protect individuals by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

The tests are being distributed on a rolling basis over the next two weeks. For a list of the municipalities, please visit here - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-at-home-rapid-antigen-tests-for-massachusetts-residents

The Department of Public Health advises residents to observe the following protocols to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID:

Get vaccinated and stay up to date. The best protection against COVID-19 is remaining up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. That means being fully vaccinated and getting a booster. A fully vaccinated person is much less likely to get sick or spread the virus that causes COVID-19, especially if they have their booster shot. https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccineTake a test. Testing remains an important part of reducing the spread of COVID-19. Testing for COVID-19 is widely available in Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testingGet treatment. Residents who test positive should talk to their doctor right away about COVID-19 treatment options that are available for individuals who have mild to moderate symptoms. Learn more at www.mass.gov/covidtreatments

#Topsfield was a great place to be this weekend - I visited the Strawberry Festival and the pancake breakfast hosted by the Topsfield Fire Department. Food, fun, sun, and friends all for the right reasons. With State Rep. Lenny Mirra