Sidney's Rainbows

Recently, I joined Senator Barry Finegold at his first annual presentation of the Sue Tucker Award for Community Service.

My friend and colleague Sue Tucker – who served in the House and Senate for 20+ years – embodied public service. She was a trailblazing, highly effective and persuasive voice on behalf of the voiceless, especially children and seniors.

This award is intended to shine a light on an organization or individuals whose commitment to the community reminds us of Sue’s limitless capacity for doing good.

Congratulations to Mary Beth Ellis, Eric Olson and Sidney’s Rainbows for their tremendous impact in the Town of Andover!

Mary Beth Ellis and Eric Olson started Sidney’s Rainbow as a way to honor their daughter Sidney by advocating for safe streets and to encourage outdoor activity for kids. They have become effective advocates for policy including changes to streets design, Andover’s adoption of Vision Zero, and successful launch of its Complete Streets program.  They also create awareness and opportunity for kids to be together safely with family and friends through programming at the farmer’s market and the upcoming Sidney’s Rainbow Run.

Learn more here: https://www.therainbow.fund

Tarr In The News 11.11.24

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.11.24

Excerpt from the Daily News of Newburyport Article by Matt Petry:

State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, was also in attendance and spoke about how during these divisive times in America, celebrating veterans is a good way of bringing folks together.

“When we stand here, and those colors of the flag are raised and that anthem is sung, we’re reminded of something deep within our DNA that unites us as Americans,” Tarr said.

To read the full article, visit: https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_9b1ddcc0-a068...

📸: Keith Sullivan

Veterans Day 2024

 Veterans Day 2024

It is an incredible honor to reflect on and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform.

I was proud to participate in Veterans Day services across our community, including in Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Wenham. This day serves as a reminder that our nation’s strength comes from the countless veterans who have stood ready to defend it, and to all those who continue to serve.

On this Veterans Day, we not only honor those who have served but also express our deep gratitude for the families who support them. I am especially thankful for the organizations, volunteers, and local officials who help organize these important ceremonies, ensuring that we never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf.

Today, we pause to recognize their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

Veterans Day 2024

Honoring Veterans Today and Every Day

Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding our freedoms remind us of the true cost of liberty and the courage it requires.

This Veterans Day, let us not only thank them, but also commit to supporting veterans and their families in every way possible.

To our veterans: we are forever grateful for your service and dedication. May we strive to honor your legacy by upholding the values you fought to protect.

Celebrating Veterans day in Ipswich

Honored to have sponsored the Annual Ipswich Veterans Breakfast, along with Brad Hill and the Veterans Service Office, last week in celebration of Veterans Day at the First Church of Ipswich.

NEWWA Symposium

. I was honored to be the Keynote Speaker at the recent New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) Symposium held at the Devens Common Center.

To a full auditorium of water utility managers, planners, public works managers, consulting and regulatory professionals, and watershed association representatives, I was able to present "Building Water Resilience: A Collaborative Blueprint for the Future": which focused on the work being done by the North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force, specifically the evolution of the group, the varying viewpoints shared, how we coalesced the communities and my fellow colleagues to support this effort, and funding I have secured for the on-going evaluations.

Learning the Importance of the Fishing Industries

Recently, William Currier, our Legislative Aide of Sustainability attended the Agriculture Committee and Coastal Caucus’ Oyster Farm Tour & Roundtable.

My colleagues Chair Schmid and Chair Comerford hosted with a visit to one of the many oyster farms that have been affected by combined sewer overflow (CSO) closures this year.

The group toured Blue Stream Aquaculture’s oyster farm, followed by a discussion about the importance of the shellfish industry and how the legislature can support growers