Portraits of Women, By Women

Last weekend, I had pleasure of attending the opening reception for 'Portraits of Women, by Women,' a powerful exhibit presented by Rocky Neck Art Colony and Hammond Castle Museum.

This inspiring collection featured contemporary portraits by talented women artists from the Rocky Neck Art Colony, capturing the strength, beauty, and diversity of women’s experiences.

The exhibit also included works by Irene Fenton Hammond and Natalie Hays Hammond, highlighting the legacy of these remarkable women. 

It’s a beautiful tribute to Women’s History Month and the incredible impact women have made in the arts and beyond.

Thank you to Rocky Neck Art Colony and Hammond Castle Museum for hosting such a meaningful celebration of women’s contributions to art and culture.

Tarr In the News 3.18.25

TARR IN THE NEWS | 3.18.25

'Link House hosts legislative breakfast'

Article in Daily News of Newburyport 

“Link House is an incredible resource for our region and beyond,” Tarr said. “The legislative breakfast was a great opportunity to learn about the ways the dedicated and innovative Link House team has continued to evolve modernizing facilities and programming to maximize effectiveness and responsiveness to those dealing with the challenges of substance abuse in the community.”

GEF Power of Play

Congratulations to the Gloucester Education Foundation for another fantastic Power of Play event held this past Sunday at the Gloucester High School in the Field House! 

It was a day full of hands-on activities for all ages, including martial arts, sensory jars, box fort-building, science fun, and more—truly a celebration of why play matters!

One of my highlights was playing a lively game of Simon Says with Gloucester Public School Kindergarten Teacher Jaclyn Baldassano!

A big thank you to the Gloucester Education Foundation, all of the volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible! 

Newburyport Human Rights Commission Celebrating Ramadan

This Thursday I was honored to join the Newburyport Human Rights Commission and members of the community for a special evening celebrating and learning about Ramadan. 

The event at Newburyport High School included a thoughtful educational program followed by a traditional iftar meal, which is the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan after sunset. 

It was a wonderful opportunity to deepen our understanding of this important tradition and share a meaningful experience with friends and neighbors. 

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible!

Recognizing Vietnam War Veterans

 Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans

Today, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the over 6 million U.S. veterans who bravely served our nation during the Vietnam War, and we honor the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This year’s commemoration on March 29, 2025, holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the war’s end. It is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who answered the call to serve.

To all Vietnam veterans—thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering dedication to our country. 

We will never forget.

Recognizing Women Featured in HERstory Volume III

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in an incredibly moving ceremony honoring the remarkable achievements of more than 90 women featured in HERstory Volume III, who have made a lasting impact on our Commonwealth. 

This volume celebrates trailblazers across diverse fields—from astronauts and athletes to suffragists and literary icons—each demonstrating the resilience, courage, and determination it takes to break barriers and lead the way.

Thank you to Senate President Karen E. Spilka hosting this important event and for her continued commitment to uplifting the voices and stories of extraordinary women. 

It was an honor to celebrate alongside so many, including two of the inspiring women featured: Suzanne Lee and Bobbi Gibb.

Bobbi Gibb, who grew up in Rockport, made history in 1966 as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, defying expectations and paving the way for generations of female athletes.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to recognize these incredible women and their contributions to Massachusetts and beyond. It was a fitting tribute to honor the legacy of each one of their stories as Women’s History Month comes to a close  

Tarr In the News 3.20.25

TARR IN THE NEWS | 3.20.25

'Tarr, Payano attend CSO-themed event'

Article in Daily News of Newburyport 

“Through collaboration and renewed focus, we have been making steady progress toward improving the water quality of the Merrimack River and the health of its watershed,” Tarr said.