Credit Available for Comcast Users

For those of you with Comcast, you may recall a service interruption on November 28th.  Comcast is giving a credit to account holders who experienced this interruption.  Call a local service center to see if you are eligible for a credit.  You must then give your account number for Comcast to verify and to determine the length of time you experienced an outage -- the credit is based on the duration of your outage.  The number to call is (800) 266-2278, or you can go in person to a service center in the area.

Comcast Service Centers in the Area:

Amesbury - 194 Rear Main Street, Amesbury, MA  01913

     Hours:       Monday:         8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Tuesday:         8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Wednesday:   8:30 am -- 6:00 pm

                         Thursday:      8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Friday:            8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Saturday:       9:00 am -- 1:00 pm

Newburyport - 27 Hale Street, Newburyport, MA  01950

     Hours:       Monday:         9:00 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Tuesday:         9:00 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Wednesday:   9:00 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Thursday:      9:00 am -- 5:00 pm (opens at 11 am the 4th Thur. of each month)

                         Friday:            9:00 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Saturday:       9:00 am -- 1:00 pm

Haverhill - 66 Emerson Street, Haverhill, MA  01830

     Hours:       Monday:          8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Tuesday:          8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Wednesday:    8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Thursday:       8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Friday:              8:30 am -- 5:00 pm

                         Saturday:        9:00 am -- 12:00 pm

The Holidays Aren't Just For Turkeys

This season has been filled with holiday parties – and more are on the way!  Here’s a look at some local gatherings.

The Holy Redeemer Christmas Fair in Merrimac.

Several young reindeer were spotted at the  Holy Redeemer Christmas Fair.

Cindy and Doreen of Merrimac enjoy the day.

Monday afternoon, my staff and I again volunteered as guest chefs at the Merrimac Senior Center.  In addition to lunch, there was entertainment by a local tap dancing troupe.

Lasagna and tap dancing at the Merrimac Senior Center.

The tap dance troupe "Stepping Out 4."

Merrimac's seniors enjoyed the show.

 Next I headed to the Rowley Council on Aging's holiday party at the Rowley Country Club.

Reverend Bob Hagopian and table-mates.



Two of Harriett's favorite Rowley residents!



Rowley seniors enjoy a wonderful afternoon.

Bates Bridge Update

So far, so good. We’re 3% done on the Bates Bridge project.  For those of you who are aren't on our mailing list, here is a quick update:

Cianbro removed the abandoned underwater cable in the Merrimack and utility relocations on the Haverhill side are almost completed. (Utility relocation work continues on the Groveland side along Main Street.)

In the water, you will now see two working barges, which have been moved into place for heavy construction activities. Crews are installing cofferdams for piers 3 and 4 of the new bridge from these barges. As mentioned in our last update, Cianbro has already completed installation of the cofferdam for construction of the northwest corner of the bridge. To see MassDOT’s pictures of the barges, go to the Groveland Haverhill Bates Bridge Reconstruction page.

All of us at the State House hope your holidays are coming together nicely. For us, continued progress on the bridge is the best present of all!

Groveland Boy Scout Troop 87 Blood Drive Tomorrow!

On Friday, December 3, Groveland Boy Scout Troop 87 is hosting their second annual blood drive. It will take place at the Groveland Congregational Church from 1 - 6 p.m.

The need for blood donations is very high this time of year. Even though this is an incredibly busy time, please consider making a donation and taking a little time out of your schedule. Last year the Boy Scout blood drive garnered 45 donations and they're going for 50 this year!

Appointments are highly recommended to reduce wait time, but walk-ins are welcome. As a thanks for donating, the Red Cross will be giving donors a beautiful Yankee Candle to help brighten their home during this holiday season. To make an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS.