Dear ,

May was a busy month of legislative and community based events. 

The first hearing of the Agriculture Committee included the review of multiple bills, for which committee members heard informative and heartfelt testimony. Many citizens advocated for Bill H.111, which works to ensure that farming is both diverse and accessible to all. There was much testimony for An Act prohibiting the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption, from many citizens, including young international sea life advocate, Lily. 

On May 7th, I testified before the Public Safety Committee, to advocate for the Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act. This act will implement certification to verify the presence of fire safety measures in short term rentals. Testimony and the full public safety hearing can be viewed here: Hearing Details - Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Public Safety Committee hearing for the Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act.

There were many 4th Barnstable Memorial Day ceremonies across our region. It is incredible to see how each of our seven towns honor the service of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. From local school musicians and groups to military hero speakers, it was a well commemorated day to remember our fallen heroes.

Just a few days prior to Memorial Day, I was honored to celebrate local veteran and Chatham resident, Henry "Hank" Holden. You can read more about Hank below.

Happy Pride! 🌈

June is Pride month! In addition to celebrations across our state, country and world, the first Lower Cape Pride event will be held June 13-15! The weekend will feature many events including a parade in Orleans, and entertainment and inspiration at the Cape Rep. Theatre in Brewster. Sunday will feature inclusive worship services at many lower Cape faith based locations.  

Learn more at https://www.lowercapepride.org/ 

June Community Office Hours

Please join us at the upcoming offerings below. 

Tuesday, June 3, 5-6:30 p.m. Harwich Community Center

Tuesday June 17, 4:30-6 p.m. Truro Public Library

Monday, June 23, 2:30-4 p.m. Snow Library, Orleans

Constituent Spotlights

I had the honor of joining hundreds of Massachusetts veterans and their loved ones for the first Military Appreciation Day at the State House. I chose to recognize Hank Holden of Chatham. Hank has contributed so much to our local communities and nonprofit organizations, as a volunteer, thought partner, and philanthropist. His committment to community ties directly back to his heroic service to our country as a pilot during the Vietnam War. You can watch Hank's history service project summary in the Library of Congress here: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.69589/ 

We met with many constituents at our May office hours, including Bernadette Waystack and Kathy Teahan. It was great to discuss women in government with Kathy Teahan, who was a State Representative for the 7th Plymouth District for 10 years. Bernadette shared insight from her years of teaching and work as a local artist. We loved hearing their stories and advice. Be sure to check out our upcoming office hours and we hope to see you there!

Several local small businesses in the 4th Barnstable were celebrated at the SCORE 31st Annual Awards Breakfast. More than half of our local businesses have fewer than 10 employees, and are fundamental to our regional economy. Congratulations to the businesses nominated by their town’s chamber of commerce.

• ARTichoke, Eastham

• Wild Water Collective, Orleans

• East End Market, Provincetown

• Hinckley Home Center, Harwich

• AMZehnder Gallery, Wellfleet

Do you know someone who should be recognized for their service or special accomplishment? Please send your request to gracyn.rountree@mahouse.gov  

Community Tours & Visits

My team and I met with many groups and organizations in recent weeks. Here are a few highlights:

CARE Day at Pleasant Bay Community Boating- CARE Day is a day of service and education. This year, volunteers gathered at Pleasant Bay Community Boating to prepare them for another successful sailing season and helped with tasks such as landscaping, beach cleanup, painting, and housekeeping. The result of this volunteer work was inspirational! I especially enjoyed meeting volunteers who were there from LIFE, inc. and the Family Table Collaborative. 

Atlantic White Shark Conservatory- We had a great time visiting with the team of staff, volunteers and scientists at the AWSC Shark Center in Chatham. It was impressive to see what the center offers our local community and visitors. 

Great Day of Progress in Provincetown! Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Senator Julian Cyr, Town Manager Alex Morse, and other leaders attended the Motta Park recreational space groundbreaking & Cannery Wharf Park Grand Opening. We also held a Seasonal Community Advisory Council meeting to discuss policy updates and congratulate Provincetown on being the first town to adopt the designation.

Cape Cod Land Conservation - I attended the legislative event at the Harwich Conservation Trust’s, Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve. This eco-restoration project has resulted in a nature preserve featuring wildlife habitat diversity, water quality, and wetland health. In addition, the historic Old Harwich Firehouse on the property is being redeveloped with affordable housing units and community spaces.

The Cape and Islands Democratic Council Kennedy Legacy Banquet and Awards

I was pleased to co-host, with my colleague Representative Thomas Moakley, the annual Cape & Islands Democratic Committee Kennedy Legacy Banquet. 

Thomas Cahir (posthumously) and Tobin Wirt were honored with the John L Reed Community Service Award and the Democrat of the Year Award, respectively. Several groups of students from both Nauset Regional High School and Monomoy High School represented volunteer efforts among the Nauset Green Club, Community Service Groups and the Monomoy Young Women’s Club. Young people are key to building strong future political leaders and it is inspiring to see them engaged!

Important Community Resources

Constituent Concerns

I was invited to speak at a recent Nauset Citizens Alliance rally for education. This group of volunteers and activists gathered to protest federal education cuts and their impact on our communities.

I also met with Indivisible Outer Cape and the Cape Education Action Network to speak about my priorities, and discuss national, statewide and local issues. It’s encouraging to see our local community speaking up during these challenging times.

Upcoming Community Events

The Return of Farmer’s Markets

Farmer’s markets are returning to the 4th Barnstable District. I had so much fun going to the Chatham and Orleans farmer’s markets last year, supporting our local farmers and merchants. It is a great way to source your food sustainably and learn about the agricultural community in our district--I hope to see you there!

Truro Educational Farmer’s Market- 20 Truro Center Road, Mondays 8 AM - 12 PM

Chatham Farmer’s Market- 60 Meeting House Road, Tuesdays 3 PM - 6 PM

Wellfleet Farmer’s Market- 200 Main Street, Wednesdays 8 AM - 12 PM

Orleans Farmer’s Market- 19 Old Colony Way, Saturdays 8 AM - 12 PM

Provincetown Educational Farmer’s Market- 26 Ryder Street, Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM

Other Events:

• Celebrate our Waters, hosted by the Orleans Pond Coalition in Orleans will commence on June 6 with tours of the Orleans wastewater facility, and an informational tent on June 7. 

• June is History Month in Chatham. Join Historic Chatham as they kick off celebrations at Eldredge Public Library at 10 a.m. on June 11. 

• The 29th Annual Provincetown Portuguese Festival and 78th annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held June 27-29th. 

• Eastham Hands on the Arts festival is June 21st : Hands on the Arts Festival - Jun 21, 2025 - Eastham Chamber of Commerce

Thank You for Your Support

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.

Please continue to reach out to me at Hadley.Luddy@mahouse.gov or Gracyn at Gracyn.rountree@mahouse.gov or to call my office at our phone number:

(617)722-2582 ext.8675.

We appreciate hearing from you!

Best,

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