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Dear ,
September flew by with events, committee meetings, hearings and opportunities to support topics including suicide prevention, environmental awareness, substance use disorders and senior centers.
The Cape & Islands delegation sent a letter to telecom companies that provide cellular service to our region, expressing our concern about the lack of coverage and dropped calls that impact our lives, businesses and the work of first responders. I look forward to seeing what progress we can make on this issue. I filed H.3974 in January to address inadequate cellular coverage across the Commonwealth. |
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Harwich Fire and Police Departments 9/11 Memorial Service. |
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VMCC Tour with Director Chris Hottle |
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I'm learning a great deal about environmental issues–from the impact of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on our farms and environment to the small changes we can make in reducing packaging and the way we process waste. Residents, towns, environmental groups, and the state continue to make progress!
September also brought the 24th anniversary of 9/11. I was touched to see our community come together at events across the district to remember this tragic day in American history and support our local first responders.
I hope you take the time to read the information in this newsletter, and as always, thank you for your support. |
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September Community Office Hours |
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Please join us at the upcoming offerings below.
Thursday, October 9th, 9-10 a.m. Virtual
Thursday 10/9 9-10 a.m. Virtual or Dial in by phone:
617-865-5269 ID: 853 181 085#
Friday, October 17, 3-4 p.m. Eldredge Library in Chatham
Monday, October 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Harwich Community Center |
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Thank You for Your Support |
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Please consider making a donation to my ongoing fundraising efforts.
Thank you! |
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Theresa Townsend Retirement Celebration |
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Theresa Townsend was congratulated on her retirement from 34 years at the Wellfleet Fire & Rescue Department. She was a trailblazer as the first woman to serve as firefighter/EMT in Wellfleet, and her administrative assistant skills kept the department running smoothly. It was an honor to join her celebration and hear from four fire chiefs about Theresa’s impact on the department.
Congratulations to Lydia Vivante for her ten years as Chair of the Wellfleet Democratic Town Committee and her commitment to community engagement. Welcome, Sara Blandford on her new role as Chair! |
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Lydia Vivante and Sara Blandford from the Wellfleet Democratic Town Committee |
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My team and I have visited and met with many groups and organizations in recent weeks including:
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Provincetown Conservation Trust
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Monomoy Regional School District
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Barnstable County & Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project
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Harwich Democratic Town Committee
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Wellfleet Democratic Town Committee
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Massachusetts Municipal Association
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Provincetown Veterans Memorial Community Center
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Harwich Town Officials
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Atlantic White Shark Conservatory
The Provincetown Conservation Trust hosted a “She Saved the Seashore” gathering to support the creation of the Josephine Del Deo Memorial Woodland, honoring the life and legacy of one of Provincetown’s most influential conservation advocates. The evening celebrated Josephine’s pivotal role in helping to establish the Cape Cod National Seashore and her tireless efforts to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Outer Cape.
September was National Senior Center Month, a perfect time to recognize the vital role senior and community centers play in our towns. We visited with the volunteers and staff at the Provincetown Veterans Memorial Community Center and Council on Aging. In 2024 alone, the center offered 163 programs and services to older adults, supporting everything from health and wellness to social connection, lifelong learning, and access to essential resources.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy gave Rep. Thomas Moakley (Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket) and me a ride out of Ryder’s Cove down to Monomoy Island’s “Shark Cove”. We had the opportunity to watch several white sharks swim right next to our boat, all while hearing real-time data from Kristen Smith–an AWSC shark expert!
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Barnstable County Culvert Restoration Visit to Ryder's Cove. |
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With Michael Cunningham at the She Saved the Seashore event. |
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Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Boat Ride |
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No caption needed! |
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In response to mounting financial pressure on the state’s Health Care Safety Net, the Massachusetts Legislature has enacted H.4530, a supplemental budget bill that delivers $234 million in targeted relief to acute care hospitals and community health centers serving the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents. At a time of economic uncertainty and diminished federal support, this funding represents a vital investment in the strength and stability of our health care infrastructure.
H.4530 is broken down in two parts:
1. Strengthens Massachusetts Hospital Systems through providing $122 million in targeted relief payments to certain acute care hospitals and transfers $77 million into the Health Safety Net Trust Fund to stabilize the program for hospitals providing services to the greatest share of the Commonwealth’s vulnerable populations.
2. Supports Massachusetts Community Health Centers with $35 million in relief, with $2.5 million for the Mass League of Community Health Centers for regional savings initiatives, and shared service options. |
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The first-ever Sustainability Day at the State House on September 9th brought legislators and community advocates together to support a more resilient Commonwealth. A Sustainability Showcase in the Great Hall with over 40 exhibitors shared innovative work in waste reduction, decarbonization, and climate technology—demonstrating the wide-ranging efforts happening across Massachusetts.
One highlight was the Municipal Best Practices Panel, where Chris Palmer, Truro’s Climate Action Coordinator, joined fellow local leaders to share practical strategies for advancing climate action. It was an honor to have a constituent on the panel and to see Truro acknowledged for its leadership and to recognize the Truro Climate Action Committee with a citation. |
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For 50 Years, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators has played a pivotal role in advocating for milestone legislation, breaking barriers, and shaping policies that support women, families, and communities. I was proud to join my fellow MCWL colleagues, past and present, at a reunion to celebrate and reaffirm our bipartisan, bicameral commitment to gender equality. I'm very proud to be the 239th woman legislator elected! |
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With Chris Palmer at Sustainability Day. |
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Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators 50th Anniversary. |
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Resources for the 4th Barnstable: |
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Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal health care funding, I encourage residents to prepare in advance for the Massachusetts Health Connector upcoming open enrollment period, which runs from November 1, 2025 to January 23, 2026. Please ensure your application is up to date, and research whether your preferred providers and hospitals are covered under the plan you are looking to select. Keep in mind that existing members can also shop for new plans during open enrollment. Whether an existing member or newly applying, you can access the application form at MAhealthconnector.org. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our office with questions, or call the Health Connector directly at 877-623-6765.
Local organizations can help with this process, including Outer Cape Health Services, Cape Cod Healthcare, and the Fishing Partnership in Chatham.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.
Please continue to reach out to me at hadley@hadleyluddy.com or contact my office.
I appreciate hearing from you!
Best, |
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Upcoming Community Events |
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The Coastal Resilience on the Outer Cape, presented by the Truro Climate Action Committee and the Truro Public Library, is happening Tuesday, October 14th at 6 PM at the Truro Public Library.
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Chatham Oktoberfest is Saturday, October 18th from 11 AM to 5 PM in Kate Gould Park. Grab your dirndls and lederhosen and join in the fun with activities for the whole family!
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It's the time of year for Wellfleet's Annual Oyster Fest! Join in the shucking fun October 18th through the 19th from 10 AM to 5 PM.
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The Sustainable Cape: Provincetown Educational Farmers Market is happening Saturday, October 25 from 9 AM to 1 PM on Ryder Street.
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Join the Harwich Chamber of Commerce for their Annual Awards Celebration Thursday, October 30th at 5:30 PM.
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The Housing to Protect Cape Cod Summit is happening Thursday, October 30th from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Emerald Resort in Hyannis. You must register by Friday, October 24th at noon and general admission is $50.
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