Dear ,

This time of year brings moments of reflection, and I am beyond grateful for the support of my family, constituents, colleagues, staff, interns and volunteers who made 2025 a year of learning, growth, and perspective. I’m eager to see what's in store for 2026 and to continue serving our 4th Barnstable and Commonwealth.

My very best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful New Year!

Community blessing of four new Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod homes in Wellfleet.

Upcoming Community Office Hours

Wednesday, January 7th @ 12-1 PM - WOMR, Provincetown 

Saturday, January 10th,  9-10 am,  Virtual or Phone

Phone:  617-865-5269, passcode 847510452

Online Link: Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 291 931 234 988 15Passcode: ZD6Gd78q

Monday, January 26th @ 3:30-4:30 PM - Harwich Community Center 

Constituent Spotlights

International Human Rights Day and the 20th anniversary of the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission were celebrated on December 10. Thank you BCHRAC for recognizing the important work happening across the Cape & Islands, and for highlighting 4th Barnstable community members: Harriet Jerusha Korim, Karen Boujoukos, and Michelle Axelson for their incredible dedication to protecting the dignity, freedom and wellbeing of every individual.

Harriet Jerusha Korim of Wellfleet, was named the 2026 Tim McCarthy Human Rights Champion for her devout social justice, environmental, and human rights activism. Harriet also founded  Wellfleet's Annual MLK Walk, Cape Cool, and ArtPeace Makers. 

Karren Boujoukos of Harwich was awarded the Cornerstone Award in recognition of her deep commitment to anti-racism work as Chair of the MLK Action Team. 

Michelle Axelson of Provincetown was honored as an Unsung Heroine, for her fearless civil rights activism. Michelle owns Womencrafts, a local business dedicated to highlighting women’s voices in written word, art, music, and community activism.  

I was also delighted to celebrate several town retirements and promotions across the district in December. Congratulations to Ardelle Kelley, RAC David DiTullio, Chatham Police Officer Geoffrey Phillips, Captain Gary Doolittle, Captain Kristian Heyliger, EMT Jason Holmes, EMT Nicholas Bengston. The pinning ceremony at the Wellfleet Fire Department celebrated several promotions to Captain and new EMT hires. What a wonderful community celebration of these essential first responders!

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 I visited with many groups and organizations in December, including: 

• Harwich Harbormaster & Natural Resources Offices

• Wellfleet Fire Department Pinning Ceremony

• Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission’s Human Rights Day

• Harwich Republican Town Committee

• Cape Cod Fisherman’s Alliance Celebration

• Green Center and Modular ADU Tour

• Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication Ceremony

Representative Kip Diggs, Steven Xiarhos, and I joined the VIPee tour, led by local environmental activist Talitha Abramsen, to learn about the application of innovative, circular wastewater technologies. The Green Center, is a solar greenhouse, eco-house with various composting and urine diverting toilet fixtures, and vast food-producing gardens. They use innovative methods to conserve energy, water, natural and financial resources which can clean our local water bodies and unlock the future possibilities for greener ADU’s and housing. What an inspirational earning experience, with so much potential to improve our environment!

This month, I met with John Harker, Harwich Harbomaster and Natural Resources Warden Stephanie Leete Sykes, and toured the beautiful town facilities on Saquatucket Harbor. We discussed the importance of dredging in maintaining our coastal economy, as well as our shared support for pending legislation in the state that would change Harbormasters’ retirement classification in recognition of the many emergency procedures harbormasters lead to protect our residents.

A highlight in December was joining Senator Cyr, and hundreds of Wellfleet residents at the Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod home dedication ceremony. What a great showing of local support, private donations, and volunteer hours that literally build these homes from the ground up. Congratulations to the new homeowners, and the Town of Wellfleet! 

I was honored to support the Cape Cod Fisherman’s Alliance as they received $500,000 of state funding, in an effort spearheaded by Representative Kip Diggs

of the 1st Barnstable district. Over the past six years, the Fisherman’s Alliance has brought more than $23 million back to our local fishermen and their families through their community programs, small business support, and policy advocacy.

State Resources

The Executive Office of Veterans Services recently created its first Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of benefits and services across education, health care, housing, employment, financial assistance, and community connection for our Gold Star families.

The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is here to help eligible renters and homeowners pay a portion of their winter heating bills. Visit HEAP's website to learn more and apply. 

Have questions about the health and safety of battery energy storage systems (BESS)? The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, with the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Fire Services developed a BESS FAQ guide to help community members answer questions about grid connected lithium-ion BESS. 

What's In the News?

Big support for commercial fishing is a great public investment | Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance

Governor Healey Strengthens Support for Seasonal Communities to Support Housing Development and Lower Costs | Mass.gov

Governor Healey Delivers $50 Million for Road Paving to Enhance Safety, Improve Travel | Mass.gov

DPU Opens Investigation to Review All Charges on Utility Bills | Mass.gov

Joint Statement on Offshore Wind from Governor Maura Healey, Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Dan McKee | Mass.gov

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,

Upcoming Community Events

• Re-Rooters Day - January 7th in Provincetown 

• Snow Library, Orleans, Free Winter Music Series: January and February 2 p.m. https://www.snowlibrary.org/snow-library-bulletins/winter-concert-series-returns-in-january

• Free Pasta Dinner Jan 8th , 5:30PM-7PM  Harwich Community Center 

• Volunteer Fair: Jan 29th, 3PM-6PM, Harwich Community Center

• WaterWORKS Blue Economy & STEM Career Exploration Day - January 13                     9 AM - 3:30 PM - Cape Cod Community College

• January FAWC Friday - Friday, January 9th, 4-9 pm - Fine Arts Work Center, Provincetown. https://fawc.org/upcoming-events/

• Truro Community Dinner - January 12th, 5:30-7 PM - Truro Central School

• Wellfleet MLK Walk - January 19th, starts at 286 Main Street, Wellfleet

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