September Newsletter
Bringing Beacon Hill to You
State Senator John F. Keenan
Abington, Braintree, Hanover, Holbrook, Quincy, & Rockland
September Newsletter
In the District & at the State House
Occasionally, my work and my wife’s work overlap. This month it happened when Jeanne brought a group of students from the New
England College of Optometry to my office, where I had the chance to talk about how the legislative process connects to their work and why advocacy matters. I can’t wait to SEE all that these future optometrists accomplish!
Each year I look forward to the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and Quincy Choral Society Pops Concert. This year, the concert was in the Hancock Adams Common and celebrated 250 years of U.S. independence, wonderfully showcasing the incredible talent we have in Quincy — including my wife who is a member of the Choral Society!
The lovely sounds continued as the Houghs Neck Congregational Church opened its doors to an organ needing a new home. Growing up, I lived just down the street from the Wollaston Congregational Church; on Sundays, organ music lifted the neighborhood. I enjoyed hearing that same great music at the Houghs Neck Congregational Church where the organ will continue its musical legacy.
Every year, Blue Cross Blue Shield hosts a service day, giving its staff the opportunity to volunteer with organizations across the Commonwealth. I joined in thanking BCBS at Good Sports Inc. in Braintree, where they helped inventory, sort, pack, and prepare sports equipment for distribution across Massachusetts and throughout the country. Good Sports collects and redistributes new athletic gear and equipment so that every child who wants to participate in sports can.
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) supports children and families affected by autism through personalized services and care. This month, BCI opened an office in Quincy, expanding its services to families in our district. Best wishes to the entire BCI team as they begin this new chapter in Quincy!
I also met with the leadership team at Aspire Health and Community Services, a long-standing community provider in Quincy. Aspire Health provides mental health and substance use care grounded in respect and compassion. Aspire’s work supports the health and wellbeing of individuals and families throughout our community.
At the State House the work of the Election Committee, of which I serve as the Senate Chair, continued. We held a public hearing on three bills, one regarding ranked choice voting in Salem, another concerning recall elections in Freetown-Lakeville regional school district, and a third addressing presidential electors.
Never Forget
The impact of the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001, still affect the country 25 years later. I attended remembrance ceremonies in Abington, Quincy and Rockland to pay tribute to those who lost their lives that day, and in the following years because of the attacks. My thoughts remain with them, their loved ones, and all who survived and continue to carry the memories of that tragic day. We also pay tribute to the unwavering courage of our first responders—past and present—who continue to serve and to protect us.
A week later on National POW/MIA Recognition day we remembered and honored those who served in our military and became prisoners of war or who have been missing in action. The City of Quincy and the Town of Braintree held a joint ceremony before the high school football game between the teams from each community, and it was moving to see the young players pay their respects to those who sacrificed so much.
Ellie's Day in the District
Unfortunately, I cannot be in two places at once, fortunately I have a phenomenal staff. Ellie Duffin, the legislative aide in my office, spent a day in the district attending events that I could not make. For more on that, I turn it over to her.
“As Senator Keenan’s Legislative Aide, most days you can find me at the State House. Spending time in the district is always a welcome opportunity to see firsthand all the great work being done in the community.
My day started at Holbrook Middle High School, where we celebrated the launch of Holbrook High School’s partnership with Quincy College – an exciting Early College model where students can take college courses and earn credits while still in high school.
Holbrook may be a small community, but the students I met have big aspirations. I left the kick-off inspired by their drive and excited to see what they accomplish through this opportunity.
If you find yourself by the Boston Public Market, make sure to go in and check out Ellevate – a Hanover-based cocktail & mocktail business. I had the pleasure of congratulating owner Alicia Arnold on winning Boston Public’s Entrepreneurship Forum and providing her with a Senate citation to celebrate her accomplishments.
Later in Braintree, we celebrated a $2.5 million state grant supporting an innovative battery storage project – the first of its kind in Massachusetts. As a Braintree resident myself, I was excited to witness and applaud the Department of Energy Resources’ investment in the community.
I wrapped up my district day at a very special event in Abington. Back in May, our office volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help restore a local home. It was especially meaningful to return months later for the home dedication, see the project come full circle, and welcome Paul and Amelia and their two young daughters to their new home. It was also wonderful to see the fruits of our labors. All the footing holes we spent the day digging were filled with the posts of a great deck. I am sure many more beautiful memories will be made in that yard.”
Planning to Utilize Our Utilities
Reliable access to water and energy is essential to the health and vitality of our communities. This month, I heard from local leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing both.
At the Plymouth County Regional Leadership Summit, we discussed ways to develop a coordinated legislative and governmental water infrastructure strategy for communities in Plymouth County. I appreciated the opportunity to confront the challenges facing our region and work toward solutions that ensure residents have the water resources they need.
I also attended the South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Future of Energy Breakfast, where I heard about the progress being made on energy alternatives across the Commonwealth. I am hopeful that the conference committee working to reconcile the Senate’s and House’s energy affordability bills will soon deliver a finalized bill benefiting both individuals and businesses.
At both events, I valued the opportunity to hear directly from local leaders, better understand the issues facing our communities, and discuss upcoming opportunities.
October Office Hours
I look forward to meeting with constituents during my October office hours across the district. Visit my website for more details on when and where I will be in your city or town! It is always an honor to serve the residents of the Norfolk and Plymouth District.
