An Update From State Representative Paul Schmid

Memorial Day Observances My colleague and good friend Linda Dean Cambell, House Chair of the Committee on Veterans Services, and a former paratrooper herself, has offered to following observations on this Memorial Day in the time of our pandemic:   “This year, we have a Memorial Day that shall be quite different from all others.  It is time for all of us to draw courage and strength from all those who came before us.  It is an opportunity for all of us to support our neighbors and communities in a way that would make those who have died for our Country both grateful and proud.   It is time to grieve the Veterans we have lost at the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers' Homes due to COVID-19. It is further time for us to ensure that the loss of life of the type that occurred at Holyoke shall never occur again. It is time to reflect upon the fact that our Sailors and Marines afloat are still aboard working cruise ships, incubators for contagion, operating in very close quarters even in the largest of warships, often for very extended periods of time.   It is time to mourn all of those whom we have lost; for Veterans to remember their fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Women, and Marines that made the ultimate sacrifice or have passed away after having done their duty for their Country and their fellow Americans.”

Memorial Day Plans by Area In Fall River , volunteers place flags on thousands of veterans graves. Oak Grove and St. Patrick have been completed. Notre Dame will be worked on May 23 and 24. Volunteers should call Fall River Flags and Graves officer Victor Faris 774-451-1190. State Representative Alan Silvia and I will place a wreath at Notre Dame Sunday, May 24 at 9:30. The Rolling Memorial Day Tribute Parade will leave from the Industrial Park at 2pm on Monday, May 25 and proceed through the city, ending at Battleship Cove, where there will be a closing ceremony. Form up begins at 11:30.   In Freetown , Memorial Day is traditionally a time for personal reflection on the lives lost in protection of our freedom. Please consider visiting the memorials outside of the Freetown Police Department if you would like to enjoy the weather and pay your respects.   In New Bedford , the Memorial Day parade has been called off. Several events will be livestreamed on the City’s Facebook pages and aired on NB Cable Access: Monday, May 25 @10am, Fisherman’s Memorial Service and @noon, City Memorial Service & Wreath Laying Ceremony.   In Westport,  the government access channel 190 will air past Memorial Day commemorations on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24. On Monday May 25, a memorial service at Beech Grove Cemetery, recorded earlier this week, will be broadcast at 10am.

Westport State Beaches Horseneck Beach has reopened its parking lot as of today, May 22. Vehicle capacity will be capped at 50%. Trash will be collected. The main Bathhouse will be open for toilet facilities. The beach continues to be open. Lifeguards will start June 20. Large crowds will be discouraged in the interest of public safety.

Additional DCR Information  Beach Camp Grounds remain closed. All reservations through August 31 have been cancelled. Reservation holders were notified. Expect the camp ground to reopen soon. Reservations will restart at that time.   Gooseberry Point will be reopened today, May 22. Please do not overload the trash cans. Keep dogs off the beach area.   Watch the DCR website for further updates at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation

Education During the Pandemic There have been many victims and tragedies in this war on the pandemic. A quality in-school education, lead by supportive, caring teachers has been one. Our schools and teachers are working hard to educate remotely.   For a comparison of remote learning among our larger cities, including Fall River and New Bedford, see this link:  https://www.mbae.org/initiatives/remote-learning-comparison-tool/ The database is provided by the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, led by Fall River’s Ed Lambert, who has been an important voice for education in the Commonwealth.

IT Bond Bill This past week, the House passed a bill that would enable the Commonwealth to better provide IT infrastructure to our communities during this pandemic. Among some of the things being funded is Buttonwood Park Zoo which has been deemed an asset to the community and is being included for the funding. For more information please follow the bill as it goes through the Senate at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4733

While my team and I will likely be working remotely, we are always available via phone or email .       Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office, either at the State House (617)722-2017, or my District Office at (508) 567-5675, or by  email at  Paul.Schmid@mahouse.gov .   Sincerely, Paul Schmid State Representative, 8th Bristol Westport, Freetown, Fall River, New Bedford