There’s a fascinating paradox that takes place every August on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket: we know that the end of summer is near, so we do everything we can to make the 31 days of August last as long as they can; at the same time, we try to cram in as much as possible, which makes the time go by so much faster. It’s a race every August to try to catch every show I promised myself I would see before artists move on to their winter residencies, to hit up every beloved local eatery before they board up in the fall, to lay on the beach or swim in a kettle pond one more time just in case it’s the last time for the year. Before summer was out, I squeezed in an evening in Harwich at the Wequassett for the Cape Cod Jazz Festival to hear my dear friend Brandon sing, I slurped some oysters and sipped on a painkiller at Cisco Brewers, I cracked open a lobster at the Beachcomber, and I enjoyed an extraordinary production at the Cape Playhouse in Dennis. As much as I cherish growing up and living in a place that has actual seasons, I do wish this one were just a little bit longer. 

By the morning after Labor Day, you can feel the rhythm of our communities shift — restaurants shorten their hours, ferries carry fewer visitors, and traffic noticeably eases on Route 6. For those who power our seasonal economy, I hope the quieter pace brings a little rest and recovery after the marathon that is high summer on the Cape and Islands. 

August also brought several major pieces of legislation across the finish line. Governor Healey signed an expanded “SHIELD Act 2.0” into law to bolster protections for patients and providers of abortion and gender-affirming care, ensuring privacy, safety, and access at a time of mounting national attacks. The Senate led the way in authoring both the initial Shield Law in the wake of the Dobbs Decision and the latest update. Massachusetts now has the strongest law in the country protecting providers and access to essential healthcare — no matter what happens in Washington.  The Legislature and Governor also approved a transportation bond bill that delivers a necessary boost in Chapter 90 funding for local roads and bridges, along with resources for culverts, small bridges, and safety improvements — a long overdue investment for communities like ours. Additionally, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed a supplemental appropriations bill that strengthens elder care, including long-term support for rest homes, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable neighbors receive the care they deserve. Finally, the Senate passed S.2581, An Act to promote student learning and mental health. This landmark legislation aims to bring students' attention back to their studies and away from their phones during the school day.

Of course, August wasn’t only about policy. It was also about showing up with neighbors and friends — from a joint memorial service in Harwich for two young people lost far too soon, to celebrating the artistic and sartorial stylings of a beloved pillar of the Provincetown community, to carving out some quality time with family and friends during the fleeting days of summer. At the 50th annual National Conference of State Legislatures, which the Massachusetts Legislature hosted in Boston for 9,000 legislators and staff from across the country (record attendance!), I was honored to speak on overdose prevention before a standing-room-only crowd of fellow lawmakers and public health leaders. 

Now, with September upon us, committee hearings are back in full swing as the Legislature gears up for a busy fall. There’s no shortage of work ahead — but before diving all the way in, I hope you’ll take a moment to enjoy these lingering late-summer days, townie summer in its truest most glorious form. 

With gratitude, from one last swim at my favorite deserted beach,

A push to revive sleepy downtowns with half-off pints of beer
 - The Wall Street Journal
 

Governor Maura Healey talks housing, food insecurity
- Nantucket Current
 

Governor Maura Healey, State Sen. Julian Cyr, State Rep. Thomas Moakley, and Housing Nantucket Executive Director Anne Kuszpa at the Wiggles Way workforce apartments on Fairgrounds Road.
 

Cape family seeks stronger protection for domestic violence victims
- Cape Cod Times
 

“For Cyr, the state has made strides towards strengthening protections for survivors of domestic violence, he said, through funded prevention programs and services. ‘But we've got a heck of a lot more to do," he said. "Too many people are left aching with questions of why.’" 
 

Signs of progress in the fight against overdose deaths - NCSL
 

“Massachusetts, which has seen a 10% decrease in fatal overdoses, has focused largely on behavioral health to help curb overdoses and is working to meet people where they are, says Sen. Julian Cyr (D), another panelist.” 
 

Deadline looming for vineyard wind to respond - Nantucket Current
 

“I stand with the Town and support Nantucket’s call for greater transparency, responsiveness, and accountability. Nantucket’s demands are reasonable and achievable, and I will be working with local and state colleagues to ensure they are met,” Cyr said in the statement. “Given today’s public statement, I will now move forward in marshaling the Commonwealth’s resources and influence to help bring all parties back to the table and ensure the spirit and letter of the Good Neighbor Agreement is realized.”
 

Federal winds shift for offshore wind, but not east of Cape Cod
- Cape Cod Times
 

State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, said responsibly developed offshore wind remains an essential part of addressing climate change and reducing fossil fuel–driven energy costs. 

"It is alarming to see the country turn its back on our obligation and responsibility to our shared planet," he said.
 

Federal officials defund health imperatives 
- The Provincetown Independent

“We will do everything we can to ensure that Health Imperatives and all abortion providers in Massachusetts continue to provide care despite the very worrisome actions that are occurring in our federal government,” said Cyr.
 

State commits to 25 year conservation plan - CapeCod.com
 

“Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket are on the front lines of the climate and biodiversity crisis. Rising seas, warming waters, and habitat loss threaten not only our environment, but also our economy, culture, and way of life. This 25-year plan arrives not a moment too soon to ‘Protect, Restore, Sustain, and Connect’ the natural systems we need to survive. Implementing and maintaining such a bold vision for our shared future is what we do best here in Massachusetts,” said Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Provincetown) in a statement.
 

MassDOT parking space on Cape adds solar panels - CapeCod.com

“Harwich’s solar canopy is a real win for Cape Cod. It means cleaner air, lower costs for taxpayers, and a transportation system that looks towards the future,” said State Senator Julian Cyr. “This project shows what we can accomplish when the state and our local partners work together, and I’m grateful to MassDOT and DOER for making it happen right here in our backyard.” 

Sen. Markey endorsed by Rep. Keating - MSN

Other notable names on the list include New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and State Sen. Julian Cyr, both seen as potential future Democratic candidates for the 9th District seat whenever Keating decides to retire. 

Harwich homicide victims remembered - The Cape Cod Chronicle

Cape and Islands Senator, Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, said Patrice Miller and Claudia Welsh have been actively seeking to change laws related to assault and domestic violence. 

Korean War memorial restored at Route 6 visitor center 
- CapeCod.com

Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr called it a fitting tribute to the Cape and Islands veterans who served in the Korean War. 

Cyr credited Mary Vilbon, president and CEO of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber for managing the welcome center and helping to lead the charge on the restoration. 

An Act to promote student learning and mental health 

At the end of July, just before the Legislature’s August recess, the Massachusetts Senate passed S.2581, An Act to promote student learning and mental health. I originally filed this legislation as S.335, An Act Promoting Safe Technology Use and Distraction-Free Education for Youth, and I’m thrilled to see it advance as part of a comprehensive bill that incorporates many proposals filed this session to address the growing problem of cell phone use in schools. The bill requires all public school districts to adopt cell phone-free school policies by the fall of 2026, helping students focus on their classwork and each other instead of their devices. Under the bill, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will develop model policies to guide implementation, while giving districts flexibility to craft rules that work best for their local communities - whether that’s using pouches, lockers, or other storage systems. Importantly, reasonable exceptions will be made for students who need personal devices for medical purposes, individualized education plans, disabilities, or off-campus travel. By removing what experts call “the greatest distraction device ever created” from classrooms, this bill will improve learning, strengthen student-teacher relationships, and promote better mental health across the Commonwealth.

SHIELD Act 2.0 

Last month, I joined Governor Maura Healey at the State House as she signed An Act strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth — our “SHIELD Act 2.0” — into law. This legislation fortifies Massachusetts’ protections for reproductive and gender affirming care by limiting the release of sensitive data, allowing prescription labels to list a practice name instead of an individual clinician, codifying emergency abortion care requirements, ensuring parents aren’t penalized for supporting their children’s access to gender-affirming care, and so much more. At a time when reproductive health care and gender-affirming care are under sustained attack, from actions at the federal level to aggressive bans and criminalization efforts in states across the country, this law sends a clear message: patients and providers are safe here, and Massachusetts will defend evidence-based care and the patients and families who need and deserve it. Standing with advocates and providers in Nurses Hall, I was reminded that what we do here to defend patients and providers from out-of-state interference reverberates nationwide. Once again, we’ve led the nation — and I couldn’t be prouder to have played a small part in that work.

Great news: my bill, S.2328, An Act regarding free expression, was reported out favorably by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development — well ahead of the committee reporting deadline. Swift movement of the bill is an encouraging sign of the momentum behind protecting the right to read. The bill prevents political interference and book bans by requiring transparent, educationally grounded selection policies and keeping materials available unless there is clear and convincing evidence they lack educational, literary, artistic, personal, or social value. It also safeguards librarians and educators from retaliation for doing their jobs in good faith, aligns policies with American Library Association standards, and requires annual reporting on book challenges to ensure accountability and transparency. At a time of rising censorship efforts, these protections are essential to uphold intellectual freedom and access to information for students and families across the Commonwealth. We’re seeing this trend here at home and across the country: in 2022, the Boston Globe reported at least 70 books were challenged across 291 Massachusetts school districts, and the American Library Association found that national book challenges doubled from 2021 to 2022. These campaigns overwhelmingly target titles with LGBTQ+ themes, books featuring characters of color, and honest discussions of race and our country’s history — erasing perspectives that students need to see to learn, feel represented, and think critically. I’ll keep pushing for this essential legislation to protect Massachusetts residents and librarians for these escalating attacks on intellectual freedom. 

One of the most significant wins for our communities this summer came on August 8, when Governor Healey signed a $1.2 billion transportation bill into law. Included in the legislation is a 50% increase in Chapter 90 funding—the largest boost in decades—for local road and bridge repair. 

For towns across the Cape and Islands, where budgets are tight and infrastructure costs climb higher every year, Chapter 90 funds are a lifeline. This increase means that smaller and seasonal communities will have more resources to maintain safe roads, repair bridges, and invest in local infrastructure projects that residents and visitors depend on every day. 

Chapter 90 dollars are especially critical in districts like ours, where the tax base is smaller and construction costs are often higher than on the mainland. This infusion of funding helps ensure that communities from Provincetown to Nantucket to Oak Bluffs can keep up with needed repairs, invest in the safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and strengthen the infrastructure that underpins our local economy. 

I had the solemn honor of joining the Harwich community for a joint memorial service in Brooks Park to remember and celebrate the lives of Brianna Welsh and Nicholas Miller. It was a heartbreaking but profoundly moving gathering—one that made clear just how loved Brianna and Nicholas were, and how deeply their loss is felt. 

Standing with their families, friends, and neighbors, I was struck by the stories people shared: stories of kindness, laughter, friendship, and promise. Both Brianna and Nicholas left us far too soon, but in the memories carried by those who knew them best, their spirit endures.

Losing young people in our community is especially difficult. It shakes us, it makes us ask questions that don’t have answers. But as I looked around that day, I also saw strength—people holding one another up and finding comfort in shared grief. That is the power of community, and it is how we will continue to carry Brianna and Nicholas forward. 

To their families: please know that your children touched so many lives, and that we will not forget them. May their memories inspire us to show more love, more compassion, and more care for one another in the days ahead. 

On a recent visit to Nantucket, Representative Thomas Moakley and I had the chance to sit down with the Nantucket Land Bank. The Land Bank has done remarkable work preserving open space and protecting the island’s natural beauty for future generations. Conservation is a value we all share, and it is a cornerstone of Nantucket’s identity. 

But we also need to be clear-eyed about the reality we face. Massachusetts has fallen very far behind in producing housing that’s attainable for year-round residents. Nowhere is this crisis more acute than on Nantucket, where the median home price has soared above $3 million. Even a working couple who grew up on the island, each earning six-figure salaries, is effectively shut out of ever owning a home in their own community. That’s not sustainable.

The good news is that the Land Bank, like so many people on Nantucket, understands this. Our conversations centered on how the Land Bank can be more creative about land use—how to balance conservation with urgently needed year-round housing, so the island can remain a place where year-round residents and working families can actually build a life. We got to see that approach in action at Wiggles Way, where the Land Bank purchased open space adjacent to the crucial housing development to help realize the project.

Where there's a Wiggle there's a Way
 

I joined Governor Maura Healey and Representative Thomas Moakley in celebrating Wiggles Way, the island’s newest affordable housing community. Developed by Housing Nantucket in partnership with the Nantucket Affordable Housing Trust and the Land Bank, Wiggles Way has already opened its doors, and all 22 apartments are now home to year-round island residents. 

This development offers a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for both low- and moderate-income households, providing affordable and workforce rental options in a community where the median home price has skyrocketed above $3 million. For the families who now call Wiggles Way home, this project is life changing.

Our visit concluded with a sit-down conversation between Governor Healey and community leaders about what it will take to replicate successes like Wiggles Way across Nantucket and the Cape and Islands. These discussions are crucial—because while projects like this mark real progress, they also remind us of the scale of the challenge before us. 

I’m deeply grateful to Housing Nantucket, the Affordable Housing Trust, the Land Bank, Governor Healey, and my colleague Representative Thomas Moakley for their partnership and leadership. Wiggles Way is proof that when state and local partners work together, we can deliver the kind of housing that keeps our communities vibrant, diverse, and livable. 

The agriculture of Nantucket
 

After our stop at Wiggles Way, Representative Moakley and I had the pleasure of joining Governor Healey for a tour of the Sustainable Nantucket farm stand property, which is owned by the Nantucket Land Bank and leased to a group of island farmers. There, we met with Dylan Wallace of Eat Fire Farm, and Dan Southey and Misha Currie of Washashore Farm, who walked us through the collaboration and innovations that make their work possible on an island 30 miles out to sea. We walked the fields, saw firsthand the practices that allow farmers to grow in such a unique environment, and even sampled some of the most delicious blackberries I’ve ever had.

We were also introduced to Ruth Pitts from the Nantucket Food Pantry and representatives from Nourish Nantucket, who are working to coordinate food insecurity efforts across the island. Our conversations with the farmers and advocates centered on the sustainability of food sources on Nantucket. An island community faces particular challenges—high transportation costs, limited growing space, and a heavy reliance on off-island supply chains. These farms and organizations are showing what’s possible when local agriculture and community partnerships are supported: fresh, healthy produce for island families, fewer food miles, and a more resilient local food system. 

Saturdays in Provincetown are for Sustainable Cape’s Farmers’ Market, when farmers and vendors line up next to Town Hall to share with everyone what they’ve got growing. Last month Representative Hadley Luddy, Francie Randolph, Founding Director of Sustainable Cape, and Ashley Randle, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, joined me for a fresh and local afternoon we won't soon forget. Together we toured the market, met with farmers and vendors, and spoke with several of Sustainable Cape’s food access program recipients. It was a joy to see firsthand the vibrant local food ecosystem that has grown here on the Outer Cape—an ecosystem that not only supports local agriculture but also ensures more families have access to healthy, fresh food.

Following the market, we gathered for an extraordinary farm-to-table lunch prepared by Chef Michael Ceraldi, owner of Ceraldi, which recently opened in Provincetown after many years in Wellfleet. Chef Ceraldi spoke passionately about his commitment to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients and designing menus that honor Cape Cod’s farmers, fishermen, and culinary heritage. His meal was a celebration of the very best our region has to offer. 

Moments like this remind me how deeply food, community, and place are intertwined on Cape Cod and the Islands. Supporting local agriculture and fisheries isn’t just about what’s on our plates—it’s about strengthening our economy, preserving our traditions, and sustaining our communities. 

I don’t get to New York City to see Broadway shows as often as I’d like. Oftentimes a wonderful, powerful show comes and goes before I ever have the chance to see it. Fortunately, we have right here in Dennis the Cape Playhouse—famously known as “Where Broadway Goes to Summer.” Founded in 1927, the Playhouse is the nation’s longest-running professional summer theater, attracting world-class talent, including many Broadway performers and directors, to present top-tier productions on Cape Cod. It has long been a vibrant cultural hub for our community. 

Last week I went with my parents and sister to see the Tony-winning musical “Come from Away.” This remarkable show tells the true story of how a small community in Newfoundland opened its arms to thousands of stranded airline passengers in the days following September 11, 2001. 

Watching the performance, I couldn’t help but think of a more recent chapter in our own community’s story—when a plane carrying Venezuelan migrants was sent to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022. In that moment, Vineyarders stepped up in the same spirit of compassion and solidarity depicted on stage, welcoming strangers and helping them find a place in the community. I was proud to play a role in finessing that situation, working with local leaders and residents to ensure those families were treated with dignity and care. 

The Playhouse’s production was moving, beautifully staged, and a reminder of the power of theater to bring us together and tell stories that matter.

On a warm, sunny August afternoon I had the joy of reuniting with friends and colleagues from the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance. Before I ever ran for office, I spent years working at the Department of Public Health. That work—and the people I worked alongside and learned from—shaped the way I see the world and continues to guide me in this role today. 

Public health is deeply personal for me. It’s about more than programs or policies—it’s about ensuring every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified life. Reconnecting with former colleagues who share that commitment was both grounding and inspiring.

I’m grateful for the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance, not just for the work they continue to do, but for the community of people who dedicate their careers to advancing health equity, preventing disease, and strengthening the wellbeing of every resident in the Commonwealth. Spending time with them reminded me why I first entered public service and why I remain so committed to this cause.

NCSL turns 50

We kicked off August by welcoming to Boston legislators and staff from across the nation for the 50th annual National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). As the birthplace of America, it only made sense for Massachusetts to play host for the golden anniversary of this informative and energizing gathering. I was honored to serve on the host committee representing the Senate alongside Senate President Karen Spilka and Senator Barry Finegold. 

The opening session began with a roll call of every state and territory in attendance, and as each was named before the ballroom of thousands of legislators, the delegation from that state erupted into applause. The atmosphere was convivial and familial, and it was great to catch up with friends and colleagues from other states from NCSLs past as well as meeting lots of new colleagues. One of the things I value most about NCSL is the chance to meet legislators from every corner of the country, to trade ideas, and to learn what’s worked elsewhere on issues we all face—housing, health care, climate, and protecting our democracy.

We also had the opportunity to welcome members of the Texas House who traveled to Massachusetts during their fight against a craven partisan attempt at gerrymandering. Their courage in standing up for fair representation is a powerful reminder of why gatherings like NCSL matter—to build solidarity, share strategies, and strengthen the foundations of our democracy. 

The morning also gave us a chance to reflect on the life and legacy of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, who were both assassinated in their home in a politically motivated attack earlier in the summer. Melissa was admired for her steady leadership and her ability to find common ground in even the most polarized debates. Both the Republican Speaker and the Democratic Senate leader from Minnesota rose to honor her, each sharing personal reflections about her service and her commitment to public life. Their tributes, offered from opposite sides of the political aisle, were powerful and deeply moving—a beautiful bipartisan show of respect and a reminder of the values that should unite us. It underscored just how urgently we need to bring civility back to our public discourse. 

At its best, NCSL models what’s possible when lawmakers come together across party lines. In a time when division too often dominates our politics, this conference demonstrates that bipartisanship and collaboration are still alive at the state level, and they remain essential to making progress for the people we represent. 

We are what we eat: food is medicine 

I joined a panel at the National Conference of State Legislatures to talk about a simple idea with big impact: connecting food and health care. In Massachusetts, we’re doing this in practice. Through our Section 1115 Medicaid waiver—a federal tool that lets states test new ideas—MassHealth can cover medically tailored meals and healthy groceries for people living with serious conditions. I helped lead this work in the Senate and filed the Food and Health Pilot Program to make sure patients can get the right level of nutrition support when they need it. It’s one of the first applications of food as medicine at scale in the country. The goal is straightforward: treat food like part of the care plan, not an afterthought. And the results back it up. Independent research on Massachusetts’ program shows fewer hospital stays (down 23 percent), fewer emergency room visits (down 13 percent), and lower costs, especially for adults enrolled longer. For communities like Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket—where food insecurity rises in the off-season—this isn’t abstract policy; it’s how we keep people healthier and out of the hospital. 

On the panel, I shared what’s made our approach work on the ground. We built strong partnerships between our health systems (17 ACOs statewide) and trusted community food organizations (16 partners) so doctors can screen for food insecurity and “prescribe” the right support—whether that’s medically tailored meals, groceries to cook at home, or produce prescriptions. We set clear goals, measure results, and keep equity at the center so the people who need help most get it. It was encouraging to hear other states moving in the same direction. As more leaders begin to see food as a form of medicine, we have a real opportunity to change how we care for people—starting with something as fundamental as access to nutritious food.

A bipartisan panel on overdose prevention
 

One of the most powerful sessions at this year’s NCSL was a panel discussion on overdose prevention.  As Vice Chair of the Committee on Public Health — and as someone who has also led both that committee and the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery — I’ve been deeply invested in this work for all of my tenure in the Senate. I was honored to take part in the conversation, joining a leading official from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a Republican legislator from West Virginia.  The room was packed, standing room only — not because of who was speaking, but because overdose touches every community. We all know someone who has struggled with addiction, or someone we’ve lost. That shared reality is why people showed up, and why we need to keep showing up for this work. 

Our discussion underscored the urgency of the overdose crisis and the need for evidence-based, bipartisan solutions. The CDC physician was especially insightful, offering clear-eyed data and practical strategies grounded in science and public health. The exchange wasn’t without its tense moments, however. She concluded her remarks by thanking the Trump administration for designating the opioid epidemic an official federal emergency—a line that shifted the room’s energy and prompted pushback from a legislator from New Hampshire. It was a vivid reminder of how politics and public health can collide, especially when the cameras are rolling and the stakes are high. 

What also came through in our discussion is the importance of meeting people where they are. We cannot treat addiction with judgment or shame and expect to save lives. That’s why I am a proponent of overdose prevention centers: they are an effective tool we should be able to deploy to keep people alive long enough to enter recovery. These centers, already in place in Rhode Island and New York City, provide a safe, supervised space, connect people to care, and reduce the harms of drug use. They are not the whole solution, but they are a vital part of a comprehensive public health response. 

 Still, what stayed with me wasn’t just the debate, but the people who showed up to listen and learn. The sheer size of the audience, and their engagement, affirmed that this crisis touches every community across the nation. My takeaway was clear: the overdose epidemic demands that we rise above partisanship and work together. Lives depend on it.

Welcoming LGBTQ+ legislators to Dorchester Brewing Co.

One of the highlights of NCSL was co-hosting, with the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, a reception for LGBTQ+ legislators and staff from across the country. It was inspiring to gather in Boston with colleagues advancing equality in their states and communities. 

I’m grateful to House Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan, Representative Sam Montaño, and Victory Institute Executive Director Elliot Imse for their heartfelt remarks, and to Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Cindy Friedman, my colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature’s LGBTQ+ Caucus, and my dear friend Dallas Ducar from Fenway Health for their support and partnership.

Held at Dorchester Brewing Company—their rooftop is a summer treat—the evening was a joyful celebration of the growing number of LGBTQ+ voices in legislatures nationwide. At a time when LGBTQ+ people are facing mounting attacks across the country, it was invigorating to come together in community, to share stories, and to recommit to the work of advancing equality and dignity for all. 

Celebrity sightings

Savoring a (Well)fleeting summer moment

I recently spent a perfect summer day in Wellfleet—starting with some time napping and swimming at Cahoon Hollow Beach and then heading up the dune to the Beachcomber. For so many of us who grew up on the Outer Cape, the ’Comber is a local institution. 

There’s nothing quite like sitting outside with good friends, cracking into a freshly cooked lobster, and looking out over the Atlantic. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that reminds me why we are so lucky to call this place home. The combination of great food, good company, and that unbeatable Wellfleet view is Cape Cod at its very best. 

A very un-Common fashion show

One of my favorite traditions each summer is Provincetown’s annual Jimmy Lee Curtis Fashion Show at The Commons. This year marked the fifth anniversary of the show, and I was honored once again to step onto the runway as a model. 

The event has become a beloved celebration of creativity, community, and local artistry. Jimmy Lee’s designs are bold, playful, and unapologetically Provincetown, and there aren’t many days in the year where there is this much love in the air. The Commons grounds were packed with friends and neighbors cheering on models of all ages, backgrounds, and body types—a true reflection of the inclusive spirit that makes the Outer Cape such a special place.

Beyond the fun of the night, the fashion show supports The Commons, which continues to serve as a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and community members. I’m grateful to Jimmy Lee Curtis and all the designers for sharing their talents, to the team at The Commons for their tireless work, and to everyone who came out to celebrate five years of this joyful event. 

Cody Plays!

One of the joys of summer in Provincetown is the chance to take part in traditions that you can’t find anywhere else. On Monday nights at the Gifford House, locals and visitors pack in for the weekly “Cody Play”—a rotating, one-of-a-kind performance written, directed, and acted by the endlessly creative Cody Sullivan. Each week is different, unpredictable, and always a peek into Cody’s wildly inventive mind. 

I’ve had the privilege of appearing in Cody Plays before, usually as a tongue-in-cheek version of myself. This summer I stepped into the role of “Pulian,” an actor grappling with doubts about his ability to perform. By the end of the show, Pulian somehow finds his mojo again—thanks in no small part to Cody’s knack for blending humor, heart, and absurdity in equal measure. 

Cody Plays are free, open to everyone, and truly unlike anything else in town. They’re a reminder of Provincetown’s vibrant, experimental theater scene and the creative spirit that keeps this community so special. 

And the "Las Culturistas" Jamie Lee Curtis Award for Gusto, Enthusiasm and Indivuality goes to...

Big news out of Provincetown: Michelle Axelson and her beloved Commercial Street shop, Womencrafts, have been honored with the "Las Culturistas" Jamie Lee Curtis Award! This award, given by the hosts of the hit comedy podcast "Las Culturistas" Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, celebrates icons who embody “gusto, enthusiasm and indivduality”—and Michelle and Womencrafts fit that bill perfectly. 

For decades, Womencrafts has been more than a bookstore and gift shop. Under Michelle’s leadership, it has remained a sanctuary and gathering space, amplifying women’s voices, celebrating queer culture, and serving as a reminder that feminist spaces are as vital as ever. 

To see Michelle and Womencrafts recognized on a national stage is a proud moment for Provincetown. It’s a testament to the power of holding space for community, for stories, and for joy. Congratulations, Michelle—you make Provincetown shine even brighter. 

This summer, we marked a milestone for one of Massachusetts’ most important LGBTQ+ organizations: the 45th birthday of the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (BAGLY). 

For nearly half a century, BAGLY has been a lifeline for queer and trans young people across the Commonwealth. Founded in 1980 by LGBTQ+ youth and for LGBTQ+ youth, BAGLY has created a safe, affirming space where young people can be themselves, build community, and grow into the leaders our world needs. 

Too often, LGBTQ+ youth face isolation, bullying, or rejection. BAGLY has been there to say: you are not alone, you are loved, and you matter. 

It was an honor to celebrate BAGLY’s 45th alongside generations of leaders, alumni, and allies. Their work has saved lives, changed hearts, and strengthened the fabric of our Commonwealth. Here’s to the next 45 years of empowering young people to thrive. 

Thank you to my good friend and colleague Representative Sam Montaño and the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth (of which I am a former chair) for organizing another spirited Youth Day on the Hill at the State House. As I looked out at the hopeful young faces before me, I was reminded of what it was like to be their age, wanting only to be myself, living openly and authentically. I never thought we would be back here, face to face with a hateful, vengeful politics and federal administration spewing bigoted rhetoric in an attempt to erase the LGBTQ+ community and our history from public life.

I needed these young people to know that here in Massachusetts, the ten legislators in the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, Governor Maura Healey, and our super majority of allies in the Legislature are working furiously to defend our values and protect all our residents no matter what happens in Washington.

This summer we were fortunate to have Dan Gessen back on our team, and I want to take a moment to thank him for his service in my office. Dan has been with me since the very beginning—he first volunteered as a teenager during my first campaign for State Senate in 2016. To see him grow into such a capable, thoughtful, and driven young professional has been a real joy. 

Dan is both a thinker and a doer: goal-oriented, smart, and hardworking. He approaches every task with focus and purpose, and he’s the kind of colleague who makes the whole team stronger. It was a delight to have him in the office this summer.

As Dan heads off to Columbia Law School in New York, I know he’ll bring the same intelligence, determination, and heart to his studies that he’s brought to public service here on the Cape and Islands. We wish him the very best in this next chapter and look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish.

We have new members joining our team this fall! Garrison Guzzeau grew up in Orleans, where he graduated from Nauset Regional High School. He recently received a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University in the American Studies honors program. In addition to hospitality, he’s worked on the Lower Cape as a Production Coordinator for the Cape Cod Institute, an organization providing continuing education workshops for mental health professionals and social workers across the region. He's also served as a member of the Orleans Democratic Town Committee since 2019 and covered the Iowa Caucuses for the Provincetown Independent in 2020.

Vanessa Clayton is a third-year law student at Boston University School of Law, concentrating in health law. Before law school, she advocated for mental health at F.E. Warren and Hanscom Air Force Bases and now looks forward to engaging with policy and legislative work in Senator Cyr’s office.