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Welcome to the December newsletter from State Representative Tara Hong's office! We're thrilled to share some exciting updates from November and plans for the coming months. |
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Hello Everyone,
As we come to the end of the year, I want to thank our community for your strength, resilience, and care for one another. This season reminds us how important it is to come together and continue working side by side as a community.
The work I have started, building stronger constituent services and bringing more resources and funding back to our district and the City of Lowell, is not finished. There is still much work to do. We must continue building relationships, strengthening trust, and ensuring that the voices of the 18th Middlesex District are heard, respected, and understood at Beacon Hill.
Our shared purpose will be better realized through collaboration and respect, rather than division and blame. To move forward with the work ahead, our energy is best spent listening, supporting one another, and working together to create real solutions for working families, students, seniors, and small businesses.
As we head into the new year, I remain committed to serving you, advocating for our district, and continuing this work with transparency and care. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Wishing you and your loved ones peace, joy, and a hopeful New Year.
In solidarity,
Tara T. Hong
State Representative
18th Middlesex District
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On December 1st my office, in partnership with Lowell Alliance and the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI), hosted a community forum at Stoklosa Middle School. The forum featured up-to-date information about immigration issues both in Massachusetts and nationwide, as well as resources available to immigrants and their families. I am thankful to the staff at ORI for their dedicated work in the immigration space, and for coming to Lowell to provide this vital information to our community. I would also like to thank District Attorney Marian Ryan and her staff for staying to participate in the Q&A session. The evening was truly a collaborative effort at the local and state level. Click Here to read our official press release. |
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What a great night at the Lowell City of Lights! It was wonderful to see the community come out and enjoy such an amazing event. It was super cool to get to spend time with Lowla on the ride during the parade — I loved hearing everyone yell “Lowla! Lowla!!”
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Congratulations to Dr. Tara Goodhue of Lowell High School for being named the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year out of nearly 80,000 teachers statewide. From hands-on science to inspiring the next generation, she brings the magic to the classroom every day. Thank you so much for being a teacher and for all your inspiration to our students! |
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At Lowell City Hall I had the opportunity to join in the menorah lighting on December 15th, and I ran into Santa the next day during Holiday Open House! |
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On December 17th, we celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of 733 Broadway in Lowell’s Acre neighborhood. The project will bring 52 new affordable apartments to our community while preserving the site’s historic character.Thank you to Tremont Development Partners, the City of Lowell, and all our partners who made this important project possible. |
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There were many opportunities to celebrate the season of giving in December. Upper Left: I joined New England Donor Services at Lowell City Hall to recognize the lifelong impact of organ donation. Upper Right: Rep. Jim Ariciero and the Sun Santa Fund hosted a drive-in and drop-off toy drive. Right: I stopped by the annual Hope Dove toy distribution event hosted at UTEC, where the Roberto Clemente League put on a nativity play. |
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On December 20th the Cambodian American community gathered at Lowell City Hall for a Rally for Peace in light of the ongoing conflict at the Thailand-Cambodia border. I am grateful to everyone who braved the cold to stand in solidarity with us that day, and ask for a lasting peace for Cambodia and Thailand. |
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Lastly, my office sent out some holiday postcards and made a holiday video featuring artwork by my aide, Michelle. The Wannalancit Mills Christmas Tree is an icon of Lowell's skyline, especially this time of year, and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. |
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Things to Know, Things to Do |
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Lowell residents can dispose of their natural Christmas tree for free from December 25, 2025 through January 14, 2026. Please remember to remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel and decorations before dropping off your tree.
Drop-Off Locations by Neighborhood:
- Acre: Sheehy Park on Pawtucket Street
- Back Central: Oliveria Park on Newhall Street
- Belvidere: Cawley Stadium on Douglas Road
- Centralville: Saint Louis Playground on Lakeview Avenue
- Downtown: Dutton Street Lot
- Highlands: Callery Park on Parker Street
- Pawtucketville: Campbell Field on West Fifth Avenue
- South Lowell: Ventura Field on Boston Road
Need help transporting your tree? The Lowell Ward Youth can assist with curbside pickup on: December 27, January 3, and January 10
(Donations are appreciated)
Call (978) 656-1910 or visit https://sites.google.com/view/lowell-youth-tree-pickup
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HEAP funding is officially here to help families stay warm this winter.
Need heating system repairs or a replacement? HEAP also supports HEARTWAP, which provides free repair or replacement for qualifying households.
Apply online: toapply.org/MassHEAP
Learn more about HEARTWAP: mass.gov/HEARTWAP
Scan the QR code in the graphic to get started. Please share so neighbors who need support can apply! If you have any other questions, reach out anytime! |
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First Day Hikes are a long-standing cherished Massachusetts tradition. The signature DCR initiative started right here in Massachusetts in 1992 when 400 hikers gathered to welcome the new year at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton and it has since grown into a national movement.
As Massachusetts and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, First Day Hikes offer an opportunity to connect to the landscapes that have shaped our shared history.
For details on all First Day Hike offerings, please visit the DCR First Day Hikes webpage.
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Rep. Vanna Howard is hosting her Third Annual Project Period Care Drive on Saturday, January 10 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Middlesex Community College, 50 Kearney Square, Lowell. Period care products collected will benefit Middlesex Community College and UMass Lowell Strive Pantry.
These products will ensure people who don't have access to these items won't have to miss school or work, or forego a meal or rent to afford them. Please consider donating, thank you. |
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Help shape the future of the Merrimack River! The Alliance of Climate and Environmental Stewards wants your input on the 2025 River User Survey. Whether you work, play, or relax by the river, your observations can make a difference. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MRUS2025
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As we gear up to celebrate the City of Lowell’s Bicentennial in 2026, we’re inviting you to share your memories with us! Whether it’s a family story, a moment from growing up in the city, your time working or serving in the community, or any Lowell connection that’s meaningful to you—we want to hear it!Select stories will be featured on the new Lowell Bicentennial website as part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
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The School Bus Lookup Tool is now updated and live. (Note: charter and private school students are not included in the bus lookup tool). Student bus passes will be mailed out.
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Great news for Lowell and our region!
The Fare Free Transit Pilot Program has been extended through June 30, 2026 on the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA)! This means more accessibility, more savings, and more opportunities for our community to get where they need to go.Public transportation should be affordable and accessible for everyone—and this program is a big step forward.
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As always, we love to hear from you! Please reach out any time.
Email: tara.hong@mahouse.gov
Phone: 617-722-2080
Cell: 978-421-5079
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