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Dozens of local officials, business leaders and community members recently paid tribute to Sen. Stephen Brewer, honoring the long-serving legislator for four decades of service to the region and to the Commonwealth.
The March 28 farewell party, sponsored by the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce and Mount Wachusett Community College, honored the long-serving legislator for his service to the region and to the Commonwealth on a wide range of issues ranging from veterans services, education, the environment and children’s health and safety.
Following several years of service on the Board of Selectmen in his hometown of Barre, the senator served as aide to former state Sen. Robert Wetmore, before serving as a state representative and state senator. Most recently, he has served as chair of the powerful Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
In retirement, Sen. Brewer said he plans to remain involved in politics, while also taking up a few new hobbies, such as playing the ukulele.
“Senator Brewer has been making sweet music for the residents and citizens of not only North Central Massachusetts, but the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said MWCC President Daniel Asquino, before presenting the senator with a ukulele and encouraging him to sign up for a course at the college.
“He’s just a model, fine human being.”
State Sen. Jennifer Flanagan, Rep. Anne Gobi, Worcester County Sheriff and former state Rep. Lewis Evangelidis and Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke also shared memories and accolades for the public official who has served as a model and mentor.
“My career has been blessed. Blessed beyond belief,” Sen. Brewer said. My friends, in an era of great cynicism about public officials and politics, government services are a noble calling. You don’t do it for the money, you do it for the love of people. This is all I ever wanted to do — be in government, in public service. The people of my district have allowed me to do that. I will ever be eternally grateful.”