Then Thursday he was asked to administer the oath of office to the incoming members of the Massachusetts Governor's Executive Council, including Peabody's own Mary Ellen Manning.

"It was great fun," said Berry. "Everything is pomp and circumstance. It's 200 years of tradition. I didn't want to give the gavel back."

As the dean of the Massachusetts Senate, it was Berry's responsibility to preside over the Senate for the election of the Senate president and Senate clerk. This was the third time the honor has been his.

Berry sees the honor almost as a reflection of how politics have changed over the years.

"When I first walked into the (State House) in 1983, there were probably 12 senators with 20 or more experience," he said, "but it has changed. People don't stay in local politics like they used to. I'm a rather young 'dean.'"

Berry said it was also an honor to be asked by Senate President Thomas F. Birmingham to administer the oath of office to the incoming Governor's Council. Showing just a little hometown bias, Berry said it was especially nice since Manning was among the new members.

Manning pulled off a political shocker last fall when she ousted Lawrence Mayor Patricia Dowling during the Democratic primary for the 5th District Governor's Council seat. The win left the Peabody attorney unopposed for the November election.

The Governor's Council, also known as the Executive Council, is made up of eight individuals elected from various districts to a two-year term.

The council generally meets each Wednesday at noon in its State House Chambers to act on issues, such as payments from the state treasury, criminal pardons and commutations, and the approval of gubernatorial appointments, such as judges, notaries and justices of the peace.

Berry said he believes Manning will be a great addition to the council. "She's a street savvy politician who can relate to the common folk," he said, "and we need that kind of insight."