Dear Friends and Neighbors,
September fifteenth through October fifteenth is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans to our country. Comprising over 12% of our state’s population, the Commonwealth’s Hispanic community has contributed to scientific discoveries, arts and culture, our media and music, and to our culinary world.
Please join me this month in celebrating our Hispanic community members! For a list of ways you can get involved during Hispanic Heritage Month, click here.
Saludos,
Denise
District Updates
- Please join me in supporting the Becca Schmill Foundation, whose mission is to fund and advocate for research, programs, and policies that ensure all children have access to the supports they need. To view the Foundation’s website, click here.
- Tomorrow in Medfield is MEMO’s Medfield Day from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Medfield Day is an opportunity for the community to come together and highlight the businesses and organizations in Town. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
- In Needham, The Department of Public Works is hosting the Town clean-up this weekend. Trash bags, supplies, and information will be available for pick up at the Rosemary Recreation Complex on Saturday 9/25 or Sunday 9/26 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Additionally, The Charles River Center will be holding its 11th Annual CRC 5K Run/1 Mile Walk on Sunday, September 26 at 11:00 AM. Registration is open and you can register to run virtually in-person. For more information and to register, click here.
- In Dover, the Town is now designated as a “Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Community” by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. This means the Town is eligible to seek out further funding in the matter of Community Resilience, in relationship to changing climate effects on the safety and health of the public.
- In Medfield, Medfield Outreach is showing My Ascension: A Documentary Film on Wednesday, September 29 at 7:00 PM as part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This film documents the story of a young woman who survived a suicide attempt. For more information, click here.
Legislative Updates
- On Thursday, September 23, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives to vote in the affirmative on H.4121 – An Order to safeguard the health of House Members and employees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which provides guidance to the members and staff of the House of Representatives on working in the State House during the COVID-19 pandemic and lays out a phased re-opening of the State House to members, employees, and the public. Additionally, I joined my colleagues to vote in the affirmative on H.4118 – An Act relative to reprecincting, which requires municipalities to divide themselves into voting wards and districts, as part of the 2020 redistricting process.
- On Wednesday, September 22, the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually. At this meeting the Commission members saw a presentation from the Mass Rehab Commission on employment and the workforce and held a discussion on value statements for the Commission. To receive updates from the Commission, click here.
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On Tuesday, September 21, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight held a hearing on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding focused on health care, mental health, substance us disorder, public health, and human services. At this hearing, I testified in support of using ARPA funding to strengthen our local and regional public health system.
Statewide Updates
- The Mass Cultural Council is announcing fall grant opportunities for individual artists, teaching artists, humanists & scientist non-profit organizations and more. Programs include artist fellowships, STARS residencies, local cultural council grants, project grants, and festival grants. For more information, click here.
- The Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program is now accepting applications for funding until October 31, 2021. The program is focused on addressing access to fresh food by improving and strengthening the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s food system and expanding the distribution of locally grown and sourced products to vulnerable communities. For more information on this program, click here.
Resources
If you are in need of information, resources, or support please visit my website for a list of resources regarding unemployment assistance, food assistance, housing, and mental health. Additionally, for town specific information visit the Towns of Needham, Dover, and Medfield‘s websites.
If you are in need of assistance, my office is still accessible by phone and email so please contact my office and we will get back to you.
Email: Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov
Phone: 617-722-2380
