Fresh Garlick – Thursday, August 12, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the Commonwealth, 42% of households with children are experiencing hunger and one in four food-insecure children do not qualify for free lunch. To address this, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives in voting in the affirmative on H.715, An Act promoting student nutrition. This legislation ensures universal free lunch and breakfast for students in high-poverty schools in the Commonwealth. Specifically, this bill:

–       Requires schools with economically disadvantaged populations of 50% or more to provide universal free breakfast and lunch to students, funded entirely by the federal government.

–       Establishes statewide protections for students facing school meal debt to prevent policies that can embarrass, stigmatize, and unjustly punish students.

Yours in Service,

Denise

• In Needham, The Indian Community of Needham (ICON) will host a celebration of India’s Independence Day on Sunday, Aug. 15^th at Noon in front of Needham Town Hall, including a display of flags and singing of the Indian and U.S. national anthems, followed by a short cultural performance.   Immediately following the celebration is the Needham Farmer’s Market which will run from 12-4 p.m. on the Town Common. And the Needham Community Council is seeking donations to their Give Back to School program, which will provide gift cards for school supplies to families with school-aged children currently enrolled in the food pantry program at the Council.

 

• In Dover, the Board of Selectmen will meet (remotely) on August 19^th at 6:30 p.m. and host the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to update the community on the recent water discoloration experienced by residents whose water is supplied by Colonial Water Company. Use Zoom link to log in. Park and Recreation has just opened Fall registration. All fall programs, events & activities are on their website.

 

• In Medfield, The Board of Selectmen will meet on August 17^th, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. (may attend either in person or via Zoom).  The Board of Selectmen is also seeking volunteers to serve as members of a Town board or committee.  For more information click here.

Statewide Updates

• Job seekers or those looking to hire may attend the Massachusetts Virtual Job Fair, being held August 16-20, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. See schedule for the week, the list of employers attending and the registration (required) link here.

• Established by last year’s law enforcement reform legislation, The Special Commission on Qualified Immunity will host a virtual public comment meeting on Friday, August 20, at 11 a.m. to give members of the public an opportunity to share their views on qualified immunity and its impact on the administration of justice in the Commonwealth. The public hearing will be livestreamed on the Commonwealth’s website. To register to testify, individuals must provide contact information on this Form by 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2021.  Written testimony may be submitted by e-mail to jacqueline.o.manning@mahouse.gov or by mail to Qualified Immunity Commission, 24 Beacon Street, Room 136, Boston, Massachusetts 02133.  Commission staff may be contacted at (617) 722-2396 with any questions.

Resources