Dear Friends and Neighbors,
“I think there is no higher calling in terms of a career than public service, which is a chance to make a difference in people’s lives and improve the world” Jack Lew
This week, I said thank you to Paul Hinkley who retired from the Medfield Housing Authority with 30 years of service as the Facilities Manager (after 30 years of working for GM!). Paul did not just work for the community but built community every day with the residents who relied on his skills as well as his support and friendship.
I also said goodbye to Tony Del Gaizo at a memorial service Wednesday which was held on the grounds of the Public Service Administration buildings. Tony was proud to be the Needham Town Engineer and served our community for nearly 30 years. Every project in our Town, great and small, was important to Tony and merited his full attention and expertise.
A town is a geographic area and it becomes a community because of the residents and the people whose daily work contributes to the quality of life. In these difficult pandemic days, we all have relied on the work of the many unsung heroes of public service.
Paul and Tony, and all their colleagues in public service, deserve not only our appreciation for their work but also our gratitude because, indeed, it makes a difference and improves our world.
Yours in Service,
Denise
District Updates
- In Needham, the Planning Board is seeking applications from individuals interested in filling a vacancy on the Design Review Board. Potential applications will preferably have a background in landscape architecture, landscape design, or horticulture. The selected person will complete an exciting 3-year term that expires June 30, 2023. To learn more, click here.
- In Needham, there will be an Ecumenical Blue Christmas service on December 19th at 6:00 PM. This will be an in-person service at the First Baptist Church in Needham. This is a service that recognizes that the holidays are not always joyful, and can be hard for some. All are welcome to attend and masks are required. To view the flyer, click here.
- In Dover, the Recycling Committee has announced that special furniture collections will be offered on Saturday, December 18. The New Life Furniture Bank of Walpole will be on-site to accept furniture for families in need. For a list of items accepted, click here.
- In Medfield, R. Zoppo Corp has recently completed removal of rails and ties along the rail trail between Ice House Road and the Dover line. The next work on the trail will be performed by Medfield DPW who will install a new subsurface. To learn more about this project, click here.
Legislative Updates
- On Tuesday, there was a virtual briefing on vaccine equity in the Commonwealth. This briefing included public health and medical experts that shared their insight into this crucial time, as cases continue to rise while vaccination rates level. To watch this briefing, click here.
Statewide Updates
- The Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Mental Health have announced the launch of an enhanced version of HandHoldMA, a family friendly website created by a mental health and child development experts with tips, tools, and resources created for parents. Click here to visit the website.
- The Massachusetts Health Connector is currently in its Open Enrollment period, which runs from November 1, 2021 – January 23, 2022. This is a time when MA residents are able to enroll in health insurance coverage through the Health Connector for the first time and exciting members are able to shop for a new health insurance plan that meets their needs. For coverage effective January 1, 2022, members must enroll and make a payment by December 23. For more information, click here.
- COVID-19 boosters vaccines are available for all Massachusetts residents aged 18 and over:
- The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster is now available to all individuals who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 single dose vaccine at least two months ago.
- The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster is available to all individuals six months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
- If you are eligible, you may find a location through VaxFinder or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line at 2-1-1. For more information on the COVID-19 booster, 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