Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This year as we approach July 4th, I am filled with the energy of going forth! It is with feelings of great respect for the suffering, hardships and uncertainty of so many people during the Massachusetts State of Emergency and continuing for many in the present, with an acknowledgement of lessons learned and with hope for health, strength, prosperity and resilience in our families, community, Commonwealth and country. Let’s “Go Fourth” together!
Yours in Service,
Denise
District Update
- In Needham, the Town of Needham is seeking feedback from residents on outdoor dining and proposed changes to Town zoning bylaws to allow for expanded outdoor dining beyond April 1, 2022. Additionally, Needham Park and Recreation is hiring for lifeguards and water safety instructors for the 2021 summer season at Rosemary pools.
- In Dover, the Town and I are working with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and Colonial Water Company on the recent occurrence of water discoloration for residents whose water is supplied by CWC. Regular testing has indicated that there are no health or safety concerns, but the Town is encouraging residents to contact CWC to report any episodes of water discoloration.
- In Medfield, the Town has released its Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan for review. The self-evaluation is for the Town to determine the barriers that exist to its programs and services.
Community Cloves of Garlick
- The Needham Exchange Club will be hosting a Fourth of July parade on July 5 at 9:00 AM. The parade will include community floats and it will begin on Great Plain Ave.
- The Rotary Club of Needham will be hosting its fourth annual Needham Carnival from Thursday July 22 to Sunday, July 25. Come enjoy the rides and the midway at this good old fashion carnival at Needham High school.
- The Medfield Employers and Merchants Organization (MEMO) is holding its summer concert series on July 8, July 22, August 5, and August 19. The concert on July 8 will begin at 6:00 PM and is free to all.
Legislative Updates
- On Wednesday, I joined with my colleagues in the House to overturn the Governor’s veto of requiring a new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to be built under a project labor agreement. This is one section of H.96 An Act Financing the Reconstruction of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, which the House passed on April 29.
- On Tuesday, members of my office attended a virtual briefing on the prevalence of arborviruses, namely EEE, in the Commonwealth. Massachusetts will likely be in the midst of an outbreak this summer and discussed the efforts that have been made to reduce the number of mammal-biting mosquitoes carrying disease. Efforts include surveillance, risk calculation, and ultimately larvicide and adulticide.
Statewide Updates
- The Paid Family and Medical Leave Act fully took effect today, July 1 for Massachusetts workers that need time off from work to care for themselves, a new child, or a seriously ill or injured family member. With the final piece taking effect, workers are now able to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave to care for a seriously ill or injured family member.
- The Department of Public Utilities moratorium on gas and electric companies from shutting off services to residential customers expired today, July 1. Companies are required to provide a comprehensive list of all repayment programs and debt-forgiveness options. Please click here for information and resources about how to manage any utility debate accrued before, during, and after the State of Emergency.
- The Department of Public Health announced that starting today, July 1 there will be updates to the COVID-19 Dashboard Reporting. The interactive daily dashboard and the daily vaccine report will move from posting 7 days per week to 5 days per week.
- Massachusetts is hosting the VaxMillions Giveaway for fully vaccinated residents 12 years of age and older. Eligible individuals will be able to register starting Today, Thursday, July 1, 2021. Five residents ages 18 or older will win $1 million and five residents ages 12-17 will win a college scholarship.
- The MBTA will resume all weekend service on all Commuter Rail lines effective Saturday, July 3. Passengers must continue to wear face coverings when riding any MBTA service or when visiting a station. Weekend tickets are available to purchase on mTicket, on board, or in ticket offices for $10.
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
