Fresh Garlick – Thursday, November 4, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

November is recognized as National Adoption Month, to raise awareness for the many youth in foster care that are seeking permanent families. Adoptive families and guardians provide a valuable sense of belonging and connection for these youth as they grown up.

To support the needs of vulnerable children and families in the Commonwealth, I filed H.88, An Act relative to accountability for vulnerable children and families. This legislation address the needs of children and families served by DCF through the following initiatives:

To learn more about adoption in Massachusetts, visit the Department of Children and Families website here.

Yours in service,

Denise

• In Needham, There will be a Special Election for the Select Board on December 7, 2021. The last day to register to vote will be Wednesday, November 17, 2021. The Town Clerk’s office will be open for a special registration session on November 17 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For more information the Special Town Election, click here.
• The Needham Community Council, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Needham and the Needham Golf Club, will be delivering fully cooked Thanksgiving meals to residents of Needham. If you or someone you know would appreciate a dinner, please call the Community Council at 781-444-2415.

• In Dover, the Town of Dover is seeking an individual to fill a vacancy of the Planning Board for an Associate Member. If you are interested in being appointed for the term that expires in Spring 2022, please complete the Request for Appointment Application and submit it to the Board of Selectmen by mail or email at mdisciullo@doverma.gov. For more information and the application, click here.

• In Medfield, there will be a Special Town Meeting for Sunday, November 7 at 12:00 PM in the Medfield High School Gymnasium. There will also be a Special Town Election on Monday, November 15 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Center at Medfield. The last day to request an Absentee Ballot is Tuesday, November 9. For more information, click here.
• The Cultural Alliance of Medfield (CAM) is updating their 2017 feasibility study for the Arts Center at the Medfield State Hospital and are seeking community input. This anonymous survey will support CAM in assuring building plans incorporate community feedback and interest. To take the survey, click here.

Legislative Updates

• On Monday, I hosted a virtual Town Hall on the American Rescue Plan Act funding the Commonwealth has received from the Federal government. Last week the House of Representatives voted to allocate ARPA funding to communities and programs that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure an equitable recovery in the Commonwealth. During the Town Hall we discussed the impact ARPA funding will have on public health, mental health, the environment, and arts, culture and tourism in the Commonwealth and in our communities. If you were unable to attend, you may view the Town Hall here. To learn more about the House ARPA bill, click here.

• On Wednesday, November 3 I met with individuals from the League of Women Voters, Needham as part of their Day on the Hill lobby day. During this meeting we discussed legislation concerning elections and voting, environment and climate change, education, and healthcare.

Statewide Updates

• Individuals and families in the Commonwealth may be eligible for money through the Federal Government, including $250-$300 per child per month under the 2021 Child Tax Credit. Individuals and families must sign up by November 15 to receive these funds. To learn more, click here.

• The Massachusetts RMV has announced starting Saturday, November 13 at 1:00 AM until Sunday, November 14 at 12:00 PM they will be migrating to a new infrastructure platform. During this time web transactions, myRMV transactions, and online access to the RMV system will be unavailable. Additionally, no inspection stations will be open during this time.

• The Attorney General’s Office had identified that energy bills will be increasing this winter due, in part, to high natural gas prices worldwide. To support individuals in the Commonwealth, the AG has compiled resources for those in need of financial assistance for paying their utility bills. To access this information, click here.

• COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children ages 5 to 11 in Massachusetts. Children will be able to receive the Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine from more than 500 locations. If you are looking to have your child vaccinated, you may find a location through VaxFinder or by called the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line at 2-1-1. For more information on the COVID-19 child vaccine, click here.

• COVID-19 booster vaccines are available for individuals:
  • 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 booster is available to individuals 65 years of age and older and individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions, and individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who have previously received the Pfizer vaccine.
  • The Moderna COVID-19 booster is now available to individuals 65 years of age and older, and individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who received their second shot of Moderna vaccine at least six months prior.
• 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