Thursday, June 15, 2023
District Updates
Needham
The hot months of summer bring an increased risk of mosquito-borne
illnesses. West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE or “Triple E”) are viruses that occur in Massachusetts and can cause illness ranging from mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis. Mosquito testing for EEE and other diseases began on June 12. This new section of Fresh Garlick will share weekly reportings of Arbovirus in Norfolk County.
Risk Levels:
Needham: Low
Dover: Low
Medfield: Low
To learn more about mosquito-borne illnesses, click here.
To learn how to protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses, click here.
Needham
- Needham Has Pride: Rally, March, and Party will be held on Sunday, June 18 from 2-4 pm. The event will start with a rally at First Parish in Needham with a march to and a party at the Congregational church of Needham. For more details on the event, click here.
- The Town of Needham’s Climate Action Plan Committee seeks community input on Climate Action Plan. The town would like to hear the opinions and concerns of the community as they are developing its first Climate Action Plan. The survey will be open through June 30th. To access the survey, click here.
Dover
- Dover voters vote Yes in favor of the Community Center Building Project. This article approves a proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion to pay for increased project costs for the constriction and renovation of the Caryl Community Center and outdoor recreation area at the Caryl Community Center. To view the election results, click here.
Medfield
- Learn more about Neponset River Watershed Association conservation efforts on June 15th. The Climate Project Meeting will be held virtually from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. To view the project details, click here. To register for the virtual meeting, click here.
- Congratulations to Medfield Public Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden for receiving the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents 2023 President’s Award. Superintendent Marsden spent 10 years with Medfield Public Schools, he is being recognized for his outstanding service to public education and the Association. To learn more about Superintendent Marsden and his award, click here.
Statewide Updates
- The Commonwealth launches the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank. The Massachusetts Community Climate Bank is the nation’s first green bank dedicated to affordable housing. In collaboration with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and MassDevelopment, they will ensure that each entity’s capabilities are leveraged to support the identification, development, financing, and execution of clean energy projects, beginning with the affordable housing sector. To learn more about the new climate bank, click here.
- Twenty-seven restaurants and food trucks have been selected to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program pilot. The Department of Transitional Assistance will work with selected restaurants to become federally certified SNAP restaurants and hope to be open for individuals and households to use their benefits by fall 2023. To learn more about the program, click here.
- MassHealth offers resources for members as eligibility redeterminations continue. As of April 1, if a member updates their account with new eligibility information, their coverage may change. Below is a list of resources provided for members:
- MassHealth Customer Service: (800)841-2900
- MassHealth Enrollment Centers: Make an appointment to receive in-person or virtual help, click here.
- Enrollment Assisters: Get help from a Certified Application Counselor in your community, click here.
- Disability Special Accommodations Ombudsman: (617)847-3468
- MassNotify, the official COVID-19 exposure notification system for Massachusetts was discontinued with the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023. The public is still encouraged to follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidance.
