The Garlick Press – Friday, March 26, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I wanted to take a moment to recognize that March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. I am deeply committed to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and communities, and the many people that comprise the workforce engaging with these individuals. As a legislator and nurse, I have partnered with individuals with disabilities and their caretakers to advocate for policies and resources that make meaningful differences for these individuals and families.

I wanted to share with you that I have been appointed to serve on the Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities that was created in An Act Relative to Justice, Equity, and Accountability in Law Enforcement in the Commonwealth. This commission shall work to advance the cause of all persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth by studying and reporting on key issues including, disparities in services and transportation and assessing programs and practices in state agencies as they affect persons with disabilities.

I am honored at this opportunity to continue to support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers and I look forward to serving in this role.

Yours in Service,

Denise

• In Needham, the Council for Arts and Culture and the Needham Art Association are working together to transform vacant storefronts into mini art galleries with works by local artists on display. The first Storefront Needham project is located at 1502 Highland Ave, the site of the former Lisa’s Boutique. To learn more, click here.
• In Dover, the Dover-Sherborn Regional School Committee is seeking a Dover resident to fill a vacancy on the School Committee. Interested residents should indicate their interest to Maggie Charron, Chairperson of the Regional School Committee, before Wednesday, April 7, 2021. To learn more, click here.
• In Medfield, the Medfield Annual Town Election is this upcoming Monday, March 29 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Center at Medfield. For further information, visit the Town Clerk’s website here.

• Starting Monday, March 29, Massachusetts will begin a homebound vaccination program to provide in-home vaccines to homebound individuals who cannot leave their home to receive a vaccine. Homebound individuals and their loved ones may call 1-833-983-0485 to determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• The Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Department of Public Health have released updated guidance for health care and human service providers, including long-term care facilities, assisted living residents, and congregate care settings. For a full list of updated guidances, click here.

• Massachusetts is currently in Phase 4, Step 1 of the Massachusetts reopening plan. Indoor and outdoor stadiums, areas, and ballparks will be permitted to operate at a 12% capacity limit. Additionally, gathering limits for event venues and public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor and indoor gatherings at private residences will remain at the same limit. Dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other event and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. To learn more, click here.
• If you have questions, input, or comments regarding the Reopening Massachusetts plan, you can submit comments online. These comments can be used by the Administration to support efforts to methodically reopen the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the form.

• If you are in need of resources, information, or support, please visit my website for a list of resources. Additionally, our local boards of health, the Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control are continuing to maintain websites with the most updated information regarding COVID-19 that you can access here:

• Needham Health Department Updates
• Medfield Updates
• Dover Updates
• Department of Public Health: Click here or Call 2-1-1.
• Reopening Massachusetts
• COVID-19 Travel Order
• Centers for Disease Control