The Garlick Press – Monday, January 11, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am once again sharing my statement related to the insurrection against our Democracy on January 6 2021.

Last week, my colleagues and I were sworn into the House of Representatives, which marked the beginning of the new legislative session. As we begin to look ahead at what we can accomplish in these upcoming two years, I wanted to reflect on the end of the last legislative session and the legislation that was passed.

As you may know, this year the legislative session was extended from ending on July 31 2020 to January 5 2021. This was extended to resolve issues related to the state budget, COVID-19, and bills in conference committee. During this time, the House passed the FY2021 budget and significant legislation expanding telehealth coverage, establishing a 2050 climate roadmap, an economic development package and more. This legislation addresses critical issues in the Commonwealth and provides important support to residents as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times.

At the end of the month, I will be holding my annual Reports to the Community, through Zoom and local television partners. I hope you will all join me as I share with you all what we have accomplished and the work we will continue to do for Needham, Dover, and Medfield. To learn more about this event, please visit my website.

Yours in Service,

Denise

• In Needham, the Needham Diversity Initiative is hosting a virtual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 18 at 10:00 AM. To register for the Zoom and for more information, click here.
• In Dover, the Board of Health published a COVID-19 update. This update includes information on vaccine distribution and cases in Town. To read the update, click here.
• In Medfield, the 2021 Annual Town Census and dog licensing forms have been mailed to residents. Census forms and dog license applications can be returned to the drop box on Janes Avenue alongside the Town Hall parking lot.

• In Needham,
  • the Select Board will be meeting on Tuesday, January 12 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. Items on the agenda for this meeting include a COVID-19 update and a presentation on the Ridge Hill Demolition. For the meeting agenda, click here.
  • the Finance Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, January 13 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Items on the agenda include FY2022 department budget requests. For the meeting agenda, click here.
• In Dover,
  • the Community Center Building Committee will be meeting Today, January 11 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. Items on the agenda include updated plans based on December meetings and a conceptual views of the Springdale elevations. For the meeting agenda, click here.
  • the Board of Health will be meeting on Thursday, January 14 at 10:00 AM via Zoom. The Board of health will be discussing matters related to COVID-19 including procedures, practices, reports, and other relevant issues. For the meeting agenda, click here.
• In Medfield,
  • the School Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, January 12 at 5:00 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes the Student Opportunity Plan Approval. For the meeting agenda, click here.
  • the Board of Water and Sewerage will be meeting on Thursday, January 14 at 9:10 AM. The agenda for this meeting includes a report from the DPW Director and a review of water and sewerage permits timeline. For the meeting agenda, click here.

• Starting today, first responders, including police, firefighters, and EMTs, in Massachusetts are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Massachusetts is still in the first phase of its distribution timeline. For more information, click here.
• Beginning on January 1, the Department of Family and Medical Leave began accepting applications for paid medical leave to manage ones own serious health condition or for paid family leave to bond with a child, to manage family affairs while a family member is on activity duty, or to care for a family member who is a covered service member. For more information on Paid Family and Medical Leave, click here.
• On Wednesday, January 13 the Health Connector will be hosting a live webinar to help residents who have lost employer-sponsored health insurance learn about their health coverage options through the Health Connector. The webinar will take place at 4:00 PM via Zoom. For registration and more details, click here.
• Massachusetts Service Alliance has announced a second Request for Proposals for their COVID-19 Resiliency Grants. the MSA seeks to award grants of us to $4,000 to support volunteer community service projects and volunteer capacity-building initiatives needed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 5th. For more information, click here.

• On Sunday, December 15 the Commonwealth will roll back to Step 1 in Phase 3 of Massachusetts Reopening. This will reduce capacity for many sectors and tighten workplace restrictions. Additionally, restaurants, gyms, and offices have additional guidelines to follow. 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