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The Garlick Press – Monday, May 17, 2021

May 17, 2021

The Garlick Press – Monday, May 17, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Maya Angelou said “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” The month of May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month and to “know better” I will be virtually attending a briefing at the State House on the history of Asian Americans and anti-Asian racism and its impact on the AAPI community. Additionally, some of our Needham neighbors and have have worked to compile a list of books with AAPI authors and stories, please join me in learning more.
And to “do better” I acknowledge that anti-Asian racism in our community, Commonwealth and Country has resulted in tremendous financial hardship. I support the House of Representatives’ Asian Caucus in #ShopAAPIMonth and ask you also support AAPI businesses.
Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Updates
  • In Needham, the Select Board is meeting on Wednesday, May 19 at 6:00 PM to discuss weekend MBTA service and the comments received from the public at the Select Board meeting on May 11. This is not a public hearing. For more information, click here.
  • In Needham, the Town is offering emergency rental assistance to those affected by income loss due to COVID-19. Qualified residents may receive assistance covering 50 percent of their rent for up to six months, if funds remain available. For more information, click here.
  • In Dover, the Town of Natick is holding a public information session from 6:30 – 8:00 PM on the options to remove the 87 year-old South Natick Dam on the Charles River. Dover has riverfront floodplain, and wetland resource areas on public conservation land and private residential properties. To learn more about the project and to attend the information session, click here.
  • In Medfield, High Street/Route 27 from Granite Street to the Walpole Town Line will be repaved beginning on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the week, Friday, May 21, 2021. For more information, click here.
Local Calendar
  • In Needham,
  • the Commission on Disabilities is meeting on Tuesday, May 18 at 5:30 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes an update on Needham Reservoir Trail concerns and update regarding parking at DeFazio. For more information click here.
  • the Needham Housing Authority is meeting on Thursday, May 20 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes a status update on the RFP for modernization and redevelopment consulting services and a discussion on on the Executive Director’s Report, Financial Report, Vacancy Report, Work order Report. For more information, click here.
  • In Dover,
  • the Community Center Building Committee is meeting on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes an update on design, site plan, and pricing and a vote on the Committees preferred option. For more information, click here.
  • the Board of Selectmen is meeting on Thursday, May 20 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting will be posted on the Town website. For more information, click here.
  • In Medfield,
  • the Council on Aging is meeting on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:00 AM via Zoom. The Council will be holding the tax work-off lottery to select 30 participants. For more information, click here.
  • the Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting on Thursday, May 20 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes discussion on spring program updates and summer camp pricing. For more information, click here.
Statewide Updates
  • Today, Massachusetts updated the Commonwealth’s reopening plan regarding COVID-19 restrictions, the face covering order, and the State of Emergency.
  • Effective May 29, all remaining COVID-19 restrictions in Massachusetts will be lifted, including the face covering order. Consistent with CDC guidelines, face coverings will be mandatory for individuals on public and private transportation, in healthcare facilities, and indoors at school for K-12 and early education providers. Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks. For more information, click here.
  • Effective May 18, youth and amateur sports will no longer require face coverings for youth athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports and effective May 29, remaining restrictions will be lifted. For more information, click here.
  • Effective May 18, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and care will update guidance to no longer require masks for outdoor activities and will allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms. For the DESE guidance, click here, and for the EEC guidance, click here.
  • On June 15, 2021 Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency initially declared on March 10, 2020. For more information on the updated reopening plan, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 4: New Normal
  • Massachusetts will reopen in full on May 29, 2021. For information on the Massachusetts Reopening Plan, click here.
  • Massachusetts is currently in Phase 4, Step 2 of the Massachusetts reopening plan. At this time large venues are permitted to increase capacity to 25% and amusement parks, theme parks, and outdoor water parks are permitted to reopen at 50% capacity. Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur events are permitted to take place with staggering starts.
Resources
  • 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:
Please remember social distancing and wearing a mask is the most effective tool to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to these updates, my office is still accessible so please continue to reach out and we will get back to you.
Phone: 617-722-2380
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