Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Our days are long and our nights are restless and yet the months fly by!
Welcome October!
I have been thinking of the constancy of weather changes, As humans, we adapt to control for changes- to keep ourselves steady. As days become colder and darker, if we are fortunate, we seek shelter, we close windows, we dress warmer, we even change some of the foods we eat.
We are in turbulent weather for our spirits these days. We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and our country is polarized on a myriad of issues. We have tools here too. Wash your hands, wear a mask, physically distance, do something for others, and VOTE!
In Massachusetts, the deadline to register to vote is Saturday, October 24, 2020. If you plan to vote by mail, you must request your ballot by October 28, 2020, and have it turned into your town clerk by November 3, 2020. You may drop off your mail-in ballot at the Ballot Drop Box for your town. Needham, Dover, and Medfield all have a secure drop off ballot boxes. If you plan to vote in person, the early voting period will take place from October 17 – October 30 or you can vote on election day, November 3, 2020.
Stay well- Stay strong!
Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Fall Special Town Meeting will be taking place this Sunday, October 4 at 1:00 PM at Memorial Park Field House. If you would like information on how to watch Town Meeting remotely or would like to view the article presentations, click here.
- In Dover, the Town is holding a Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Wednesday, October 14 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Pre-registration is required to participate in the flu clinic. For more information, click here.
- In Medfield, the Dale Street School Committee and Board of Selectmen will be having a virtual public forum on the Dale Street School Project to discuss updates and cost projections. This will take place on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00 PM. For more information, click here.
Statewide Updates
- This week, I joined with my colleagues, Representative Hannah Kane and Senator Jo Comerford, and the Massachusetts Public Health Association to file the Statewide Accelerated Public Health for Every Community Act (SAPHE 2.0). This legislation would create minimum public health standards for every community, ensure a qualified workforce, incentivize municipalities to share services, create a uniform data collection and reporting system, and dedicate state funding to support local boards of health and health departments. To learn more, click here.
- On Tuesday, Governor Baker announced that next week lower-risk communities (gray, green, and yellow risk levels) will be able to move into the second step of phase 3 of Reopening Massachusetts. This step includes opening indoor and outdoor recreational activities including roller rinks, laser tag, and obstacle courses, and increasing capacity at gyms, museums, and libraries. To learn more, click here.
- With winter approaching, Attorney General Maura Healey has issued guidance for Massachusetts customers experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and needing assistance paying home heating bills. To view the guidance, click here.
- The Department of Public Health is monitoring the presence of mosquito-borne diseases in Massachusetts, including West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Currently, Massachusetts has found positive mosquito samples of WNV and EEE and there are 5 known human cases of EEE and 8 known human cases of WNV. To learn more, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 3: Vigilant
- The State is currently in Phase 3 of Massachusetts Reopening. 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.
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:
- 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
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.Email:Denise.Garlick@mahouse.govPhone: 617-722-2380
