Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In one more confusing turn in these COVID-19 times, it seems that long unsettled days and even longer restless nights somehow result in the rapid passing of the month. Already September is passing. Reflecting on this month we have endured losses not only at the national level but also in our own towns in beloved community families. September has been designated “Hunger Action Month.” There are so many needs in our Towns for residents who now wonder and worry if there is enough food for today and their tomorrows? Because we know that food is medicine we must ask- is the food available enough to keep us not just full but strong? Since the declaration of the COVID-19 State of Emergency, many members of Needham, Dover, and Medfield, our friends and neighbors, and people all across our Commonwealth are struggling to meet their food needs. The Needham Community Council and Medfield Food Cupboard, are offering services and support to those who are in need. Please join me in supporting these worthy organizations.
The words “Hunger Action Month” also calls to my heart for all that we hunger for once our survival needs for food are met. My spirit yearns for the big extended family table with voices from near and far, young and old, lovable and irascible all gathered together. Let us also act to fill these spaces with calls and notes, face time, and zooms. Try to feed your body and soul and help others do the same.
Stay well- Stay strong!
Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Calendar
- In Needham…
- The Select Board will be meeting on Tuesday, September 29 at 5:00 PM via Zoom. The Select Board will be discussing the upcoming Special Town Meeting. For meeting information, click here.
- MassDOT will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 PM to provide an update on the Needham – Newton Corridor Reconstruction Project. To register, click here.
- The Special Town Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 4. Warrant Article presentations are available on the Special Town Meeting website for viewing. For meeting information, click here.
- In Dover,
- The Board of Health will be meeting on Tuesday, September 29 at 10:00 AM via Zoom. The Board of Health will be discussing health matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For meeting information, click here.
- The Board of Selectmen will be meeting on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The Board of Selectmen will be meeting with the Warrant Committee. For meeting information, click here.
- In Medfield,
- The Board of Health will be meeting on Thursday, October 1 at 4:00 PM via Zoom. This is a standing meeting that is held weekly during the COVID-`9 State of Emergency. For meeting information, click here.
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Public Health Division is holding a Flu Vaccine Clinic on October 3. If you would like to receive the flu vaccine, please register in advance for one of the available time slots. To learn more, click here.
- In Dover, the Town has provided an update regarding the Caryl Community Center reopening. Based on the results and recommendations of an air quality assessment, the Board of Health has recommended keeping the Caryl facility closed until the recommendations can be evaluated. To learn more, click here.
- In Medfield, the Medfield Transfer Station will be holding Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If you have any questions or concerns, click here for more information.
Statewide Updates
- The Department of Public Health and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs has released new guidance on indoor visitation for Nursing Homes, Rest Homes, and Assisted Living Residences. Nursing and rest homes may resume in-person visits as long as appropriate infection control and safety measures are in place. For more information, click here.
- If you or your business are licensed through any Board of the Department of Professional Licensure and your licenses expired between March 10 and July 10, you must renew your licenses by October 1. To learn more, click here.
- This week, the Department of Corrections will resume in-person visits at all facilities. Personal visits will be limited to one visit per inmate per week, with up to two visitors at once, and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. To learn more, click here.
- Starting today restaurants in Massachusetts will be allowed to increase the number of people allowed per table from six to ten. Additionally, restaurants may now use bar seating for food service. To learn more about Reopening Massachusetts, 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 need 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.gov
Phone: 617-722-2380
