Dear Friends and Neighbors,
These are difficult and dark days in our communities, Commonwealth, and the country. The passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an additional loss of light. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was our nation’s leading voice for gender equality, women’s rights and interests, civil rights, and the rights of individuals with disabilities, and through her dissents she explicitly named injustice. I joined with individuals in Medfield on Sunday evening to honor her work and memory. Because her loss is so overwhelming at this moment in our Country, I appreciated the opportunity to be in community with others who were also mourning. And I am grateful to join with others knowing that good people will find the strength and resolve for our solemn duty to protect and preserve the rights and liberties of all individuals. And like Ruth- we will advocate and continue to accomplish the work ahead when we can- and dissent when we must.
Stay well- Stay strong!
Starting today, the Tuesday and Thursday report will transition into the Garlick Press and will be published on Mondays and Thursdays.
Local Calendar – Upcoming Meetings in Town
- Needham – The Needham Select Board will be meeting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22 via Zoom. Click here for the meeting information.
- Dover – The Dover Board of Selectmen will be meeting at 6:30 PM on Thursday, September 24 via Zoom. Click here for the meeting information.
- Medfield – The Medfield Board of Selectmen will be meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22 via Zoom. Click here for the meeting information.
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be holding a Virtual Public Meeting on the Needham-Newton Corridor Project. The meeting will be on Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM via Zoom. This meeting is to introduce the contractor for this project. To learn more, click here.
- In Dover, the Dover Board of Health will be holding a Flu Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday, October 14 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Dover Highway Garage at 1 Dedham St in Dover. Preregistration for this clinic is required to participate. If you have any questions please contact the Board of Health.
- In Medfield, the Medfield Food Cupboard is holding a month-long, essential food drive collection in the DPW trailer in front of the Police/Fire Station. The most needed food items are: hearty soups, rice pilaf, solid white tuna in water, canned fruits in juice, canned or jarred tomato products, macaroni & cheese, and grape jelly.
Statewide Updates
- The Department of Public Health has launched a COVID-19 Community Impact Survey. This is to support the Department in serving communities by learning about experiences directly. Anyone over the age of 14 can take this survey and answers are anonymous. Click here for the survey.
- The RMV announced the extension of the Real ID program for the duration of the COVID-19 State of Emergency. This program allows customers that renew their standard licenses to be eligible for a free upgrade to the Real ID. Click here to learn more.
- 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 7 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.gov
Phone: 617-722-2380
Yours in Service,
Denise
