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The Garlick Press – Thursday, May 27, 2021

May 27, 2021

The Garlick Press – Thursday, May 27, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
May is recognized as National Foster Care Month, which is an opportunity to recognize the foster parents that open their homes and hearts to the most vulnerable children. Every child deserves access to a safe and supportive home and foster parents play an important role in providing care during challenging times in children’s lives.
To support foster parents and vulnerable children, I filed H.88 An Act relative to accountability for vulnerable children and families along with my colleague Representative Paul Donato. This legislation address the needs of children and families served by DCF through the following initiatives:
  • Quality Improvement
  • Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights
  • Strengthening the Integrity of the Office of the Child Advocate
  • Data Reporting
For more information on the bill, click here.
For information on becoming a foster parent, click here.
Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Updates
  • In Needham, tomorrow, Friday, May 28, is the last day to drop off donations for the Fill-A-Public Works Truck Food Drive. Donations are accepted at the Public Services Administration Building, Needham Town Hall, Needham Free Public Library, Needham Recycling and Transfer Station, and the Rosemary Recreation Complex. For more information, click here.
  • In Needham, there will be a Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 31 at 11:00 AM at the Town Common on 1471 Highland Avenue. There will be additional events earlier in the day. For a full schedule, click here.
  • In Dover, there will be a Memorial Day Observance on Sunday, May 30, at 4:00 PM on the front law of the Dover Town House. The Town House will be closed on Monday, May 31 in observance of Memorial Day.
  • In Medfield, there will be a Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 31, at 11:00 AM at Vine Lake Cemetery at the Legion Lot, by the flagpole in section D1. In addition, Medfield TV will broadcast a Memorial Day program at 10:00 AM.
Statewide Updates
  • 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.
  • Massachusetts has received federal approval to continue providing Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits to families through summer 2021. P-EBT promotes increased food security for families whose children receive free or reduced-price school meals. The program covers the cost of school meals for students in remote or hybrid learning environments. For more information, 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.
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