Dear Friends and Neighbors,
September, to me, is always a time of renewed energy and new beginnings. Although this year feels muddled and unsettled we still see many beginnings! This week, Beth Israel Deaconess-Needham launched its annual meeting, the Needham Select Board welcomed the new Director of Economic Development, Amy Haelsen, and also honored the Needham Director of Public Works, Rick Merson, on his 48 years of public service and the new chapter in his life. On behalf of our Legislative delegation, I presented a resolution that speaks to his career and character- both exceptional!
We scheduled Office Hours to meet with individuals in Needham, Dover, and Medfield every other Monday. If you have an issue or concern and you are observing the holy day of Yom Kippur please email me and I will meet with you on another day/time next week at your convenience
Stay well- Stay strong!
Stay well- Stay strong!
Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Select Board voted to extend the free parking meter program for the remainder of 2020. The goal of this program is to make it easier for shoppers and diners to visit the local businesses in Needham. To learn more, click here.
- In Dover, the Dover Recycling Committee is looking for a new member. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact the Committee at recycling@doverma.org.
- In Medfield, businesses with 5 or fewer employees are eligible for one-time grants up to $10,000 to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The preliminary application is due no later than October 7th at 4:30 PM. To learn more, click here.
Statewide Updates
- If you believe you are a victim of unemployment fraud (received a letter stating that you have been approved for benefits, even though you didn’t apply), please report this to the state immediately. Click here for information about filing a fraud claim.
- The Registry of Motor Vehicles announced that it will be extending appointment hours for customers 75 years of age or older through October. The RMV also is expanding the list of service centers, which now will cover 17 locations across Massachusetts. To learn more, click here.
- Governor Baker announced the extension of the “Stop the Spread” initiative through the end of October. This initiative provides free COVID-19 testing in high-risk communities. To learn more, click here. To learn more, click here.
- Starting Monday, September 28, 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
