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The Garlick Press – Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Jun 8, 2021

The Garlick Press – Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
June is PRIDE month! I stand with my family, friends, neighbors, and the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus.I too am …”Proud of the shared commitment to civil rights that defines our state – mayors and artists, athletes and lawmakers all amplifying the message of tolerance. 

In 1989, we became the second state in the country to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Then, in 2004, we became the first state in the country to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In 2011, we passed historic gender identity anti-discrimination legislation.  In 2016 we passed a law prohibiting discrimination in a place of public accommodation. In 2018, we led the nation in supporting transgender protections by popular vote. The following year we signed into law a ban on the harmful practice known as conversion therapy.

But advancing civil rights is not about checking a box and calling it history. The story of LGBTQ+ rights is one of profound progress to counter tremendous hate.”

I am committed to our continued work now and in the future.

Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Updates
  • In Needham, the Town of Needham Public Works and Planning Departments are seeking to make improvements to the southern section of the Highland Avenue corridor. They are soliciting public input to help refine the goals and develop the priorities for the project to ensure that it best meets the needs of abutters, residents, business owners and other stakeholders. To complete the survey, click here.
  • In Dover, there will be a Special Town Meeting on Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 AM to vote on the designs and funding of the Community Center project. For more information on the Community Center, click here.
  • In Medfield, the School Building Committee is holding an in-person community forum for the Elementary School Project on Sunday, June 13 at 4:00 PM at the Dale Street Gymnasium. Virtual options for this meeting are still being finalized. For more information, click here.
Local Calendar
  • In Needham,
  • the Select Board is meeting on Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes a summer update from the Park & Recreation commission and updates on NUARI. For more information, click here.
  • Youth and Family Services is holding a Board Meeting on Wednesday, June 9 at 5:30 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes a discussion on what is happening in the community as it related to youth and families. For more information, click here.
  • In Dover,
  • the Water Resource Committee is meeting on Wednesday, June 9 at 8:00 AM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes introduction of RCAP solutions and a discussion on messaging for community education. For more information, click here.
  • the Recycling Committee is meeting on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes discussion on transfer station operations and the swap shop. For more information, click here.
  • In Medfield,
  • the Medfield Energy Committee is meeting on Thursday, June 10 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting has not been published at this time. For the meeting information, click here.
  • the Affordable Housing Trust is meeting on Thursday, June 10 at 7:30 PM via Zoom. The agenda for this meeting includes reviewing the proposal for duplex units and consider a vote to make recommendations. For the meeting information, click here.
Statewide Updates
  • The Department of Early Education and Care will be launching a statewide pooled COVID-19 testing program for early education centers. These tests will be available for educators, children aged 2 and older, and their families once per week at no cost. For more information on the program, click here.
  • The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will stop reporting on COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts Schools after June 17. The Department of Public Health will continue to track COVID-19 data in the Commonwealth. For more information, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 4: New Normal
  • Massachusetts is fully reopen as of 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
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