Town Of Dedham: What's Happening This Week Here In Dedham

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

09/20/2021 4:57 PM

Download the Weekly Update PDF

Police Department Participates in "Pink Patch Project" for First Time

The Dedham Police Department will be participating in the Pink Patch Project for the first time during 2021, https://pinkpatchproject.com/.

In support of the fight against breast cancer, a donation to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute will be made from patch sale proceeds.

Please contact the following Dedham Police Officers to purchase a patch:

• School Resource Officer Neil Cronin at ncronin@police.dedham-ma.gov
• School Resource Officer Jason Sullivan at jsullivan@police.dedham-ma.gov
• Deputy Chief Michael Buckley at mbuckley@police.dedham-ma.gov
• Chief Michael d'Entremont at mdentremont@police.dedham-ma.gov

Contact us today! We only have a limited quantity of patches available!

Cultural Council Grant Deadline and Upcoming Info Sessions

The Dedham Cultural Council is accepting applications for grant funding to be used to support cultural activities right here in Dedham. In the past, these grants have supported a wide variety of programs and projects throughout town, including festivals, field trips, exhibits, artist residences, performances, workshops, and lectures. The deadline to apply for grant funding is Friday, October 15, 2021.

Apply today using the Dedham Cultural Council online application, hosted on the Massachusetts Cultural Commission website:  massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/dedham/

For those interested, the Dedham Cultural Council is hosting two virtual Listening Sessions with a Question and Answer portion in each. Members of the Dedham Cultural Council will be on hand to answer your questions and gather any and all feedback.

Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 and Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Topic: Dedham Cultural Council Info & Listening Session
Link/Phone Number to Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2753473241

Dial: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 275 347 3241

Please visit the Dedham Cultural Council website to learn more about this committee, attend upcoming meetings, and find more information about how to get involved.

Senior Center Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, October 2, 2021

The Dedham Council on Aging is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially welcome the community to the new Ames Senior Center on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will follow tradition and include a large ribbon and remarks from local officials and members of the community who helped to make this center a reality. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., guests will be welcomed to the outdoor patio for a chance to see old friends, make new friends, and connect with neighbors and local dignitaries prior to the ceremony. Following the ribbon cutting and remarks, guests will be welcomed indoors where staff and volunteers will provide tours with live demonstrations, and help those interested register and sign up for upcoming classes.

“We are thrilled with our new home and all the opportunities we have with our expanded space at the Ames Senior Center,” said Council on Aging Director Sheila Pransky.

“We are extremely excited about the new Ames Senior Center, and grateful to all involved who worked to finally achieve a decades long goal of a senior center for our Town,” said Council on Aging Chair Leanne Jasset.

Spread the word to your friends and neighbors, all are invited to attend because the Ames Senior Center truly is a place for Dedham’s older adults to stay active, have fun, and build new friendships.

Stay tuned for future details and announcements about the event by checking the Town website and by following the COA on Facebook (@DedhamCOA).

Board of Health Weekly Update – September 17, 2021

The Board reports that as of Thursday, September 16th, there have been 2,657 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Town. This is an increase of 27 cases from last week’s update. Currently, there are 37 active confirmed cases.

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Dedham Mosquitoes

On September 14th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Dedham. The mosquitoes were identified through routine weekly monitoring performed by the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District.

In 2020, 7,156 mosquito samples were tested statewide for WNV, and 99 samples were positive. Dedham had zero WNV positive mosquito samples identified in 2020.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. 

By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites:

• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 
• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home:

• Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently. 
• Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

While the Dedham Health Department continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District treats all catch basins in Dedham to prevent mosquito breeding. Additionally, you can request spraying in your area by calling the Mosquito Control District at (781)762-3681.

Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website.

Dedham Day is Back and Volunteers Needed

Dedham Day is back and is officially around the corner! All are invited to celebrate this 30-year tradition at the Barnes Memorial Field this coming Sunday, September 26, from Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Volunteers: Dedham Day needs your help! Are you interested in volunteering at the event? All are welcome to lend a hand, even if for just 1 hour! Contact the Parks & Recreation staff at 781-751-9250 to sign up today! Thank you for your time!

Deeds: There is still time to buy your deeds for the Cow Plop if you haven’t done so yet.

All About the Cow Plop: A grid of 3,000 equal squares will be drawn onto the field, each measuring 1-square yard. One deed = one square, for just $10 per square. At 2:00 p.m., Juliette the Cow will be led onto the field to fertilize it. The prizes for the fertilizes squares are listed below:

1st Prize = $5,000

2nd Prize = $2,500

3rd Prize = $1,000

4th Prize = $500

Household Hazardous Waste Day is October 2, 2021

Mark your calendars, Dedham! The Annual Household Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Dept. of Public Works (55 River Street, Dedham, MA).

Residents of Dedham (proof of residency required) are encouraged to bring the following items if found at home for safe and proper disposal, at no cost:

• Oil Paint
• Pool Chemicals
• Motor Vehicle Oil
• Pesticides
• Antifreeze
• Fluorescent Light Bulbs
• Gasoline
• Household Chemicals
• Mercury Thermometers
• 1 Pound Propane Cylinders
• Rechargeable Batteries

Residents are also permitted to bring televisions and computer monitors for disposal. Each unit for disposal will cost $20, paid by cash or check only. (If paying by check, please make check payable to the “Town of Dedham”).

The following items will not be accepted at this event:

• Latex Paint
• Fire Extinguishers
• Motor Vehicle Batteries
• Appliances
• Tires
• Propane Tanks

Please call the Board of Health at 781-751-9220 for additional information about this event.

PSB Updates

What to expect September 20, 2021 (Monday) through September 24, 2021 (Friday):

• The project site remains closed to the public.
• The dewatering system remains in place and operational.
• In anticipation of concrete placement, crews will continue to prepare and reinforce decking.
• On Monday, September 20, 2021, crews will be working onsite from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the first concrete placement for the first floor of the building. Expect trucks to be entering and exiting the site during this time to deliver concrete.
• Expect periodic entrance and exit of large trucks at the project site entrance, located at the intersection of Washington Street and Bryant Street. Please expect minor traffic delays at this intersection.
• No additional traffic impacts or pedestrian impacts are anticipated during this week.

Meetings/Community Events

Monday, 9/20/21:

• Dedham Square Planning Committee at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

Tuesday, 9/21/21:

• Designing Dedham 2030 Master Plan Committee at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Transportation Advisory Committee at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Blue Hills Regional School District Committee at 7:00 p.m. at Blue Hills Regional School, Room W-218

Wednesday, 9/22/21:

• Building, Planning & Construction Committee at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Dedham Farmer’s Market, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at First Church Green
• Planning Board at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Human Rights Commission at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall
• Historic Districts Commission & Historical Commission at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall and Zoom (Hybrid meeting)

Thursday, 9/23/21:

• William B. Gould Park Dedication at 4:00 p.m. at 34 Milton Street, Dedham, MA
• Select Board at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom

Events shown as listed on the Town calendar as of 9/13/21. Don't forget to check out the Dedham Public Library events calendar!

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This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.