Talking with Tarsky
- Administrator
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 13
October Edition
We had a busy month between committee hearings, district events, and constituent cases, and that’s just how we want it! Keep reading below to hear more about our month in the district and at the State House.
What We’ve Been Up To
Thanks to our intern, Bella, we launched our new social media series, Local Legends! This series seeks to highlight impactful individuals and organizations that make the 13th Norfolk District the unique and special place that we all know and love. Our first highlight was on Sandy Robinson and the amazing work of the Needham Community Council.
In Dover
Congratulations to retiring Dover Fire Chief Jim Wright — thank you for your dedicated service and leadership.
A warm welcome to Gerry Smith, Dover’s first-ever full-time Fire Chief! Chief Smith has dedicated his career to protecting the community, leading with principle, and inspiring those around him. I am proud to celebrate this milestone in Dover's history. Thank you, Chief Smith, for your commitment and service.
It was a wonderful ceremony honoring some of Dover’s finest!
I had a great time at Dover Days! It was great to be in the community, and I was honored to speak at the ribbon cutting for the beautiful new expanded Caryl Community Center, which now includes offices for the Parks and Recreation Department and the Council on Aging. The expanded space will bring additional community spaces for meetings, educational programs, and arts & culture.
Photos provided by the Town of Dover
In Medfield
I had a great time at the 45th Annual Discover Medfield Day hosted by MEMO - Medfield Employers and Merchants Organization and the Franklin Downtown Partnership. It's events like this that bring the community together, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to connect with constituents, friends, and colleagues.
A special thanks to Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll for showing her support at this event, and to Senator Becca Rausch for sharing a booth with me.
In Needham
We held our second “Take the T with Tarsky!” Catch us at 8 AM the morning of October 15th at Needham Heights for the next one!
Needham Housing Authority
I sat in on and answered questions at this month’s Needham Housing Authority meeting at the
Linden/Chambers property. I enjoyed getting to know the residents and am planning to visit
them again soon.
Tour of Avita
In order to better understand the options available to seniors in the area, I received a tour at Avita of Needham, an assisted-living community specializing in memory care. Thank you to MaryAnne and the staff for having me.
Needham Thrives
The inaugural Needham Thrives Festival was this weekend. It was a great highlight of all the
resources in town that support mental and physical wellbeing.
I recently sat down with Andrea Chasen of Our Social Contract for an interview. We talked about why I ran for office, my accomplishments to date, and my vision for 13th Norfolk District and the state. Read the ull interview below.
Legislative Happenings
On September 17th, the House passed H.4530, a supplemental budget to address the widening funding gap in the Health Safety Net program, which pays acute care hospitals and community health centers for necessary medical care for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Massachusetts residents. By strategically targeting support to fiscally-strained hospitals and community health centers, the Commonwealth is better able to protect our state’s most vulnerable populations and guard itself from the federal uncertainty that this Administration has manufactured. The bill was bipartisan and near-unanimous in the House (148 YEA, 1 NAY), and Governor Healey signed the bill into law on September 22nd.
I testified in front of the Special Commission on Antisemitism on September 25th; I spoke about my personal experiences with antisemitism growing up, in the military, or in schools, and highlighted the timely work of the commission. You can find the link to the hearing here, I begin speaking at the 1:31:30 mark.
I also testified on H.1462, An Act to support college students in recovery, which Senator Rausch and I filed. This bill would require public higher education institutions to provide unique housing for students in recovery from alcohol or substances to allow them safely and healthily reintegrate to college life. I speak at the 38:40 mark of the hearing.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am proud to highlight Ellie Fund, a Massachusetts breast cancer support service non-profit. Did you know EllieFund supports breast cancer patients in Massachusetts free of cost regardless of their income? Go to elliefund.org to find out more.
What’s Next?
As we head into October and the leaves start to change, I’m looking forward to a number of
events and hearings, including Needham’s Harvest Fair this weekend and our next office hours in Medfield on October 10th. I’m also excited to be honoring NASA Astronaut and Needham native Sunita Williams in the House Chamber on October 8th. Keep an eye out for more Local Legends highlights and the formation of our Inaugural Youth Council! Applications are still open until October 3.
Yours in Community,
Josh
As always, if you need anything from my office, please reach out to me or Kyle via our emails
(joshua.tarsky@mahouse.gov | kyle.mcgrath@mahouse.gov) or call our office at (617) 722-2582
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