TASK FORCE INFORMATION:>>.

Thanks to Cheryl Aglio-Girelli and her committee, Val Kistler, Diego Low, Eleanor Shore, and Eryn Ryan Clavelli, our newest member, for producing an outstanding “Suitcase Stories Unpacked” program, with financial support, in part,  from the Needham Council for Arts and Culture and the Mass Cultural Council.  In addition the Needham Community Council joined in the planning.  In mid June the 2d part of the program will be produced with the help of Cheryl Hamilton of Stellar Story Company who conducted a brief program on how to tell your story. The June program will be one not to miss.  The Task Force conducted a program several years ago that was attended by a standing room only crowd!  More information will follow as plans are firmed up.  Please contact Cheryl at agirelli@rcn.com . With any questions or to volunteer.
 >> During the course of the March 11th meeting there were several questions about health care for those who are uninsured.  Sandy Robinson sent along a sheet prepared by the Needham Department of Public Health entitled, “Resources for Residents”, a copy of which is attached below.  Thank you Sandy.
 >>  Is there anyone who would like to: 1.   periodically send letters to the editor to local papers, including the Globe, or members of Congress setting the record straight on immigration related issues?  and/or 2.  Help redraft our tri-fold brochure that we give away at public events, that explains who we are and what we do? Send me an email if interested.
 >> The minutes from our last meeting on March 11 are attached.
 >> Our next meeting will take place on April 8 via zoom at 7:30PM.   Please send any items you wish to discuss.  An invitation will be sent during the week of April 1st.

NATIONAL NEWS:>> The Washington Post reports that upon remand from the Supreme Court, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals again has blocked Texas from arresting and deporting migrants, which officers believed they may be illegally in the US.  During oral argument, the attorney representing Texas could not answer questions from the judges about the impact the law would have in a number of scenarios because the law is not well drafted!  SEE: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/19/supreme-court-texas-immigration-law/
 >> The Washington Post published an article entitled, “Law enforcement officials in Texas wonder how they will enforce migrant arrest law”. See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2024/03/21/texas-migrant-arrest-law-enforcement/a85de6e2-e7d0-11ee-9eba-1558f848ec25_story.html
  

LOCAL NEWS:>> WGBH broadcast a story entitled: “Mass.’s Health Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants Provides a Model Other States Can Follow”.  I know there is great interest in the subject among us.  For the story Go to:      https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2024/03/12/health-care-insurance-undocumented-immigrants-masshealth-limited-sarah-brown?utm
_  >> The Boston Globe reported that FL Gov DeSantis has again indicated he may send another plane load of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard.SEE:  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/20/metro/desantis-haitian-migrants-marthas-vineyard/?camp=bgbriefrssfeedly&rss_id=feedly_rss_brief&s_campaign=bostonglobesocialflowtwitter

LOCAL REQUESTS:>> The Community Council will be starting a new course for those interested in tutoring Needham Residents in learning English.  You can apply for the next training session which starts April11.  You need not speak any foreign language. Please see the minutes from the March 11th meeting for details.

Stay safe
Gerry Rovner