By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In honor of Representative Denise Garlick’s final days in office, a Celebration of Service was held at Powers Hall (Needham Town Hall) on Monday, December 9th. Those residents from Needham, Medfield and Dover were welcome to come and thank Garlick for all her hard work over the last 14 years and wish her well on the next chapter of her life.
This heart-warming event lasted from 5:30pm to 8 pm and was constantly filled with adoring friends and family of Garlick. Refreshments were served including assorted crackers, cheese and fruits, meatballs, buns and more. Located at each table were a variety of awards Garlick had been presented with throughout her seven year term. Included within these was the Massachusetts Environmental Health Associate Vartkes K. “Vic” Karaian Award.
Also located at each table were blank cards and pens in which attendees were invited to write Garlick a “Nice Note.” A sign on the front table stated, “Over the course of her career, Denise has sent thousands of Nice Notes to constituents in recognition of their incredible accomplishments. Take a card and write a Nice Note of your own to Denise!” While walking through the event, every table could be seen with multiple people writing these Nice Notes to Garlick.
As the night went on, the line to speak with Garlick became longer and longer as everyone wanted to thank her for all she had done for the towns. Behind Garlick was a small podium stand set up and a slideshow presentation depicting a variety of marvelous highlights over the course of her career. Towards the middle of the night, multiple speakers took to the podium to speak so highly of Garlick. These speakers included: Garlick’s son, Andy Garlick; former Needham Selectboard Member, Dan Matthews; Campaign Committee Member, Deb Jacobs; Garlick’s daughter, Monica Garlick; former and current Chief of Staff, Amanda Bernardo and Colin Fedor; and husband and daughter of Garlick, Russell and Beth Garlick. Garlick herself then spoke a few words and ultimately thanked everyone not only for coming tonight, but also for their constant support over the last 14 years.
In a letter that Garlick wrote to all in attendance, she stated, “On the occasion of my retirement as the State Rep. of the 13th Norfolk District (Needham, Dover and Medfield), I wish to express my appreciation for all the people who are active citizens, the elected, staff and volunteer leadership in our Towns and my gratitude to the voters for the opportunity to serve. In my very first campaign for State Rep., a fourth grader named Henry asked me, ‘Will you live at the State House or still live with us?’ I have always lived with us – and for us – attending town meetings, community events like Needham, Dover and Medfield Days, especially at Veterans and Memorial commemorations, in our school and a conservative estimate of more than 500 breakfast meetings at Fresco and Blue Moon to ensure that no constituent had to travel to Boston to see me. I was once asked if my job was fun – the description I have used is ‘fascinating.’ There are many good and certainly some fun moments, but I have never lost sight that it is a serious job with immense responsibility that impacts the lives of the 43,000 constituents of our District and the more than 7 million people of our Commonwealth. … I am deeply grateful to the voters of Needham, Dover and Medfield for this great opportunity to serve. It has indeed been an honor.”
As the night came to a close, all in attendance left with a full heart and utter praise for Garlick as she ends this chapter of her life. Her utter commitment and love for the people has always been prominent throughout her seven terms and community members greatly appreciate her for this. On behalf of the entire Hometown Weekly Staff, we would like to thank Garlick for her constant dedication to Needham, Dover and Medfield and for a happy and fulfilling retirement ahead.
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