February 22, 2021
News and Community Announcements
COVID-19: Vaccination Policies
What Employers Need to Know

As COVID-19 vaccinations become increasingly available to the general public, employers are considering whether to mandate or encourage their workers to get vaccinated. In this alert, here are some general answers to common vaccine-related questions we have fielded recently from clients grappling with the legal and practical challenges around this issue.

The Strand Theatre Now a COVID-19 Testing Site in Upham’s Corner

The Strand Theatre, located at 543 Columbia Road in Upham’s Corner, is open for walk-in testing on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. All individuals can be tested, no appointment necessary, for free – regardless of symptoms or insurance and are also supplied with care kits containing masks, hand sanitizer and community resource information on-site.








Boston’s Age Strong Commission Providing Assistance to Seniors
Scheduling COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

Services are available to all Seniors. Services include health insurance counseling, help with applications for food and fuel benefits and Senior programs and services. 

You can reach the Age Strong Commission via phone at 311, 911, or 617.635.4366 or via email at AgeStrong@Boston.gov or online at https://www.boston.gov/departments/age-strong-commission/information-and-referrals-older-people
Dorchester Bay City Project (Bayside Expo)

This Proposed Project includes substantial public realm and infrastructure improvements, including approximately 20 acres of new, publicly accessible open space and a new street network with a vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian accommodations.

Jones Hill - Everett Ave. Food Forest Spring Planting Meeting
Wed., February 24th at 6:30 pm

We are currently planning spring plantings at the Everett Ave open space! 

Let's talk about plantings for spring! Hear preliminary ideas from landscaper/horticulturist Noah McKenna and toss around your ideas for the Boston Food Forest Coalition open space under construction at 11Everett Ave.

For questions or comments email kitbinns1@gmail.com

AACA Asian Business Training & Mentorship Program  

All types of businesses are invited to apply to the Asian Business Training & Mentorship program (ABTM). The purpose of the program is to empower participants with the knowledge they need to stabilize and grow their businesses. The ABTM program is being offered by the Asian American Civic Association, Inc. This program has been designed by and for Asian businesses and will be offered remotely during the pandemic and in person when it is safe to do so. The program is likely to run from March-August, 2021 (TBD).

Click on the image to the right for the application.

February 2021 Call for Artists:
Notice of a Grant Opportunity

Graphic, Comic, Illustration, Animation, Video, and Other Art to Advance Community Health and Wellbeing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Exciting opportunity - "MAPC is seeking artists, designers, and creatives to create works of art that can be used to promote the COVID-19 vaccine and other COVID-19 related public health messaging---with a focus on culturally resonant works that engage ethnic, cultural, and BIPOC communities."
Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in startup funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to implement the Community Heart & Soul model.

Download the Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Guidelines for details about this funding opportunity.

General Information & Updates

  • Meal Distribution Sites for Children and Youth: The City of Boston, in partnership with Project Bread, YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, and other community organizations, will provide free meals to all youth and teens at various locations and times across the City.
  • Pharmaluxe Pharmacy Delivers: Contact Pharmaluxe to set up an account for home delivery of prescriptions and other first-aid items. Email: info@pharmaluxerx.com or call 617-238-5224.
  • Unemployment Insurance: Obtain updates about unemployment benefits and Coronavirus (COVID-19). Here is additional unemployment information.
  • Need Health Insurance Information: The Health Connector enrollment period has been extended.
  • Small Business Disaster Loan Assistance: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here for information.
  • Boston Chamber of Commerce
  • The Boston Resiliency Fund is the City of Boston’s effort to help coordinate assistance. Click here for more information.
  • The official City of Boston Coronavirus Information Page where Mayor Walsh's team, including the Boston Public Health Commission is keeping the most current information and recommendations available for our local situation.
  • The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Coronavirus Resources Page.
  • Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Fact Page.
  • ISD Guidelines keeping your establishment safe. Click here for the steps you can take.
Additional Resources

  • City of Boston Health Line: 617-534-5050
  • Social Media Sites for Mayor Walsh - @Marty_Walsh
  • City of Boston - @CityOfBoston
  • Boston Public Health Commission - @Healthy Boston
  • 311 is the City of Boston information Line and 211 is the Massachusetts/NH Information Line
  • For all constituent services, please call 311
  • Please follow us on Twitter @EconDevBos
  • Facebook @ EconDevBos
  • For the Mayor’s Hotline for questions about COVID-19, please call 617-534-5050.
  • Text BOSCOVID to 99411 to opt-in to the City of Boston's daily text service for updates and information regarding COVID-19. This is a free service.
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Upham's Corner Main Street | 545 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125