THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, September 6, 2019 Page 13 Residents encouraged to prepare during Emergency Preparedness Month G overnor Charlie Baker has proclaimed September 2019 as Emergency Preparedness Month to encourage individuals and families to prepare for emergencies and disasters. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the American Red Cross of Massachusetts, together with their partners, will promote emergency preparedness throughout the month through various outreach initiatives. These efforts are part of a month-long nationwide preparedness campaign to encourage residents to take simple steps to better prepare themselves, their homes, their businesses and their communities. “As Massachusetts and the rest of the nation continue to confront natural disasters that cause major disruptions for our communities, we encourage residents to spend time this September preparing for a potential emergency or disaster,” said Baker. “Increased preparedness will improve public health and safety, and can help minimize property damage and the economic impact of when disaster strikes.” “Through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Department of Public Health and other state agencies, our administration remains committed to working with cities and towns across the Commonwealth and other government partners to strengthen our preparedness for the next disaster,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We encourage the Commonwealth’s residents, communities and businesses to take steps to prepare before the next emergency.” “The best defense for an emergency is being properly prepared,” said Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “As we recognize Emergency Preparedness Month, we encourage individuals now and every day to take proactive steps to safeguard their future health should a disaster occur.” “When it comes to preparedness, there is no time like the present,” said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “This September, take a few moments to think about the specific needs your family may have in the event of an emergency, such as a blackout or severe weather, and how you can prepare now to ensure those needs are met.” “Preparedness Month is an important reminder that we should all take time now to be ready in case an emergency occurs,” said American Red Cross of Massachusetts CEO Holly Grant. “Talking with our families and households about what to do in case something happens gives everyone peace of mind. Small steps taken now, like making a home escape plan, can make a huge difference when a disaster strikes” “There are a variety of hazards and threats that can cause damage and impact residents in Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas Turco. “Residents can improve their personal safety and build community resilience by knowing their risks, preparing for them in advance, and knowing what to do in an emergency.” “Emergency Preparedness Month is an opportunity to prepare for the emergencies that may occur in communities across the Commonwealth,” said MEMA Director Samantha Phillips. “Recent tornadoes in July have shown the importance of receiving timely emergency alerts and taking protective actions during dangerous severe weather. September is a time to refocus our attention on ensuring we have a prepared and resilient Commonwealth.” During September, MEMA, DPH and the Red Cross will share information on their respective social media accounts about emergency preparedness topics, including financial preparedness, emergency planning, youth preparedness, planning for those with access and functional needs, and ways to get involved in community preparedness. These agencies and organizations will host a joint Facebook Live preparedness event on September 9. MEMA will also support various emergency preparedness events across the state, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will feature signage along highways to raise awareness. MEMA’s website, www.mass. gov/mema, features information about the hazards common in Massachusetts and resources to help prepare for emergencies: • Be Informed and Receive Emergency Alerts • Plan for Emergencies and Disasters • Build an Emergency Kit • Get Involved. Residents of the Commonwealth are encouraged to participate in preparedness activities and use these preparedness resources to help prepare themselves, their family, their property and their community. Leaders celebrate rising labor movement at annual Labor Day breakfast M ore than 500 union leaders and activists, along with key community allies, were joined by Massachusetts political leaders at the Greater Boston Labor Council’s annual Labor Day Breakfast to celebrate recent campaign victories for workers across the Commonwealth. These included the heavily publicized strikes at Marriott hotels, National Grid, Stop & Shop and the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority. Strike activity is on the rise across the nation, yielding a growing number of victories for unions and their supporters, and Massachusetts is no exception. Union approval ratings continue to climb and are now at 64 percent according to a recent Gallup poll, one of the highest marks achieved in the last 50 years. Labor leaders point to a recognition among the general public and working families that unions are needed more than ever in an era of growing wage inequality. The results of a recent MIT study indicated that the number of U.S. workers “who don’t belong to unions but say they would join one if they could is higher than it was two decades ago.” These findings have bolstered calls among leaders for labor law reforms that would make it easier for workers to join unions without employer retaliation. In addition to citing victories for workers across the state in recent months, Greater Boston Labor Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Richard Rogers plans to call for unity among the labor movement in the 2020 election. Moves by President Donald Trump to weaken labor protections and to provide handouts to the ultra-wealthy will be a focal point for Rogers and other speakers. “I believe it is incumbent upon every union leader both national and local to embrace the eventual Democratic nominee,” said Rogers. “We have a moral obligation to do everything in our power to educate our members to ensure the Democratic nominee receives an overwhelming vote from organized labor. Trump’s unabashed racism and sexism should be an automatic disqualifier. His tax plan put more money in the pocket of the 1% and worsened the crisis of economic inequality. His deregulatory agenda includes stacking the National Labor Relations Board against unions, turning the Department of Labor over to enemies of workers, further eroding workplace safety protections by weakening OSHA, and repealing every executive order President Obama issued to help level the playing field.” “At this time in our history, we are up against some of the darkest and most urgent moments of our lifetimes. We must continue to build worker power so we can fight for our values like healthcare, retirement and dignity in the workplace,” said Massachusetts AFL–CIO President Steven Tolman. September Happenings at Temple Emmanuel of Wakefield T he Temple Emmanuel Board of Directors wishes to invite interested area folks to several interesting programs happening in September at our home at 120 Chestnut St. in Wakefield. We offer a stimulating and friendly environment where adults and children of all ages can embrace their Jewish roots, regardless of their level of observance or affiliation. Rabbi Gregory Hersh begins his fourth year at Temple as our spiritual leader. Shabbat celebrations begin on September 6 at 7:30 p.m. and September 7 at 9:30 a.m., with a Pot Luck Shabbat Supper on September 13 at 6:30 p.m. Tot Shabbats are held on the second Saturday morning of the month at 9:30 a.m. with music, stories and special activity themes. There are Jewish Meditation Circles on the third Friday evening of the month at 7:30 and Shabbat Walks at Breakheart Reservation on the fourth Saturday mornings at 9:30. New this year is a special “BARK MITZVAH!” – an Open House – bring your dog and come say “HELLO!” from 11 a.m. to noon. This year our popular Once a Week With the Rabbi program has expanded for children. There will be a Sunday morning class for children four to seven years old to be introduced to Jewish prayers, Hebrew and English songs, and holiday activities. For those eight to 13, there will be a 90-minute class with an innovative curriculum of Hebrew instruction, Torah study and discussion, and fun activities. For those students aged 12 and 13, a second class each week will help them prepare for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah. The Sisterhood of Temple Emmanuel will hold their Kickoff Supper on Monday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. with a delicious supper and a surprise musical performance. Rabbi’s Monthly Discussions will continue on Wednesday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. This month’s topic is “Mussar: Jewish Ethical and Spiritual Development, Balancing Pride and Humility.” The end of September will usher in the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah. First on September 21 at 7:30 will be a Havdalah, social and Selichot program. Rosh Hashanah begins on September 29 at 7:30 p.m. and continues on Monday and Tuesday at 9 a.m. Services led by Rabbi Hersh will be assisted by Cantor Jonathan Tepper. Reservations for High Holiday Seats are being taken now. Details for our many Temple Emmanuel events can be found on our website: www.WakefieldTemple.org. Temple Emmanuel is a member of the Jewish Reconstructionist Communities. Questions may be sent to info@ WakefieldTemple.org or call 781245-1886.
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