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Brookline Emergency Management Team Shares Hot Weather Safety Tips Ahead Of High Weekend Temperatures

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Brookline.com
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With temperatures this weekend forecast to be the highest yet this season, the Brookline Emergency Management Team would like to remind residents to take safety precautions during activities during hot weather, especially those that take place outdoors.

The region is expected to experience unseasonably hot weather Saturday and Sunday with temperatures reaching into the 90s. A heat advisory will be in effect regionally from Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 08:00 a.m. until Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 08:00 p.m.

The town has decided to open several water play areas in parks early this year due to the expected high temperatures. Water play areas will be open in the following locations:

  • Waldstein Playground (Dean Road and Strathmore Road / Clinton Path);
  • Soule Early Childhood Center (Hammond Street);
  • Harry Downes Playground (Pond Avenue and Jamaica Road);
  • Emerson Garden(Davis Avenue and Waverly Street);
  • Winthrop Square (St. Paul and Freeman Streets);
  • Billy Ward Playground (Aspinwall Avenue and Brook Street);
  • Clark Playground (Cypress and Edwin Streets);
  • Robinson Playground (Cypress and Franklin Streets);
  • Coolidge Playground (Columbia and Kenwood Streets);
  • Lawton Playground (Lawton Street);
  • Corey Hill Playground (Summit Avenue);
  • Juniper Playground (Juniper Streets);
  • Warren / Eliot Playground (Eliot Street and Ackers Avenue).

To prevent illness and injuries, Brookline Emergency Management recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:

Heat Safety Tips:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, like water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar — these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
  • If you are outside, find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 03:00 p.m.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • If someone does not have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
  • Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
  • Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Additional Tips for Parents:

  • Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
  • Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.

Recognizing Heat Illnesses:

Heat Cramps

Look for:

  • heavy sweating during intense exercise;
  • muscle pain or spasms.

If you have heat cramps:

  • Stop physical activity and move to a cool place.
  • Drink water or a sports drink.
  • Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity.
  • Get medical help if cramps last longer than 1 hour, you are on a low-sodium diet or if you have heart problems

Heat Exhaustion

Look for:

  • heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; fainting

If you expect heat exhaustion:

  • Move to a cool place Loosen your clothes.
  • Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath.
  • Sip water.
  • Get medical help if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hour.

Heat Stroke

Look for:

  • high body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; passing out

If you expect a heat stroke:

  • Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency.
  • Move the person to a cooler place.
  • Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath.
  • Do not give the person anything to drink.

Learn more about heat illnesses here.

Town Of Brookline Seeks Candidates For Board Of Library Trustees

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Brookline.com
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The Brookline Board of Library Trustees and the Select Board wish to announce that they are seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the Board of Library Trustees following the resignation of Regina Healy.

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter, 41, section 11, the Library Trustees and the Select Board will work jointly to find a person to fill the vacancy until the annual town election in May 2023.

Those interested should submit a cover letter and resume by June 10, 2022 to the Board of Library Trustees at librarytrustees@brooklinema.gov, or by regular mail at 361 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445. Candidates must be registered voters of the Town of Brookline.

The Library Trustees will interview the candidates during the weeks of June 13, 2022 and June 20, 2022. All interviews will be held remotely.

The Select Board and Library Trustees will conduct final interviews at a Joint Convention on June 28 and will fill the vacancy at that time. The Joint Convention will be held via Zoom and the link will be posted on the Town Calendar here.

The Board of Trustees consists of 12 local residents who are elected to three-year terms. Trustees work closely with the Director of the Library, and provide oversight of the library budget, services, and policies.

For more information on the responsibilities of a Library Trustee, please visit the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ website here.

“We thank Regie for her time on the Board of Library Trustees, and wish her well in her future endeavors,” Library Trustees Chair Michael Burstein said. “We look forward to working with the Select Board to identify the best person to fill the vacant seat. We strongly encourage all interested parties to apply for the position, especially those passionate about shaping the library’s future.”

Brookline Department Of Public Health Encourages Residents To Donate Blood At Upcoming Blood Drive

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Brookline.com
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Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss and Public Health Nurse EJ Bennett are pleased to announce that the Brookline Department of Public Health is hosting a blood drive later this month in collaboration with the American Red Cross.

The drive will take placeon Tuesday, May 31, 2022, from 01:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Location: Hunneman Hall at Brookline Public Library, 361 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

The Brookline Department of Public Health encourages residents to donate blood at its upcoming blood drive.

To make an appointment for the drive, visit here, hover over the “Donate Blood” tab at the top of the page and then select “Schedule an Appointment.” Enter the sponsor code BrooklineMA to register.

The May 31, 2022 blood drive is the first in a series of blood drives to be hosted by the Department of Public Health. Additional blood drives will take place on July 13, 2022, August 02, 2022, September 13, 2022, October 04, 2022 November 01, 2022 and December 06, 2022, all between the hours of 01:00 and 06:00 p.m.

Anyone at least 17 years old can donate blood, so long as they are in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. In Massachusetts, a 16-year-old may donate blood as well but is required to have a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to donating. There is no upper age limit for donating, so long as the individual is feeling healthy and well and meets the other criteria.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Unveils Refreshed CoViD-19 Data Portal And Information Hub

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Brookline.com
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Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss is pleased to announce that the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services has launched a new CoViD-19 data portal and information hub.

The new interactive online dashboard enables residents to access cumulative and weekly CoViD-19 data, including cases, testing and vaccination rates. Each of these key indicators is also broken down along demographic lines, giving residents a better understanding of how the pandemic is impacting people of different age groups and races.

“Local CoViD-19 data has been the cornerstone to the department’s CoViD-19 response,” Reiss said. “We are excited to launch our dynamic dashboard that allows residents to see Brookline’s CoViD-19 data and trends over the course of the whole pandemic, and with an emphasis on recent data and metrics.”

Data is updated each Friday, and is accessible via the department’s newly reimagined CoViD-19 hub. The Town of Brookline’s CoViD-19 Hub is accessible here.

The interactive data features empower users to sort by demographic factors, as well as expand or narrow their view of the town’s case data from the beginning of the pandemic to just recently, and examine the impact the coronavirus has had on specific cohorts over time.

Town Of Brookline Honors Employees During National Public Service Recognition Week

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to share that the Town of Brookline acknowledged employees last week as part of National Public Service Recognition Week.

Celebrated during the first week of May since 1985, PSRW is a nationwide public education campaign designed to honor those who serve as federal, state, county and local employees.

“So many people put in remarkable effort to make town government run smoothly and effectively, and many of them do so behind the scenes,” Kleckner said. “Public Service Recognition Week is an opportunity for us to pause and show our gratitude for their efforts, which directly benefit the community.”

To mark PSRW, the Town of Brookline invited staff members to nominate their colleagues and peers for recognition. The following town employees were nominated for recognition for outstanding contributions to Brookline’s efforts to serve its residents and visitors:

  • Zeray Assefa, of the Information Technology Department, for 20 years of service to the town and Public Schools of Brookline.
  • Javier Rodriguez, of the Department of Public Works, for his contributions to numerous DPW and highway projects. Rodriguez has been a town employee for 16 years, and in that time has worked to become the head carpenter and play an integral role in snow and ice removal operations during the winter.
  • Ryan Kasala, of the Human Resources Department, who joined the town amid the CoViD-19 pandemic and took on an active role in supporting contact tracing among employees. He is also made numerous contributions to the town’s work related to worker’s compensation and on-duty injuries, and uses care and compassion to support the employees he works with who are facing health challenges.
  • Darlene Johnson, of the Health Department, for her myriad efforts to support the town’s response to CoViD-19, including vaccination clinics, disseminating information and answering residents’ questions through the height of the pandemic. She has also played an instrumental role in making the farmer’s market voucher program and website redesigns a success.
  • David Guzman, of Planning and Community Development, for his sense of calm and his compassionate approach to helping residents experiencing housing crises, his advocacy for public housing, and his strength as a listener, which helps move projects along.
  • Dai Q. Nguyen, of the Health Department, for his thorough approach to supporting public health in town, including going above and beyond during a period of transition for the department to ensure its success in responding to the pandemic. He also serves as a vocal advocate for his colleagues’ wellness by encouraging meditation and mindful breathing which contribute to reduced stress.
  • Todd Kirrane, of the Department of Public Works, for his tireless work on numerous transportation initiatives and programs in Brookline, including the Transportation Board, Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Shared Mobility Advisory Committee. His colleagues admire his leadership in shaping Brookline’s transportation policy and approach, making the town a safe place to walk, bike, scoot and drive. Kirrane has also been instrumental in securing essential grants.
  • Lloyd Lovering, of the Recreation Department, for his hard work and sense of pride in maintaining Recreation’s facilities, and his willingness to step in wherever he is needed.
  • Maria Morelli, of the Planning Department, for her strong work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to help her colleagues to accomplish their shared goals.
  • Ren Avellani, of the Information Technology Department, for his sense of caring for others and his tireless work to provide invaluable technical support townwide.
  • Lt. Walter Francis, of the Fire Department, for his compassion and empathy in dealing with patients on medical calls, his sympathetic demeanor and his professionalism that make him a role model for his fellow members.
  • Justin Casanova-Davis, of the Finance Department, for his strong performance in his new role as the department’s director, including fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
  • Josh Cooke, of the Recreation Department, for his work organizing significant events and programs like summer camp and Brookline Day. He also contributed to the town’s emergency operations center during the pandemic, bolstering efforts to conduct drive-through flu vaccine clinics in the fall of 2020 and later organizing CoVoD-19 vaccine clinics for employees and residents.
  • Julie Washburn, of the Council on Aging, for making the Senior Center a welcoming atmosphere, as well as working tirelessly to ensure Brookline’s older population is protected and receives the services they need while maintaining their independence.
  • Katie MacGillivray and Tiffany Sousa, of the Select Board’s Office, who together serve as the backbone of the Select Board’s day-to-day work. MacGillivray is a longtime employee and resident who fields numerous calls from people in the community and is responsible for maintaining numerous town records and the minutes of the board. Sousa was recognized for her knack for putting business owners at ease with her extensive knowledge of the town and state licensing procedures. Additionally, other departments in town rely on Sousa to assist with workflow challenges that come with local licensing.
  • Shuang Huang, of the IT Department, for his team-driven attitude and motivation to make IT a good place to work. John Buchheit, of the Legal Department, for his longstanding service to the town and his accomplishments in recent years.
  • Richard Allen, of the Police Department. Stephanie Aucoin, of the Department of Public Works’ Transportation Division, for her commitment to service when working with residents.
  • Alex Cassie and Kiara Huntress, of the Parks and Open Space Division, for their strong work in a number of key areas, including the Green Dog program, permit verification, education, event management, wildlife assistance, goose management, park safety and visitor assistance. Both Huntress and Cassie fulfill these diverse responsibilities with professionalism and pride, and are always willing to help educate park users with a goal in mind of protecting the town’s public parks and open spaces for today and the future.
  • Kaitlin Conneely, of the Police Department, for her work building longtime relationships with students and community members as the department’s community service officer.
  • Christine Hurley, of the Department of Public Works, for going above and beyond to make sure she’s fostering strong communication with residents and her fellow employees. The Police Department’s Special Response Team, for their dedicated efforts to protect public safety.

Nominated staff members were recognized throughout the week on social media for their various contributions to the town and its residents.

Town Of Brookline Begins Search For Next Library Director

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Brookline.com
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Michael Burstein, Chair of the Brookline Library Trustees, is pleased to announce that work to identify the next director of the Brookline Public Library has begun.

The Trustees are currently seeking resumes from qualified candidates to fill the director role, which is being filled on an interim basis by Dinah O’Brien, who has served as the library director for both the Mansfield and Norton Public Libraries. Current Library Director Sara Slymon is departing her role on May 12, 2022 after eight (8) years in Brookline.

Resumes are being accepted until Wednesday, June 15, 2022, after which a Library Director Screening Committee will be assembled to review and evaluate the candidates and recommend finalists to the Trustees. The board anticipates the next director will begin in the role starting in September.

“We are all grateful for Sara’s tremendous work throughout her tenure as our library’s director, especially for her efforts to guide the library through the challenges of the CoViD-19 pandemic,” Burstein said. “We wish her all the best, and are committed to identifying the best person to build on the library’s success and guide it into the future.”

The Trustees are seeking candidates with extensive library experience, including at least five years of significant supervisory and managerial experience. The ideal candidate will also possess a deep knowledge of the principles and practices of library operations and is skilled in using data and technology to innovate and best serve the Brookline Public Library’s patrons.

To view the full job posting and apply, please visit here.

Town Of Brookline Invites Community To Virtual Reading Of Asian American Student Essays

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Brookline.com
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The Brookline Asian American Family Network (BAAFN) wishes to invite the community to the virtual Asian American Student Essay Contest Award Ceremony next week.

The event will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, from 06:09 p.m. to – 07:00 p.m. o n Zoom.

To RSVP, please visit here.

Registrants will be sent the Zoom link.

Each year in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, BAAFN holds an essay contest to allow students to freely express “what it means to be an Asian American.”

This year BAAFN received a record 28 submissions, which were reviewed by a panel of judges.

Many essays explored students’ experience with anti-Asian rhetoric and violence in the U.S., which have been exacerbated by the CoViD-19 pandemic being linked inconclusively to China.

At the ceremony, awards will be presented to the following contestants:

  • BAAFN Award: Eun-Jae M. Norris and Emerson Lin;
  • Content Award: Ellie Hyde;
  • Creativity Award: Kayla Chen;
  • Honorable Mentions: Linsey Brookfield, Tina Cheng and Stephanie Wong.

Attendees will have the chance to hear the essays read by the students themselves.

The event also will feature the premiere of “Being Asian American at BHS,” a video documentary created by Brookline High School seniors Sam Lee and Jean Hur.

“I commend every contestant for speaking up, putting their experiences to paper, and shining light on this difficult subject. Together, their voices created a symphony against the erasure, invisibility, and racism that the Asian community has historically experienced,” BAAFN Steering Committee Member Hsiu-Lan Chang said.

BAAFN thanks the Committee of Judges — Christian Angelos, Giselle Ferro Puigbo, John Hodgman, Caitlin Starr, and Charu Swamy — who read the submissions. The judges of Asian descent expressed that they experienced similar hardships growing up.

“These 28 essays were often difficult to read. Difficult, only because of the pain and honesty that was so well conveyed on the page. I was able to find hope and promise for the future when looking at the 28 entries as a whole,” Judge Angelos said. “It brings me so much joy to know that 28 students have that knowledge and the awareness to tell their stories with so much honesty and insight. I walk away from this experience feeling encouraged that this courageous generation of Asian Americans feels emboldened to tell their stories, and that they will not be silenced.”

BAAFN also wishes to thank the following community sponsors for their generosity and support of this initiative: Jay Lebed and Boston Portfolio Advisers, The Brookline Booksmith, The Brookline Community Foundation, Brookline Frames, Sheri Flagler from Coldwell Banker Real Estate, John Hodgman, Jin’s Fine Asian Cuisine, Pho Viet’s, Karyn Wang, and The Town of Brookline Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations.

Brookline Department Of Public Works Invites Community To Spring Fest Celebration Of Trees

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Brookline.com
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The Brookline Department of Public Works wishes to invite the community to attend Brookline’s inaugural Spring Fest next week.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 07, 2022, from 11:09 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. Rain date Saturday, May 14, 2022.

The location is Allerton Overlook at Olmsted Park, 203 Pond Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445.

There is limited street parking near Olmsted Park, so attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or use public transit to get to Spring Fest. The nearest T stop is the Brookline Village station on the Green Line.

Spring Fest is a celebration of trees and will serve as the kickoff event for the Town’s recently completed Urban Forest Climate Resiliency Master Plan, and will include an Arbor Day planting and proclamation.

The event also will feature family-friendly activities, including yard games, crafting stations, a tree-themed scavenger hunt, food and music. Town forestry staff will conduct a live pruning demonstration and share tree care resources, including information on how residents can apply for a free tree.

The event will include the following scheduled activities:

  • 11:00 a.m. – Tree ID Walk with Brookline GreenSpace Alliance;
  • 12:00 p.m. – Arbor Day Ceremony;
  • 01:00 p.m. – Pruning Demonstration & Allerton Overlook Spring Planting.

“The value of our urban forest and public green spaces cannot be overstated. As we have seen throughout the CoViD-19 pandemic, these natural resources are critical to public and ecological health and serve as important nature-based climate solutions with multiple benefits for our communities,” Brookline Parks and Open Space Director Alexandra Vecchio said. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for Brookline residents to come together and learn more about how to value and care for our essential green infrastructure.”

Spring Fest will take place in Olmsted Park in collaboration with the National Association for Olmsted Parks’ “Olmsted 200” initiative, which celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted.

Olmsted, a renowned landscape architect and conservationist, who helped design Central Park in New York City, was known for his commitment to creating thoughtfully designed, community-oriented open spaces and sustainable landscapes. Olmsted Park is a perfect example of his exemplary work, and is considered one of Brookline’s most valuable open space resources. The park serves as a critical habitat corridor and boasts the second-largest historic forest in the Emerald Necklace with 17 acres of forest cover.

“We have a lot to celebrate — our wonderful open spaces, our renewed dedication to our urban tree canopy as outlined in the new Urban Forest Climate Resiliency Master Plan, and of course, Frederick Law Olmsted on the 200th anniversary of his birth. Brookline GreenSpace Alliance is also celebrating 35 years of advocacy for our green spaces at a table at Spring Fest in Olmsted Park,” said Brookline GreenSpace Alliance President Arlene Mattison.

Spring Fest is kindly sponsored by Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, Brookline Mothers Out Front, Olmsted 200 and the Brookline Arts Center.

“This event is a great way to learn what trees can do for you and what you can do for them,” said Olivia Fischer Fox of Brookline Mothers Out Front’s Tree Team.

For more information, please visit here or scan the QR code below.

Town Of Brookline To Hold Final Public Forum On U.S. Open Golf Championship

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Brookline.com
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The Town of Brookline invites community members to participate in its final public forum about the U.S. Open, and to share feedback about plans and protocols for golf’s national championship.

The virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 09, 2022, at 06:00 p.m. Those interested in attending are asked to register here.

Participants will offer updates in advance of the championship, which will be contested from June 13-19, 2022 at The Country Club:

  • The Community Partnership Committee, a collaboration among the Town, community leaders, and The Country Club, will report on the progress made toward the group’s initiatives.
  • Representatives of Town departments will provide updates about plans and protocols in several areas, such as trash removal, parking, and health and safety.
  • Representatives of The United States Golf Association and The Country Club will share useful information for attendees and the public.

The full meeting agenda may be found here.

“The first two public forums about U.S. Open planning were extremely valuable, and helped the Town to create a roadmap toward hosting a successful national championship event for all,” Town Administrator Mel Kleckner said. “We ask anyone with an interest in the championship or a concern they would like addressed to attend.”

About the 2022 U.S. Open: The U.S. Open is the annual open national championship of golf in the United States. It is one of four major championships and is organized by the United States Golf Association.

This year’s championship will be played at The Country Club from June 13-19, 2022.

For more information about the U.S. Open, visit here and here.

For more information about the USGA visit here.

Brookline Town Administrator Promotes Three Brookline Police Officers

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Acting Police Chief Richard Allen are pleased to share that three members of the Brookline Police Department have been promoted.

Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mealy was promoted from lieutenant, Lt. Robert Teahan was promoted from sergeant, and Sgt. Cheryl Molloy was promoted from officer.

“Deputy Superintendent Mealy, Lt. Teahan and Sgt. Molloy are experienced public servants who have dedicated themselves to the Brookline Police Department, and I congratulate them on their promotions,” said Town Administrator Kleckner. “I wish them well in their new positions.”

Lt. Teahan and Sgt. Molloy were selected for promotion based on their Civil Service promotional exam scores and performance in interviews of top candidates for each rank. Three candidates for each position were interviewed by a committee made up of Acting Chief Allen, Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Paster, Deputy Superintendent Paul Cullinane, and Boston Police Deputy Superintendent Lanita Cullinane.

Deputy Superintendent Mealy was selected for promotion from among seven candidates who submitted letters of interest and resumes. Each candidate was interviewed by a committee that included Acting Chief Allen, Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Paster, Deputy Superintendent Paul Cullinane, and Dr. Gerald Cox, an organizational development consultant and executive coach with over 30 years of experience.

Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mealy

Deputy Superintendent Mealy joined the Brookline Police Department in 1991. He has a Bachelor of Business degree in Business Management from Northeastern University, and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England College.

In 2000, while serving as a patrolman, Deputy Superintendent Mealy was awarded the George R. Hanna Award, which recognizes members of the law enforcement community for exemplary acts of bravery. Mealy and two colleagues came under gunfire on September 02, 1999 while investigating a suspicious vehicle. Mealy returned fire, striking and then arresting a suspect who was wanted for the fatal shooting of two women and the wounding of another woman in Georgia. Another suspect fled the scene, carjacked a woman at gunpoint, and later took his own life as Boston Police closed in on him.

Mealy was promoted to sergeant in 2004, and to lieutenant in 2015.

Deputy Superintendent Mealy has earned numerous citations for excellent police work, received extensive training in Crisis Intervention, and completed the Senior Management Institute for Police training with the Police Executive Research Forum.

Lt. Robert Teahan

Lt. Robert Teahan joined the Brookline Police Department in 2003. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University, and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Curry College.

Lt. Teahan was selected by his colleagues as the Brookline Police Officer of The Year for 2015. He was promoted to sergeant in 2017. Lt. Teahan has numerous commendations for excellent police work, and has received training in Crisis Intervention and Supervisor Leadership.

Sgt. Cheryl Molloy

Sgt. Cheryl Molloy joined the Brookline Police Department in 1996. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Bridgewater State University, and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University.

Sgt. Molloy has received numerous commendations for excellent police work, and training in Crisis Investigation and Sexual Assault Investigations.

Sale Of U.S. Open Merchandise Will Support Brookline Non-Profits & Community Groups

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Brookline.com
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The Town of Brookline wishes to share that U.S. Open Championship merchandise is now on sale at Brookline Golf Course, with a share of proceeds supporting local Brookline charities.

The Town and The Country Club are hosting the 2022 U.S. Open, golf’s national championship, which will be contested from June 13-19, 2022. Branded merchandise, including commemorative embroidered pin flags, shirts and t-shirts, wine glasses, mugs, sweaters, headwear, and outerwear, are on sale in the Brookline Golf Course pro shop through early June.

The pro shop is open seven days a week, 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

The sale of merchandise is one of many local fundraising efforts developed under a policy adopted by the Community Partnership Committee (CPC), which includes representatives of the Town, community, and The Country Club.

“We have something for every member of the family,” said Justin Lawson, General Manager of Brookline Golf Course. “We are grateful for all those in the local community who have already visited the golf shop and supported the local charities who will be benefiting from these merchandise offerings.”

About the 2022 U.S. Open: The U.S. Open is the annual open national championship of golf in the United States. It is one of four major championships and is organized by the United States Golf Association.

This year’s championship will be contested at The Country Club from June 13-19, 2022. It will be the fourth U.S. Open in the club’s history and its 17th USGA championship, second-most all-time. The championship was last played in Brookline during summer 1988. The first U.S. Open at The Country Club remains one of the most significant events in golf, when Brookline amateur golfer Francis Ouimet upset two of the game’s contemporary stars, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, to win the 1913 edition.

For more information about the U.S. Open, please visit here and here.

For more information about the USGA visit here.

Town Of Brookline Promotes Meredith Mooney To Economic Development Director

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Planning & Community Development Director Kara Brewton are pleased to announce that Meredith Mooney has been selected to serve as the Town of Brookline’s new Economic Development Director.

Mooney began in her new role on April 18, 2022. As Economic Development Director, Mooney is responsible for improving the functional and aesthetic qualities of public space in Brookline’s commercial areas, promoting commercial development that enhances tax growth and offsets the fiscal burden on residents, and supporting the growth and prosperity of Brookline’s business community.

In her new role, Mooney plans to pursue innovative initiatives, including the implementation of several CoViD-19 economic recovery programs, pursuing grant funding opportunities to advance priority projects for the Planning & Community Development Division, the development and implementation recommendations to streamline the Town’s business licensing and permitting processes, expedite the creation of new zoning uses and more.

She has served the town for the past four years as the Economic Development & Long Term Planner.

“Congratulations to Meredith on her new role,” Brewton said. “Meredith has proven to be an asset to the community and a dedicated public servant over the last four years. I am confident that those qualities, along with her entrepreneurial spirit, will make her successful in defining the next chapter of Economic Development and Long-Term Planning for the Town.”

Prior to joining the town, Mooney worked as the Director of Government Policy at Boston University, where she earned a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in public and nonprofit management. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University.

Brookline Police Department To Undergo Voluntary Assessment For Re-Accreditation

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Brookline.com
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Acting Chief Richard Allen is pleased to announce that a team of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) is scheduled to arrive in the first week of May to begin examining various aspects of the Brookline Police Department’s policies and procedures, operations and facilities.

On May 03, 2022, Brookline Police will undergo verification by the Assessment Team that the department meets MPACs standards. The assessment is part of a voluntary process to earm reaccreditation — a self-initiated evaluation through which police departments strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession, by the profession.

MPAC awards accreditation to agencies that meet its 257 mandatory standards, as well as 125 optional standards. In order to achieve accreditation status, the Department must meet all applicable mandatory standards as well as a percentage of the optional standards.

The Brookline Police Department received its initial certification — typically the first step toward accreditation — in 2010 and has been fully accredited by MPAC since 2013, and takes part in the re-accreditation process every three years.

“We are very excited to renew our accreditation. Our mission is to uphold the best policing practices to ensure that we are providing the highest and most professional level of service to our community,” said “Earning and maintaining accreditation is a tangible indicator of our work toward achieving that goal.”

Town Of Brookline Awards More Than $22 Million In CoViD-19 Relief Funds To Community Organizations & Projects

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Brookline.com
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Chair Heather Hamilton and the Select Board are pleased to announce that the Select Board has authorized more than $22 million in federal coronavirus relief funding to support key community projects and organizations.

The allocation represents slightly less than half of the approximately $43 million in federal funds provided to the Town of Brookline following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021.

On Tuesday, the Select Board adopted the recommendations of Brookline’s ARPA Submission Review Subcommittee, which evaluated submitted proposals and requests for funding and determined how to best allocate the funding to maximize its impact and benefit for the community-at-large.

The subcommittee was chaired by Select Board members John VanScoyoc and Miriam Aschkenasy.

The Select Board authorized allocating just over $22.4 million in funding to several organizations and projects, including:

  • $198,000 for a pedestrian safety study;
  • $1 million for the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health to establish urgent care stabilization and recovery services;
  • $1 million to support the Brookline Community Foundation’s Safety Net Fund and grantmaking to local nonprofits and organizations;
  • $6 million to support maintenance and capital needs at the Brookline Housing Authority’s Egmont Street Veterans and Trustman Apartments;
  • $3.5 million to address a Public Schools of Brookline operating budget shortfall due to lack of additional federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Program;
  • $1.4 million toward the Davis Footbridge’s design and construction $300,000 for the Brookline Food Pantry to expand and maintain its operations;
  • More than $257,000 for Women Thriving, Inc., which will provide three, eight-month training programs in work skills, personal finance, health and wellbeing, and more for immigrant women;
  • $500,000 for the Brookline Teen Center for its equitable recovery and program expansion.

In addition to these programs, the Select Board authorized funding for multiple arts programs, transportation programming, education, services and supports for vulnerable populations, as well as support for critical infrastructure work and other economic recovery efforts.

“Each of these organizations and projects is worthy of funding, which will help meet the needs of a diverse community that has been and continues to be broadly impacted by the CoViD-19 pandemic,” Hamilton said. “I am grateful to all of the members of the ARPA Submission Review Subcommittee for their thoughtful and engaged efforts to evaluate proposals and award funding in a way that is equitable and impactful.”

In some cases, funding awards were made with the expectation that organizations would reapply and potentially have their full funding requests met over the course of both rounds of funding.

For a full list of projects that were funded during the first round of awards, please visit here. For a broader look at the town’s work related to ARPA, please visit here.

Town Of Brookline Announces Street Closures For Boston Marathon

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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Acting Police Chief Richard Allen announce that several roads will be closed on Monday, April 18, 2022 to accommodate the Boston Marathon.

Beacon Street will be closed to inbound traffic.

Additionally, the following areas will be closed to traffic:
Chestnut Hill Ave at Clinton Road and Dean Road Washington Street at Park Street Harvard Street at Longwood Ave, Webster Place and Sewall Ave Saint Paul Street at Longwood Ave and Sewall Ave Sewall Ave at Marshall Street Roads will close starting at 09:00 a.m. on the day of the race and are expected to reopen around 05:30 p.m. The Beacon Street area will be a tow zone beginning on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at 04:00 p.m.

Residents are advised to plan ahead and seek alternative routes.

During the event, pedestrian crossing is only permitted on Beacon Street at Tappan, Webster and Hawes Street. Crossing is permitted only if it is not a danger or obstruction to runners. Crossing is not permitted between 01:00 p.m. – 03:00 p.m.

Additionally, no traffic hearings will be held on Saturday or Monday.

Statement Of Brookline School Superintendent Linus Guillory

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Superintendent of Schools Linus Guillory wishes to provide the following statement on behalf of the Public Schools of Brookline:

“The Public Schools of Brookline have learned that a former teacher at Heath and Driscoll Schools, Larry Chen, who left the District in November 2018, is facing charges of alleged sexual assault of a child, which occurred during his tenure in Brookline. Chen also worked as a seasonal employee with the town’s Recreation Department last summer.

“While the judicial process plays out, we are nonetheless deeply concerned by these allegations and are committed to providing our full cooperation with the investigation into these charges.

“We were made aware of these allegations today after the Brookline Police Department began investigating a report made by an individual.

“Our paramount concern is always the safety and well-being of our students, and school counselors are available to students as needed to provide support. We have shared additional resources with PSB families.

“We encourage anyone who believes they have information about this matter to reach out to Brookline Police at 617-730-2222.”

Town Of Brookline Holds Public Forum On Health & Safety Protocols During The 2022 U.S. Open Championship

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The Town of Brookline is pleased to share that it recently updated residents and stakeholders about logistics for the 2022 U.S. Open Championship.

During a virtual forum on Monday, March 14, 2022, town officials presented CoViD-19 safety protocols, public-safety coordination and evacuation plans, and waste removal practices that will be in place during the Championship, which will be contested at The Country Club from June 13-19, 2022.

The full forum can also be viewed here.

The forum was led by Town Administrator Mel Kleckner. Speakers included Acting Police Chief Richard Allen, Deputy Police Superintendent Paul Cullinane, Public Health Director Sigalle Reiss, Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director John Sullivan, and Assistant Building Department Commissioner Paul Campbell.

The meeting was the second public forum to discuss logistics ahead of the U.S. Open Championship and seek public input. The first meeting was devoted to traffic and parking.

Acting Chief Allen reviewed event security and public safety coordination, highlighting partnerships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Federal Aviation Administration.

“One of our goals for this event is to minimize the impact the event has in your neighborhood and to continue to provide the day-to-day services in order to maintain a safe community,” Acting Chief Allen said.

Chief Sullivan detailed fire and emergency medical services that will be made available. Director Reiss outlined health and safety protocols regarding food and beverage service. Assistant Director Campbell shared that the Building Department will be overseeing construction and permitting of temporary structures to accommodate the tournament, patrons, and the media.

Eric Steimer, Director of U.S. Open Championships for the United States Golf Association, provided an overview of the tournament format. He thanked the Town of Brookline for its strong partnership throughout the planning process.

“The health and safety of the U.S. Open Championship, for both attendees and the surrounding community, remains of the utmost importance to the USGA and The Country Club,” Steimer said. “We certainly cannot put together or plan this Championship without the support of the Town of Brookline and all the wonderful work that all the various departments have done to really help us better understand what the concerns are within the town and what the concerns are for them from an onsite perspective. To be able to put all this together has been truly wonderful.”

Town has issued a permit that waives the Town Noise Ordinance at specified times, to accommodate construction and breakdown at and around the Championship site.

Details of the waiver may be found here.

The Town has created several online resources for residents who wish to stay informed about the Championship. The revamped Town webpage devoted to the U.S. Open may be found here. The new Frequently Asked Questions webpage may be found here.

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About the 2022 U.S. Open

The U.S. Open is the annual open national championship of golf in the United States. It is one of four major championships and is organized by the United States Golf Association.

This year’s championship will be played at The Country Club from June 13-19, 2022.

For more information about the U.S. Open, visit here and here.

For more information about the USGA visit here.

Brookline Department Of Public Health To Celebrate National Public Health Week

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The Brookline Department of Public Health and Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss invite residents to take part in Brookline’s annual celebration of National Public Health Week in April.

This year, residents can participate in a conversation about current and future needs of all sectors of the Brookline community, learn about teens and their relationship to screen time, and practice mindfulness meditation.

The Department’s website will feature a month’s worth of “climate-conscious” tasty vegetarian main meals, to maintain focus on climate change as a public health issue.

National Public Health Week will be celebrated from Monday, April 04, 2022, to Sunday, April 10, 2022. The week is organized by the American Public Health Association to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues important to improving the nation’s health. This year’s theme is “Public Health is Where You Are.”

All events will be held virtually. Brookline residents can join in the celebration through the following events:

Monday, April 04, 2022, 06:00 p.m. – “Public Health and the Public Good: Bolstering Brookline for the Future. A Virtual Community Conversation”

The opening panel features Brookline residents Dr. Sandro Galea, MPH, DrPH; Dean, Boston University School of Public Health; Giselle Ferro Puigbo, JD, Executive Director, Brookline Community Foundation; Kimberley Richardson, MSW, Brookline activist; and Dr. Irving Allen, retired psychiatrist, and a member of the Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations.

Dr. Galea’s book, “The Contagion Next Time,” amplifies the underlying societal issues (racism, marginalization, socioeconomic inequality) that impact an individual’s health. The panelists will look at these issues through a Brookline lens and invite attendees to join the conversation.

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit, incoming President of the American Public Health Association.

Wednesday, April 06, 2022, 07:00 p.m. – “Teens and Screens. Finding Balance in the New Normal”

This session begins with a free stream of the eye-opening documentary “LIKE,” followed by a virtual forum moderated by “Mediatrician” Dr. Michael Rich, Director, Center on Media and Child Health, Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Rich will address how to work with technology, not against it, sharing concrete advice on setting limits and strategies for talking about screen time, content, and the health risks of overuse.

Thursday, April 07, 2022, 09:00 a.m. and 06:00 p.m. – “Mindfulness Meditation”

A little mindfulness goes a long way. Join Brookline resident Jeannine Schroder, founder of Moment2Moment, to learn what mindfulness meditation is, practice meditating, and explore how mindfulness offers the possibility for a stronger foundation, healthier self, and kinder connections. This 45-minute session will be offered twice on Thursday, so there will be two chances to practice mindfulness meditations.

“The CoViD-19 pandemic has reminded us about the importance of mental health and emotional health, especially self-care, to the community’s well-being,” Commissioner Reiss said. “We invite everyone to take part in celebrating this important week.”

Please visit here to register for any of the virtual events.

For questions or more information, please contact Lynne Karsten at lkarsten@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2336.

Town Of Brookline To Begin Public Search Process To Identify Next Town Administrator

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Chair Heather Hamilton and the Select Board announce they have begun the process to identify Brookline’s next Town Administrator.

Community Paradigm Associates has been retained by the board to lead the search process, which will draw upon the expertise and insight of a community screening panel and the community at-large.

The panel consists of Giselle Ferro Puigbo of the Brookline Community Foundation, School Committee Member Andy Liu, Advisory Committee members Donelle O’Neal, Sr. and Dennis Doughty, Public Works Commissioner Erin Gallentine, Town Meeting Member and Zero Emissions Advisory Board Chair Jesse Gray, and former Select Board Chair Ken Goldstein.

“The work of identifying our next Town Administrator will be an inclusive and thorough process that gives all of our community members a voice,” Hamilton said. “I am confident this deliberative effort will result in identifying the individual who is best suited for the role and who will support the town’s myriad initiatives and goals for the future.”

Work on the search process will begin with surveys for the community and town employees. Residents and town stakeholders are encouraged and invited to complete the survey between now and April 22, 2022.

Following the completion of the survey, Community Paradigm Associates will conduct two listening sessions that will be open to the public in order to further develop stakeholder feedback.

The job will officially be posted in April, with interviews taking place through the spring ahead of an anticipated offer to the chosen candidate by July.

Current Town Administrator Mel Kleckner has elected not to seek a renewal of his contract upon its expiration in September. He will continue to serve as the town’s chief executive, including supporting the transition of his successor, before departing upon the expiration of his contract.

Brookline Town Administrator Selects Police Chief Candidate for Select Board Approval

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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to share that he has selected Chief Ashley Alexander Gonzalez, who has over 33 years of experience in law enforcement, as his recommendation to be the Town of Brookline’s new police chief.

The Select Board will vote on Chief Gonzalez’s appointment at its next scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 05, 2022.

Since 2018, Chief Gonzalez has led the Austin Independent School District Police Department, which serves approximately 85,000 students and staff in a school district with 130 campuses. Austin ISD Police employs 89 sworn officers, 39 staff, and has a budget of $12 million.

Chief Gonzalez is fluent in both English and Spanish. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University, and is working toward a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration at the University of Louisville. He has participated in numerous professional development and leadership opportunities, including the FBI’s New England Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, Harvard University’s Executive Leadership Training for Crisis Management, as well as the Chief Executive Leadership Course and the Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute.

Prior to leading the Austin ISD Police, Chief Gonzalez spent his career with the Norwalk, Connecticut Police Department, where he started in 1988. Chief Gonzalez served in Norwalk as a patrol office, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant and as commander of a crisis negotiators team before rising to the rank of Deputy Chief.

Town Administrator Kleckner selected Chief Gonzalez following a months-long search process that began in October of 2021 when a search consultant, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), began working with the Town to engage the community via surveys, focus group meetings and public input forums.

Input from the community was used to create a profile for a job posting seeking a progressive chief with a record of leadership on national policing issues, and a willingness to reform and reimagine police services in accordance with goals established by the Select Board and community.

Town Administrator Kleckner worked with a screening panel of Brookline residents and PERF to review candidates prior to making the selection.

“I’m excited to introduce Chief Gonzalez to the community and Select Board. He has a long track record of progressive, compassionate and effective police leadership in partnership with communities, and I am confident he will earn the respect of the Brookline community,” said Town Administrator Kleckner. “I would like to thank all of the community members and stakeholders who contributed to the search process and all of the qualified candidates. This was a difficult decision given the high quality of the candidates under consideration, both internal and external. However, after an intensive process, I have determined that Ashley Gonzalez is the most qualified candidate, and has the right mix of experience, leadership and personal characteristics to lead the Brookline Police Department at this time.”

Town Of Brookline Realizes $337,347 In Savings After Moody’s Reaffirms Top Bond Rating

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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Acting Finance Director and Treasurer Justin Casanova-Davis are pleased to announce that the Town of Brookline has realized $337,347 in savings by refinancing bonds after Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed the Town’s coveted AAA bond rating.

In late February, Moody’s reaffirmed the Town’s exemplary AAA bond rating — the highest long term rating the agency provides — citing the Town’s sizeable tax base, very strong resident wealth and income, comprehensive fiscal policies and planning, and taxpayer support for the general tax levy overrides and debt exclusions as positive credit factors.

On March 2, the town received competitive bids from bond and note underwriters for a $21.75 million, 20-year general obligation bond, as well as a $4.87 million 1-year bond anticipation note.

Fidelity Capital Markets was the winning bidder on the bonds, with an average interest rate of 1.728%. Oppenheimer & Co., LLC was the winning bidder for the notes, with a net interest cost of 0.989%. There were six bidders on the bonds and five bidders on the notes.

“I am pleased to report to Brookline taxpayers that our efforts to proactively and responsibly manage the town’s finances have once again paid off, as our highest-possible bond rating has been reaffirmed, resulting in direct cost savings,” said Town Administrator Kleckner. “I want to thank Justin and the town’s entire finance team for their outstanding work.”

The bonds and notes will be used to fund Town Meeting-approved settlement in the Gerald Alston case, various municipal projects, and the refinancing of bonds that were originally issued in 2012. Refinancing the 2012 bonds will save the town $337,347 over the remaining life of those bonds.

Brookline Fire Department Receives State Grant For Fire Education Programs

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Chief John F. Sullivan is pleased to announce that the Brookline Fire Department has been awarded $11,030 in grant funding to support fire safety and education programs.

The grant from the state Massachusetts Department of Fire Services will support fire prevention and education programs in schools and within Brookline’s senior community. The Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) program was awarded $7,575, while the Senior S.A.F.E. program received $3,455.

The funding gives fire departments the opportunity to work directly with students and senior citizens to educate them about fire safety. The safety lessons range from fire and life-safety presentations, and what to do if a fire alarm goes off. Each program is tailored to the common issues of each age group including general fire prevention reminders and safe practices in the home.

The lessons taught in the school-based program are in line with the standards of both the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Health Curriculum Frameworks and the state Department of Fire Services Curriculum Planning Guidebook.

Twenty-six years after the introduction of the S.A.F.E program within schools, the rate of annual child fire deaths have decreased by 78%, according to the state’s Department of Fire Services, which created and runs the program.

To learn more about the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ S.A.F.E program, please visit here.

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Town Of Brookline Names Joseph Callanan Town Counsel

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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to announce that the Town of Brookline has named Joseph Callanan as Town Counsel. His first day in the role will be Monday, March 21, 2022.

Callanan will oversee the Town of Brookline’s legal department after serving in a similar role as the Town Solicitor in Weymouth since 2016. In Weymouth, Callanan oversaw all of the town’s legal affairs, including drafting contracts and agreements while providing guidance to the mayor, Town Council, and other town officials.

Prior to joining the Town of Weymouth, Callanan served in the offices of three Massachusetts Attorneys General — Thomas Reilly, Martha Coakley, and Maura Healey. In various roles at the Attorney General’s Office, Callanan worked on cases related to land use, civil rights, contracts, and torts.

He began his career as a prosecutor in then-Bristol District Attorney Paul Walsh’s office before his first stint working at the Attorney General’s Office. He also worked in private practice for three years, from 2007-2010.

Before obtaining his law degree, Callanan worked as an aide for Gov. Bill Weld, and as legislative director for State Sen. Robert Hedlund and in the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.

“Joe has an extensive record of success as an attorney working in the public interest, and we look forward to the wealth of knowledge and experience he will bring to Brookline as our next town counsel,” Kleckner said.

Callanan served as a member of the board of directors of Northeastern University School of Law Alumni/ae Association from 2005-2017, including as president in 2010-2011.

Town Of Brookline Provides Update On American Rescue Plan Funding Process and Public Engagement

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Co-Chairs Miriam Aschkenasy and John VanScoyoc announce that the committee charged with making recommendations on how millions in federal aid is spent to benefit the Town of Brookline and its residents has begun reviewing proposals.

On Friday, March 11, 2022 — one year after President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law — Brookline’s ARPA Submission Review Subcommittee held its inaugural meeting. The group is tasked with reviewing submitted proposals to draw from approximately $40 million in federal funding and making final recommendations for funding to the Select Board. The first half of the funding will be awarded for Fiscal Year 2023, and the remainder will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2024.

Applicants have until Friday, March 18, 2022, to submit requests for funding to be considered in the first round of awards. Applications can be submitted here.

The subcommittee will have public meetings Fridays at 02:00 p.m. going forward, which will be recorded and made available for viewing by the public. The subcommittee will work toward sending a slate of proposals to the Select Board by April 19, 2022, and will host a joint public hearing with the Select Board on Monday, April 11, 2022, from 07:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m. The proposals’ scores on rubrics completed by the subcommittee and town staff will be available to the public prior to the hearing.

Speakers at the public hearing will be strictly limited to 90 seconds in order to facilitate as much feedback as possible during the hearing. Residents may also submit comments via e-mail at ARPAReview@brooklinema.gov. Residents may utilize that email address to provide general feedback on the proposals and process.

To access all publicly available information about ARPA in Brookline, visit the American Rescue Plan Fund tracker here.

ARPA is intended to support the U.S. effort to combat the CoViD-19 pandemic in myriad ways, including offsetting the economic impact of the pandemic and supporting public health efforts meant to curb the spread of the virus. The federal government has given local jurisdictions discretion over how to spend the money to ensure funding responds to the wide range of community needs.

Funding can be used for:

  • supporting public health response efforts or addressing negative economic impacts;
  • replacing public sector revenue loss;
  • establishing premium pay for essential workers;
  • investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.

Last fall, the Brookline Community Foundation hosted virtual active listening sessions, work with various community partners to facilitate focus groups and partnered with the town to co-host a community charrette.

At the end of the community engagement process, BCF issued a report detailing key themes and learnings, as well as community recommendations for potential ways to use the funding. The committee intends to use these community recommendations to guide funding.

Unlike the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which were intended to allay the direct and immediate impact of the pandemic, the American Rescue Plan allows for more flexible spending and extends the timeline for recipients to allocate money. About $350 billion will be passed down to state, local, and tribal governments to help cope with the economic and public health fallout of the CoViD-19 pandemic.

Public Schools Of Brookline To Transition To Mask-Friendly Environment

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Superintendent Linus Guillory Jr. announces that the Public Schools of Brookline will transition to a mask-friendly model.

Beginning Monday, masks will be optional for students and staff in all public school facilities, except for those in school nurses’ offices. Schools will continue to employ mitigation strategies, including symptomatic testing and home testing through April.

The mask-friendly approach is in line with the Town of Brookline’s move to lift its mask mandate beginning tomorrow. That decision was based on a review of CoViD-19 data including case counts, hospital admissions and hospital capacity, wastewater data, and vaccine and testing resources.

Commissioner Reiss also consulted with the Brookline Advisory Council on Public Health, which held a public meeting on March 07, 2022 to gather input from residents.

Businesses and other facilities can still require masks on their own, and the Brookline Department of Public Health encourages everyone in Brookline to maintain a mask-friendly environment.

Residents are reminded that masking is still mandatory for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, on public transportation and rideshares, and while in healthcare facilities, including congregate care settings, per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Indoor masking is strongly encouraged for those who are not vaccinated, including those under the age of 5 years, individuals who have a weakened immune system, or those at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition. It is also strongly encouraged for those living with someone who has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.

Residents are reminded that a CoViD-19 vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from CoViD-19, which continues to pose a serious risk of severe illness to those who are unvaccinated. to find a vaccination site near you, please visit here.

Brookline Department Of Public Health To Lift Indoor Mask Mandate

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Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss and the Brookline Department of Public Health report that the Town of Brookline is lifting its indoor mask mandate for all individuals in public spaces beginning on Saturday, March 12, 2022

The decision to lift the mask mandate was based on a review of CoViD-19 data including case counts, hospital admissions and hospital capacity, wastewater data, and vaccine and testing resources.

Commissioner Reiss also consulted with the Brookline Advisory Council on Public Health, which held a public meeting on March 07, 2022 to gather input from residents.

Businesses and other facilities can still require masks on their own, and the Brookline Department of Public Health encourages everyone in Brookline to maintain a mask-friendly environment.

“We are cautiously lifting the mask mandate, but I want to remind all residents and business owners that the CoViD-19 pandemic remains unpredictable. We will continue to monitor data moving forward to ensure the Town of Brookline is following best practices for containing the spread of CoViD-19,” Director Reiss said. “On behalf of the entire Health Department, I want to thank the Brookline business community and the residents of Brookline for all their efforts to help reduce the spread.”

Residents are reminded that masking is still mandatory for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, on public transportation and rideshares, and while in healthcare facilities, including congregate care settings, per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Indoor masking is strongly encouraged for those who are not vaccinated, including those under the age of 5 years, individuals who have a weakened immune system, or those at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition. It is also strongly encouraged for those living with someone who has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.

Residents are reminded that a CoViD-19 vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from CoViD-19, which continues to pose a serious risk of severe illness to those who are unvaccinated. to find a vaccination site near you, please visit here.

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Town Of Brookline Announces Closure Of Ice Rink Due To Operational Challenges

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Recreation Director Leigh Jackson and Parks and Open Space Director Alexandra Vecchio announce that the Town of Brookline’s Jack Kirrane Ice Rink has closed for the season as a result of operational issues, including weather challenges, partial failure of the temporary refrigeration units and ongoing deterioration of the aging infrastructure.

The rink is now closed for the season after sustained impacts to the ice skating surface caused by sun, warm temperatures and — in particular – rain throughout the month of February. Given these conditions, and intermittent failures of the temporary compressors, the refrigeration system was unable to provide a consistent and safe ice skating surface for the community.

The town’s outdoor ice rink is a beloved facility that has reached the end of its useful life. It has been in operation for 64 years and in that time has undergone numerous repairs, updates and replacements that have kept it operational and able to welcome approximately 15,000 individual visits each winter. However, the aging facility has been impacted by numerous escalating system failures in recent years, including failures of the refrigeration system in 2019 and 2020. This led to the permanent decommissioning of the chiller and the addition of the temporary refrigeration units leased by the Town to allow the rink to operate for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

“A visit to the Jack Kirrane Ice Rink is a beloved family tradition spanning multiple generations, but the condition of the old rink leaves it in a fragile state, and recent weather conditions have made it infeasible to keep the season going,” said Jackson. “It is our hope that a more permanent solution will be developed in the coming winters that will keep ice skating in Brookline alive for decades to come.”

Following the ice rink’s permanent system failure and considering its age, the Park and Recreation Commission determined that any future operation of the rink would require a significant investment in capital dollars.

The temporary refrigeration units, put in place to allow the rink to open for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, were considered a short term measure needed to operate the outdoor facility, considered especially important during the pandemic, but it came at a cost of more than $150,000 each year to rent and operate.

Given the ongoing challenges and expensive investment to date, the Park and Recreation Commission will discuss the future of the rink at their March 08, 2022 meeting and determine if it is in the best interest of the community to reopen the rink for the 2022- 23 season.

The Park and Recreation Commissioners have been discussing options to keep this beloved tradition open to the public. In June 2020, the Commission created an Ice Rink Task Force to evaluate the short- and long-term futures of the ice skating rink. Through five public forums and nine public working groups, the Ice Rink Task Force oversaw the development of a preliminary feasibility study to evaluate future options for a town recreational skating facility in Brookline. The preliminary feasibility study, led by a multi-disciplinary consultant team of ice skating facility architects, landscape architects, traffic and parking engineers, and planners honed in on the home of the current rink, Larz Anderson Park, as the most suitable location for a new ice skating rink and identified potential design options that include open-air, enclosed and covered rinks.

While work remains to further the planning and design of a new ice skating rink in Brookline, great effort was made to have an open and responsive public process and to set a course, with viable options, for a new ice skating facility that will provide the greatest benefit to the community.

To download and read the feasibility study’s findings in full, please visit here. To register for the March 08, 2022 Park and Recreation Commission meeting, please visit here.

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Help Ukraine: Save Europe’s Future!

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On February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded the territory of independent and free Ukraine and began bombing its cities. The attack took place in the early morning, when the civilian population was still sleeping. Millions of Ukrainians woke up to the sound of air raid sirens and explosions.

Fierce fighting in Ukraine has been going on for a week already, but the Russian invaders do not think to stop continuing to kill Ukrainian people. According to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, more than 2,000 civilians have died over the past seven endless days of the war, 21 of them are children and teens. Unfortunately, the number of victims of the Russian aggression is growing every minute.

The Ukrainian nation is forced to fight with one of the strongest and largest armies in the world. Today Ukraine is a shield for all European territories, their inhabitants and their children. It is important for us to understand that the Kremlin will not stop on Ukraine as he aims to expand his war further west. Now it is our direct duty to stop his atrocity.

How can we do this?

At this very moment, the people of Ukraine need help of any kind, especially financial help.

Please visit here to see the list of official organizations involved in raising funds for Ukraine.

Donations go directly to relief organizations that deliver medical care to the wounded and humanitarian support for people, who have lost their homes and families. Also, money is needed to replenish the military reserves of the Ukrainian army and give it resources to protect the Ukrainian people from Russian invaders.

Another way to help is joining the International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine for the period of martial law.

On March 01, 2022, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky introduced a temporary visa-free regime for foreigners, who would like to repel the attack of Russian invaders, take care of international security, and protect the values of civilization.

More than 16,000 people have already entered the International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine. Among them are former soldiers, rescuers, military doctors and ordinary civilians from the Netherlands, the UK, Canada, the USA, Sweden, Japan, etc.

Volunteers from all over the globe are coming to stand side by side with Ukrainian soldiers against the war criminals of the 21st century.

Below are the steps you can take to get enrolled in the International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine on a volunteer basis:

  1. Contact the Embassy of Ukraine in your country via phone, e-mail, or come in person.
  2. Specify what documents and equipment you need to have with you.
  3. Arrive at the Embassy with documents for an interview.
  4. Write an application for entry to the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for military service under a contract.
  5. Get instructions on how to safely arrive in Ukraine.
  6. Upon arrival, sign a contract or enlistment in the Ukrainian International Legion.
  7. Go to fight the Russian invaders along with the Ukrainian militaries and soldiers from other countries.

Please visit here for more information on how to join the fight for Ukrainian freedom.

God bless Ukraine!

Public Forum On Health, Safety Protocols During U.S. Open Championship

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The Town of Brookline invites the community to participate in its 2nd public forum about the U.S. Open, and to offer views about the Town’s health and safety protocols during golf’s national championship.

The virtual forum will be held on Monday, March 14, 2022, at 06:00 p.m. The forum will include a public hearing at 07:00 p.m., to consider a waiver to the Town’s Noise Control Bylaw.

Representatives of the United States Golf Association will present their plans for U.S. Open week. Representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Public Works, Police Department, and Fire Department will attend the forum and be available to answer questions.

Residents can register for the forum here.

“Community input is vital during this process,” Town Manager Mel Kleckner said. “I encourage everyone to attend and share their thoughts and ideas as the Town works toward making the U.S. Open a success for all.”

The Town also wishes to share new online resources to keep residents informed about the championship, which will be held from June 13-19, 2022, at The Country Club in Brookline.

The revamped Town webpage devoted to the U.S. Open may be found here. The new Frequently Asked Questions webpage may be found here.

About the 2022 U.S. Open The U.S. Open is the annual open national championship of golf in the United States. It is one of four major championships and is organized by the United States Golf Association.

This year’s championship will be played at The Country Club from June 13-19, 2022.

For more information about the U.S. Open, please visit here and here.

For more information about the USGA, please visit here.

Town Of Brookline Announces Public Building Closures & Trash Pickup Delay Due To Snow Storm

By
Brookline.com
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The Town of Brookline and Department of Public Works Commissioner Erin Gallentine report that there will be no trash or recycling pickup on Friday and that all Town offices will be closed in anticipation of a significant snowstorm.

The Brookline Emergency Management Team, which includes the Department of Public Works, Police, and Office of Emergency Management, are preparing for a storm forecast to potentially bring heavy snow to the area on Friday.

Town of Brookline offices, libraries, the Brookline Senior Center and all recreation programs will be closed on Friday.

A snow emergency parking ban has not been declared. But with forecasts predicting 8 to 12 inches of snow for the Brookline area, trash and recycling collection will not occur on Friday.

Trash and recycling pickup are on a holiday schedule this week due to Presidents’ Day. Trash and Recycling collection scheduled for Friday will now be delayed by an additional day. Pick-up will occur on Saturday. Trash collection scheduled Saturday will be delayed by an additional day. Pick-up will occur on Sunday. Recycling collection for this Sunday has been canceled. Unfortunately, the contractor does not have staff to support recycling collection on Sunday.

“I want to thank the Brookline community for their cooperation and understanding as we work to address this winter storm and its expected impacts,” said Commissioner Gallentine. “I would also like to remind residents and business owners that school vacation ends this weekend, so ensuring that sidewalks and ramps are clear by Monday is important.”

The Town of Brookline requires property owners to keep sidewalks contiguous to their property in a non-slippery condition for pedestrian travel by clearing all ice and snow from a pathway at least 36 inches in width.

Residences with fewer than four family units must comply with the sidewalk clearing bylaws within 30 hours of a storm’s end. Commercial properties and multi-family properties with more than four units must comply within three hours of a storm’s end. Failure to comply can lead to a notice from the town, or fines of $100 to $250 per day.

If you own a property or business in town, please remember to:

  • Maintain all sidewalks abutting your property or business in a non-slippery condition free of ice and snow.
  • If you are out of town, or are unable to clear ice and snow due to physical limitations, please be sure to have someone else prepared to maintain the sidewalk for you.
  • Clear openings at intersections and crosswalks so pedestrians can cross safely.
  • Always have a supply of ice-melt (CaCl2 or KCL) on hand and apply frequently after a storm and during the winter season to prevent snow from packing down and forming ice.
  • Whenever possible, please assist your Public Safety Departments by clearing catch basins and snow-covered fire hydrants adjacent to your property.

Alert Brookline is Brookline’s call/e-mail/text emergency notification system, used to communicate during or in preparation for an emergency. Please make sure to sign-up here to receive not only snow emergency related messages about parking bans and impacts to the refuse schedule, but also CoViD-19 related notifications and other critical information from the Emergency Management Team.

Town Of Brookline Ends Vaccine Requirement At Businesses

By
Brookline.com
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Acting Health Commissioner Patrick Maloney announces that the Town of Brookline is ending its requirement that certain businesses must verify patrons’ CoViD-19 vaccination status, effective immediately.

Establishments that had been required to verify vaccination status will no longer be required to do so after public health officials have identified a reduction in key metrics — Intensive Care Unit bed occupancy rates, hospitalizations and test positivity rates.

Masks continue to be required in all publicly-accessible indoor spaces, though the Advisory Council on Public Health will review CoViD-19 data from February 19-27, 2022 at its March 14, 2022 meeting, at which it will make a determination about whether or not lifting the mask mandate is prudent.

“I would like to thank the business community and residents for their flexibility and continued commitment to townwide efforts to curb the spread of the virus in Brookline,” Maloney said.

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Town Of Brookline Invites Community Members To Submit Designs For U.S. Open Banner Competition

By
Brookline.com
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The Brookline Commission for the Arts and the Brookline Community Partnerships Committee invites community members to submit designs for the U.S. Open Banner Competition.

The winning banner will be featured on light poles throughout the town in the weeks leading up to and during the U.S. Open.

Residents of Brookline and students attending Brookline schools are eligible to submit a design. All designs must be submitted by March 15.

Members of the Brookline Commission for the Arts and arts professionals will select the winning design. The winner will be announced on April 1 and will be awarded $1,000.

The banner design must incorporate visual image(s) and the following text:

  • 122nd U.S. Open Championship
  • The Country Club, Brookline, MA
  • June 13-19, 2022

An appropriate amount of space must be left so that the USGA, The Country Club, Town of Brookline, and the Brookline Commission for the Arts can add their logos.

Submissions can include visual images of any medium, including photography, painting, drawing, collage, digital image or mixed media. Submissions must fit on a two-dimensional banner (60 inches high by 30 inches wide).

For more information and full submission specifications, please visit here.

Printed versions of the specifications are available at the reception desk in the lobby of Town Hall, 333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

Anyone with questions about the competition should e-mail brooklinearts@gmail.com.

“Brookline is home to so many wonderful artists. I encourage anyone with an interest or passion for the arts to enter the contest. I am very excited to see the designs, which will surely embody the spirit of Brookline and the U.S. Open,” Town Administrator Mel Kleckner said.

About the 2022 U.S. Open The U.S. Open is the annual open national championship of golf in the United States. It is one of four major championships and is organized by the United States Golf Association.

This year’s championship will be played at The Country Club from June 13-19, 2022. The theme is diversity and inclusion.

For more information about the U.S. Open, please visit here.

For more information about USGA, please visit here.

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