Facebook
41.8 F
Brookline
Monday, December 22, 2025
Facebook
Home Blog Page 12

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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.

.

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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.

.

Town Of Brookline Names Joseph Callanan Town Counsel

By
Brookline.com
-

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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.

.

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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.

.

Help Ukraine: Save Europe’s Future!

By
Brookline.com
-

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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
-

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
-

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.

.

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

By
Brookline.com
-

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.

Town Of Brookline Shares Findings Of Internal Investigation Into Snowplow Accident

By
Brookline.com
-

The Town of Brookline wishes to update members of the community on the internal investigation into the snowplow accident that occurred during last month’s blizzard.

On Sunday, January 30, 2022, at approximately 08:15 a.m., a Department of Public Works plow vehicle struck a skid steer loader near the Public Library of Brookline at a low rate of speed, causing it to overturn. The driver of the plow and of the skid steer both were transported to an area hospital and released that day.

Following the incident, the town notified the Massachusetts Department of Labor of Standards, which instructed the town to conduct an internal investigation into the matter.

The investigation was conducted by Environmental, Health and Safety Officer Patrick O’Neill. Through the investigation, he determined that exhaustion was a contributing factor in the incident.

Extreme blizzard conditions during the storm lead to long working hours for employees. Though crews were given a four-hour rest period from 10:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m., the investigation indicated that sleeping arrangement accommodations that optimize rest should be explored.

Additionally, due to the ongoing challenges of the CoViD-19 pandemic, the DPW — similar to other communities — has experienced staff shortages for individuals that specialize in snow removal. The shortage led to more work for fewer employees.

To help reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future, the Town of Brookline is implementing a number of mitigating steps, including:

  • Developing a winter training program, which will include training on fatigue signs and symptoms, how to report fatigue, employee and managers responsibilities for dealing with fatigue, plow safety, recognizing ice hazards and more.
  • Analyzing the current four-hour rest period and how to make that time more effective to optimize rest.
  • Developing an inspection schedule for the Environmental Health and Safety Officer to check in on workers during emergency snow removal operations.

“The Town of Brookline accepts the findings in this investigation. The recommendations will support our efforts to provide a safe environment for employees, especially during emergency response and recovery efforts,” Commissioner of Public Works Erin Gallentine said. “Snow removal operations can be particularly challenging and DPW employees work hard to help keep our community safe during extreme weather. We are committed to providing our workers with the proper support so that incidents like this may be prevented in the future. Our employees deserve a lot of credit and gratitude for the work that they do to prioritize public safety and support quality of life for our residents.”

Brookline Indoor Mask Mandate & Vaccination Requirement At Businesses To Remain In Effect Until Further Notice

By
Brookline.com
-

Interim Health Commissioner Patrick Maloney announces that the Town of Brookline’s mask mandate and proof of vaccination requirement continues to remain in effect though the need for these requirements will be reassessed next month.

On Thursday, February 10, 2022, the Brookline Advisory Council on Public Health (ACPH), with the support of Interim Commissioner Maloney, voted unanimously to continue these requirements.

Proof of vaccination will continue to be required for patrons at all:

  • indoor entertainment, recreation and event venues — including movie theaters and performance spaces, party venues, museums and galleries, exhibition halls and other recreational centers food service establishments, including indoor and outdoor seating areas; the regulation does not apply to food service establishments offering food or beverage exclusively for off-premises consumption, nor does it apply to charitable food service locations;
  • all commercial indoor gyms and fitness settings.

To download the full order, please visit here.

Additionally, masks continue to be required in all public indoor spaces in Brookline.

The ACPH will reassess the need for these requirements in mid-March by reviewing county- and town-wide CoViD-19 case numbers, as well as community transmission risk.

“We have consistently observed significant spikes in positive CoViD-19 cases following holidays and school breaks,” Interim Commissioner Maloney said. “Once we are able to assess the effects that February school vacation has on CoViD-19 case numbers, we will review the possibility of lifting these requirements. In the meantime, we remind residents that the pandemic is still ongoing and to be mindful of all safety precautions.”

Town Of Brookline Hosts Showcase For Food Vendors Interested In Helping Cater The 2022 U.S. Open

By
Brookline.com
-

The Town of Brookline announces that local food vendors recently showcased their cuisines at an event hosted by the Brookline Chamber of Commerce and Ridgewells, the caterer for the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The showcase was held on Monday, February 07, 2022, at the Putterham Meadows Golf Course as a part of the Open Works Program. More than 30 local food vendors participated in the tasting event for a chance to be selected to partner with Ridgewells in catering the 2022 U.S. Open.

There were five showcase sessions, each lasting an hour, with seven businesses participating per session. Food was sampled by town officials, as well as staff from Ridgewells and the USGA.

Vendors included restaurants, bakeries, purveyors that specialize in olive oil, juice, sauce, pies, guacamole and salsa.

Ridgewells will select the vendors based on factors including food quality, portion size and cost. Chosen vendors will be notified in the coming weeks.

“I wish to thank all the vendors who participated in Monday’s showcase, as well as all the town and USGA staff who worked diligently to bring this event to fruition,” said Chamber of Commerce President David Gladstone. “This was a great opportunity for vendors to showcase their culinary skills, and with so many talented food purveyors, I know that narrowing down the vendors will not be easy.”

.

About the Open Works Program

The Open Works Program is designed to allow diverse Brookline businesses and residents to receive priority for the supplier and labor needs connected with the 2022 U.S. Open Championship. Visit www.usga.org/openworks to learn more about the program.

About the 2022 U.S. Open

The U.S. Open will be played 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.

For more information about USGA, please visit here.

Photo courtesy: Leise Jones Photography.

Is Sports Betting Legal In Massachusetts?

By
Brookline.com
-

As it stands, sports betting is not currently legal in Massachusetts, but that might be set to change in 2022. The state is currently attempting to make progress on legal sports betting, and although attempts last year failed, 2022 could be different. Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are four neighboring states that all allow mobile betting in some form. Massachusetts is losing potential tax money since three of them are less than an hour’s drive from Boston.

Charlie Baker, the governor of Massachusetts, introduced a bill that looked to bring legal sports betting to the state in 2021.

The bill, known as HD 678, aimed to find a way to introduce a regulated and safe sports betting market, just as many states in the US had already achieved. It is always best for a state when they are able to make money and taxes from casinos and sports betting, after all.

This bill included a $100,000 application fee for sportsbooks and a total cost of $500,000 for a license. This is a far cry from the $12 million that New York is believed to be seeking to operate an online sportsbook. Eventually, however, the legislative session ended on January 04, 2022, with the Senate failing to adopt any sports betting regulations. As a result, residents of Massachusetts will have to continue to travel to neighboring states in order to find legal betting opportunities. Alternatively, MA residents will have to look toward offshore betting options in order to participate in their favorite pastimes.

What Are the Chances That Sports Betting is Legalized in MA in 2022?

For now, sportsbooks will not be able to operate in the state of Massachusetts, which means that you will not be able to claim any Massachusetts sports betting bonuses just yet. However, this could change over the coming year. Sen. Eric Lesser, who will be running for lieutenant governor, has stated that legalizing sports betting will be a priority. Governor Charlie Baker, who is not seeking re-election in 2022, has also stated that he would be willing to approve a sports betting bill before leaving office.

With lots of sports fans throughout the state of MA, there is a lot of demand for legal sports betting. In January 2022, A group of 90 small business owners wrote a letter to 40 state senators urging them to support online sports betting. The owners, whose businesses are already suffering due to the CoViD-19 outbreak, say that retail-only sports betting would exacerbate their problems by driving clients to nearby land-based casinos.

In addition to this, there has been significant investment from sports betting companies into responsible gambling initiatives in the area. DraftKings recently made a $1.5 million investment to support state gaming councils in Massachusetts. This is the second time in recent years that DraftKings has pledged to support responsible gambling efforts, and it shows that there is a real desire from the platform to enter this market. With all this forward momentum, there’s a good chance sports betting will be legal in Massachusetts by the time 2022 draws to a close.

Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association Hosts Successful Leadership Seminar

By
Brookline.com
-

The Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association is pleased to announce that it hosted a successful leadership seminar at the Bank of Canton Auditorium yesterday.

On Thursday, February 10, 2022, the association welcomed over 100 attendees, representing more than 20 fire departments, to the “Step Up and Lead” seminar led by Deputy Chief (ret.) Frank Viscuso.

Deputy Chief Viscuso shared insights on leadership, as well as mental health. He discussed leadership traits and skills, as well as ways that firefighters can make a positive impact in their department and their community.

Food and beverages were provided courtesy of Dunkin’ and AT&T First Net. Additionally, the Bank of Canton allowed the association to use its auditorium free of charge.

Deputy Chief Viscuso served more than 26 years as a member of the Kearny, NJ. Fire Department. He is a columnist for Fire Engineering magazine and the author of eight books, including the best-sellers “Step Up and Lead,” “Step Up Your Teamwork” and “Common Valor.”

“The Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association is committed to providing professional development opportunities to aspiring fire officers in our county. We are very fortunate to have support from local businesses, which allow us to host seminars like this. Thank you to everyone who worked diligently to bring this seminar together and thank you to Deputy Chief Viscuso for sharing his knowledge,” said Chief Jeffrey Lynch, President of the Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association.

Image captions:

  • The Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association hosted a successful leadership seminar at the Bank of Canton Auditorium.
  • Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso (front left) and Medfield Fire Chief/Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association President Jeffrey Lynch (front right) with the 100 attendees of the seminar.

Photo courtesy: Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association.

.

Brookline Community Invited To Share Memories With Park Stories Project

By
Brookline.com
-

Town Administrator Mel Kleckner, Department of Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute Gallentine and Director of Parks and Open Space Alexandra Vecchio are excited to announce a new online initiative to collect memories, stories and photos of Brookline community members’ favorite Brookline parks and open spaces.

The goal of the “Park Stories Project,” created by the Department of Public Works’ Parks and Open Space Division, is to create an archive of stories that reflect the personal connections, culture and community that define Brookline’s parks.

By documenting the collective history of these parks, the Parks and Open Space Division will be able to rediscover and preserve local histories and document living histories.

The stories captured will be used on an ongoing basis to inform future parks projects and public art installations, including the upcoming installation of three murals on utility boxes.

Jessie Waisnor, Landscape Architect of the Parks and Open Space Division, shared her own fond memory of the grand reopening of the Corey Hill Playground in 2017.

It was the first major design project Waisnor worked on as a Town of Brookline employee, and it led her to work closely with community members in the neighborhood for almost two years as the Town sought input on the project.

“It was a gorgeous fall day. I still remember how the park seemed to be flooded in beautiful yellows, oranges and reds,” Waisnor shared in her story. “My son, who was 8 years old at the time, stood by my side and helped cut the official ribbon. He then ran off to show his friends the playground his Mom had designed — which he thought was amazing.

“It was so cathartic getting to celebrate the new park with the neighborhood after such a long design and construction process. Everywhere you looked there were people enjoying the park. The band was playing, neighbors were socializing, kids were running around thrilled with a brand new playground and there was a continuous line waiting to walk through the Magic Door, an art installation piece by Jennifer Lockwood. It is a day I will never forget and a beautiful reminder of what we can create when we all come together.”

Waisnor’s memory is just one of what the Town of Brookline hopes will be an outpouring of memories and personal connections shared about open spaces, parks and playgrounds around Town.

“Our parks and open spaces are such treasured places in the Brookline community. They hold ecological, historical, and recreational value for so many of our residents,” said Director Vecchio. “I love that this project offers us the opportunity to both learn about those memories and personal connections to our greenspaces, but also provides the chance to memorialize why open space is so critical to the health and wellbeing of a community.”

You can submit your story online or in person. For more information, scan the attached QR code or visit here.

Anyone with questions should not hesitate to reach out to the Parks and Open Space Division by e-mailing parks@brooklinema.gov.

Photo captions:

  • Jessie Waisnor, landscape architect with the Parks and Open Space Division, is joined by her then 8-year-old son, at right in orange shirt, as a ribbon is cut at the grand reopening of Corey Hill Playground in 2017. For Waisnor, opening her first major design project for the Town of Brookline with her excited son at her side is a fond memory. The Parks and Open Space Division would like Brookline community members to share their own fond memories of parks and open spaces as part of the Town’s “Park Stories Project.”
  • Children play at Corey Hill Playground during a grand reopening in 2017. The day is one of Landscape Architect Jessie Waisnor’s fondest memories of Brookline parks and open space.

Town Of Brookline To Begin Interviews With Police Chief Candidates

By
Brookline.com
-

Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to share that the first round of interviews of candidates to be the Town of Brookline’s new police chief will begin this week.

The interviews will be conducted by Town Administrator Kleckner, the search consultant Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and a screening panel of Brookline residents. In order to protect the confidentiality of candidates for this position, the process will remain confidential until the Town Administrator recommends a candidate(s) to the Select Board for review and approval.

The Town is committed to maintaining an inclusive, equitable and progressive approach to policing, working in partnership with the community to ensure that all people enjoy a high quality of life without fear of crime. Over the last year, the Town has engaged in an intensive review of reforming and reimagining its police services and seeks a chief who will work toward the goals established by the Select Board and the ideals of the community.

In October and November, Town Administrator Kleckner worked with PERF to engage with the community via a survey, focus group meetings and two public input forums.

With input gathered from the community, a profile for a job posting was finalized and posted in early December, with a deadline of January 10, 2022. Once applications were received, Town Administrator Kleckner, the screening panel and PERF met to review the candidate pool.

“I am grateful for the input we received from the community as part of this search process, and for the applications from a number of qualified candidates who we look forward to interviewing soon,” said Town Administrator Kleckner. “Our next police chief should be a forward-thinking and compassionate leader who can earn the respect of the entire Brookline community, and I look forward to hearing from all candidates directly.”

Finalists will be interviewed again later in February, and a thorough background investigation will be conducted on the Town Administrator’s selected candidate or candidates.

Town Administrator Kleckner anticipates making a recommendation to the Select Board in late February or early March.

Snow Emergency Parking Ban

By
Brookline.com
-

Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Commissioner of Public Works Erin Chute Gallentine report the Town of Brookline has declared a snow emergency parking ban in anticipation of a potentially powerful Nor’easter forecast for Saturday.

The Brookline Emergency Management team, which includes the Department of Public Works, Police, and Fire Services, are preparing for a storm forecast to potentially bring heavy snow, strong wind gusts and possibly even blizzard conditions to the area on Saturday.

The parking ban will take effect beginning Saturday at 06:00 a.m. The end time of the parking ban will be determined late in the day on Sunday, January 30, 2022 and will be posted on the Town’s website www.brooklinema.gov. During a snow emergency parking ban, no on-street parking is permitted in town. All unauthorized vehicles remaining on the street or in public parking lots will be subject to ticketing and towing.

As snow removal operations ramp up on Saturday, plow crews will prioritize main arterial roadways and clearing a path for emergency vehicles before focusing on neighborhood roads, schools and public buildings.

“If snow is as heavy as some forecasts have predicted, it will take a significant amount of time and effort to clear roads, sidewalks, stairs and paths, so we ask residents and businesses to be patient and to do their part to help our community dig out,” said Commissioner Gallentine. “We will get through this storm more safely and more quickly if we all pitch in.”

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 less 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 ranging from $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 help to assist your Public Safety Departments by clearing catch basins and snow-covered fire hydrants adjacent to your property.

The Town of Brookline would also like to advise residents that in order to keep trash and recycling collection running smoothly through the snow season, residents are asked to take the following steps:

  • shovel a path for recycling and waste carts;
  • make sure carts are clear of snow and ice;
  • place carts close to the street as they will not be picked up behind snowbanks;
  • leave a 4-inch space on either side of the recycling and waste carts to provide easy access for the trucks’ automated arms;
  • loose recycling and waste will not be picked up unless placed in the recycling and waste carts.

“I hope everyone in Brookline stays safe during this potentially powerful storm, and I encourage everyone to stay off the roads on Saturday if possible, to help our plow crews clear and maintain streets as quickly as possible,” said Town Administrator Kleckner. “I also encourage all Brookline residents to sign up for our emergency alerts program to stay informed even in severe conditions.”

To sign up for emergency alerts from the Town of Brookline by telephone, e-mail or text messaging, please visit here.

Town Of Brookline Names Sigalle Reiss As Director Of Public Health & Human Services

By
Brookline.com
-

Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to announce that Sigalle Reiss has been appointed to be the Town of Brookline’s Director of Public Health & Human Services. She was appointed by a unanimous vote of the Select Board Tuesday evening.

Reiss served as Public Health Director for the Town of Norwood since 2006, overseeing a public health department with a staff of 11, several grant programs, and the town’s public health budget.

She led Norwood’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and worked to increase public health services in Norwood by introducing new programs like a substance-use prevention coalition, mental-health awareness and FDA retail food standards.

Reiss believes in using a data-driven approach to developing, implementing and evaluating public health programs, and works to develop community coalitions to help drive stakeholder investment in changing communities to improve public health.

“I am pleased to welcome Sigalle to Brookline, and I look forward to the positive change her focus on data-driven programming and community coalitions will bring to our town’s public health programs,” said Town Administrator Kleckner. “Sigalle is a dedicated and passionate professional, and we are proud to have her on board at this pivotal moment in public health. I would also like to thank Patrick Maloney for his excellent work as interim director, which is only his most recent contribution after decades of service to the people of Brookline.”

Under her leadership, the Norwood Public Health Department used grant programs to grow from five full-time employees to 11 full-time employees.

Reiss holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College, a Masters of Public Health from the Boston University School of Public Health, and a certificate in Local Government and Leadership Management from Suffolk University and the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

She has served on the executive committee of the Massachusetts Health Officers Association for 12 years and served as president of the statewide professional organization for public health officials from 2020 to 2021. Reiss also serves on the Norwood Hospital Community Benefits Committee, the Elder Dental Advisory Committee, the Coalition for Local Public Health, and on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Oral Health Advisory Committee and Cancer Registry Advisory Committee.

Reiss holds certifications as a registered environmental health specialist and registered sanitarian, as an National Environmental Health Association Healthy Homes Specialist, a Department of environmental Protection soil evaluator and Title 5 inspector, a licensed code lead determination inspector, a certified pool and spa operator, and is certified in first aid and CPR by the American Red Cross.

Town Of Brookline Partners With Amp Energy For Long Term Savings Via Solar Credits

By
Brookline.com
-

Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to announce that the Town of Brookline is entering into an agreement with Amp Energy for solar credits from a renewable project under construction on Cape Cod.

When the project in Sandwich, Massachusetts is operational in the fall of 2022, it will be producing approximately five megawatts of renewable electric power. By participating in this project, Brookline will offset over 2,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide — a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change — per year, while increasing the renewable portfolio in the Commonwealth and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Amp Energy is a global renewable energy developer that operates 15 community solar farms in Massachusetts. Unlike many developers, Amp owns and operates its projects for their entire lifetime, working in partnership with landowners, towns and stakeholders to ensure a project’s long-term success.

“Our community is committed to a clean energy future, and this agreement helps us work toward our goal of offsetting emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change,” Select Board Vice Chair Raul Fernandez said. “This approach is an excellent way to implement climate action projects while reducing the financial costs for Brookline residents.”

Through this partnership, Brookline has agreed to purchase Alternative On-Bill Credits at a fixed discount to that credit’s value from the renewable energy generated by Amp’s solar array. At no upfront cost to the Town, Brookline’s Municipal Eversource electricity accounts will receive all the credits from this development. Brookline will pay Amp a discounted price for every on-bill credit produced over the 20-year lifecycle of the solar array, yielding expected savings to the Town of approximately $1.6 million dollars that would have otherwise been paid to Eversource.

“Thanks to Sustainability Director Thomas Barrasso for his hard work over the last several months in leading this effort with his office, the Chief Procurement Officer and Town Counsel’s office to make this a reality,” Town Administrator Mel Kleckner said. “With other communities in Massachusetts competing for this opportunity, it is a multitiered win for Brookline allowing us to advance our Climate Action agenda while producing a financial benefit to the Town.”

Nicholas Topping, Director of Community Solar at Amp, added, “We are very proud to partner with the Town of Brookline to provide monthly solar credits on their electricity bills. Amp is grateful for Tom Barrasso and the Town leadership’s tenacity to secure this opportunity for their community. Community solar is increasingly recognized as an ideal solution for municipalities, companies, and residents to show support for decarbonization goals, while saving money and supporting the development of local renewable energy.”

Jay Hersey Selected As Town Of Brookline’s New Water & Sewer Director

By
Brookline.com
-

Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to announce that Jay Hersey has been selected to serve as the Town of Brookline’s new Water & Sewer Director.

Hersey began his new role on Monday, January 03, 2022.

Hersey has served the Brookline Department of Public Works since 2003 in a variety of roles including project manager, contract administrator, construction supervisor and environmental engineer. He also is the President of Brookline Engineering Division Associates.

While serving the town, he has been instrumental in many projects, including the Hammond Street Water Main, Brookline Reservoir Park and Fisher Hill Reservoir Park improvements, to name a few.

“Jay has been with the town for over 19 years, has effective working relationships across departments and has proven that he is a committed public servant,” Town Administrator Kleckner said. “All of these factors make him a great addition to the management team, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion.”

Additionally, he is a member of the New England Water Works Association, as well as the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Advisory Board.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in bio-resource engineering technology from the University of Maine. He is a Professional Engineer with licensures in Massachusetts and Maine. He also holds a Drinking Water Supply Grade 4D Operators license.

USGA Announces Open Works Program For The 2022 U.S. Open Championship

By
Brookline.com
-

The USGA today announced the Open Works Program, an initiative designed to allow diverse Brookline businesses and residents to receive priority for the labor and supplier needs connected to the 2022 U.S. Open Championship. The program will create an equitable and inclusive process for Brookline businesses and residents to register into the USGA’s U.S. Open supplier and employment registration portal, beginning Monday, January 24, 2022.

“We are excited to launch the Open Works Program and to invite Brookline-based businesses and residents to actively apply to become a part of this historic championship coming to The Country Club in June,” said Eric Steimer, director of U.S. Open Championships. “Brookline has a rich culture in diversity and a thriving business economy. It is our goal to create an equitable and inclusive process that allows diverse local businesses and residents an opportunity to showcase their products and talents. The USGA would like to thank the Brookline Chamber of Commerce, Brookline’s Economic Development Advisory Board, and members of the U.S. Open’s Community Partnership Committee for their collaboration on this initiative.”

The USGA is encouraging diverse and locally-owned businesses and individuals to provide supplier needs and labor support for the championship, which will be held at The Country Club in Brookline, MA. Small, women, minority, LGBTQIA, people with disabilities, and veterans with service related disabilities owned businesses and individuals are invited to visit here to learn about current opportunities the USGA and its national contractors and suppliers are seeking support for in the planning and execution of the championship. Businesses and residents will have a chance to enter information and specify the services or labor opportunities they are interested in offering or applying for through the U.S. Open supplier and employment registration portal. With consent from the business and/or individual, the USGA will match the registrant with its contractors and suppliers seeking like-minded products, equipment, and/or manpower.

A variety of services are needed including but not limited to transportation services, food products, building and construction materials, and general event rental equipment. Employment opportunities are actively being recruited for including private security positions, parking attendants, food and beverage staff, and ecology services. A full listing of needs is featured on the portal.

“The town is grateful for the support the USGA has shown its residents and business community through its commitment to fulfilling Brookline’s goals of diversity, equity and inclusion,” Town Administrator Mel Kleckner said. “The Open Works program will serve as an excellent opportunity for a diverse set of people and businesses to make tangible contributions to the success of the Championship.”

The USGA encourages businesses and individuals to register as soon as possible as specific supplier and employment opportunities within the Open Works Program are expected to fill before others. All registrations must be received by May 01, 2022, to be considered. As supplier services are contracted and labor positions are filled, the USGA will remove such listings from the portal.

About the USGA

The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts.

To learn more, please visit here.

Brookline Fire Department Awarded State Grant For Safety Equipment

By
Brookline.com
-

Chief John F. Sullivan is pleased to announce that the Brookline Fire Department is one of over 300 fire departments across the state to have been awarded a grant as part of the Department of Fire Services Fiscal Year 2022 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program.

The $20,507.17 grant awarded to the Brookline Fire Department will be used to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

This program enables fire departments to purchase a variety of equipment that will make firefighters’ jobs safer. This is the second year that funding has been awarded for this purpose as part of a $25 million bond bill filed by the Baker-Polito Administration to support firefighter safety and health in the coming years.

Fire departments in Massachusetts were able to apply to this program for 118 different types of eligible equipment, including personal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, fitness equipment, and more. In many cases, the purchase of this equipment will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.

A complete list of the awards by department can be downloaded here.

Town Of Brookline Shares Federal Resources For Obtaining Free Rapid CoViD-19 Tests

By
Brookline.com
-

Interim Health Commissioner Pat Maloney and the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services are making residents aware that the federal government has launched an online resource to order free rapid CoViD-19 tests.

Each American household is entitled to free rapid CoViD-19 tests, which can be ordered online at COVIDtests.gov. At the outset of the program, each household will be limited to four testing kits, which will be shipped for free to homes via the United States Postal Service. Ordering is as simple as entering your name and address.

There is no cost to obtain the tests, which will be mailed 7-12 days after ordering. While initial orders for free tests are capped at four per household, residents may independently purchase rapid antigen tests from local retailers and have up to eight covered by their health insurance for each person on their plan.

Additionally, residents can find local PCR testing options online by clicking here.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has provided the answers to several frequently asked questions about the new program:

Who can order tests as part of this program?

Tests are available for every residential address in the U.S., including U.S. Territories and overseas military and diplomatic addresses (APO/FPO/DPO).

How can I order tests and when?

Tests can be ordered online at COVIDtests.gov. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering.

To place an order, all you need is your name and residential address. No ID, credit card, or health insurance information is required. You may also share your email address to get updates on your order.

When should I use my tests?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take an at-home test:

  • If you begin having CoViD-⁠19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
  • At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with CoViD-⁠19, or
  • When you are going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their CoViD-⁠19 vaccines.

For more on when to use at-home tests, see the latest CDC self-testing guidance here.

Is there a limit to how many tests I can order?

Yes. To promote broad access, the initial program will only allow four free individual tests per residential address.

Can I order more tests if I live in a large or multigenerational household?

No. To promote broad access, the initial program will only allow four free individual tests per residential address.

There are numerous other options to get tested for free, including over 20,000 free testing sites across the country. If you have health insurance, your insurance will also cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home tests (up to eight at-home tests per month for each person on your plan). For more details, please visit here.

Can I choose what type or brand of test I get?

All tests distributed as part of this program are FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests. You will not be able to choose the brand you order as part of this program.

When will I get my tests and how will they be delivered?

These tests will be delivered in the mail through the U.S. Postal Service. Tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering.

All orders within the continental United States will be sent through First-Class Package Service. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, and overseas military and diplomatic addresses (APO/FPO/DPO) will be sent through Priority Mail.

Will I be able to track when my order status?

Yes. There is an option for you to provide an email address to receive email notifications with shipping updates.

Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with an estimated delivery date and a tracking number. You can track the status of your delivery on USPS.com.

All orders within the continental United States will be sent through First-Class Package Service. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, and overseas military and diplomatic addresses (APO/FPO/DPO) will be sent through Priority Mail.

Can I pick up my tests somewhere or have them held at my local Post Office instead of getting them shipped to my home?

No. This program is designed to send free tests to your home through the mail.

Who do I contact if I ordered my tests but they have not been delivered?

To get help with a delivery issue, please contact USPS.

Will my tests come with instructions on how to use them?

Yes. Tests will have instructions on how to use them.

Brookline Hills Station Reopens Following Accessibility Improvements

By
Brookline.com
-

The Town of Brookline and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) are pleased to announce that the Brookline Hills T Station has reopened.

The Brookline Hills Station, which is located near Brookline High School, officially reopened on Saturday, January 08, 2022, after it was closed for several months due to renovations.

Renovations feature accessibility improvements, including raised platforms for easy boarding, accessible crosswalks and pedestrian pathways, new canopies, additional seating, enhanced lighting and wayfinding, as well as pickup and drop-off locations for the RIDE.

“This upgrade modernizes the station while giving community members and visitors a more safe, reliable and accessible way to travel,” Town Administrator Mel Kleckner said. “I extend a sincere thanks to the MBTA and to the many people who worked diligently to bring these renovations to fruition, providing a more inclusive and accessible space for riders.”

Renovations were done in conjunction with the Brookline High School Expansion Project. The project included the construction of the brand new high school building at 22 Tappan Street that spans over the Brookline Hills Station. Trains pass through a tunnel underneath the new building.

Renovations to the station were funded by the Town of Brookline. Station construction was executed by the town in cooperation with the MBTA.

Image captions:

  • The newly renovated Brookline Hills Station.
  • The Brookline High School Expansion Project included the construction of the brand new high school building at 22 Tappan Street, that spans over the Brookline Hills Station.

Town Of Brookline Hosts CoViD-19 Vaccination Clinic In Partnership With Transformative Healthcare

By
Brookline.com
-

Interim Health Commissioner Patrick Maloney is pleased to announce that the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, in Partnership with Transformative Healthcare, will host a CoViD-19 vaccine clinic for those ages 12 and older on Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 03:30 p.m. to 08:00 p.m.

The clinick will take place at Brookline Housing Authority, Kickham Community Room, 190 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446.

First, second, and booster doses are available.

Walk-ins are welcome, but advanced registration is preferred. To register, please visit here.

Vaccines are free. Insurance is not required, though it is accepted to help cover administrative costs. All attendees should bring their CoViD-19 vaccination card if they have one. A card will be provided to those receiving a first dose.

The Pfizer-BioNTech CoViD-19 vaccine has been authorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration for those ages 5 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech CoViD-19 vaccine is a two-dose regimen, with three weeks between first and second doses. To learn more about the Pfizer-BioNTech CoViD-19 vaccine, please visit here.

“The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services recommends everyone consider a CoViD-19 vaccination. It is a free and easy way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the continued spread of CoViD-19 and the Omicron variant,” said Interim Commissioner Maloney. “Those with doubts or concerns about the vaccine should consult with their physician or a trusted medical professional.”

Attendees will be required to wear masks and maintain physical distance, in accordance with current Massachusetts guidelines regarding clinics.

1...111213...56Page 12 of 56
Brookline, MA

Driven by the desire to keep abreast with the times, to be of use to our fellow citizens and all who are interested in what is happening in Brookline, MA, wherever in the world they might be, we created the Brookline.com website.

It is our effort to advance understanding of environmental, political, religious, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. Be part of this process, share with us your stories, opinions, successes or problems.

We are an independent non-profit educational endeavor, not associated with any local business, state or federal institution inside or outside the territory of the U.S.A.


Brookline.com

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright 1996 - 2024 Brookline.com