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Brookline Department Of Public Health & Human Services Shares CoViD-19 Report

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Brookline.com
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Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett wishes to share the Town of Brookline’s CoViD-19 Health Report.

The report is meant to provide Brookline residents with a holistic view of the timeline and impacts of the pandemic in town, including the recent data and data trends, the effects on the community and the town’s response.

The report includes data on the total number of reported CoViD-19 cases and deaths in Brookline to this point. The report compares the impact of CoViD-19 in Brookline to other towns in Massachusetts and the nation. While not meant to be a comprehensive review of the pandemic’s impacts on the town, which would come only when CoViD-19 no longer poses a threat, the report examines the pandemic during the period where the state and town were under a state of emergency.

“After examining the data, we discovered that the cumulative CoViD-19 case rate in Brookline is among the lowest in Massachusetts and the U.S. This success can be attributed to the measures that the town took to ensure safety and to our resident’s compliance with these regulations,” said Commissioner Jett. “I recommend that all residents review this report as it will aid them in understanding the trajectory of the virus in Brookline and the impact that our mitigation strategies had across the community.”

The report provides a timeline of Brookline’s response to CoViD-9, which began on March 13, 2020 with the closure of public schools. The report also outlines Brookline’s response measures in regard to face-coverings, social distancing and reducing large gatherings, outreach and communication within the community, mental health, as well as equity and social determinants of health.

Additionally, the report provides information on cases in Brookline by age, gender, race and ethnicity, housing status and more.

The report also includes information about CoViD-19 transmission, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, prevention and vaccines.

To view the full health report, please visit here.

Brookline Fire Department Offers Grilling Safety Tips

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Brookline.com
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Chief John F. Sullivan would like to remind Brookline residents to practice safe grilling habits while cooking outdoors this season.

Each year Massachusetts fire departments respond to hundreds of fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

Chief Sullivan would like to share the following safety tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Safety First

  • Always grill outdoors.
  • Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
  • Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
  • Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
  • Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.

Gas Grill Safety

  • Never leave a burning grill unattended.
  • Make sure that the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when you are done cooking.
  • Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
  • Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.

Charcoal Grill Safety

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Gasoline and kerosene should not be used to start a fire in a grill. Never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Doing so may cause a flash fire and result in serious burn injuries.
  • Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Never use charcoal grills indoors.
  • For proper disposal of grill ashes, allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

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2022 U.S. Open To Mark The Next Chapter In A Storied History Of Golf In Brookline And At The Country Club

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Brookline.com
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On Fathers Day weekend 2022, Brookline will welcome the world to our town and The Country Club, a historic course synonymous with championship moments in golf history. The town and The Country Club will welcome the 122nd United States Open Championship June 13-19, 2021.

This championship is another chapter in a long and storied history at The Country Club in Brookline. As long as there has been golf in America, the Town of Brookline and The Country Club have played an integral role in the sport’s development and growth.

The sport’s American roots trace in part to Laurence Curtis, a founding member of The Country Club. Curtis wrote in Golfing Magazine, “After seeing and playing the game, and witnessing the enthusiasm of all who participated in it, I wrote to the executive committee of The Country Club, setting forth that there was a new game called golf, stating that it had been played in Scotland for three hundred years, and that it might readily be introduced at the club; and that the cost of an experimental course need not exceed fifty dollars.”

Curtis, Arthur Hunnewell and Robert Bacon designed the initial six-hole layout, among the first formal golf courses in the country.

With interest in golf rising, demand for a national governing body grew swiftly. The Country Club sent Curtis and P. S. “Samuel” Sears to a meeting with leaders of four other country clubs in New York in December 1894. The result was the creation of the first organization for amateur golf in the United States.

The USGA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to champion and advance the game of golf for all golfers worldwide, with the goal of promoting a thriving, welcoming and sustainable game. Through the U.S. Open Championship, the USGA funds a wealth of programs to make golf more accessible through junior and entry-level programs, to reduce golf’s use of water and other resources through research and science, and to promote a fair game for all through its governance functions and its 14 national championships.

Brookline and The Country Club played a key role in the USGA’s formative years. Curtis was elected the organization’s second president (1897-1898), followed by members W. B. Thomas (1899-1900), G. Herbert Windeler (1903-1904), and Herbert Jacques Sr. (1909-1910). Jacques’ son, Herbert Jacques Jr. (1933-34), and Harold Pierce (1940-1941) also served as USGA presidents. No other club has had more members serve as USGA’s leader.

Francis Ouimet The Country Club hosted its first national championship in 1902, the U.S. Women’s Amateur won by Genevieve Hecker, then the 1910 U.S. Amateur won by William Fownes, Jr.

What occurred three years later would cement Brookline’s place in golf legend.

The 1913 U.S. Open was headlined by British golfers Harry Vardon and Ted Ray. Vardon and Ray were considered among the best golfers in the world and expected to easily dominate the field.

Among the Americans was 20-year-old Francis Ouimet. The Ouimet family lived at 246 Clyde St., across from The Country Club’s 17th green. As a boy, Francis would watch the Club’s members from his bedroom window and fell in love with the game.

Ouimet’s interest in golf was planted by his older brother, Wilfred, and strengthened as a 7-year-old when Francis attended an appearance at a sporting goods store in Boston by Vardon, who was on an exhibition tour of the U.S. in 1900. Soon Ouimet and his brother built a three-hole layout in a field behind their home.

USGA president Robert Watson, who had played with Ouimet in a U.S. Amateur qualifying round in 1910, invited Ouimet to participate in the Open. Ouimet declined; he had to work at his job at a sporting goods store. Arrangements were made, and Ouimet played, with 10-year-old Eddie Lowery carrying his clubs.

At the end of 72 holes, Vardon and Ray were tied with the unknown, unheralded Ouimet. They would have an 18-hole playoff. All three men were tied after nine holes.

Ouimet eventually beat Vardon by five shots and Ray by six, completing the greatest upset in golf history.

Ouimet, and Brookline, became front-page news, spurring a golf boom across the country. In 2013, “Golf World” magazine ranked Ouimet’s victory the most important moment in American golf history.

Amateur Status The Country Club is an amateur golf landmark, having hosted five U.S. Amateur championships (1922, 1934, 1957, 1982, and 2013), as well as the 1902,1941 and 1995 U.S. Women’s Amateur championships.

The Walker Cup Match, organized every two years by the USGA and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews for amateur teams from the United States, Great Britain and Ireland, was contested on Brookline soil in 1932 and 1973. The Cup is named after 1920 USGA President George Herbert Walker, grandfather of President George H.W. Bush and great-grandfather of President George W. Bush.

Ouimet played on eight Walker Cup teams, captaining six, and became the first U.S. Captain of the R&A in 1951. He won a second U.S. Amateur title in 1931.

To mark the centennial of Ouimet’s win, the 2013 U.S. Amateur was awarded to The Country Club.

Ouimet created one more legacy that continues today. The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, started in 1949, has awarded more than $40 million to help more than 6,000 young men and women achieve their dreams of a college education.

The U.S. Open The U.S. Open returned to Brookline in 1963, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ouimet’s win. Played in extremely high winds, the championship ended in a three-way tie of Julius Boros, Jacky Cupit and the legendary Arnold Palmer. Boros was the only player to break par in the 18-hole playoff, securing the win.

The U.S. Open returned in 1988, the 75th anniversary of the Ouimet victory, and for the third time, the championship was settled in an 18-hole playoff. American Curtis Strange bested England’s Nick Faldo by four shots.

In 2015, the Brookline Select Board and The Country Club invited the USGA to bring the U.S. Open to town for the fourth time. The USGA agreed, announcing the 122nd U.S. Open for June 13-19, 2022.

About half of the 156 players in the field will qualify automatically, through exemptions and World Golf Ranking. The other half will be survivors of a series of grueling local and final qualifying events, open to anyone with a handicap index of 1.4 or less.

Exempt or qualifying, amateur or professional, all will share the experience of a true test of golf, at one of the sport’s hallowed grounds.

An enduring partnership

The story of golf in Brookline is also a story of a strong partnership between the Town and The Country Club.

The Country Club supports numerous charitable and non-profit organizations such as the Brookline Youth Fund and the Community Safety Net Fund. The Country Club also has made sizable donations to support and grow the game of golf at the Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course, a commitment that grows stronger each year.

A national championship with the tradition of a U.S. Open could not be staged successfully without collaboration between the Town and The Country Club, working in concert with local, state, and federal agencies. The result will be an economic boost to local shops and restaurants, from championship patrons who spend a day or the week in town. Golf fans around the world will learn once again how Brookline and The Country Club were among the founders of American golf.

A new champion will hoist the trophy as winner of the 122nd U.S. Open on Father’s Day 2022, authoring a new chapter in the stories of the Town of Brookline, The Country Club and the USGA.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Asks Residents To Take CoViD-19 Vaccine Literacy Survey

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett would like to invite Brookline residents who are 18 years or older to take an important survey to assess vaccine literacy.

The goal of the survey is to provide town public health officials with insight into the levels of vaccine literacy among residents, including general knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards CoViD-19 vaccines.

The data collected will help Brookline’s Department of Public Health to develop future CoViD-19 public health outreach programs designed to support the town’s continued recovery from the CoViD-19 pandemic.

Residents interested in taking the survey can visit here. The survey is anonymous and all information will be kept confidential. The survey is open and will remain live until Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at midnight. It will take approximately five to 10 minutes to complete.

CoViD-19 vaccines are free and available to anyone above the age of 12. Residents who wish to get vaccinated can register here.

For questions about the survey, please contact Darlene Johnson at djohnson@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2301.

Brookline Residents Invited To First Public Meeting On Ice Rink Feasibility Study

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Brookline.com
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The Brookline Department of Public Works, Parks and Open Space Division is developing an initial design concept and feasibility study for a renovated or new ice skating rink facility in Brookline.

This study is intended to develop preliminary designs, assess site layout and circulation, engineering considerations, traffic and parking, prepare preliminary cost estimates, and develop maintenance and operating costs for the facility.

The first virtual public meeting will take place at 06:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2021, via Zoom. To access the meeting, please visit here. The Town will discuss project goals, community needs, existing facility conditions, and activity and programming parameters. This will serve as the first of four public meetings led by an Ice Skating Rink Task Force appointed by the Park and Recreation Commission.

The study is being initiated by the Park and Recreation Commission and town staff as a result of a permanent failure of the mechanical refrigeration system at the current facility at Larz Anderson Park, which is now operating seasonally on temporary refrigeration units. It is unclear how many seasons the town can expect to open the facility under the current conditions.

“Larz Anderson Park is a remarkable and unique landscape that serves the community year-round for both active and passive recreation,” Commissioner Erin Gallentine said. “The Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink at Larz Anderson Park is a beloved amenity that has been celebrated for generations as a unique outdoor ice skating destination.”

The Brookline Ice Skating Rink Recreational Facility Preliminary Design Services Request for Proposals went out to bid in April 2021.

Interviews were completed through the Town’s Purchasing Division by a Selection Committee consisting of Parks and Recreation staff, commissioners and task force members during the month of April and into May. The bid was ultimately awarded to a team assembled by Klopfer Martin Design Group (KMDG).

The project team includes JLG Architects, a nationally recognized architecture firm specializing in sports facilities — particularly ice rinks — for both municipal and institutional sports clients. In addition, KMDG will work with McMahon Associates on transportation studies and Jennifer Schultz of Sullivan & Worcester regarding project permitting.

“Our approach to design is rooted in collaboration, research, and a respect for the site and for the people who will use the space,” Mark Klopfer of KMDG said.

“We are all disappointed that the refrigeration system failed, but we look forward to working with our Ice Rink Task Force, Park and Recreation Commission, and the public on a feasibility study to reimagine an ice skating facility and destination that serves the community,” said Parks and Open Space Director Alexandra Vecchio.

All are encouraged to attend! Please register in advance here.

Town Of Brookline, Community Partners Invite Public To Annual Juneteenth Celebration

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Brookline.com
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The Town of Brookline and its community partners invite the public to attend the Annual Juneteenth Celebration scheduled for this weekend.

Community leaders from the Brookline POC Committee, BBYBM (Brookline Black Yellow Brown Men) and BDC (Brookline Diversity Club) have partnered with the Brookline Community Foundation and the Town to organize this free event. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of those enslaved in Confederate states.

Residents are invited to the Florida Ruffin Ridley School, 345 Harvard Street, on Saturday, June 19, 2021, for a Freedom March that will step off at 10:00 a.m. Earlier this year the school was renamed for Ridley, one of the first Black teachers in Massachusetts and a prominent Black activist and writer who supported women’s suffrage and the anti-lynching movement.

The March will proceed to Brookline Avenue, and end at Brookline Avenue Park about 11:00 a.m.

The Celebration will include music, dancing, and children’s games. Food will be available until 08:00 p.m.

Updates about the event may be found on the Celebration’s Facebook page here.

While the Celebration is free, community partners are seeking donations to underwrite the local Black artists and businesses who are supporting the event. Contributions may be made through PayPal Pool to Brookline’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration here.

Brookline Residents Ages 18+ Now Eligible To Register For CoViD-19 Vaccination

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Brookline.com
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Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett is pleased to share that all residents ages 18 and over are now eligible to register for the scheduled vaccine clinic hosted by the Health Department this weekend.

On Saturday, June 12, 2021, the Brookline Department of Public Health will host a clinic for residents 18 and over at its facility at 11 Pierce Street in Brookline. The clinic will run from 11:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. Those who attend may choose between the Moderna two-shot vaccine or the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.

There is no cost to obtain a vaccination.

Those who elect to receive the Moderna vaccine will return for their second dose four weeks after the June 12, 2021 clinic.

To book an appointment for the Moderna vaccine, please visit here.

To book an appointment for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, please visit here.

The clinic had initially been open to residents 65 and over, but is now expanded to all residents 18 and over.

Those with questions about the vaccines or the clinic are encouraged to call 617-730-2300.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Shares Hot Weather Safety Tips

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Brookline.com
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With multiple 90-plus degree days already occurring in 2021, Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett and the Brookline Department of Public Health would like to remind residents to take safety precautions on particularly hot days, especially when taking part in outdoor activities.

“After several 90-plus degree days in a row, and with more to come this week and later this summer, it is important for residents to continuously be mindful of the heat,” said Commissioner Jett. “We recommend that residents take the proper precautions to ensure safety, including staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting clothing and reducing strenuous outdoor activities.”

The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures will reach into the 90s from Sunday through Tuesday in Brookline.

To prevent heat-related illness and injuries, the Brookline Department of Public Health recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:

  • 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.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water.
  • 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.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 03:00 p.m.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water. Please visit here to learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.

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.

To learn more about summer safety, please visit the National Safety Council’s summer safety website here.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Recognized By NACCHO

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett are pleased to announce that the Brookline Department of Public Health was recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).

Brookline earned an honorable mention in NACCHO’s Innovative Practice Awards, which recognizes local health departments and the programs that they developed in response to the CoViD-19 pandemic. Departments were recognized for demonstrating effective community partnerships and collaboration, adaptability, program resilience and remarkable innovation.

In total, 48 local health departments were recognized, including eight gold awardees, five silver, 20 bronze and 15 honorable mentions.

Since the CoViD-19 pandemic began, the Town of Brookline has worked to ensure the safety of the community through the implementation of weekly CoViD-19 updates, a dedicated CoViD-19 news website, virtual town hall meetings, efforts to limit large gatherings and an eviction moratorium.

Additionally, Brookline was one of the first towns in the U.S. to put in place contact tracing efforts and mandatory face-coverings requirements in public. To normalize mask-wearing, the department invested in the communication of the mandate through posters, advertisements and social media campaigns.

“I am so pleased that our town was recognized by NACCHO and I am so grateful for everyone who has worked tirelessly over the past 15 months to keep our residents safe amid the largest public health crisis in a century,” said Commissioner Jett. “I would especially like to commend all of our front line workers, first responders and emergency management team, as well as our environmental health staff, school nurses and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers who stepped away from their normal jobs to become contact tracers during the height of the pandemic.”

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About NACCHO

The National Association of Country and City Health Officials was founded in 1965 and represents the nearly 3,000 local governmental health departments in the U.S. The goal of NACCHO is to improve the public’s health while adhering to a set of core values, including equity, excellence, participation, respect, integrity, leadership and science and innovation. They also seek to recognize departments that work every day to protect and promote the health and well-being of the people in their communities.

To learn more, please visit here.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Hosting Vaccine Clinic For Adults Over 65

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Brookline.com
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The Brookline Department of Public Health and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett invite residents age 65+ to a vaccine clinic in town next weekend.

On Saturday, June 12, 2021, the Brookline Department of Public Health will host a clinic for residents 65 and over at its facility at 11 Pierce Street in Brookline. The clinic will run from 11:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. Those who attend may choose between the Moderna two-shot vaccine or the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.

There is no cost to obtain a vaccination.

Those who elect to receive the Moderna vaccine will return for their second dose four weeks after the June 12, 2021, clinic.

  • To book an appointment for the Moderna vaccine, please visit here;
  • To book an appointment for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, please visit here.

“This is a great opportunity for those most at-risk of serious complications from CoViD-19 to get vaccinated and dramatically reduce not only their likelihood of getting seriously ill, but their likelihood of getting sick at all,” Dr. Jett said. “Vaccination is the single best tool we have to put an end to the pandemic and reach community immunity, and I encourage all who are eligible for this clinic to sign up.”

Those with questions about the vaccines or the clinic are encouraged to call 617-730-2300.

Town Of Brookline Announces Expanded Access To Public Buildings

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Brookline.com
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The Town of Brookline and Town Administrator Mel Kleckner are pleased to announce the expansion of public access to town facilities next month.

Beginning June 01, 2021, Brookline Town Hall will expand appointment hours and the operating hours of the concierge desk, which will operate from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. on weekdays. From June 01-20, 2021, business in Town Hall will only be conducted by appointment.

On Monday, June 21, 2021, all town buildings will be open to the public. After June 21, 2021, appointments are not required but they are strongly encouraged. Following the updated CDC guidance, masks will no longer be required for vaccinated employees or members of the public inside Town Hall, but are required for individuals who are not vaccinated.

“We are grateful to be at a point where we can fully reopen our town facilities to the public and allow for business to resume in way that will largely resemble the pre-pandemic normal,” Town Administrator Kleckner said. “We are still strongly encouraging residents to make appointments at Town Hall so that we can best manage the flow of people through the building. The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, but these are positive steps that we should all be excited by.”

The changes come after the Baker-Polito Administration’s announcement Monday, May 17, 2021, that the Commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June, and nearly all remaining CoViD-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29, 2021.

Public Library of Brookline

The Public Library of Brookline will reopen to the public on June 01, 2021. The Library will continue to run programming exclusively virtually until September.

Additionally, all unvaccinated individuals — including children — will be required to wear masks at all times inside the library.

Senior Center

The Brookline Senior Center will reopen to the public June 01, 2021. It will be open Monday through Friday from 08:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., and programming will resume during the week of June 21, 2021. Additional updates on program offerings will be provided as they become available.

Public Health Building

The Public Health building will be open on an appointment-only basis until further notice.

Most Pandemic Restrictions to be Lifted Statewide May 29, 2021

Effective May 29, 2021, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

On May 18, 2020, the Administration published the reopening phases here, which called for ending restrictions when vaccines became widely available. Today, there are over 975 locations for Massachusetts residents to access vaccines without delay.

Getting Vaccinated

Those who are eligible but have not yet been vaccinated are strongly urged to do so. Vaccines have been thoroughly reviewed by federal regulators and have been determined to be both safe and highly effective. To find out where to obtain a vaccine, please see here.

All individuals over the age of 12 are eligible to be vaccinated in Masachusetts. There is no cost to be vaccinated.

Face Covering Guidance

In line with updated CDC face covering guidance, the Administration will rescind the current face covering order and issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29, 2021.

Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The advisory will also recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.

Face coverings will still be required for all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA buses and rapid transit, Commuter Rail trains and inside transportation stations and on station platforms), healthcare facilities and providers, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services.

Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.

For further guidance on masks, please visit here.

State of Emergency Order

Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency​ June 15, 2021, and the administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency.

There is currently proposed legislation at the state level to extend certain changes that were adopted during the pandemic, such as expanded outdoor dining. More information about those provisions will be announced when more information becomes available.

Brookline Public Works Invites Public To Community Engagement Forum

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Brookline.com
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Commissioner Erin Gallentine invites the Brookline community to a forum to meet the DPW Leadership Team, learn about ongoing projects and initiatives, and offer feedback ideas for the future of Brookline’s infrastructure.

The DPW Community Engagement Forum will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at 06:00 p.m., via Zoom.

The Department of Public Works provides extensive and often critical day-to-day services that enhance Brookline’s quality of life; it manages the town’s water, sewer, sanitation, recycling, roadway maintenance, street cleaning, snow and ice control, traffic control, street lighting, parking, line painting, sidewalk maintenance, equipment maintenance, parks and open space, conservation, public grounds maintenance, school grounds maintenance, skating rink, forestry, cemetery, engineering, transportation, highway, and stormwater management.

“This has been a challenging year. While the CoViD-19 pandemic caused great uncertainty, hardships, and concern for our families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, Brookline’s public works professionals continued to provide foundational support for the community’s daily activities,” Commissioner Gallentine said. “We invite our residents to attend and share their ideas and feedback and take the opportunity to meet the individuals who make up the DPW.”

Interested residents are asked to register here. If needed, additional login information can be found on the Town Meeting Calendar.

Residents with questions may contact Julie Piacentini at jpiacentini@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2166.

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Brookline Residents Invited To Presentation On Urban Forest Climate Resiliency Master Plan Draft

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Brookline.com
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The Brookline Department of Public Works Parks and Open Space Division is developing an Urban Forest Climate Resiliency Master Plan and is seeking residents’ participation.

The Parks and Open Space Division enthusiastically invites all members of the public to virtually attend its upcoming public meeting on Monday, May 17, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. – 08:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please register in advance by visiting here. To join by phone once the meeting has begun, dial 669-254-5252 or 646-828-7666. Please note that joining by phone prevents callers from participating in the meeting.

This Master Plan is intended to position the Town to proactively and equitably prepare for and protect against the impacts of climate change on our public and private trees, and in turn prepare for and mitigate impacts to the community and environment overall.

The upcoming public meeting will be an opportunity to review key takeaways from the Master Plan prior to its finalization, including the analysis of tree canopy coverage across Brookline and climate change risk and intervention analysis, and to provide public comment.

If you are interested in learning more about this project, please log onto our project website here. Contact Katie Weatherseed, Project Manager, with any questions you may have at kweatherseed@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2088.

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Town Of Brookline Awarded State Grant To Assist With Medical Transportation Needs For Seniors

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Brookline Council on Aging (COA) Director Ruthann Dobek are pleased to announce that the COA was recently awarded a $6,584 state grant to assist with medical transportation needs for seniors in town.

Funding for this grant was provided by MassDevelopment and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). In total, approximately $2.5 million in funds were awarded to 47 communities, agencies, regional transit authorities, not-for-profits and human service providers through the Taxi, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program.

The grant aims to help communities supplement existing transportation options, create new programs to transport individuals to work, grocery stores, non-emergency medical appointments, and other destinations, and facilitate delivery of essential supplies such as food and medicine to residents in need.

Brookline has partnered with Modern Ride to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation. Transportation is available Monday through Friday from 07:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. Limited weekend service is provided.

The service provides rides within the Town of Brookline and to select vaccination appointments and medical facilities, including the Longwood Medical Area, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass Eye & Ear, Faulkner Hospital, Boston Medical Center, the VA Hospital and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.

Requests for medical transportation can be left on the Brookline Senior Center Van Reservation Line at 617-730-2750 and should be made three business days in advance of the appointment. Residents are asked to leave a message with their name, address, and phone number, along with detailed appointment information. Requests will be confirmed within 24 hours.

Additionally, the COA offers discounted rides for elderly residents on Lyft and GoGo Grandparent.

“Transportation has always been identified as an essential need by older adults, and the pandemic has highlighted the importance of safe, reliable transportation, particularly to essential medical appointments,” said Dobek. “This grant has allowed the Brookline Senior Center to continue and even expand the critical medical transportation service started during this crisis.”

For more information about the program, please contact directed to COA TRIPPS Coordinator Maria Foster at 617-730-2644.

Town Of Brookline’s Outdoor Mask Mandate To Remain In Place Until Further Notice

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Town Manager Mel Kleckner and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett would like to inform residents that the Town of Brookline will delay compliance with the Governor’s Order to relax face coverings in certain public places.

The Town of Brookline’s more restrictive outdoor face covering mandate will remain in place until it is reviewed at the next Advisory Council on Public Health meeting.

This news follows Governor Charlie Baker’s announcement on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, that effective today, April 30, 2021, face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.

“Out of an abundance of caution and in our residents’ best interests, the Town of Brookline will not follow suit with the state’s decision to lift the outdoor mask mandate today,” Dr. Jett said. “Our face covering requirement has served as a protective layer that limits the possibility of spreading CoViD-19 and we are reluctant to relax it at this time without further public input and review by the Advisory Council on Public Health.”

Interested residents may follow the activities of the ACPH by subscribing to notifications at brooklinema.gov/list. For the latest COVID-19 updates for the Town of Brookline, please visit here.

Town Of Brookline Hires Thomas Barrasso As Director For Sustainability Planning

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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Planning Director Alison Steinfeld are pleased to announce that Thomas Barrasso has been hired as the first Director for Sustainability Planning for the Town’s Planning Department.

Barrasso will start in his new role on Monday, May 03, 2021. In this role, he will help with several sustainability projects in town, including developing a strategic plan to help further the Town’s sustainability goals and exploring different grant opportunities to support these municipal projects and initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom to the Town of Brookline and look forward to the contributions he will make toward addressing climate change,” Director Steinfeld said. “Tom comes to us with a breadth of experience and we wish him all the best as he starts in this new role.”

Prior to joining the Brookline Planning Department, Barrasso worked as the City of Amesbury’s first Director of Energy and Environmental Affairs from 2015 to 2020, where he created a new department to manage energy efficiency and renewable infrastructure, environmental compliance and natural resources. He has also worked for the City of Boston as a Senior Project Manager in the Environmental Program from 2006 to 2010, the Massachusetts Highway Department as Assistant to the Deputy Director of Environmental Management from 1998 to 1999 and the Hazardous Materials Coordinator from 1996 to 1998, the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Supervisory Geographic Specialist from 1986 to 1988, and several nationally renowned environmental and management consulting firms. In these roles, he has shown a proven ability to build relationships and secure and administer grants, as well as a genuine dedication to address climate change.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in geology with a minor in chemistry from Salem State College.

“Within my experience, I have worked on very similar projects to those Brookline seeks to engage, but each community is unique, and I look forward to meeting with everyone to gain a better understanding of how we will formulate and accomplish our plan for the future,” Barrasso said

Given the importance of being able to work effectively with local officials, municipal staff and the public, the new Director underwent a series of rigorous interviews by staff, local officials and sustainability leaders.

“As a community, we remain committed to adopting as many sustainable practices, policies and projects as possible in order to protect our environment and maintain and improve the quality of life for our residents,” Town Administrator Kleckner said. “This role is one way we are working toward that mission and we are excited to see how Tom will advance the Town’s commitment to addressing climate change.”

Town Of Brookline Develops Civilian Feedback Form To Evaluate Police Interactions

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Acting Chief of Police Mark Morgan are pleased to announce that the Brookline Police Department has launched a form designed to collect feedback from those who have had interactions with members of the department.

The pilot program, which was initiated by the Select Board’s Committee on Policing Reforms, enables civilians to quickly provide feedback on their individual interactions with Brookline Police.

To access the form, please visit here.

The form is accessible via smartphone, tablets and desktops, and allows residents and visitors who have interactions with members of the police department to provide feedback on the quality of the interaction. All responses are anonymous by default, though respondents will have the option to identify themselves, and also have the option to identify the police personnel with whom they interacted.

“Understanding our community’s perception of our police department and having a data-driven approach to analyzing its strengths and opportunities for improvement is absolutely critical,” Chief Morgan said. “I’m hopeful that people will capitalize on the opportunity to provide thoughtful feedback on their interactions with members of the department so that we can evaluate their responses and adapt our approaches to ensure we are meeting the needs of the public.”

In the event that respondents have strong positive or negative feelings about their interactions, they will be provided the additional option to complete either a commendation or complaint form.

Respondents will also have the option to provide demographic data, such as race, age or sex, which will help analysts better interpret the data the survey yields. Survey responses will be maintained by the town’s Information Technology Department, while the Police Department and Office of Diversity will regularly monitor the results and develop monthly reports to the Select Board on issues that have been identified and how they were addressed.

The form can be found on the police website under How Do I section and on the Select Board’s website here. Officers will have the form via QR code on their business cards to hand out during interactions with people in Brookline as well.

Town Of Brookline Provides Important Updates On Upcoming Town Election

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The Office of the Town Clerk announces that Brookline residents will have the opportunity to take part in early voting ahead of the upcoming town election, and that the polling place for Precinct 15 has changed.

Early voting will be available for all residents at Town Hall, 333 Washington Street, Room 103 on three dates later this month:

  • Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 08:30 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.;
  • Tuesday, April 27, 2021, from 08:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.;
  • Thursday, April 29, 2021, from 08:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Registered voters, who would like to take part in early voting, simply need to visit Town Hall during those hours to request a ballot.

The annual town election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 04, 2021.

Additionally, any registered voter who would like to vote by mail / absentee in the town election may do so by scanning and emailing a completed and signed application to townclerk@brooklinema.gov. To download an application, please visit here. You may also obtain a request form directly from the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in/absentee ballot is 05:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, and mail-in / absentee ballots must be received by the Town Clerk’s Office by 08:00 p.m. on election day in order to be counted.

New Polling Place for Precinct 15 Residents of Precinct 15 who choose to vote on election day should note that their polling place has changed. The polling place has changed from Baker School to the rear of Fire Station 6, 962 Hammond Street.

To determine which precinct you reside in, please visit here. To find your polling place, please visit here.

Register to Vote

Eligible residents can register to vote online here.

The deadline to register to vote in the town election is Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 08:00 p.m.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Invites Community To Celebrate National Public Health Week

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The Brookline Department of Public Health and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett invite residents to take part in Brookline’s annual celebration of National Public Health Week next week.

This year, the Brookline community can learn how to keep families in balance as COVID-19 restrictions relax; learn the truths and myths behind COVID-19 vaccinations; and connect with Brookline groups working on climate action.

National Public Health Week will be celebrated from Monday, April 05, to Sunday, April 11, 2021. 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 “Building Bridges to Better Health.”

Amid COVID-19 restrictions, the Department of Public Health this year developed visual programs to highlight the many facets of public health in Brookline.

“The last 12 months have reminded us about the importance of public health in our community,” Dr. Jett said. “This year’s programs stress both personal well-being and ways to build a healthier community.”

Brookline residents can join in the celebration through the following events and initiatives:

Tuesday, April 06, 2021

“Light at the End of the Tunnel – Strategies & Resources for the Transition Ahead:” Mental health consultant Jon Mattleman, always a popular presenter among Brookline’s parents, returns with a virtual webinar starting at 07:00 p.m. Mattleman will offer insightful, humorous tips on how to keep families in balance as COVID-19 restrictions relax, kids go back to school, and the community returns to some level of normalcy. Mattleman will share practical tools, techniques, and resources to help guide participants through a challenging transition. This webinar is co-sponsored by the Department of Public Health and the Brookline Parent Education Network (B-PEN). Register here or here.

Wednesday, April 07, 2021

“COVID-19: Vaccine Hesitancy/Vaccine Myths:” Two prominent public health clinicians, both Brookline residents, Dr. J. Jacques Carter, a physician at Beth Israel/Deaconess, and Julia Lee, a nurse practitioner at Tufts Medical Center, bring their many years of clinical experience to provide facts and answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Erik von Hahn, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Tufts Medical School and medical consultant to the Public Schools of Brookline, will moderate. This webinar, sponsored by the Department of Public Health, begins at 06:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Register here or here.

Thursday, April 08, 2021

Our Planet/Our Community: Mothers Out Front welcomes everyone to join the fight for a livable climate. The group meets monthly for Zoom Brunch and weekly for drop-in coffees to take action on one of its campaigns. Join here or by sending an e-mail to info.ma.brookline@mothersoutfront.org.

Climate Action Brookline’s campaign to double the number of residents choosing the Town of Brookline’s “100% Clean, Renewable Electricity” initiative is underway. Signing on is a powerful way to fight climate change. Go here to switch to Brookline Green Electricity, the town’s alternate electricity program.

Reasons To Travel Off-Season

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Travelling is one of the best ways that you can ease off pressure and see the world at the same time. Travelling gives you time to breathe and open up your eyes and your mind to new possibilities. You see new places and get to experience the awe of the wonders of the world. But then travelling comes at a cost, one that is not easy to come by. Which is why we would like to advise you to travel off-season, but what are the benefits of travelling off season you might ask, well just read on.

Cuts Costs

One of the main reasons why we would advise you travel off-season is the fact that you are able to cut costs. From the mode of travel to the place where you will be staying all the costs are reduced. The main reason for the reduction of costs is there are not many people that will travelling at that time, as such hotels and flights will be doing what they can to stay afloat. Then we have the cost of food as well, most places will be struggling to stay open, as such they also slash their prices as well. Because well, it is off season and people will not be travelling. You can also try kiwicasinos online casino to make an extra income for your travel.

Less Human Traffic

Another reason why you need to make sure that you travel off-season is that there is less traffic. When you travel off-season you are still able to see the great places but with not that many people.

Travel destination are amazing to visit but one the many cons that they come with is human traffic. You will have to book and reserve places and adhere to a very specific travel schedule otherwise you will miss your seat or your time slot will be given to someone else. But when you travel off season, you have reason to worry, as there will be less people. You can even enjoy your best usa casinos games in peace without having to worry about anyone disturbing you.

Interesting Casino Records

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Everything has records, because it is just the way it. Quite frankly, we have no idea where the whole idea of records came from, but we know that we have them all over.

According to https://www.bestunitedstatescasinos.com/, online casino games have records and land based casinos have records as well. And below we shall look at some of these records. Some are mind-blowing if you ask us, and some will have you wondering the things that people do for the love of casinos and casino games.

Casino Records

Casino-Hopping?

We are not sure if we can call it casino hopping or the love of casinos. According to the Guinness World Records a man called Edwin Wheeler visited a total of 358 different casinos between the years of 1955 to 2002. As if that was not enough, he even visited some casinos twice making the grand total 372. As we said, for the love of casinos.

More Casino Hopping?

If you thought that casino hopping over the years was something that was odd, well then we are sure that you will find that this is even more odd. Over the a few years, a man visits at least 372 casinos, but how about in 24 hours? There is a record that was held between the 22nd and the 23rd of October 2015. Two men managed to casino hop 69 different casinos within one night. If you are up for it, then why not try and visit as many casinos that you can in one night.

Longest Craps Winning Streak

Craps is one of the most common games at land based casinos and best high roller online casinos. If you walk into a casino and hear some noise then we are sure that it was at a craps table. Ironically, the record of the longest winning streak at a game of craps was for 4 hours and 18 minutes. The record was held by Demauro who managed to roll 154 times and did not lose even once.

The Best Social Media Platforms For Business

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Brookline.com
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It is quite refreshing to know that a lot of business are getting quite popular on social media platforms. Now, you can even find that there are a lot of online casinos that can be found online, visit this best online casino usa guide. The platforms are a hive of so many different interesting and fun activities including buying and selling services and products. Therefore, do not be left out in all the fun. Here are the best platforms that you can get to maximize on.

Facebook

Of course, Facebook is on top of our list. There are billions of people that are using this social media site right now. And, the best part is that there is pretty much freedom for you to do what you want from sharing videos to pictures and even plain text. Now, people are getting to create even their own business pages that they can use specifically for their business. And, you can even get to use Facebook influencers to advertise your product on their platforms as well. There are just so many advantages that come with this site for business owners.

LinkedIn

This platform is for those that will be into a more formal and serious type of business venture. Usually, this is the site that you should go to if you are going to be looking for business partners investors. Or, generally, when you just want to link up with other business owner and get a more intellect view of the business world. Hence, you will need to present yourself in the most formal way possible even if you deal with online real money casinos.

TikTok

The social media platform is just becoming popular, but there are billions of people that you can get to real out to on this site. But, you will need to able to get as many followers as possible and get o boost up your page so that if can get to pop up on the “for you page” of different platforms.

Why So Many Decks Of Cards In Gard Games

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Brookline.com
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If you play online casino games, then you have most probably come across what are called card games. These are games that are generally played with cards and both the loser and the winner are determined by the value of cards that they have in their hand.

What most people do not seem to understand is why the card games that we play are played with so many decks of cards. And today we want to shed a little light on that matter.

Why are card games played with so many cards?

To Avoid Cheating

The first reason, which we believe the most important is that card games are played with so many cards so that the players can avoid cheating. Back in the day, before we played at online casinos united states, card games where played with a standard 52 card deck. But that it made it easy to count cards and allow for players to even mark the cards. Therefore, to avoid all that, the games evolved and more and more card decks where then added to the game play.

Makes The Games Longer

Playing the game with more than one deck of cards would also for a proper mix up of the cards and the games would last longer playing with only one deck of cards, meant that the cards would have to be shuffled often, which is fine if you are applying online. But if you are playing at land based casino there is wear and tear and the cards would have to change to often.

Gives The Players More Chances To Win

Lastly, playing more that one deck of cards gave at the best payout online casinos, players more chances to win. Playing with more cards in card games gives the players more winning hand options and this turn gives players more chances of walking away with top real money rewards.

A Run & Rally In Support Of The Asian Community Will Be Held By The New England Chinese American Alliance

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On Saturday, March 27, 2021, the New England Chinese American Alliance (NECAA) anticipate that around 200 people will line the Boston Marathon route in solidarity with the Asian community.

“The purpose of the event is to show solidarity in wake of deadly Atlanta shootings, to mourn the loss of eight lives including six Asian women, to condemn acts of violence and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to display unity, resilience, and strength of the Asian American community,” said in a statement the New England Chinese American Alliance, a co-organizer based in Waltham, MA.

The March 16, 2021 mass shootings in Georgia sparked demonstrations and vigils across the country in solidarity with Asian communities and in opposition to the racism that those communities have experienced in the past year.

According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, CSUSB, crime statistics in America’s largest cities show a nearly 150 percent increase in reported Anti-Asian hate crime incidents this year compared to last year.

In 2019, Boston alone reported 170 hate crimes; by 2020, that number had dropped to 146. However, according to the study, the number of reports of anti-Asian hate crime incidents increased from six (6) to fourteen (14).

The alliance, along with organizations from across the Boston Marathon route and beyond, will line the route with signs cheering on four teams of runners.

Runners from Hopkinton, Framingham, Lexington, and Newton will set out at 10:30 a.m. to run a little more than six (6) miles of the marathon at the same time.

Commemorative ceremonies will be held in Hopkinton and on the Boston Common, where the race begins and ends.

Schedule:

  • 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Hopkinton memorial ceremony;
  • 10:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Sign-holding along the Boston Marathon route;
  • 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Start from Hopkinton, Framingham, Lexington and Wellesley / Newton;
  • 11:20 a.m. Runners arrive at Boston Common, then run one lap around the field;
  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Boston Common memorial ceremony.

Participants:

Belmont Chinese American Association, Chinese American Association of Lexington, Chinese American Network of Winchester, Wellesley Chinese Language School, Chinese American Association of Newton, Brookline Chinese School, New Legacy Cultural Center, WeStar, Tsinghua Alumni Association at Greater Boston, etc.

To learn more, please visit here.

Hundreds Of People Protest In Brookline Against Anti-Asian Racism

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Around 300 people gathered in front of Brookline High School on Friday evening to show support for Asian Americans and to remember the eight people killed in a mass shooting in Atlanta, including six Asian women.

The rally and candlelight vigil were organized by the Asian Pacific American Club at Brookline High School to draw attention to the rise of anti-Asian violence and racism in the United States over the past year, which was highlighted by the March 16, 2021 mass shooting.

In the aftermath of the mass shooting, a number of vigils have been held around the world. It also comes on the heels of a report from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, which showed that while hate crimes against Asian-Americans decreased in major cities, hate crimes against Asian-Americans increased.

Following the Atlanta shootings, more than 250 Brookline leaders signed a statement condemning hatred and bigotry and expressing solidarity with Asian Americans.

Several committees, including the Brookline Commission for Women and the town’s diversity and inclusion committee, published statements of support and criticism of anti-Asian xenophobia.

“We know that Brookline is not immune to this racism,” wrote the Brookline Commission for Women.

The Select Board also released a statement, in which it acknowledged it needed to involve all peoples in its anti-racist discourse and policymaking, to ensure “that their perspectives are represented everywhere decisions are being made.”

It is important to take a stand.

This is exactly what a lot of the people, who came to the vigil, wanted to do, and they did it.

2022 U.S. Open Championship Advanced Volunteer Registration Opportunity For Brookline Residents

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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner announces that Brookline residents will have an early opportunity to register to volunteer for the 122nd U.S. Open Championship, which will be held at The Country Club from June 13-19, 2022.

Beginning on Monday, March 29, 2021, at 09:00 a.m., the first 500 Brookline residents to submit a volunteer application through the U.S. Open website here and utilize the registration code “2022BrooklineRes” will secure a position in the championship’s volunteer program.

After the first 500 spots are filled, Brookline residents will still have the opportunity to register in conjunction with the general public volunteer launch, which is scheduled for Monday, April 12, 2021, at 09:00 a.m. (where remaining volunteer positions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis).

For the 2022 U.S. Open Championship, approximately 3,100 unpaid volunteers will be needed to fill positions on more than 13 committees, including Fan and Hospitality Services, Marshals, Merchandising, On-Course Operations, and Scoring. Volunteer opportunities are largely granted on a first-come, first-served basis and will require a minimum commitment of four shifts, with each shift lasting between four to six hours during the week of the championship.

All 2022 U.S. Open volunteers will be required to purchase the Volunteer Package for $244.45. This package will include apparel pieces specifically designed for the championship’s volunteer program, a personalized volunteer credential valid for all seven days of the championship, and a meal voucher for each assigned shift. Volunteer apparel will consist of two Ralph Lauren golf shirts, a Ralph Lauren jacket, a Ralph Lauren quarter-zip, a piece of headwear, a water bottle, a commemorative lapel pin, and a transparent drawstring bag.

This advanced volunteer registration opportunity is only intended for Brookline residents. Volunteer applications submitted via the use of the “2022BrooklineRes” volunteer registration code will be subject to review and required to have a permanent Town of Brookline residential address. Non-Brookline resident applications will not be considered during this advanced volunteer registration opportunity.

Non-Brookline residents are encouraged to visit the U.S. Open Volunteer website here beginning on Monday, April 12, 2021, at 09:00 a.m. to register in conjunction with the general public launch.

Questions regarding the 2022 U.S. Open Championship or this advanced volunteer registration opportunity for Brookline residents can be directed to the USGA’s Championship Office at 2022usopen@usga.org.

Brookline Select Board Issues Statement Condemning Racism & Violence Against Asian-Americans

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The Brookline Select Board announces that it has come together to stand against racism toward Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, and with the help of residents has identified actionable steps the town can take to support anti-racism in the community.

The Select Board on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, voted to unanimously support the following:

“On March 18, 2021, at Brookline High School and Old Lincoln School, hundreds of people from all over Brookline gathered to show support and solidarity for Asian students and the Asian community in Brookline and across America. The people gathered with great sadness but strong resolve having learned of the horrific events that occurred March 16, 2021, in Atlanta where a shooter murdered eight people, six of whom were Asian women. The consequence of this act of barbarity has been the traumatization of people of Asian descent and their non-Asian families and friends and understandable anger and frustration. It comes at a time of increasing reports of anti-Asian racism and violence in our country. Unfortunately, this racism and violence were inflamed by the words and deeds of the previous administration in Washington which were a continuation of such racism and violence long before the previous administration impacting the Asian community and other people of color in America. Those words and deeds will have long-lasting effects that we must continuously be on guard against.

“The Select Board unequivocally condemns all forms of racism, racist and other violence, and the hatred of women that recurrently accompanies these attacks, as appears to be a factor in the Atlanta violence.

“Hatred is indivisible. And an attack against one segment of our community must be seen as an attack against us all and we all must mobilize to support and comfort the people who are most impacted and take appropriate steps to fight racist acts and injustices and support initiatives to create a safer and more inclusive Brookline for all residents, their families and friends, and all who come through Brookline. 

“We also recognize that, as a community, we need to learn more about the history of achievements as well as the racism endured by Asian-Americans. We need to commit ourselves to including AAPI people in our anti-racist discourse and policymaking. And we need to engage more deeply with our AAPI neighbors and business owners and support their efforts to build power, ensuring that their perspectives are represented everywhere decisions are being made.

“The Select Board supports the work of the Brookline Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations to identify resources and local initiatives that can provide support and comfort to persons subject to racist attacks and the Office’s continuing collaboration with community groups like the Brookline Asian American Family Network (BAAFN) to provide anti-Asian racism discussions and educational and advocacy programming.”

The board also accepted a petition with more than 250 signatures, many of them from town officials, rejecting hate, racism, violence, discrimination, and threats in general and the xenophobia and misogyny displayed by the Atlanta murders specifically.

Community members speaking during the meeting asked the Select Board to both issue a statement and to take concrete action to stem hatred and violence and create a more equitable Brookline. The statement and its signatories may be found here.

Resources for community members, and ways to be an ally:

  • If a member of the Brookline community is a victim of a hate crime, or knows someone who is a victim, they are asked to call the Brookline Police Department at 617-730-2222.
  • If Brookline community members believe their rights have been violated by a company, business, they may file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General’s Office by calling 617-963-2917 or 617-727-4765 (TTY). You also may file a complaint on the Attorney General’s Office website here.
  • Community members are urged to learn more about this issue by visiting Stop AAPI Hate here.
  • Community members are invited to the Support the Brookline Asian Community Vigil scheduled for Friday, March 26, 2021, at 04:00 p.m., at Brookline High School, 115 Greenough Street. The vigil will be led by Brookline High School students and alumni.

To find out more about the vigil, please visit here.

Brookline Public Works Responds To Multiple Water Main Breaks

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Emergency crews for the Brookline Department of Public Works have made significant progress on repairs to several water main breaks, including a major main break on Boylston Street at the Hammond Street and Holly Street block.

The break was a serious one, with damage to a 12-inch-diameter pipe running beneath a busy thoroughfare. The break took place around 3 a.m. Boylston Street was closed in both directions while the Water and Sewer Division worked to contain and isolate the leak.

Once isolated, the Division worked closely with public safety to minimize traffic disruptions in the area, restoring both lanes westbound and maintaining one lane open eastbound. Water and Sewer Division crews, supported by Eversource and National Grid, moved quickly to locate the problem safely.

Fixing the break was a complex process, with challenging soil conditions and other utility pipelines within the excavation zone. This is a high-traffic area and the lane closure will remain necessary for the safety of repair crews until the work is complete.

Other water breaks occurred on Tappan Street, Holly Lane, Green Hill Road and Holland Road. The breaks appear to have been caused by an abrupt change in pressure in the system that the Town and MWRA are still investigating.

Repairs of these water main breaks will have an effect on water service customers in impacted areas until the work is completed. Once repaired, water mains will be flushed by releasing water from selected hydrants in each area.

Whenever a break occurs in a water line, it is possible some customers will see discoloration or sediment in their drinking water. The flushing may cause discolored water and a reduction in pressure. These conditions will be temporary and any discoloration will not be harmful. The Brookline Water and Sewer Division is actively monitoring water quality, and at this time has found no reason for concern about water quality in its service area.

If conditions persist, please contact the Water and Sewer Division at 617-730-2175.

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Town Of Brookline Shares Information On Vaccination Program For Homebound Residents

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The Department of Brookline Public Health wishes to inform the public that it will oversee and administer CoViD-19 vaccinations for homebound residents under a local option provided by the state.

The Town asks residents to call the Vaccination Call Center at 617-879-5636 to ensure that all eligible homebound residents have an opportunity to receive the vaccine.

In-home vaccinations are available to those 18 years of age and older who:

  • require an ambulance or assistance from two people to leave their home;
  • are unable to leave their home for medical appointments under normal circumstances;
  • and/or have considerable difficulty and/or need significant support to leave their home for medical appointments.

This includes people who are bedbound, have significant cognitive or behavioral needs like dementia or panic disorder, are frail and need significant support to leave the home, and those who have significant, ongoing mobility challenges.

In-home vaccinations are not available to those who live in a long-term care facility, are temporarily homebound, or who can leave their homes with adequate assistance.

The Town does not know which vaccine it will receive.

The Call Center will begin screening individuals who call and/or have been identified as homebound. In-home visits will begin when vaccines become available to the Town.

“We are grateful to the state for providing this option so that we may care for Brookline’s homebound residents directly,” Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett said. “We ask that residents be patient as we await vaccine and can start this program to further stem the spread of this virus.”

The Health Department and Office of Emergency Management will work together to schedule appointments based on the number of individuals to be vaccinated.

A two-person team, consisting of one vaccinator and one clerical person, will visit the home to administer the shot and monitor the patient post-vaccination. The entire visit will last 30 to 45 minutes.

Paperwork must be signed in advance for those homebound individuals with dementia, and for residents with legal guardians. The town asks that a family member or guardian be at the home during these appointments to ease any potential confusion by the vaccine recipient.

The Town’s Vaccination Call Center, 617-879-5636 is open from Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. Those who call after hours may leave a voicemail and their messages will be returned when the Call Center is open. Questions may also be submitted via e-mail to vaccine@brooklinema.gov.

Additionally, the Town of Brookline has made answers to frequently asked questions available on its CoViD-19 portal, which can be accessed directly by visiting here. The town will share Brookline specific information here as it becomes available.

Town Of Brookline, Schools Announce Start Of Cypress Field & Playground Project

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The Town of Brookline Department of Public Works is pleased to announce that the long-awaited Cypress Field and Playground Renovation Project will begin work next week.

The reimagined Cypress Field and Playground will create an inclusive play area for all ages, a new water play area, renovated natural turf sports field with new drainage and LED sports lighting, a new basketball court with LED sports lighting, a picnic grove, plaza, and pathway improvements, handicapped accessibility improvements, extensive stormwater management infrastructure, expanded areas for seating and gathering, and numerous new plantings.

The project has been part of the Town’s Capital Improvement Program for eight years. Numerous public sessions have been held since 2017 on the project’s vision and design, including neighbors, community leaders, Town Meeting members, parents, High School Athletics, the Recreation Department, daycare providers, and other park users.

Plans for the park have been coordinated closely with the Brookline High School Renovation and Expansion Project and school leadership team.

The Cypress Field and Playground site, along with the Brookline Avenue Playground, was one of the first municipal purchases for playground use in the United States.

Contractors will place a temporary construction fence along Greenough Street, which will allow space for lunch, breaks, and classes and room for four or five tents to be used by Brookline High School students this spring. Additional seating and break spaces will be provided for students in the Quad and greenspace pockets along Welland Road.

“Given directives from the state about a return to in-person schooling, accommodations are being made for students and staff at BHS to provide outdoor space for lunch, classes, and taking breaks,” Interim School Superintendent V. James Marini said.

The Town and School Department considered numerous factors in the decision to proceed. The project had been delayed once due to funding and is currently under contract with Heimlich Landscaping and Construction. All of the projects at the High School campus need to be coordinated. Further delays to the Cypress Field/Playground project would have led to additional costs, coordination and delay impacts to the Town and School Department.

The project is expected to be complete by September 2022. All school and athletic activities that use the park, including Brookline High School graduation, will be relocated until September 2022.

“We understand that this project will be disruptive to learning, neighbors, programming, and park use in the short term. The long-term benefits, however, will be substantial,” Public Works Commissioner Erin Gallentine said. “Many of you have waited a long time for this project, and we appreciate your patience.”
Residents may follow construction progress here. Residents also may sign up for email alerts to receive project updates.

Residents with questions or comments about the Cypress Field / Playground Project may contact Scott Landgren, Landscape Architect, at slandgren@brooklinema.gov.

Residents with questions or comments about the Brookline High School Construction Project may contact Ray Masak, Building Project Manager, at rmasak@brooklinema.gov.

Residents with questions or comments about Brookline High School programming and scheduling may contact Anthony Meyer at anthony_meyer@psbma.org or Hal Mason at hal_mason@psbma.org.

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Brookline Residents Invited To Forum On Mental Health Amid CoViD-19

By
Brookline.com
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The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, together with the Brookline Department of Public Health, will discuss the impact of the CoViD-19 pandemic on the mental health of the Brookline community at an evening webinar next week.

The panel, Adult Mental Health in the Time of CoViD: Brookline Responds, will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, beginning at 07:00 p.m. To register in advance, please visit here.

Panelists include two staff members at the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health: Jason Kaufman PhD. LMFT, In-Home Therapy (IHT) Program Manager, Outpatient clinician; and Rachael Hennessey-Crowell, MSW MBA LICSW, Manager, School-Based Services and Adolescent/Child Groups Program.

Joining the panel will be Jon Cohan, CADC, LADC, a practicing addiction therapy and family addiction counselor in Concord.

The panelists will discuss how the pandemic has affected the mental health of adults in the U.S. and in Brookline; how these needs are being addressed in Brookline; as well as a discussion of suggested resources for mental health care.

Cohan, who has over 14 years’ experience in the substance use disorder and mental health fields, joins the panel to talk about what can be done Brookline’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Swannie Jett, will introduce the program.

“We are fortunate to have local experts in mental health and addiction join us for this evening conversation with the Brookline community,” Dr. Jett said.

For further information, please contact Lynne Karsten at lkarsten@brooklinema.gov.

St. Patrick’s Day

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Brookline.com
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Get ready for green lights, green hats, even green beer! St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17th. Why is Ireland’s national day such a worldwide party?

In the 1971 film The Flight of the Doves, an Irish policeman lifts up a little English girl so that she can see the nearby parade for Saint Patrick’s Day. He tells her, “It’s a great day for the Irish.” The little girl exclaims, ‘I’m not Irish!’, to which the policeman replies, “You don’t have to be Irish to be Irish!” St. Patrick’s Day is the national day of Ireland. Every March 17th, the day is celebrated around the globe by millions of people, Irish and not-so-Irish.

Patrick, the man

Did you know that St. Patrick himself was not actually Irish? It is thought that he was either Scottish or Welsh, coming from a wealthy Christian family. Ancient documents suggest that, as a teenager, he was taken by Irish pirates to work as a slave in Ireland. Once in his new country, he began to talk to Irish people about God, introducing his Christian beliefs to the country. 

Patrick and the snakes

Old legends say that, years ago, Ireland had a lot of snakes and that St. Patrick used his powers to chase them all into the sea. To this day, Ireland has many old statues of St. Patrick, often with snakes at his feet. Apparently, this is why Ireland has no native species of snakes (though most scientists suggest that this fact could be more related to geographical reasons).

International popularity

March 17th is a day for huge celebrations in Ireland. However, due to Ireland’s history of emigration, many people around the world consider themselves to be partly Irish because of their ancestral connections. This means that St. Patrick’s Day parties take place around the world, from Boston to Tokyo, Sydney to Buenos Aires. In fact, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival.

Big parades

The most famous celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day are the parades. These are carnival-like events, where people dress up and walk along the street, dancing or playing music. Often the parades include big lorries, specially decorated in green. Many of the world’s major cities have enormous parades. The largest is in New York, where 150,000 people participate in the parade and millions of people watch. The second largest is in Dublin, Ireland’s capital city.

More “modest” parades 

Ireland itself is a relatively small country with few cities. However, most of its towns and villages have their own “mini” parades. Sometimes, these simply include a few tractors and the children from the local school. The shortest known parade used to take place in the village of Dripsey, in southern Ireland. The length of the parade was just 23 metres, between the village’s two pubs. However, the Dripsey parade came to an end when one of the two pubs sadly closed down!

A day for green

Another well-known aspect of St. Patrick’s Day is the colour green. Around the world, many people wear green clothes as a way of marking the day. In major cities, green lights illuminate famous global landmarks such as the Colosseum in Rome or the Christ The Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. In Chicago, thousands of people watch as special boats dye the river a bright green colour. Students at Miami University in Ohio, USA, even have a 70-year-old tradition of drinking special green St. Patrick’s beer!

Wherever you are from, make sure you celebrate this March 17th by watching your local parade, drinking some Irish beer or perhaps just by wearing a silly green hat. And do not forget to wish your friends a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day, or, as they say in Ireland, “Happy Paddy’s Day!”

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