Town Manager Mel Kleckner and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett wish to share information on the state’s pre-registration tool for mass vaccination sites, as well as updated guidelines for fully-vaccinated individuals.
The Baker-Politio Administration recently announced a new sign-up tool for the state’s seven mass vaccination sites. The system, which launched Friday, March 12, 2021, is designed to help make it easier to request and book an appointment at these sites when they are available.
The closest mass vaccination sites are at Fenway Park, Hynes Convention Center and the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.
To pre-register:
Eligible residents can complete the online form at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine to request to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site nearby.
After completing the form, residents will get a confirmation via their preferred method of contact (text, e-mail, phone) and receive a weekly update about their status. Residents may opt out of pre-registration at any time if they secure an appointment elsewhere.
When an appointment becomes available at a mass vaccination site, the resident will be notified and will have 24 hours to accept the appointment once it is offered. If an appointment is not accepted after 24 hours, the resident will go back into the queue to wait for another appointment.
Brookline residents who have difficulty using the internet pre-registration form or who do not have internet access are urged to call the Brookline CoViD-19 call center at 617-879-5636 for assistance with pre-registering.
The state’s 211 line also remains available for those without internet access or who have difficulty using the internet to participate in the pre-registration process.
The 211 line can be accessed by dialing 211 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” The hotline is only available for residents eligible for the vaccine without internet access or who otherwise cannot use the appointment site, and will take calls Monday through Friday from 08:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Translators will be available to help through the 211 line. Callers will be able to speak with a live representative who will help them find a nearby vaccination location and make an appointment. For more information about the 211 line, please visit here.
Available appointments will be offered to residents based on their vaccine eligibility and the availability of appointments at mass vaccination sites nearby. At this time, this program is only for the state’s mass vaccination sites. More sites are expected to be added to the pre-registration system in April.
Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Individuals Additionally, Brookline officials wish to share state and federal guidelines for individuals who are fully vaccinated. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated more than two weeks after they have received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or more than two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine.
The state has updated the travel order and quarantine guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. Based on the new guidelines, these individuals can:
travel to Massachusetts without quarantining upon arrival or obtaining a negative test result. Proof of vaccination may be required; this exception does not apply to individuals who have symptoms of CoViD-19, who must follow all testing and quarantine guidance outlined in the travel rules. More information about the travel order can be found here.
Fully vaccinated individuals, as well as those who have had CoViD-19 in the last 90 days (from day of symptom onset or day of first positive test if asymptomatic), are no longer required to quarantine following an exposure. More information can be found here.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that fully vaccinated people should continue to:
take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing;
wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe CoViD-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe CoViD-19 disease;
wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households;
avoid medium and large-sized in-person gatherings Get tested if you are experiencing CoViD-19 symptoms;
follow guidance issued by individual employers;
follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations.
This guidance will be updated as the amount of vaccinated individuals increases. The Town will continue to share information as it becomes available.
For the latest COVID-19 updates for the Town of Brookline, please visit here.
Despite being one of the most critical aspects of your home or business, garage doors are very complex. There are so many parts, and the remote can be even more perplexing. Garage door opener issues are natural and happen all the time. Therefore, here are some of the most common problems and how to fix them. If you did not find a solution to your issue, it is best you call a professional who offers a garage door opener repair service.
1. Door Only Closes Halfway and Then Opens Again
Though this is a common issue with garage doors, it does not make it any less frustrating. When your garage door closes halfway only to open immediately after, it could be a problem with the opener’s sensors.
The sensor is found at the bottom of the door. It is a critical safety feature to ensure that no one gets hurt and nothing gets damaged when the door closes. With this problem, your sensor could just be doing its job. Thus, take a look around your sensor and see if there is anything under the door that could cause it to stop the door. If there is nothing, you can take a soft cloth to clean the sensor in case any dirt or dust is obstructing its vision.
2. Faulty Remote Control
There are a few possible reasons for your garage door opener to simply stop working. One could be that there are dead batteries. This is a simple fix and only requires you to purchase new batteries and replace the old ones.
A faulty remote control could also mean that the antennae wire is not exposed properly. This means that there is improper communication between the door and the remote. When this happens, you may need to see if you need to clean the antennae on the garage door opener.
3. Door Closes and Then Opens Immediately After
The biggest surprise with garage doors is when they close only to reopen immediately after. You thought everything was working fine, but the garage door decides to act with a mind of its own. When this happens, there is usually a problem with the limit switch. This is the device that controls when and where the door stops as it moves up and down. To fix this, all you need to do is adjust the switch using a screwdriver.
4. The Door Does Not Open
If your garage door simply does not open, either remotely or manually, you could be in a world of frustration. What is worse is that there are so many reasons for the door to not work at all. For example, the opener’s cables could snap and cause disuse. Additionally, some of the issues may not even be related to the remote, like broken springs. The best way to identify the issue and repair it is by calling a local garage door repair service in Boston, MA.
Are You in Need of a Garage Repair Service?
If you have no idea where to start with fixing any of the above problems, call Garage Doors of Boston! Their garage door opener repair service can help you identify the exact issues with your door, fix it, and help you avoid the issue from happening again.
Town Manager Mel Kleckner and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett wish to inform the public that the town’s CoViD-19 testing site closed on Thursday, March 04, 2021.
The Brookline Department of Public Health partnered with mPathy, LLC in November to set up the testing site in Brookline for members of the community who showed CoViD-19 symptoms or were identified as close contacts of positive cases. The site originally was to remain open through December, but that was extended for several months.
CARES Act funding used to operate the clinic has been depleted. Additionally, the number of tests given daily has dropped significantly in recent weeks.
Clinic staff administered more than 9,700 tests and identified 385 positive cases.
“We are glad to have been able to offer this resource to our residents over the last few months,” Dr. Jett said. “Testing has remained a vital resource throughout the pandemic, allowing us to have an accurate picture of the prevalence of the virus in our community and thus, how to prevent any further spread. We encourage you to utilize the local testing sites going forward and to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your community.”
Free testing is available through the state’s Stop the Spread initiative. For more information, please visit here.
Residents may also obtain a CoViD-19 test at the following local locations:
Mass General Brigham Urgent Care, 1285 Beacon Street;
Brookline Physician One Urgent Care, 1210 Boylston Street;
Chestnut Hill BIDMC, 1290 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill.
Brookline’s designation remains at “green,” indicating a “low risk” of CoViD-19 spread in the community. According to state data released on February 25, 2021, the average daily incidence rate for the Town is 7.4 per 100,000 residents over a 14-day average. Daily incidence rates and percentage of positive tests in the town continue to decline.
The Town urges residents to limit CoViD-19 spread by continuing to always wear face coverings while in public — indoors and outside — as well as practicing social distancing and avoiding gatherings. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to CoViD-19 is asked to get tested and stay home as they await their results.
The Town encourages everyone to stay informed regarding CoViD-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:
Town of Brookline’s CoViD-19 resource website here;
Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett is pleased to announce Roland Lankah has been hired as the Assistant Health Director for the Brookline Department of Public Health.
Lankah started in his new role on Monday, March 01, 2021. In addition to assisting in the management of the overall, day-to-day operations and personnel of the Health department, he will oversee the Environmental Health Department, which consists of licensing, permitting, public health inspections and code enforcement activities.
“Roland brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge regarding public and environmental health to this role,” Dr. Jett said. “He will play an important part in protecting the health and safety of our community, and we are thrilled to welcome him aboard and to work alongside him as he starts in this new role.”
Lankah is a registered environmental health specialist and licensed environmental health practitioner with more than eight years of public health experience. He has extensive leadership experience in establishing environmental health programs, including planning and developing policies and procedures related to environmental health compliance, such as sanitation, infection control, pest control, food safety, water, public health inspections, and disease surveillance and investigation.
Prior to joining the Brookline Department of Public Health, he worked as the Chief Environmental Health Specialist for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department in Illinois, where he helped plan and execute the policies and procedures related to the U.S. Department of Justice’s consent decree orders and the achievement of substantial compliance for the Cook County Department of Corrections. During the CoViD-19 pandemic, he led the the Infection Control and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) response, collaborating with public health agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Cermark Health and Hospital System, to develop and implement policies and guidelines that mitigated the spread of CoViD-19 infection within the detainee population. Lankah also worked as an Environmental Health Sanitarian for the DuPage County Health Department.
He holds a master’s degree in public health from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Southern Illinois University. He is currently a doctoral candidate in public health with an epidemiology emphasis at Walden University. His research uses cross-sectional study design, which focuses on the association between gestational weight gain, pre-pregnancy-BMI, maternal birth country, and infant mortality outcome within the U.S. Sub-Saharan African immigrant population.
“I am thrilled to serve in this role and to help support the great work done by all who work for the Town’s Department of Public Health,” Lankah said. “I look forward getting to know many of the community members in town and collaborating with my coworkers to help ensure residents receive the best possible service.”
The Brookline Public Works Department wishes to inform the community that long-awaited renovations and construction in the iconic lagoon area of Larz Anderson Park will begin this month.
Work will be focused on three deteriorating concrete structures:
The “Temple of Love,” or tempietto, at the far end of the lagoon;
The center pathway or causeway;
The arched footbridge near the end of the lagoon toward Goddard Avenue.
The famous architectural firm of Little and Browne designed the three structures, which were built around 1910.
The Town has spent many years assessing the conditions of structures at the park, prioritizing work, and soliciting community feedback at public meetings. The Town’s primary objective is to retain as much of the historic character and detail of the structures as possible within modern construction methods and to ensure public safety.
This project will address structures that the preservation consultant determined to be at the end of their service life and in need of replacement.
Larz Anderson Park is Brookline’s largest park, at more than 61 acres. The park was once the estate of Larz Anderson, a diplomat, and his wife, Isabel Anderson. Isabel Anderson bequeathed the land to the Town in 1948. The willows, lagoon, and tempietto served as the site of many theatrical performances held for charity. Many of the plays performed there were written by Isabel Anderson.
SumCO Eco-Contracting of Peabody was awarded the contract for the project and will begin work in March, including demolition and replacement of the three structures, replacement of adjacent pathways, and accessibility improvements. The lagoon area will be fenced off and closed to the public during construction.
This project is scheduled to reach substantial completion in December 2021.
Those interested may follow the construction progress by visiting the Town’s website here, or contacting Scott Landgren, Senior Landscape Architect with the Parks and Open Space Division, Department of Public Works, by phone at 617-264-6490, or by e-mail at slandgren@brooklinema.gov.
The Town of Brookline and Erin Gallentine, Commissioner of Public Works, are pleased to announce the selection of Alexandra Vecchio as Director of Parks and Open Space.
“Alexandra is passionate about the essential role of public parks and open space in supporting a healthy, equitable, and vibrant community for people and the environment,” Commissioner Gallentine said. “She will ensure continued excellence in parks and open space maintenance, responsible asset management, and integration of climate change and sustainability initiatives across the department.”
Vecchio started in her new role on Monday, February 22, 2021. Vecchio comes to Brookline from Mass Audubon, where she served as Climate Change Program Director with responsibilities that included drafting and implementing the organization’s statewide Climate Action Strategy and the intersection with public use and programming, state and municipal policy, as well as land protection.
She has supported the development and implementation of sustainability plans for both universities and cities and has extensive community engagement, outreach, and project management experience.
Vecchio previously worked in Washington, DC, as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois. In that role she handled a variety of federal policy issues, including energy and the environment, as well as constituent service requests.
Vecchio has a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment. She specialized in the intersection of land-use planning, water resource management, and climate change adaptation.
“I’m looking forward to partnering with Brookline’s park and open space users and advocates,” Vecchio said. “I want to ensure that Brookline continues to lead the way in providing a safe, equitable, inclusive, and well-maintained network of parks and open spaces.”
The Public Schools of Brookline is pleased to announce that the renaming ceremony for the Florida Ruffin Ridley School will be held this Friday.
The ceremony will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021, starting at 03:30 p.m. Community members will be able to view a livestream of the event on the Brookline Interactive Group (BIG) page here.
Due to the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, only a small group will gather for the in-person ceremony at the school. The ceremony will feature remarks by those closely involved with the renaming process, including representatives of the student committee, Town Meeting members who filed the original petition, and local historians who will share their research about the school’s distinguished namesake and about the history of slavery in Brookline that prompted the school renaming process.
This ceremony represents the culmination of the hard work of many dedicated Brookline residents to ensure that the school be named for a person whose life and accomplishments reflect the values of the community.
Those who would like to learn more about the school’s distinguished namesake are encouraged to read the research shared by Hidden Brookline, available here. Information about the process to change the name of the school is available here.
A recording of the event will be posted on BIG’s YouTube channel after the event.
Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett and the Brookline Department of Public Health invite residents to take part in the Town of Brookline Marijuana Survey.
The survey, which is open to all Brookline residents aged 18 and older, was developed in order to help health officials better understand marijuana use in Brookline and the health needs of town residents. Survey results will be used to assist health officials in developing marijuana-related education and awareness programs.
Adult residents may complete the survey online by visiting here. It includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions about individual marijuana use, as well as questions about marijuana in Brookline in general. The survey does not ask respondents for any personal identifying information.
“This survey will help us have a better understanding about marijuana use in town, as well as residents’ feelings about marijuana in general so that we can identify their concerns and develop programming that is responsive to their needs,” Dr. Jett said.
For additional information about the survey, please call the town Department of Public Health directly at 617-730-2300.
Chief Mark Dubois is pleased to announce that Braintree Police Officer Jay St. Ives has been recognized by the Norfolk County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training and Technical Assistance Center for his efforts in crisis intervention and mental health training and response.
Officer St. Ives was presented the Commendation for Excellence in CIT on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. The commendation recognizes excellent work by officers in the areas of crisis intervention, de-escalation and mental health response.
Officer St. Ives has been a great ally to individuals in need in the Town of Braintree. Throughout his time with Braintree Police, Officer St. Ives has worked with Jail Diversion Program Clinician Megan Scott to provide assistance during mental health incidents. He has also worked with Manet Community Health on follow-up appointments with post-overdose individuals.
Officer St. Ives is involved in the Braintree Crisis Intervention Training program and works with officers on Mental Health First Aid Training. He has helped to train and educate many officers from both Braintree and surrounding towns in these areas.
“Officer St. Ives has shown admirable dedication to helping those struggling with mental health issues, substance use and more,” Chief Dubois said. “He has also had an important and valuable role in training fellow officers in crisis intervention and mental health response, which are difficult aspects of an officer’s job. Officer St. Ives is incredibly deserving of this commendation and we are pleased to see him recognized for his work.”
Officer St. Ives was presented with the commendation by Brookline Police Lt. Jennifer Paster, Brookline Police Sgt. Chris Malinn and clinician Annabel Lane of the Norfolk County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training and Technical Assistance Center, a training center within the Brookline Police Department. The group provides resources and training for officers and departments within Norfolk County dedicated to crisis intervention and mental health response.
Officer St. Ives has been with the Braintree Police Department since 2018 and is also part of the department’s Community Outreach Unit.
Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to announce that the Town of Brookline once again has received the highest possible bond ratings from two top credit rating services.
Standard & Poor’s has affirmed Brookline’s AAA rating, while Moody’s Investors Services again issued the town an Aaa rating. The ratings reflect the town’s consistent combination of strong financial conditions and very low credit risk. The ratings will apply to general borrowing, as well as approximately $168 million in new bonds approved by the town, which will finance for school capital needs, and general town capital needs including water system improvements.
The exemplary ratings mean that the town can secure a lower interest rate on bonds, reducing the cost to taxpayers.
“Our bond ratings are a reflection of the planning and dedication of our financial management team,” Town Administrator Kleckner said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged cities and towns across the Commonwealth. We are happy that S&P and Moody’s are confident in our approach. We feel the town is in a solid financial position moving forward.”
S&P and Moody’s both cited the town’s solid financial picture, including: A very strong local economy that is projected to continue to grow. A very strong local management team with a long track record of strong financial policies and practices. Strong budgetary performances amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Budget flexibility. A predictable local revenue stream, with successful property tax collections exceeding 99 percent. The willingness of residents to override the tax limits set by Proposition 2 ½ for important projects. S&P indicated it does not intend to revise the town’s rating during the next two years.
Both agencies note a potential weakness in the town’s obligations to pensions and other post-employment benefits (OPEB), which are not fully funded. The S&P report adds, however, that the town made its full required pension contribution in 2020 and is on track to meet the state’s requirement of a fully funded pension system by 2040.
Moody’s indicated an expectation that the town’s unfunded pension and OPEB liabilities would remain manageable given the town’s long-term commitment to fulfilling its obligations.
To view the S&P report, please visit here. To view Moody’s report, please visit here.
Council on Aging Director Ruthann Dobek and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett are urging seniors to avoid connecting with strangers offering to serve as a “companion” in order to obtain the vaccinations alongside eligible seniors.
Under new state rules, those who are identified as companions of individuals age 75 and over are now permitted to accompany those seniors to appointments at state-run CoViD-19 vaccination sites, and be vaccinated as well. The Town of Brookline has become aware of instances in which otherwise ineligible individuals are offering rides, help with making appointments, monetary compensation, etc. to seniors in order to get vaccinated.
“While some of these offers may be well-intentioned, we strongly recommend that seniors utilize official resources in order to obtain help making and getting to vaccine appointments, rather than taking offers from unknown people. We have a rigorous protocol for screening volunteers that must be followed” Dobek said. “Ultimately, the state’s vaccine timeline was developed to ensure those most in need are immunized first. It is inappropriate for younger, otherwise healthy people to attempt to ‘jump the line’ by misrepresenting themselves as companions of those who are eligible. The state’s new protocol does offer relief for family members and other caregivers to bring their loved ones to state-run sites.”
Older adults in need of transportation to vaccination appointments and other support regarding the vaccine are encouraged to call the Senior Center at 617-730-2770, or e-mail info@brooklineseniorcenter.org.
Residents in need of additional support related to obtaining the vaccine, such as making an appointment or learning more about where they can be vaccinated, are urged to call either the Brookline CoViD-19 Call Center at 617-879-5636 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. Brookline residents can express interest in being vaccinated by filling out the form here.
They may also seek help from the state’s 211 hotline for those 75 and over by dialing 211 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” The hotline is only available for residents 75 and older without internet access or who otherwise cannot use the appointment website, and will take calls Monday through Friday from 08:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Callers will be able to speak with a representative who will help them find a nearby vaccination location and make an appointment. The nearest mass vaccination sites are at Fenway Park, 4 Jersey Street, Boston, and at the Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury. Translators will be available to assist as well.
Residents 75 and older with internet access should continue seeking an appointment online through the state’s website by visiting here. Residents eligible for the vaccine are also advised to contact their local pharmacy and primary care provider to learn about other potential opportunities available for vaccination.
Avoid Scams Related to CoViD-19 and the Vaccine
Older residents are encouraged to be mindful of potential scams tied to the pandemic, including vaccines. There is no cost to patients to receive the vaccination, so residents should disregard any offers to provide the vaccine in exchange for a fee.
In general, you should never provide personal information to anyone who calls you unsolicited — including your name, date of birth, social security number, bank account numbers, driver’s license number, nor anything else that could be used to compromise your identity.
Additional Resources for Brookline Residents The Department of Public Health is committed to supporting Brookline residents as they navigate the vaccination process.
Residents who have general questions about the vaccine, including those who are in need of help scheduling an appointment, are encouraged to use the Town’s CoViD-19 call center. The call center is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is 617-879-5636. 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.
Learn More About Vaccines The Baker/Polito Administration on Friday announced the “Trust the Facts, Get the Vax” campaign to educate the public about the need for vaccinations, the safety of the vaccines and the science behind them. Videos with leading doctors and scientists will be available in 10 languages here.
Vaccinations are not expected to be available to the general public until April through the state’s distribution plan. To view the plan, please visit here. Once the vaccine is available for distribution by the Town, staff at the Call Center will be available to assist residents with the registration process.
To educate Brookline residents, businesses and property owners about their responsibility to help the Town keep sidewalks passable for all pedestrians, the Department of Public Works has teamed up with the Commission on Disability to create an informative Public Rights of Way fact sheet.
The CoViD-19 public health emergency has underscored the importance of preserving and enhancing Brookline’s walkability, which is also the focus of the Town’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee. “Walkability” must embrace the diversity of Brookline residents and visitors, including those with mobility issues requiring wheelchairs and walkers, the visually impaired, and those using strollers and shopping carts.
“One of Brookline’s top assets is our pedestrian network, connecting our parks, commercial areas, schools, and other destinations for business and pleasure,” said Erin Chute Gallentine, Brookline Commissioner of Public Works. “But it is so easy to erode the accessibility of our sidewalks with overgrown vegetation, improperly parked vehicles and bicycles, rubbish bins left out too long, and accumulations of snow and ice. It is every property owner’s responsibility to maintain adequate passage along adjacent sidewalks and through curb cuts.”
The publication of the new Public Rights of Way fact sheet is one facet of a multi-pronged strategy to improve awareness and streamline enforcement of Brookline’s “Obstructions” bylaw, and advance compliance with state and federal law and standards. It is currently common, particularly in residential neighborhoods of Brookline, to see overgrown hedges and tree branches intruding upon the area that is to be kept obstruction-free wherever possible: 48 inches of sidewalk width, and 80 inches of clearance above it.
The Town has created a door hanger that inspectors will use to notify property owners of verified complaints, which will start the clock ticking on a 21-day window for coming into compliance before incurring fines. But the emphasis is on education first, as many owners may not be aware that pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities, may not be able to proceed if they face inadequate width or are unable to dodge an obstacle. The best approach is prevention—for example, keeping a hedge neat and trim within your property boundary can prevent the need for unsightly overdue pruning, and shoveling snow promptly can prevent treacherous ice from forming.
Residents and others who encounter sidewalk obstructions are encouraged to report them using the Report A Concern web form, or by downloading the BrookOnline mobile app, both available from the Town of Brookline website here. Select the “Sidewalk Obstruction” option under Public Works, or select “Other” and “Handicapped Accessibility” under Miscellaneous and then the “Handicapped Accessibility” Request Type.
Excitement builds among sports fans as the 2021 renewal of March Madness approaches. It is the basketball extravaganza followers mark in their diaries well in advance, but this year’s tournament will be unlike any that has gone before it.
The NCAA made their long-awaited final call back in January when confirming the men’s championship will be played in its entirety in Indiana with most of the 67 fixtures scheduled for Indianapolis. Restrictions on travel and fan attendance will hit March Madness but there will be the same level of love for the tournament.
Selection Sunday goes on March 14, 2021 and First Four the following Thursday. Before play gets started, there will be a record number of basketball wagers and predictions placed on the outcome as bettors seek the March Madness bets that will give a profit.
What is all the fuss about?
This may be a massive event for lovers of basketball at all levels, but more casual sports fans may wonder what all the fuss is about. The name March Madness certainly creates intrigue, but what can we expect from the play and how does the schedule work?
March Madness – to understand it is to love it. This is a 68-team single-elimination basketball tournament organised by the National Collegiate Athletic Association with a history that can be traced back to 1939.
Split into 7 rounds, play begins with The First Four – games involving the four lowest-ranked at-large teams and the four lowest-ranked automatic-bid. We then progress to First Round, Second Round, Regional Semi-Finals, Regional Finals, National Semi-Finals, and the National Championship match which, this year, will be played on Monday, April 05, 2021.
Competition stats show UCLA rank as the most successful school on 11 titles won between 1964 and 1995. Kentucky sits next in line on eight achieved between 1948 and 2012 with North Carolina completing the medal positions with six gongs, the first in 1957 and 2017 the most recent.
Fast and furious
The fast-paced nature of play ensures March Madness is a thrilling event and continues to live up to the hype created by teams and the sports media. The format also means it lends itself extremely well to betting with sports fans aiming to successfully predict the outright winner as well as each match. Despite the lack of fans inside the stadiums this year’s tournament is expected to attract record numbers of bets.
There are plenty of matches to bet on and even more markets attached to each fixture. All the traditional options are covered, including moneyline and spreads but there’s a long list of enticing specials, put forward by traders to help add a little extra spice to the occasion. Some of the extras to be on the lookout for include over/under total points, first scorer, leading scorer, props, and futures.
On top of the pre-match markets that are available before the start of every contest, there’s also in-game or live betting. This is unique as it allows bettors to gamble on the outcome of the event after it has started. Many of the original markets remain live throughout the play with odds updated to match the score.
Research is key to picking the winner
Placing a bet on March Madness is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes using a home computer or mobile device. The most difficult part is picking a winning team.
If you do intend to bet on the upcoming basketball matches, we advise doing as much research as possible, including on teams, the tournament, players, and injury news. The more the better when tooling up to take on the sportsbooks.
Check how schools have performed in recent renewals of March Madness as well as their general form in the build-up to the play. Is the star player firing or has he been injured? Which teams will be impacted most by the lack of fans and which should benefit from the situation? Only after you have all the knowledge will you be able to make your calls.
Please join us in congratulating Officer John Jennings on receiving our Department’s first ever Commendation for Excellence in CIT.
Officer John Jennings conducts himself in a manner that exemplifies the principles of Crisis Intervention Training.
He is among the earliest Brookline Police Officers to receive CIT training and was one of the first members of the Brookline Police Crisis Intervention Team.
His calm demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond his assigned duties greatly benefit the Brookline Police Department and the Brookline community.
Officer Jennings is equally adept at working with individuals in acute crisis as well as vulnerable members of the Brookline community who are living with ongoing challenges. He regularly works with adults, children and families living with mental health concerns, substance misuse disorders and developmental challenges.
His coworkers are not the only ones who have taken notice, and a local Brookline mother shared her thoughts on Officer Jennings:
“When we think of Officer John Jennings, the word humanitarian comes to mind. What is a humanitarian? The definition that resonates with us is “A person who is focused on protecting human lives and preserving human dignity.” This is exactly who Officer Jennings is. He cares about the welfare of others, he is selfless, genuine and takes his job very seriously.
“When we joined the crisis intervention team a few years ago, we had no idea that they would become part of our extended family and become such an intricate part of our daily lives.
“My son was introduced to Officer Jennings over two years ago and since then, the two have been inseparable. Officer John is “his person.” My son calls him when he is happy, sad, frustrated and literally on the brink of losing it. Officer Jennings is always there to support him, listen to him and help him calm down, on OR off duty. We have avoided numerous hospitalizations and time spent away from school, because of Officer Jennings. He possesses strong de-escalation skills and is able to immediately calm my son, help him to reflect on the situation and move forward.
“Mental & Behavioral health are in the forefront of the challenges being faced by our population. It is beyond comforting, to reside in a community, where we have such an elite police force who embraces our loved ones and ensures that its officers are CIT trained, which is crucial in deescalating behavioral outbursts.
“Officer Jennings is an example for all. We could not think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Officer Jennings’ calm and measured response to various incidents increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. He routinely takes the initiative to check in on the people he encounters and regularly works with the department clinician, school officers and community service to assist individuals and families connect with services. His efforts have led to him establishing relationships with many of the individuals and families he works with.
Officer Jennings does an exemplary job in an area of police work that is often overlooked and seldom recognized. He does so in a professional, compassionate and humble manner.
Officer Jennings exemplifies the principles of CIT, recognition, communication, de-escalation and community engagement.
Officer Jennings’ professionalism, dedication and compassion make him imminently deserving of recognition by the Norfolk County CIT / TTAC.
Congratulations Officer John Jennings and be on the lookout for award winners being announced in neighboring jurisdictions near you.
Recreation Director Leigh Jackson wishes to remind the community that Brookline Recreation’s new online registration and reservation software launches tomorrow.
Beginning Tuesday, February 09, 2021, members of the community can make future reservations and register for various programs through Brookline Recreation online here.
For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions about the new online system, known as Amilia — Smart Rec Software, please visit here.
“We anticipate this new system will ultimately be a huge help in making the registration and reservation process simpler and more easily accessible for all involved. However, as we transition to this new platform we also expect there may be additional adjustments to be made as we adapt,” Jackson said. “We ask everyone to remain patient in the event there are delays as there may be a high number of people trying to access the site at once or calling our department with questions, and thank everyone for their cooperation.”
Programs and sign-ups will be made live on the site through a staggered timeline as follows:
Sign ups for environmental camp and basketball go live Tuesday, February 09, 2021.
Facility reservations for Larz Anderson Park and summer camp registration will be made available on Wednesday, February 10, 2021:
On Thursday, February 11, 2021, several programs will go live including:
Spring athletics;
Specialty programs such as Mommy & Me, BLAST Babysitter and CPR lessons, and Home Alone Safety;
Summer and fall enrollment at the Soule Early Childhood Center;
Recreation Therapy programs;
Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center (EKAC) programs;
Nature programs;
April vacation week programming.
Fall after school program sign-ups will launch on May 01, 2021.
Those with additional questions about the new system can contact Brookline Recreation by calling 617-730-2069.
A Call to Action on Puerto Rico / Un Llamado a la Acción por Puerto Rico has been following the revelations about Natasha Lycia Ora Bannan with a mixture of shock, disappointment and outrage at the knowledge that she is a White North American woman who has been portraying herself as a Puerto Rican / Latina. We, like many other groups, had invited her on different occasions to our events believing that we were giving a young, knowledgeable, articulate Puerto Rican woman an opportunity to present on Puerto Rico’s economic crisis and its colonial status.
We read her initial statement and her apology and they ring hollow and are insufficient in that she continues to present herself as “culturally” Latina, thus failing to take full responsibility for her deception and the harm she has caused Puerto Rican / Latina women and the overall community.
Through her work with LatinoJusticePRLDEF and the National Lawyers Guild, Natasha was able to craft and position herself as a committed and expert Puerto Rican / Latina spokesperson on Puerto Rico and Latin America. Seeking out and accepting positions that should have been filled by hardworking, underpaid and traditionally ignored Latinas, she acquired many economic, social and political resources and opportunities. She sat on prestigious boards, received scholarships and fellowships, participated in national and international committees and commissions and interacted with representatives of various mass movements. These opportunities should have gone to Latinas with real-life experiences and class perspectives, different from those of a North American White woman.
She is well aware of our history of struggle in Puerto Rico and here in the US and the vicious repression, incarceration and murder of “independentistas”, etc. She also knows the history of the very groups and positions she insinuated herself into as a Puerto Rican woman; groups and positions which arose out of the diaspora’s struggles, over several generations, against the racist, exploitative and oppressive conditions we endure as second-class citizens. She would have been deeply respected if she had identified herself as a White North American ally with a deep bond, commitment to and above all respect for our struggle for independence, as other allies have done throughout our people’s history. Choosing instead to position herself as a leading Puerto Rican / Latina voice here in the diaspora and in Puerto Rico, not only exemplifies racist white privilege, opportunism, power and control, it also raises serious questions about her motives and intentions for moving in these circles.
Stepping down from the positions of power and privilege she has acquired through omission and outright deception is a necessary step and deeply and sincerely apologizing directly to everyone she has harmed, is another important step. We are also hearing about and carefully watching the calls for other processes to take place such as restorative justice and reparations. We join with those who are left with serious questions about her motives and intentions and are demanding that she take a deep, hard look at her actions, the hurt she caused and that she respond to the Puerto Rican community she claimed to represent.
Un Llamado a la Acción sobre Puerto Rico / A Call to Action on Puerto Rico ha estado siguiendo las revelaciones de Natasha Lycia Ora Bannan con una mezcla de conmoción, decepción e indignación al saber que ella es una mujer blanca norteamericana que ha estado representándose como una puertorriqueña / latina. Nosotros, como muchos otros grupos, la habíamos invitado en diferentes ocasiones a nuestros eventos con la convicción de que le estábamos dando a una puertorriqueña joven, conocedora y elocuente la oportunidad de presentar sobre la crisis económica de Puerto Rico y su situación colonial.
Leímos su declaración inicial y su disculpa y ambas suenan huecas y son insuficientes en el sentido de que continúa presentándose como una “latina culturalmente”, por lo que no asume responsabilidad total por su engaño y por el daño que ha causado a las mujeres puertorriqueñas / latinas y a la comunidad en general.
A través de su trabajo con LatinoJusticePRLDEF y el National Lawyers Guild, Natasha pudo crearse y posicionarse como una vocera puertorriqueña / latina comprometida y experta sobre Puerto Rico y América Latina. Buscando y aceptando puestos que deberían haber sido ocupados por latinas trabajadoras tradicionalmente ignoradas, adquirió muchos recursos y oportunidades económicas, sociales y políticas. Formó parte de prestigiosos directorios, recibió becas, participó en comités y comisiones nacionales e internacionales e interactuó con representantes de varios movimientos de masas. Estas oportunidades deberían haber sido para latinas con experiencias reales y perspectivas de clase, diferentes a las de una mujer blanca norteamericana.
Ella conoce bien nuestra historia de lucha en Puerto Rico y aquí en Estados Unidos y la represión brutal, el encarcelamiento y asesinato de “independentistas”, etc. También conoce la historia de los mismos grupos y posiciones en las que se insinuó como puertorriqueña; grupos y posiciones que surgieron de las luchas de la diáspora, durante varias generaciones en contra de las condiciones racistas, explotadoras y opresivas que soportamos como ciudadanos de segunda clase. Hubiese sido profundamente respetada si se hubiera identificado como una aliada blanca norteamericana con un vínculo profundo, un compromiso con y sobre todo respeto a nuestra lucha por la independencia, como lo han hecho otros aliados a lo largo de la historia de nuestro pueblo. En cambio elegir y posicionarse como una de las principales voces puertorriqueñas / latinas aquí en la diáspora y en Puerto Rico, es ejemplo de lo que es el privilegio blanco y racista, el oportunismo, el poder y el control. También nos plantea serias preguntas sobre sus motivos e intenciones para moverse en estos círculos.
Renunciar a las posiciones de poder y privilegio que ha adquirido a través de la omisión y el engaño absoluto es un paso necesario. Disculparse profundamente, sinceramente y directamente con todos y todas a los que le ha hecho daño, es otro paso importante. También estamos escuchando y observando atentamente los llamamientos para que se lleven a cabo otros procesos, como la justicia restaurativa e indemnizaciones. Nos unimos a quienes quedan con serias dudas sobre sus motivos e intenciones y le exigen que analice con detenimiento sus acciones, el dolor que causó y que responda a la comunidad puertorriqueña que alegó representar.
Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett wishes to provide an update on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of Monday, February 01, 2021, residents who are age 75 and older are now eligible to receive the vaccine. Those eligible to receive the vaccine can request an appointment at a nearby vaccine location online here.
Due to the high demand and limited supply, appointments may take several weeks to schedule. Appointments will be made available based on the supply from the federal government and will be added on a rolling basis.
Information on how to prepare for your appointment once it is scheduled, including the items you will need to bring with you, can be found here. Residents are also reminded that they will need to schedule an appointment for the required second dose of the vaccine following their first appointment.
Mass vaccination sites have been announced at the following locations:
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough. This site is currently accepting appointments. Eastfield Mall, Springfield. This site is currently accepting appointments.
Fenway Park, Boston. Opening Monday, February 01, 2021. Double Tree Hilton Hotel, Danvers. Opening Wednesday, February 03, 2021, Reggie Lewis Center, Boston. Opening next week, exact date to be announced. At this time, supply of the vaccine is limited. Public health offices are working diligently to identify ways to expand access to the vaccine and prepare to host eventual community vaccine clinics in Brookline. Once the vaccine is available for distribution by the Town, staff at the Call Center will be available to assist residents with the registration process.
Public health officials will continue to share updates as more residents become eligible to receive the vaccine. To view the full distribution timeline, click here.
Please visit here to fill out the form and learn more about when you can expect to be eligible for a vaccine and add your name to the waiting list.
Residents who have questions about the vaccine, including those who are in need of help scheduling an appointment, are encouraged to use the Town’s CoViD-19 call center. The call center will be open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is 617-879-5636. 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 email to vaccine@brooklinema.gov.
The Department of Public Health is committed to supporting Brookline residents as they navigate the vaccination process. Call Center staff are equipped to help residents access vaccines when they are eligible under the state guidelines.
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.
Recreation Director Leigh Jackson announces that Brookline Recreation has begun transitioning to a new online reservation system, which will be phased in across all of its programs in the months ahead.
The Kirrane Aquatics Center was the first Recreation facility to transition to the new registration software, SmartRec, last fall for pool time reservations. All remaining Recreation facilities and programs will transition to the new system over the next several months. In order to utilize the system, users must create an account, which they can do by visiting here.
Many programs will transition to SmartRec in early February. Sign-ups for environmental camp will transition to SmartRec on February 09, 2021. Facility reservations for Larz Anderson Park and summer camp registration will go live on February 10, 2021.
The following programs will become live on SmartRec on Thursday, February 11, 2021
Spring athletics Specialty programs such as Mommy & Me, BLAST Babysitter and CPR lessons, and Home Alone Safety Summer and fall enrollment at the Soule Early Childhood Center Recreation Therapy programs Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center (EKAC) programs Nature programs April vacation week programming The final program to transition to SmartRec will be fall after school programs, which will launch on May 01, 2021.
SmartRec is a third party software that Recreation selected because it will be more user friendly, require fewer clicks to complete activity registration, and allow users to easily make companion purchases — like buying a jersey for team sports.
“This new software will be a significant upgrade for our residents and we believe they will find it much easier once they have made the switch,” Jackson said.
Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Commissioner of Public Works Erin Chute Gallentine wish to remind residents of parking ban and snow emergency expectations in preparation for this evening’s anticipated snowfall.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting hazardous weather conditions with current snow accumulations forecast to be six to twelve inches overnight. In addition, the area is under a Winter Storm Warning until Tuesday, February 02, 2021 at 05:00 a.m. Heavy snow, ice, sleet and rain could make travel both difficult and dangerous. High winds could lead to tree damage and power outages.
“It is critical that residents do their part to follow parking bans and clear the sidewalks near their homes and businesses,” Commissioner Gallentine said. “These steps allow us to effectively clear our roadways in a timely manner, and ensure pedestrians can also walk safely following a snow storm.”
Parking Ban in Effect A parking ban will take effect tonight in Brookline beginning at 06:00 p.m. on Monday, February 01, 2021and will remain in place until 01:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 02, 2021.
During a declared snow emergency/parking ban, there is no on-street parking in the Town of Brookline. This includes all parking meters regardless of Town issued parking permits or handicap placards or plates.
All unauthorized vehicles remaining on the street or in the public lots will be issued citations and towed by the Brookline Police Department.
Parking bans are announced through the emergency notification system CodeRed, and on the town of Brookline’s website at www.brooklinema.gov. CodeRed is Brookline’s call / e-mail / text emergency notification system used to communicate during or in preparation for an emergency. Please make sure that you 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.
The Seasonal Snow Emergency Information Line may also be called for a recorded message at 617-730-2610.
Trash and Recycling After Significant Snowfall Trash and Recycling collection will be delayed by one day, and there will be no trash collection on Tuesday.
To keep your trash and recycling service running smoothly during the snow season, residents are asked to follow the tips below:
shovel a path for recycling and waste carts;
make sure carts are clear of snow and ice;
place carts close to the street. Carts will not be picked up behind snow banks;
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.
Brookline’s bylaws require property owners to “maintain sidewalks contiguous to their property in a non-slippery condition suitable for pedestrian travel by clearing all snow and ice from a pathway at least 36 inches in width”.
Once the snow stops there will remain a significant amount of work for DPW staff. Snow banks are pushed back to the curb line in order to provide for safe passage, adequate storage space for future storms, and parking. Please consider this timetable when clearing your driveway, front walkway, and sidewalks in order to avoid extra work when snow is plowed during and at the conclusion of the storm.
The cleared walk must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the removal of snow and ice from any adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. Openings should also be cleared at intersections and crosswalks so pedestrians can cross safely, ice-melt should be applied frequently to prevent snow from packing and forming ice, and catch basins and snow covered hydrants should also be cleared.
Snow should be cleared three feet all around the hydrant so firefighters have enough room to connect a hose. Clearly visible, accessible fire hydrants can save homes and lives in the event of a fire. If a fire hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they first arrive at a scene. Residents are also urged to look out for elderly neighbors or those in need of assistance by taking a few extra minutes to shovel out their hydrants if needed.
Single-family and multi-family residences (less than four families or units) must comply with this bylaw within 30 hours of a storm’s end. Commercial properties and multi-family residences (more than four families or units) must comply within three hours of a storm’s end or within three hours after sunrise if the storm ends overnight. The storm’s end time will be posted on the Town’s website. If a property owner does not clear the walk and a complaint is received, notice will be given to the owner.
If you fail to comply with the Town’s sidewalk bylaw, you could be issued fines ranging from $100-$250 per day.
The Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) announces that the virtual ceremony to celebrate the renaming of the Florida Ruffin Ridley School this afternoon has been postponed due to the weather.
A small, socially distanced ceremony was scheduled for this afternoon, but due to the frigid temperatures and wind chill, the event is now planned for Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
More information about the event, which will be livestreamed and recorded for the community, will be shared when it becomes available.
If you would like to learn more about the school’s distinguished namesake, Florida Ruffin Ridley, we encourage you to read the research shared by Hidden Brookline, available here.
International Holocaust Commemoration Day is an international memorial day on January 27 commemorating the tragedy of the Holocaust that occurred during the Second World War. It commemorates the genocide that resulted in the deaths of some 6 million Jews and 11 million others, by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.
It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 60/7 on November 01, 2005 during the 42nd plenary session. The resolution came after a special session was held earlier that year on January 24, 2005 during which the United Nations General Assembly marked the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps and the end of the Holocaust.
On January 27, 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and death camp, was liberated by the Red Army.
Prior to the 60/7 resolution, there had been national days of commemoration, such as Germany’s Tag des Gedenkens an die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus (The Day of Remembrance for the victims of National Socialism), established in a proclamation issued by Federal President Roman Herzog on January 03, 1996; and the Holocaust memorial day observed every January 27th since 2001 in the UK.
The Holocaust Remembrance Day is also a national event in the United Kingdom and in Italy.
The General Assembly Resolution 60/7
Resolution 60/7 establishing January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day urges every member nation of the U.N. to honor the memory of Holocaust victims, and encourages the development of educational programs about Holocaust history to help prevent future acts of genocide. It rejects any denial of the Holocaust as an event and condemns all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief. It also calls for actively preserving the Holocaust sites that served as Nazi death camps, concentration camps, forced labor camps and prisons, as well as for establishing a U.N. programme of outreach and mobilization of society for Holocaust remembrance and education.
Resolution 60/7 and the International Holocaust Day was an initiative of the State of Israel. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel Silvan Shalom, was the head of the delegation of Israel to the United Nations.
The essence of the text lies in its twofold approach: one that deals with the memory and remembrance of those who were massacred during the Holocaust, and the other with educating future generations of its horrors.
Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett announces that the Brookline Department of Public Health, in consultation with the town Advisory Council on Public Health, has ended the suspension on organized sports in town.
The suspension, which had been in place since earlier this month, is lifted effective immediately. It had impacted school sports and other non-school organized sports.
The decision is the result of key indicators that suggest the overall incidence of CoViD-19 in Brookline is declining after reaching an all-time high in late December and early January.
“We will continue to closely monitor the incidence rate of CoViD-19 cases in our community,” Dr. Jett said. “I appreciate the patience, flexibility and understanding of everyone in town as we navigate this pandemic and I implore everyone to continue doing all they can to limit the spread of the coronavirus.”
For the most up to date information about the CoViD-19 pandemic and the Town of Brookline’s ongoing response, please visit here.
As we celebrate the life and achievements of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, let us remember the speech, which delivered on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC, still echoes with its power today.
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.
But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “unalienable rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.”
But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we have come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.
We cannot turn back.
There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: “For Whites Only.” We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until “justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest – quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” – one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”
This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
And this will be the day – this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning:
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
And this will be the day — this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning:
“My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride, From every mountainside, let freedom ring!”
And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.
And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that:
Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett announces that non-school related recreational sports activities have been added to the ongoing pause of athletic programs under an expanded public health order.
The pause, effective immediately, includes all practices, games, scrimmages and tournaments and applies to public and private schools in town, as well as public and private recreational sports programs. The order applies to organized sports scheduled to take place both in Massachusetts and outside the state prior to February 01, 2021.
An initial order pausing athletics was limited to school programs.
As January nears an end, the Department of Public Health will reevaluate whether athletics programs can resume based on available CoViD-19 data. Community members will be notified as public health leaders make future decisions.
Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett announces that all school athletic programs in Brookline will be temporarily paused until at least February 01, 2021, due to a recent sustained rise in positive CoViD-19 cases within the community.
The pause, effective immediately, includes all practices, games, scrimmages and tournaments and applies to Public Schools of Brookline and private schools in town.
As January nears an end, the Department of Public Health will reevaluate whether athletics programs can resume based on available CoViD-19 data. Community members will be notified as public health leaders make future decisions.
“While we do not want to see the cancellation of games and practices for our students’ athletics programs, but there have been cases of CoViD-19 directly linked to sports, and we need to take all the steps we can to protect everyone in town, including youths who may be at risk when participating in sports,” Dr. Jett said. “We will reevaluate again in a few weeks and hopefully sports will be able to resume once again.”
Town Administrator Mel Kleckner announces that Brookline residents are invited to a virtual information session next week on the town’s budgeting process.
The Brookline Budget Forum will be held from 07:00 – 08:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021, and will serve as an opportunity for residents to hear directly from Kleckner as he provides insight on municipal finance and the town’s annual budget process.
To register and access the online event, please visit here. The meeting will also be broadcast by Brookline Interactive Group online here and on BIG’s Civic Channel — Comcast channel 23 and RCN channels 15/613.
The event will also include an early outlook on the town’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget as its development gets underway, and residents will have an opportunity to provide general input on town budget priorities.
“The development of the town’s budget is a lengthy process that is most successful when residents are engaged and informed,” Kleckner said. “This session is intended to de-mystify the budget and provide a base level understanding of how the town funds municipal and school services. I encourage residents to take this opportunity to learn more about how the budget comes together and to offer their input on what they believe the town’s priorities should be in the coming year.”
Over the course of the next several months, the budget will be outlined in greater detail prior to its eventual presentation before Town Meeting for approval.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support commercial space activities related to the transport of government and non-government passengers, cargo, and payloads for both orbital and suborbital missions.
“This FAA-NASA collaboration at the Administrator level will advance America’s commercial space sector, aid science and technology, and help coordinate U.S. national space policies,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The FAA and NASA have shared interests in creating a robust commercial space industry to achieve safe, reliable, and cost-effective access to space, and enhancing the competitiveness, safety and affordability of American aerospace capabilities. In addition, the partnership is critical to achieving the goals and objectives of multiple U.S. national space policies.
“The partnership between the FAA and NASA is vital to continue the growth, innovation and safety of commercial space operations, and maintain the pre-eminence of U.S. leadership in the aerospace sector,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.
Under the MOU, the FAA and NASA will build a stable launch and reentry framework for the U.S. space industry that is transparent, and avoids conflicting requirements and multiple sets of standards. The two agencies will also advance a point-to-point commercial suborbital pilot program with designated spaceports and airspace designs among other elements to support this revolutionary form of long-distance air transportation.
“NASA is now flying commercial cargo and crew missions to the International Space Station, and soon we will send more people and science to space on new suborbital flights,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “Our partnership with the FAA will support the growth of American commercial aerospace capabilities that will benefit NASA, the nation, and the entire world.”
The MOU will also aid the FAA and NASA in advancing public safety, facilitate new space technologies and areas for research opportunities, and share medical data on the effects of spaceflight among occupants of space vehicles and space habitats.
The ongoing cooperation between the two agencies was highlighted by the first-ever FAA-licensed NASA crew launch – the successful NASA Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station in November 2020.
Other existing collaboration between the FAA and NASA includes the Flight Opportunities Program that helped develop a framework for flying researchers from industry and academia on commercial suborbital flights and the CCP’s Suborbital Crew (SubC) efforts to extend suborbital space transportation capabilities for NASA astronauts and other NASA personnel.
An FAA license is required to conduct any commercial space launch or reentry, the operation of any launch or reentry site by U.S. citizens anywhere in the world, or by any individual or entity within the United States.
Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett wish to provide an update on the state of Massachusetts’ CoViD-19 vaccination distribution plan for long-term care facilities residents and staff.
Phase one of Massachusetts’ vaccination distribution plan began in December 2020 and is estimated to continue into February. Phase one vaccinations are being provided to multiple groups including residents and staff at long-term care facilities, rest homes and assisted living facilities.
Vaccinations for long-term care facilities began this week as a part of the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program. Long-term care facilities have been matched with a pharmacy that will provide the CoViD-19 vaccination. A list of matched facilities in MS Excel format can be downloaded here.
Facilities partnered with CVS Pharmacy will receive a thank-you email from CVS Health asking to verify contact information for the facility, as well as a Client Guide for the facility. A local contact will reach out to facilities partnered with Walgreens.
The vaccine will be provided free of charge to these individuals. Guardians of long-term care facility residents can consent to the vaccination by using streamlined forms. Both pharmacies are also accepting verbal consent.
Pharmacy vaccine teams plan to visit each facility three times in order to stagger vaccinations. The vaccine must be given to each person in two doses, approximately three weeks apart. A benefit of protection against CoViD-19 is shown within 2 weeks of the first dose.
“Vaccinations are the next step in our battle against CoViD-19,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Jett. “If you are exposed to an infected individual, the vaccine works with your immune system to fight the virus. While vaccines are known to be effective, they are not completely foolproof which is why it is important to continue to be vigilant against CoViD-19 and practice safe behaviors.”
After being vaccinated, residents and staff should continue to take the proper precautions including wearing a face mask or covering, maintaining social distancing, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and washing hands regularly.
For more information about the state of Massachusetts’ guidance for vaccine distribution for long-term care facilities, please visit here.
For more information about CoViD-19 vaccines in general, please visit the CDC’s website here and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.
Eric Hopkins, 49, is a level 3 sex offender, newly registered in Brookline, MA.
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, individuals classified as Level 3 Sex Offenders by the Sex Offender Registry Board are determined to be high risk to reoffend. That degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a substantial public safety interest is served by active community notification.
WARNING: Sex offender registration information shall not be used to commit a crime against an offender or engage in illegal discrimination or harassment of an offender. Any person who uses sex offender registration information for such purpose shall be punished by not more than two and one-half (2 ½) years in a house of correction or by fine of not more than $1,000.00 or both. M.G.L. c. 6, § 178N.
WARNING: Any person who uses sex offender registration information to threaten to commit a crime may be punished by a fine of not more than $100.00 or by imprisonment for not more than six months. M.G.L. c.275, § 4.
This individual is NOT WANTED BY THE POLICE.
If citizens have any questions regarding Mr. Hopkins, please contact Sgt. Chris Malinn at 617-730-2240 or visit the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board website here.
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