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Statement Regarding Natasha Lycia Ora Bannan

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Brookline.com
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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.

A Call to Action on Puerto Rico / Un Llamado a la Acción por Puerto Rico
January 2021 – New York

Declaración Sobre Natasha Lycia Ora Bannan

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.

Un Llamado a la Acción sobre Puerto Rico / Un Llamado a la Acción por Puerto Rico
febrero de 2021 – Nueva York

Brookline Department Of Public Health Shares CoViD-19 Vaccination Distribution Update

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Brookline.com
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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.

Brookline Recreation Announces Transition To New Online Registration & Reservation Software

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Brookline.com
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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 Of Brookline Announces Service Impacts & Parking Ban For Nor’easter

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Brookline.com
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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.

For more information, please visit here.

Snow Removal Expectations & Tips

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.

Public Schools Of Brookline Postpones Virtual Renaming Ceremony For Florida Ruffin Ridley School

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Brookline.com
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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.

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International Holocaust Commemoration Day

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Brookline.com
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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.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Ends Suspension Of Organized Athletics

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Brookline.com
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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.

I Have A Dream

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Brookline.com
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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.

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Attention Local Businesses: Scam Alert

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Brookline.com
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At least two of our local businesses have been targeted by scam callers, claiming to be soliciting funds for “Brookline High.”

When those astute business owners have asked for specifics, they have been told various things, including the “music program” and “athletics.”

Brookline High School is not currently soliciting donations, nor will they ever call you for fundraising purposes.

These shop owners did not fall prey to the scam, and hopefully this will prevent anyone from doing so.

Should you have been or should you become a target of a similar attack, please contact the Brookline Police Department.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Expands Suspension Of Athletics To Include Recreational Sports

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Brookline.com
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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.

Please visit here to download the order.

Brookline Department Of Public Health Orders Pause To School Athletic Programs

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Brookline.com
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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.”

Click here to download the order.

Residents Invited To Learn More About Town Budgeting Process At Brookline Budget Forum

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Brookline.com
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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.

FAA & NASA To Strengthen Partnership In Commercial Space Activities

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Brookline.com
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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.

CoViD-19 Vaccination Update For Long-Term Care Facilities In Brookline

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Brookline.com
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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 questions regarding long-term care facilities vaccinations, please contact CVS Pharmacy at CovidVaccineClinicsLTCF@CVSHealth.com or Walgreens at ImmunizeLTC@walgreens.com.

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, A Level 3 Sex Offender, Registered In Town

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Brookline.com
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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.

Zoey LoBello, 16, Missing

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Brookline.com
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Police in Massachusetts are looking for a missing 16-year-old girl from Northampton.

Zoey LoBello of orence, MA was reported missing Saturday morning, police said.

The missing is described as a 16-year-old female, White, approximately 5’4″ tall, weighing 156 lbs.

She has brown hair, brown eyes, freckles on her face and a small beauty mark on her upper lip.

LoBello may be wearing a green winter coat and carrying a backpack, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northampton police at 413-587-1100.

All tips will be kept strictly confidential.

*** UPDATE ***

The missing has been found and is safe and sound.

Happy New Year

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Brookline.com
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Happy new year, everyone! We wish you all a wonderful new year, filled with joy, happiness and prosperity!

Let us take a moment to appreciate life and good health.

Good health is the greatest gift that we tend to overlook. Everything else in life comes after it. Love, career, ambitions and future plans. They are all hard to enjoy or accomplish without a healthy body and and a healthy mind, that enable us to do so.

The year 2020 was a very challenging one, but it taught us great lessons. On top of these lessons, it taught us the value of time and… good health.

We wish you all a very happy and healthy new year ahead.

Merry Christmas

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Brookline.com
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Merry Christmas to all our friends around this great town!

May your holidays sparkle with joy and happiness and may the New Year bring less challenging times for us all.

Lost Dog

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Brookline.com
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This is Koco, a 6-year-old white Siberian Husky, who is missing since December 17, 2020.

Please be on the lookout for this pup, lost in the vicinity of Cypress Street, and report any sightings. Please do not chase.

Please share and call 913-523-6178, or Animal Control / Brookline Police Department when spotted or found.

Helping Lost Pets: here, HeLP Map here.

Let’s get Koco home! Thank you!

Townwide Parking Ban Advisory

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Brookline.com
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A townwide parking ban due to the forecasted snowfall will go into effect Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 01:00 a.m. and will last until Friday, December 18, 2020 at 01:00 a.m.

Towing will be enforced for all vehicles on the street.

As always, please call the Brookline Police Department’s non-emergency number at 617-730-2222 for assistance during the storm.

Here are the details.

Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Commissioner of Public Works Erin Chute Gallentine wish to remind residents of parking ban and snow emergency details ahead of tonight’s anticipated snowfall.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting hazardous weather conditions with current snow accumulations forecast to be 6 to 10 inches overnight into Thursday, December 17, 2020. In addition, the area is under a Winter Storm Warning from 07:00 p.m. Wednesday until 01:00 p.m. Thursday.

“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 01:00 a.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020 and will remain in place until 01:00 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020.

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.

Residents with permits to park overnight in the Town-owned lots are not required to move their vehicles until 09:00 a.m. after the parking ban is lifted.

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 by the Commissioner through a recorded phone message, on the town of Brookline’s website here, and local news stations. The Seasonal 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. Thursday’s trash route will be picked up on Friday and Friday’s trash route will be picked up on Saturday. Please do not put trash carts curbside before 07:00 a.m. for Friday’s pick up.

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

For more information, please visit here for a downloadable brochure.

Snow Removal Expectations and Tips 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 thirty-six (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 Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, 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.

Catch basins and snow covered fire hydrants should also be cleared.

Snow should be cleared 3 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 or handicap neighbors 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. Residents who are out of town or who have physical limitations are still required to make arrangements for snow removal.

25th Annual Brookline Town Hall Toy Drive

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The 25th annual Brookline Town Hall Toy Drive is underway, collecting holiday gifts for disadvantaged Brookline children.

Unwrapped toys can be left in the designated boxes, located in:

  • the mailroom / print shop hallway at Brookline Town Hall, located at 333 Washington Street;
  • the Veterans Office at the Brookline Health Department, located at 11 Pierce Street;
  • the 1st floor of the Brookline Police Department (BPD), located at 350 Washington Street; and
  • the Council on Aging, located at 93 Winchester Street.

The BPD location is staffed 24/7.

Toys should be dropped off by December 18, 2029.

For more information, please call 617-730-2190.

Brookline’s Dr. Swannie Jett Named To MA Public Health Association’s Board Of Directors

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The Brookline Department of Public Health is pleased to share that Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett has been named to the board of directors for the Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA).

The MPHA is a nonprofit advocacy and community organizing group that works to create health equity by addressing the root causes of disparities in health and wellness. It promotes policies that support positive health outcomes, including access to food, safe and affordable housing and transportation, as well as equitable public health services throughout Massachusetts.

Recently, the group has advocated for a cohesive response to the CoViD-19 pandemic through scientific approaches to safety measures, as well as a thoughtful approach to ensuring residents who have suffered financial hardship are able to remain in their homes, especially as the outbreak is expected to worsen in the coming months.

“While the work of public health officials has never been more visible than in 2020, MPHA has long been doing essential work to support public health throughout the Commonwealth and continues to do so amid a deadly and ongoing pandemic,” Dr. Jett said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to join the numerous public health experts who make up MPHA’s board of directors and contribute to furthering that work through the conclusion of the CoViD-19 pandemic and beyond.”

The MPHA has also been outspoken on key issues related to CoViD-19, including advocating for worker protections and expanded access to testing and care.

Dr. Jett has served as the head of Brookline’s public health department since May 2017. During his tenure Dr. Jett has been a key leader as the town addresses the CoViD-19 pandemic, and his achievements include organizing a clinic to determine the extent of ClViD-19 antibodies among Brookline’s first responders as well as establishing a CoViD-19 test site to provide increased access to testing for members of the community.

The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA), an affiliate of the American Public Health Association, is a nonprofit organization that promotes a healthy Massachusetts through advocacy, community organizing, and coalition building. In 2016, MPHA was instrumental in passing legislation to create the Special Commission on Local Public Health, which will allow the Commonwealth to strengthen the local public health system and provide essential protections for all communities.

Happy Hanukkah

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Tonight, the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah begins with the lighting of the first candle…

We wish all those celebrating in Israel and around the world a holiday full of light and good health.

Happy Hanukkah from Israel!

Lost Cat

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Rosie has been missing since November 29, 2020, and was last seen in the Heath Street area.

If you see her, please call her owners at the numbers in the flyer or our Animal Control Officer at 617-730-2730.

Zanini Cineus, 34, Arrested

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This morning at approximately 05:55 a.m., multiple Brookline Police units responded to a radio call for a residential alarm at 112 Woodland Road, the former residence of former New England Patriot Tom Brady and his wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen.

Public Safety Dispatchers informed responding units that multiple alarms were activated, and that they were monitoring a subject on camera. Dispatch updated police units upon their arrival that the subject was now in the basement, sitting on a couch.

Responding units were given the access code and were able to gain access to the property. Officers immediately went to the basement and located the subject, who was laying on the couch in the middle of the room.

Officers arrested Zanini Cineus, 34, formerly of Brockton, MA, currently homeless.

Mr. Cineus is being charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, attempted larceny and trespassing. He will likely be arraigned in Brookline District Court in the course of the day.

In addition, Mr. Cineus had several active warrants out of Wrentham District Court, stemming from incidents, that occurred in Foxboro, MA late last year.

There is no further information available at this time.

Town Of Brookline Provides Update On In-Town Testing Initiative

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Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett wishes to provide residents with an update on the town’s COVID-19 testing site, and urge continued vigilance against the spread of the coronavirus.

According to the public health data, released on Thursday, December 03, 2020, the Town’s designation remains at “green,” indicating a “low risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Brookline is 9.7 per 100,000 residents, down from 10.8 last week.

As of Thursday, the Town reports 88 active cases of the virus in the community. There have been a total of 800 cases in Brookline since the start of the pandemic.

“Though we have seen a slight decrease in the number of new cases recently, we are still strongly encouraging all community members to continue to take the necessary precautions in order to prevent further spread of the disease,” Dr. Jett said. “Across the state, we are still seeing a significant increase of new cases each day, including in our neighboring communities. Along with wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, residents, especially those experiencing symptoms, should take advantage of the opportunity to get tested in Brookline so that we can have a clearer understanding of just how widespread the disease is in our town.”

Since the end of October, over 1,700 tests have been administered at the testing site in Brookline. Between November 23-28, 2020, 867 tests had been administered at the testing site. Of those, 16 were positive, which represented 1.85% of all who were tested.

How to Get Tested

PCR swab tests are available at the Health Department building, 11 Pierce Street, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 08:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can be made by booking online here. Residents may also call 339-201-5516.The testing program will continue through December 30, 2020.

Members of the Brookline community may get tested at the clinic, and uninsured individuals who are symptomatic — or have been identified as close contacts of positive cases — can have their testing expenses covered by the Town.

Residents who are insured and are symptomatic will have their test expenses billed through their insurance provider.

In order to qualify as a close contact, community members must show documentation from the state or local Department of Public Health that indicates they have come into contact with a positive case. The Brookline Department of Public Health will email a letter to residents identified as a close contact which can be used to obtain testing for free at the Brookline site.

The cost of testing is $140 for asymptomatic individuals who have not been identified as close contacts of a COVID-19-positive person.

Free testing is also available through the state’s Stop the Spread initiative. For more information, please visit here.

COVID-19 Cases are on the Rise in Massachusetts

It is important to note that yesterday marked the highest number of cases of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth at 6,477 new coronavirus cases, the highest single-day total reported in the state since the start of the pandemic. This number includes an additional 680 cases from December 01, 2020, that were not previously reported after a technical issue with the software used by that laboratory’s reporting vendor caused a delay.

Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid high risk activities, especially indoor social gatherings, and all Massachusetts residents are under orders from the Governor to wear masks at all times while in public.

Other COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health include:

  • Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing, maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others, is critical.
  • Those who must go out are urged to:
    • avoid gathering in groups;
    • maintain 6 feet from people outside your household;
    • do not shake hands or hug;
    • wash your hands often.
  • Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands
  • Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces at all times.
  • Face coverings should:
    • cover the nose and mouth;
    • fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face;
    • be secured with either ties or ear loops;
    • permit breathing without difficulty;
    • be able to be washed and machinedried without damage;
    • face masks should be washed regularly, depending on the amount of use.

Stay Informed

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 page: BrooklineCOVID19.com;
  • Town of Brookline Official Website: brooklinema.gov;
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health: mass.gov/covid-19;
  • Massachusetts 211 general COVID-19 information: Please visit here or dial 211 (24/7);
  • United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov.

Help Identify A Bank Robbery Suspect

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The Brookline Police Department is investigating the following bank robbery, which occurred on November 17, 2020at 1:59 p.m., at the following address:

Brookline Bank
1016 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446

The suspect demanded money from bank employees using a note, which indicated he had a gun.

The suspect fled the bank on foot, towards Park Drive (photo #2).

The suspect is described as a 40- to 50-year-old male, White or Hispanic, with a slim build, approximately 5’8” tall, wearing a hoodie and a blue hat with a white logo on it (photo #1).

Please call the Brookline Police Detective Division at 617-730-2244 if you have any additional information.

All tips will be kept strictly confidential.

Continued Vigilance Urged As COVID-19 Cases Rise & Holidays Approach

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Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett, Emergency Management Director John Sullivan and Town Administrator Mel Kleckner are urging residents to more closely follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines following a recent sustained increase in the number of cases of the illness in town.

Brookline has reported a total of 624 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, including 67 new cases since October 30, 2020. Brookline is currently averaging 10 new cases per day. This increase is attributable to community spread from a variety of sources.

Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker also announced a variety of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. This follows weeks of increasing cases around the Commonwealth, with COVID-19 cases up 278% and hospitalizations up by 145% since Labor Day. These measures include revisions to the Massachusetts Face Covering Order, reduced gathering limits, and more. Please review the Governor’s new measures by visiting here.

“While we had been doing a good job keeping our numbers down over the summer and early fall, it is clear that community spread is becoming a more significant concern and that we need to be more aggressive in preventing the spread of this virus,” Dr. Jett said. “With the holidays approaching, we want residents to remain mindful of the need to adhere to all of the COVID-19 safety guidelines and recommendations, and give thorough consideration to limiting their holiday celebrations this year in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

Holiday Safety

With the holiday season upon us, the Town of Brookline would like to share the following holiday safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Family and friends should consider the number and rate of COVID-19 cases in their community and in the community where they plan to celebrate when considering whether to host or attend a holiday celebration.
  • Host outdoor activities rather than indoor activities as much as possible. If hosting an outdoor event is not possible, and you choose to host an indoor event, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated, or fully enclosed indoor spaces. As a reminder, the state’s gathering size limits are 10 people for indoor gatherings at private residences and 25 for outdoor gatherings at private residences.
  • Avoid traveling for the holidays as traveling increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household poses low risk for spread.
  • During holiday celebrations, you should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet or more from people you do not live with, wear a mask and avoid busy eating areas, such as restaurants during high volume mealtimes.
  • If you participated in higher risk activities or think that you may have been exposed during your celebration, take extra precautions (in addition the ones listed above) for 14 days after the event to protect others:

To view more holiday safety tips, visit the CDC’s COVID-19: Holiday Celebration page here.

COVID-19 Testing

The Town of Brookline has partnered with mPathy, LLC to conduct COVID-19 testing for members of the community at the Brookline Department of Public Health building, 11 Pierce Street.

For all questions related to COVID-19 testing in Brookline through this initiative, call 339-201-5516.

PCR swab tests are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 08:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can be made by booking online here. The testing program will run until December 31, 2020.

Testing is available for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, however, only the costs for those displaying symptoms will be processed through the patients’ health insurance provider. Asymptomatic individuals will be required to pay $140. Asymptomatic individuals who seek testing may request reimbursement for the expense through their insurance company.

General COVID-19 Safety

Town officials would also like to remind residents, especially young adults, of the COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH):

  • Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing — maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others — is critical.
  • Those who must go out are urged to:
    • avoid gathering in groups;
    • maintain 6 feet from people outside your household;
    • do not shake hands or hug;
    • wash your hands often.
  • Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands.
  • Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor public spaces. This does not apply to those under the age of five and with underlying health conditions, though the Town of Brookline requires those exempt from wearing face coverings to wear face shields as an alternative.
  • Face coverings should:
    • cover the nose and mouth Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face;
    • be secured with either ties or ear loops;
    • permit breathing without difficulty;
    • be able to be washed and machine dried without damage. Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.

Stay Informed

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 page: BrooklineCOVID19.com
  • Town of Brookline Official Website: brooklinema.gov
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health: mass.gov/covid-19
  • Massachusetts 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information: Click here or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
  • United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov

Residents can find information regarding the upcoming election and voting, municipal services and request limited services appointments here.

Joseph M. Quinn, Sr. Passes At 102

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Brookline.com
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Joseph M. “Joe” Quinn, Sr. passed away peacefully on November 09, 2020, just 20 days shy of his 103rd birthday.

Retired 36-year veteran of the Brookline Police Department.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Brookline who also loved spending time at his home on Cape Cod in South Yarmouth.

He was the beloved husband for 62 years of the late Alice E. Quinn. Devoted father of Joseph M. Jr. and his late wife Marilyn of Walpole, Francis X. and his wife Wanda of Powder Springs, GA, Dianne M. Woods and her husband Craig of Woodbridge, VA, Rosemary T. Mezzocchi, her late husband Michael Mezzocchi and her husband Gerry Covino of Hollis, NH, Lawrence P. and his late wife Norine of Natick, Gerard T. and his wife Pat of Lutherville, MD and Karen Q. Kampfe and her husband Michael of South Yarmouth and Goodyear, AZ. Joe is also survived by his adoring 23 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews and their families.

He was the fourth son of the late John F. and Mary Quinn. Predeceased by his brothers John, Thomas and Edward “Ted” Quinn.

Visiting hours have been omitted. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday November 18th in St. Lawrence Church, Chestnut Hill, Brookline, MA 02467, at 11:00 a.m. (COVID-19 Guidelines will be followed at the church with limited capacity of 100.) Interment will follow in the Walnut Hills Cemetery.

Funeral Mass and interment will be live-streamed here.

In lieu of flowers donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Boys Town, 200 Flanagan Boulevard, PO Box 2000, Boys Town, NE 68010-9988 or here.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph M. Quinn, Sr., please visit here.

Update On MWRA Water Main Break In Brookline

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This morning, MWRA crews were working on a water pipeline in Brookline when a coupling let go causing a large volume of water to flow into the Brookline Reservoir on Lee Street near Route 9. This pipeline serves parts of Boston, Brookline, Milton and Quincy. The pipeline has now been isolated and water pressure is returning to normal; however, Lee Street is closed to traffic.

There is a possibility that discolored water by occur once the pipeline has been isolated. If discolored water does occur, it is the result of a small amount of iron in the pipes. Please note that iron will stain light colored items in your laundry, especially when bleach is used. Residents should check water clarity before washing white or lighter colored laundry during this period.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact MWRA Community Relations Manager, Jeffrey McLaughlin at 617-305-5762 or jeffrey.mclaughlin@mwra.com.

Alternatively, please call MWRA’s 24-hour water phone line at 617-305-5950.

Brookline’s Task Force To Reimagine Policing Utilizing Survey To Guide Its Work

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The Task Force to Reimagine Policing in Brookline announces that approximately 25,000 residents will be invited to provide feedback on policing and public safety in town.

The survey, which is being conducted by Tufts University, was commissioned by the Task Force and those who receive the invite by mail are strongly urged to complete it.

“It’s critical for us to get participation from a broad array of Town residents, especially residents of color, disabled residents, those with mental health issues and their families, and other residents from historically marginalized groups,” said Task Force Chair Raul Fernandez. “We greatly appreciate the time and honest feedback of all those who respond to the survey – you are doing a great service lending your voice to one of the most important issues facing Brookline and this country.”

Mailed letters with details on how to complete the survey will be delivered to about 25,000 residents. These residents were identified at random by the researchers conducting the survey, with care taken to especially sample residents of color and those living in public housing. Some residents will separately be invited to provide feedback on the Brookline Police Department’s Walk and Talk program as well.

Only those invited to take part in the survey may do so.

The survey is part of the Task Force’s efforts to develop a baseline understanding of the state of policing in Brookline, and use a data-informed approach to make recommendations for a distinctly alternative approach to public safety.

Brookline Residents Invited To Attend Veterans Day Program

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The Town of Brookline is pleased to invite residents to the town’s annual Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

The event will take place by the World War Monument at the Brookline Town Hall, 333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

Among the attendees will be:

  • Representatives of the American Legion;
  • Representatives of Veterans of Foreign Wars;
  • Representatives of Brookline Veterans Services;
  • Representative of the Brookline Board of Selectman;
  • State Representative Tommy Vitolo;
  • Acting Police Chief Mark Morgan;
  • Members of the Brookline Police and Fire Departments.

Residents are invited to attend Brookline’s annual Veterans Day Program next week, and join various town officials, veterans, veterans groups and the general public in honoring local veterans for their service.

The annual program is organized by Brookline Veterans Services and will feature speeches from local veterans, including Mark Morgan, Acting Chief of Police. A representative of the Brookline Board of Selectmen will also speak at the ceremony.

The program will also include a placing of the wreath of thanks and salute as well as a moment of silence. Additionally, the Arthur Hurley Memorial Award and the Veterans Service Award will be presented.

Due to COVID-19, participants will be required to wear a cloth face covering and practice social distancing.

Brookline Interactive Group will broadcast the event at a later date.

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