Brookline’s First Blizzard 2018: By The Numbers

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January 9, 2018

Now that the the Bombogenesis is over and there is a relative heatwave happening in the area with temperatures finally above freezing and a sun that is actually out, town departments report how Brookline did with the first major snowstorm of the year, the largest since the winter of 2014-2015.

Because of extreme temperatures and high winds, this storm was difficult to fight and required many more additional hours to clean, the DPW commissioner said. For Brookline’s first responders, the more difficult storm meant more calls to respond to.

Brookline Fire officials said they responded to a higher call volume than normal answering to dozens of calls between the time the snow started to fall and Saturday morning.

From 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4 (just an hour after the snow started in town) to 8:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan.6, the Brookline Fire Department answered more than 60 calls for assistance including medical emergencies, utility emergencies, calls for fire and investigations, according to Brookline Fire Chief of Operations Keith Flaherty. And that was in between shoveling out the stations. Usually the department mechanic handles plowing around the stations, but since he was out sick, the department had to call DPW for help.

The Department of Public Works had their hands full, too. The crews were at it before the storm until Monday when snow removal operations were completed in all commercial areas, according to the DPW.

“Basically we removed the portions of the snow banks along the curb line to provide for full parking. Areas included Brookline Village, Washington Square, Coolidge Corner, St. Mary’s St area and Harvard St full length,” said DPW Commissioner Andrew Pappastergion. This means his crews don’t work the late shift any more, and normal day shift operations are continuing this week in parking lots and on street reservations.

Members of the fire department started shoveling at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, and the effort to clear hydrants is still ongoing as we speak, according to Flaherity.

“The Fire Department and the D.P.W. are continuously working to clear hydrants and we encourage all residents, management companies, and merchants to help us to help you by clearing hydrants in close proximity to their homes and businesses,” he said.

The fire department also encourages people to clear the snow from the fire department connections for sprinklers and standpipes and the exhaust pipes from heating systems so as not to have carbon monoxide emergencies.

Extra firefighters were put on duty through the duration of the storm, according to the fire department.

In the past month Brookline fire fighters responded to seven building fires around town, including a natural gas fire in a mechanical room at Pine Manor College on Dec. 6, A fire that spread from a fireplace on Dec. 23 on Abbotsford Road in a home. An overheated boiler that lit a building on fire at 1025 Beacon Street on Dec. 28; a two-alarm fire in the penthouse mechanical room of a Village Way high rise creating heavy smoke condition throughout building with extensive evacuations. There were also two fires on New Year’s Eve: an overheated electrical box in a ceiling of a Centre Street home that ignited and a two alarm fire on Babcock that was caused by thawing pipes. On January 5 there was the fire in a basement on Beacon Street of a commercial basement under renovation.

Brookline storm facts by the numbers:

How much snow landed in Brookline? Recorded 16.1 inches of total snowfall.

How many snow days did students get? 2.

How many snow days do students have left this year? 3 built into the calendar.

How much salt/ de-icer was put out? 565 tons of road salt and 2,000 gallons of salt brine were used.

How does that compare to the February 2015 storm? The DPW went through 800 tons of salt or sand when two feet of snow landed in Brookline between Thursday, Feb., 9 and Monday, Feb. 13. 2015.

How many trucks were out plowing Thursday? 108 pieces of equipment were used during the storm.

How many DPW staff members were out working? 147 staff.

How much plowing are we talking? Brookline has about 100 miles of public road. The DPW estimates it plows about 253 miles when factoring in multiple lanes on roadways.

How many fire hydrants in town had to be cleared? 1,553.

How may calls did the fire respond to? 60+.

How many fire stations in town? 5.

And speaking of clearing the roadway. The town has a bylaw that requires both businesses and homeowners to make sure the sidewalk in front of their homes and business are clear for pedestrians.

Homeowners have 30 hours following a storm to clear the sidewalk in front of their home 36 inches wide, according to the bylaw. Apartment buildings and multi-family homes as well as businesses have three hours following the storm to do the same or risk getting a ticket. And tickets can range between $100 and $250.

School Capital Subcommittee Meeting

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Brookline.com

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January 9, 2018

The School Capital Improvements Subcommittee will be meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the 5th Floor Conference Room, Town Hall.

The agenda will include:

Approval of Minutes of the following Capital Improvements Subcommittee Meetings: October 10, 2017; November 8, 2017; and December 12, 2017;
Update on 9th School Alternative Site Study (Joe Connelly);
Update on FY 2019 Capital Improvements Program including Temperature Control (Charlie Simmons);
Update on Classroom Section Projections as presented with Enrollment Report (Matt Gillis);
Debrief on December 18, 2017 Transportation Board Meeting (Mary Ellen Dunn);
New and old business.

Address:

333 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Brookline, MA 02445

Contact:

Tel.: 617-730-2430
E–mail: robin_coyne@psbma.org

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (BRKL) Receives Hold Rating From Piper Jaffray Companies

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January 9, 2018

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRKL)‘s stock had its “hold” rating reiterated by equities researchers at Piper Jaffray Companies in a research report issued on Tuesday. They presently have a $16.50 price target on the bank’s stock. Piper Jaffray Companies’ target price would suggest a potential upside of 3.13% from the company’s current price.

Several other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. BidaskClub lowered shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Sandler O’Neill lowered shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Brookline Bancorp, Inc. presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $16.33.

Shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRKL) opened at $16.00 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.16. Brookline Bancorp, Inc. has a one year low of $13.60 and a one year high of $17.45. The stock has a market cap of $1,222.60, a P/E ratio of 20.51 and a beta of 0.97.

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRKL) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The bank reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the Thomson Reuters’ consensus estimate of $0.20. Brookline Bancorp, Inc. had a net margin of 19.82% and a return on equity of 7.52%. The company had revenue of $62.82 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $60.37 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.19 EPS. research analysts expect that Brookline Bancorp, Inc. will post 0.8 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, Director David C. Chapin sold 5,000 shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.70, for a total value of $73,500.00. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Charles H. Peck sold 16,000 shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.38, for a total transaction of $262,080.00. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 142,255 shares of company stock valued at $2,138,396. 2.85% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. grew its stake in Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. now owns 23,832 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $346,000 after buying an additional 451 shares in the last quarter. Nationwide Fund Advisors grew its stake in Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Nationwide Fund Advisors now owns 116,690 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $1,704,000 after buying an additional 875 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management, Inc. grew its stake in Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 17.6% in the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management, Inc. now owns 12,137 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $177,000 after buying an additional 1,819 shares in the last quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System grew its stake in Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 354,797 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $5,499,000 after buying an additional 4,111 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pinebridge Investments L.P. grew its stake in Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 9.6% in the 2nd quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. now owns 48,020 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $701,000 after buying an additional 4,187 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.63% of the company’s stock.

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. Company Profile

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. operates as a multi-bank holding company for Brookline Bank and its subsidiaries; Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) and its subsidiaries; First Ipswich Bank (First Ipswich) and its subsidiaries, and Brookline Securities Corp. As a commercially focused financial institution with 50 full-service banking offices throughout greater Boston, the north shore of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Company, through Brookline Bank, BankRI and First Ipswich (individually and collectively the Banks), offered a range of commercial, business and retail banking services, including cash management products, online banking services, consumer and residential loans and investment services throughout central New England, as of December 31, 2016.

Edward “Ned” Michael Merrick Jr. Passes At 72

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Brookline.com

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January 9, 2018

Former Plainville Police Chief Edward “Ned” Michael Merrick Jr., 72, peacefully passed away on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at his home in Plainville after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Donna Marie (Leone) Merrick, with whom this year he would have celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary.

Born on June 15, 1945 in Milton, MA, he was the son of the late Edward Michael Merrick Sr., M.D., and the late Mary Aileen (Mahoney) Merrick.

Chief Merrick was raised in Milton and Brookline, MA, and was a graduate of Brookline High School, Class of 1964. He proudly and honorably served our country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and later served in the Massachusetts National Guard. He received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University in 1978 and his master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College in 1990.

He was deeply involved in advanced training for police officers. Chief Merrick was a member of the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council from 1989 until 1993, and a certified instructor from 1987 through his retirement.

He also served as adjunct faculty at Anna Maria College and Western New England College. Chief Merrick was for many years a faithful member and long served on the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Martha Catholic Church in Plainville.

Well known for his work supporting his fellow police officers, he was the first person to have served as president of both the 18,000-member Massachusetts Police Association (MPA) and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

Chief Merrick had the honor of serving as the chief of police in Plainville from 1995 until 2009. He previously served as a police officer in Brookline for 24 years, during which time he also worked part-time as legislative director for the MPA in the 1980s and 1990s, and was elected president of the MPA in 1998.

A familiar figure in State House hearings and conference rooms, he was highly regarded by governors of both parties and legislative leaders as knowledgeable, reasonable, helpful and trustworthy on police issues. He participated in many legislative battles, including the MPA’s successful support of the consolidation of the State, Metropolitan District Commission, Registry of Motor Vehicles and Capitol Police departments. In 1998, on the same day that the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Union endorsed George H.W. Bush for president, Chief Merrick led a rally of Massachusetts police officers on the Statehouse steps in support of Bush’s opponent, Gov. Michael Dukakis.

From 1981 until 1991, he was a member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Joint Labor-Management Committee for Police & Fire, which facilitated the resolution of disputes between municipalities and their first responders. In 1990, Gov. Dukakis appointed him as a member of the State-Wide Emergency Telecommunications Board, which implemented enhanced statewide 911 service.

During his distinguished service as chief in Plainville, he brought his government relations experience to the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and was elected its president in 2003. From 1997 until his death, Chief Merrick was also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Legislative Committee.

During 10 years of his 15-year tenure, Chief Merrick also held the position of Plainville Director of Public Safety, managing the town’s fire, ambulance, and communications operations, as well as the police department.

Between 2002 and 2008, he was the chief of Metro-STAR, a 100 person regional police response team that provided SWAT, munitions, K-9 operations, and crisis negotiation for local police departments. Under his command, the unit provided police security at major events, including the 2004 Democratic National Convention, World Series games, Patriots play-off games and victory parades for the Patriots and Red Sox teams.

Following his retirement from the Plainville Police Department, Chief Merrick continued his work on behalf of police officers as an officer, board member and director of legislative affairs for the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police.

From 2008 until 2016, he served as the executive director of the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, which raises money to privately maintain a Police Memorial at the State House, and conducts an annual memorial service for Massachusetts law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty.

Chief Merrick was long active in fraternal and charitable organizations. He was a member of the Lions Club since 1994, and was elected district governor in 2009, and a director of the district Eyemobile program. In 2016, after he was diagnosed with his final illness, he undertook the presidency of the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund. During his term in office, he raised over $1 million dollars, a goal reached only three times in the foundation’s 73- year history.

A member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks since 1981, he was named district deputy in 1991. Chief Merrick was particularly devoted to Cops for Kids with Cancer, serving on its board from 2010 until his death.

In addition to his wife Donna, Chief Merrick leaves his loving children: Lynne Merrick Nagle; Edward M. Merrick III and his wife Susan Merrick and Stephen Merrick and his wife Christina Merrick, all of Marshfield. He was the proud and adoring grandfather of Jeffrey Nagle, Edward Michael Merrick IV, Connor Merrick, Joseph Merrick, Stephen Merrick and Isabella Merrick, all of Marshfield. Chief Merrick was the brother of: Lee Ellicott of Porter, IN; Viki Merrick of Woods Hole, MA; Brian R. Merrick and his wife Rebecca Merrick of West Barnstable, MA; John H. Merrick and his wife Joanne of Manchester, NH and Christopher Merrick and his wife Barbara Merrick of Kingston, MA. He was predeceased by his twin brother, the late Carl G. Merrick and his late siblings, Michael Merrick, James Merrick and Ann Klein Dale. He is survived by 24 nephews and nieces; his brother-in-law, Kevin S. Leone of North Attleboro and his fiancée Kimberly Macallister of Centerville, MA, his extended family, many dear friends, and his faithful companions, “Ollie” and “Tessa.”

Chief Merrick leaves behind all of the honorable men and women of the police departments with whom he had the distinct privilege of serving.

Members of the police departments will privately pay their final respects to Chief Merrick on Sunday, Jan. 14 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home — the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA, followed by a Necrology service offered by the Plainville Lions Club from 2 to 2:15 p.m., and by a family prayer from 2:15 to 2:30 p.m.

The doors to the funeral home will be open to the general public on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., so that family and friends may gather to honor and remember Chief Merrick for a visitation with full police and veteran’s honors in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Ave., Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Martha Catholic Church, 227 South Street, Route 1A, Plainville, MA.

A children’s room is available during the visitation.

Burial services will immediately follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Chief Merrick to either Cops for Kids with Cancer, Inc., Attn: Deputy Chief Rafferty, c/o Canton Police Department, 1492 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021; Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund Inc. c/o PDG Dr. James Roth, 43 Stewart Terrace, Belmont, MA 02478, or to the Plainville Lions Club, P.O. Box 1804, Plainville, MA 02762.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit the online guest book here.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, 508-695-0200.

Brookline Arts Center To Hold Snowflake Festival

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Brookline.com

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January 9, 2018

The Brookline Arts Center will hold its annual Snowflake Festival from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Jan. 20 at 86 Monmouth Street, Brookline.

The Snowflake Festival is a free open house event featuring art activities for all ages. There will be hot chocolate, art demonstrations and the reception for Brookline Arts Center’s 2018 Student Exhibition.

Attendees can explore the BAC studio spaces and try out projects in mixed media, comic creation, jewelry making, 3-D sculpture and more. They can watch a live pottery demo, listen to music by Hugh Hanley and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa during this winter-inspired afternoon.

This year’s Snowflake Festival will also serve as the reception for BAC’s annual Student Exhibition that will be on view in the gallery. The Student Exhibition highlights a wide range of artwork created in classes over the past year. Children, teens and adults display their creations in ceramics, painting, drawing, jewelry and metalsmithing, mixed media, and other 2-D and 3-D mediums. An online gallery of student work is currently on display.

For more information, please visit here.

Brookline Resident To Perform With Intergenerational Chorus

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Brookline.com

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January 9, 2018

Martha Leader, of Brookline, will accompany the Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus for its winter concerts at 7:00 p.m. Jan. 16 and 4:00 p.m. Jan. 20, at First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown.

The chorus, directed by Joanne Hammil, features 83 singers from 29 area towns. The concerts will include an array of music in styles, ranging from multicultural, contemporary folk, classical, pop, freedom songs and rock n roll, in multi-part harmonies.

Cost: $10 suggested donation at the door. For more information or membership, please e-mail: GBICmembership@gmail.com or joanne@joannehammil.com or visit here.

Select Board, January 9, 2018, Executive Session 6:00 p.m., Public Session 7:00 p.m.

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Brookline.com

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January 9, 2018

SELECT BOARD
CALENDAR
FOR
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018

SELECT BOARD’S HEARING ROOM

Neil Wishinsky – Chair
Benjamin J. Franco
Nancy S. Heller
Bernard W. Greene
Heather A. Hamilton
Melvin A. Kleckner – Town Administrator

01. OPEN SESSION

6:00 p.m.

Question of whether the Select Board shall enter into Executive Session for the purposes described in Agenda items 2 and 3 below.

02. PROPOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

For the purpose of approving the following Executive Session minutes, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a), Purpose (7):

Executive Session meeting minutes of January 2, 2018.

03. PROPOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

PERSONNEL

For the purpose of discussing the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual.

04. ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES

7:00 p.m.

Select Board to announce recent and/or upcoming Events of Community Interest.

05. PUBLIC COMMENT

Public Comment period for citizens who requested to speak to the Board regarding Town issues not on the Calendar.

Up to fifteen minutes for public comment on matters not appearing on this Calendar shall be scheduled each meeting. Persons wishing to speak may sign up in advance beginning on the Friday preceding the meeting or may sign up in person at the meeting. Speakers will be taken up in the order they sign up. Advance registration is available by calling the Select Board’s office at 617-730-2211 or by e-mail at sorsini@brooklinema.gov. The full Policy on Public Comment is available here.

06. MISCELLANEOUS

Approval of miscellaneous items, licenses, vouchers, and contracts.

A. Question of approving the minutes of January 2, 2018.

B. Question of accepting a donation in the amount of $400.00 from the Korean Church of Boston for the Fire Department.

C. Question of accepting a donation in the amount of $50.00 from Andrea Bullock for the Fire Department.

07. CALENDAR

Review and potential vote on Calendar Items

08. FIRE DEPARTMENT – PERSONNEL

Question of authorizing the upgrade of a Lieutenant position in the Training Division to Captain and to promote Fire Lieutenant David Randolph to Fire Captain.

A. Update on the Fire Department’s recruitment activities.

09. BAA MARATHON SPECIAL PERMIT

Stuart Wall of the BAA will appear to request a Special Use Permit for the running of the 2018 Boston Marathon scheduled for April 16, 2018.

10. SELECT BOARD’S COMMITTEE ON SENIOR TAX POLICY

Members of the Select Board’s Committee on Senior Tax Policy will appear to provide the final report of the committee.

11. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS – INTERVIEWS

The following candidates for appointment/reappointment to Boards and Commissions will appear for interview:

Housing Advisory Board
Rita McNally (reappointment)

12. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS – APPOINTMENTS

Question of making appointments/reappointments to the following Boards and Commissions:

Conservation Commission
Housing Advisory Board

13. FY2019 BUDGET OBJECTIVES

Review of the Select Board’s FY2019 Budget Objectives.

Address:

Town Hall Selectmen’s Hearing Room
333 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Brookline, MA 02445

Contact:

Tel.: 617-730-2430
E–mail: robin_coyne@psbma.org

Happenings Around Brookline

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Brookline.com

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January 8, 2018

Thursday, Jan. 11

“Movement to Music and Imagination”: 11:00 a.m., Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, 615 Heath Street, Brookline. Free; space limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-244-6400. A presentation featuring Arthur Sullivan.

Piano concert with Doug Robinson: 3:30 p.m., Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, 615 Heath Street, Brookline. The event is free and the space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-244-6400. Robinson has been playing piano throughout New England for over 35 years. Robinson studied at the Berklee College of Music and has served as the organist for the Hartford Whalers and the musical director for the TV show “The Sports Fan.”

Friday, Jan. 12

Sen. Creem office hours: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m., Brookline Town Hall, Room 111, 333 Washington Street, Brookline. State Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem’s constituent services team will be available to meet with individuals. No appointment necessary.

American history lecture: 1:30 p.m., Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, 615 Heath St., Brookline. Free; space limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-244-6400. Presented by Gary Hylander, professor of history at Framingham State University.

Monday, Jan. 15

ArtVentures: “Heroes and Legends:” 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Brookline Arts Center, 86 Monmouth Street, Brookline. Cost: $75. To register, please visit here. A day of art making and inspiration from heroes, both real and fantastical, as they come to life through drawing, sculpture and puppets in this vacation day intensive. For ages 5-7. Extended day options available. 5-year-olds must be enrolled in kindergarten.

Cartooning and Comics Intensive: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Brookline Arts Center, 86 Monmouth Street, Brookline. Cost: $75. To register, please visit here. Students will experiment with different illustration techniques, creating their own story from the ground up. They will learn how to design a unique cast of characters and develop personalities and backstories for their own comic creation. For ages 8-12. Extended day options available.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration: 3:00 p.m., Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard Street, Brookline. The event is free. For tickets, please visit here. For more information, please e-mail Caitlin Haynes at chaynes@brooklinema.gov or call 617-730-2345. The theme for this year’s event is “The Radical King — The Fierce Urgency of Now.” Dr. Chad Williams, associate professor and chair of the Department of African and Afro-American Studies at Brandeis University, is the keynote speaker. The program will also feature the poet/performer Regie Gibson, Brookline Poet Laureate Zvi Sesling and, from Brookline High School, slam poet Carolyn Parker-Fairbain and the acapella group Testostatones.

Wednesday, Jan. 17

Hiring Do’s and Don’ts: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Jan. 17 and Jan. 31, The Village Works, 202 Washington Street, Brookline. This interactive and approachable workshop will teach attendees to identify and avoid some of the most common legal hiring mistakes that can torpedo their efforts to grow a business. The two-part series is designed to test legal IQ, raise awareness and improve skills at issue spotting.

Thursday, Jan. 18

“Antarctica: Travels at the End of the World”: 1:30 p.m., Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, 615 Heath Street, Brookline. Free; space limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-244-6400. Presnted by photojournalist Barry Pell.

Dance program with Hilary MacDonald: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Wingate at Chestnut Hill, 615 Heath Street, Brookline. Free; space limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-243-9990. MacDonald is a hip hop dance instructor who performs a wide range of dance styles.

Friday, Jan. 19

Musician Mark Tavenner to perform: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Wingate at Chestnut Hill, 615 Heath Street, Brookline. Free; space limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-243-9990. Tavenner engages audiences with his interactive performance style. He frequently performs classic, sing-alongs and standards.

Saturday, Jan. 20

Snowflake Festival: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Brookline Arts Center, 86 Monmouth Street, Brookline. Free. For more information, please visit here. Attendees can stroll through the studio spaces and try out projects in mixed media, comic creation, jewelry making, 3-D sculpture and more. Also features hot cocoa, a live pottery demo and music by Hugh Hanley. The festival will also serve as the reception for the annual Student Exhibition that will be on view in the gallery.

Review of “The Seven Year Itch”: 1:30 p.m., Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, 615 Heath Street, Brookline. Free; space limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-244-6400. Film critic Dan Kimmel will review of the 1955 American romantic comedy starring Tom Ewell, Evelyn Keyes and Marilyn Monroe.

Sunday, Jan. 21

Opera at the Cinema: “Lohengrin”: 10:00 a.m., Coolidge Corner Theatre, 209 Harvard Street, Brookline. Cost: $20 – $23. For more information, please e-mail wesley@coolidge.org or visit here. Presented by Semperoper Dresden. Starring in their premiere Wagnerian roles, Anna Netrebko and Piotr Beczała, alongside Staatskapelle Dresden and led by Christian Thielemann.

K.I.D.S. Camp Fair: Noon to 2:00 p.m., Tappan Street Gym, 66 Tappan Street, Brookline. For more information, please e-mail kidsfair@stepstosuccessbrookline.com or visit here. Steps to Success hosts it annual Kids Involved During Summer Fair to showcase the best camps in New England and celebrate summer. Families will be able to sign up and register for summer camps before space runs out.

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Professor Thomas Kelly to host discussion: 11:00 a.m., Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, 615 Heath Street, Brookline. Free; space limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-244-6400. A discussion on current world issues and controversies. Kelly is a retired professor from the Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Thursday, Jan. 25

Musician Rick Olsen to perform: 3:30 p.m., Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, 615 Heath Street, Brookline. Free; space limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 617-244-6400. Olsen is known as “The Man of a 1,000 Songs” for his extensive repertoire that includes classic and contemporary hits.

ONGOING

Watercolor exhibition: Jan. 3 through Feb. 28, Gallery 93, 93 Winchester Street, Brookline. Watercolor paintings by Brookline artist Shirley Selhub.

Brookline Winter Farmers Market: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 19 through March 25, The Coolidge Corner Arcade, 318 Harvard Street, Brookline. For more information, please visit here. No market December 31.

Fall Learn-To-Skate classes: 4:00 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 1:00 p.m. Sundays, Brookline/Cleveland Circle Reilly Memorial Rink, 355 Chestnut Hill Avenue; 10:45 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, starting December 2, Jack Kirrane Rink at Larz Anderson Park, 5 Newton Street, Brookline. For children, ages 4 ½ to 18. Participants can use figure, recreational or hockey skates. Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes available. For more information or to register: Bay State Skating School, 781-890-8480. For more information, please visit here.

Zen meditation and talk: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursdays, Eishoji Zen Center, 1318 Beacon Street, Brookline. Free; space limited. To RSVP, please call Jason at 508-360-2323.

Al-Anon Family Group meeting: 7:00 – 8:40 p.m. Tuesdays, United Parish – Brookline, Choir Room, 210 Harvard Street, Brookline. For families and friends of problem drinkers. Anonymous, confidential and free. Open to newcomers.

Caffe’ Italiano — Free Italian Conversations: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and noon Fridays, Coolidge Corner Library, meeting room, 31 Pleasant Street, Brookline. Supported by the Publish Library of Brookline and the Italian Consulate in Boston. A free and friendly Italian conversation, leaded by an Italian teacher. Participants practice and improve their Italian regardless of proficiency. No registration require; drop-in. For more information, please visit here.

Game Day for Seniors at Putterham Library: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Thursdays, Putterham Branch Library Community Room, 959 West Roxbury Parkway, Brookline. MahJongg, chess, Scrabble, dominoes, bring your own game or request. Handicapped accessible; wheelchair available. For more information or to request a game, please call Helen at 617-942-7547.

Mindfulness Practice and Meditation: 7:00 – 8:40 p.m. Tuesdays, United Parish of Brookline, 210 Harvard Street, Brookline. Attendees sit and walk mindfully together, read a text and share what comes up for us in the reading. MPCGB links the 17 ongoing meditation groups in the greater Boston area that practice in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, to build relationships and deepen the practice of mindfulness. Free. For more information, please call 617-738-5917 or e-mail Sangha.Matters@gmail.com.

Learn to Meditate: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Sundays, Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston, 646 Brookline Avenue, Brookline. Taught by qualified instructors, this basic meditation class is for beginners, as well as anyone who would like to refresh their understanding of the technique. Drop-in class; no registration required. Participants are welcome to come as often as you like, but the class is designed as a one-time introduction with the same content each week. Suggested donation: $5 – $10. For more information, please call 617-734-1498 or visit here.

Overeaters Anonymous: 9:45 – 11:00 a.m. every Saturday, Brighton Marine Health Center, Hawes Building, third floor, 77 Warren Street, Brighton. Attendees find physical, emotional and spiritual recovery. For more information, please call Deanna at 617-731-8150.

William McGourty Passes At 73

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Brookline.com

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January 8, 2018

William McGourty passed away at Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester Thursday, January 4, 2018, after a valiant struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 73 years old.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 45 years, Patrice (Hurley) McGourty; his loving daughter, Cara McGourty of New York City, NY; two brothers, John McGourty and his wife Cindy of Naples, FL and Frank McGourty of Asheville, NC; two dear cousins, Maura Fitzgerald of Naples, FL and Ireland and Rosemary Fullerton of Norwood; and nieces and nephews.

Born in Boston and raised in Brookline, MA he was the son of Patrick and Mary (Hehir) McGourty, both of Ireland. Bill lived in Northborough for the past 39 years and served on the town’s Industrial Finance Authority. He graduated from Brookline High School, class of 1962, then joined the U.S. Army and later served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University in 1970.

His professional career was managing operations for several manufacturing companies and he also owned and operated his own business for many years.

Bill enjoyed walking, exercising, and reading. He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan.

Bill’s great sense of humor will be fondly remembered. Above all else, Bill was a kind and loving person, as well as a true gentleman.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, January 10, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. His funeral will take place Thursday, January 11, at 10:30 a.m., in the First Parish Church Unitarian, 40 Church Street, Northborough, MA 01532. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

To share a memory or to leave an online condolence, visit here.

Brookline’s Tommy Vitolo Running For State Representative

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Brookline.com

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January 8, 2018

After years spent advocating for articles at Town Meeting and serving on town committees, Tommy Vitolo has set his sights on Beacon Hill.

Following 18 years in the House, state Rep. Frank Smizik, D-Brookline, will not seek re-election when his term ends in January 2019.

On Dec. 26, Vitolo announced his candidacy for Smizik’s seat.

“I’ve been Frank’s treasurer for a number of years and I’ve gotten to know him and learn about the position a little bit,” said Vitolo. “And learn about the importance of a strong voice for Brookline and for progressive views.”

Advocating for progressive bills that address issues of equality and civil rights will be the cornerstone of Vitolo’s campaign. He plans to pick up Smizik’s legacy as a champion for the environment, education and housing, and carry it forward.

“I’m passionate about these issues, expanding opportunity, helping folks and being effective about pushing things forward at the state level,” said Vitolo.

Having grown up in a middle class family in Connecticut, Vitolo’s passion for social justice stems from personal experience. When he was in the seventh grade, his family lost their home to bankruptcy.

“I very much know the real challenges families face,” he said.

Outside of his job working on energy, economic, and environmental topics for a research and consulting firm, Vitolo’s work on Brookline issues has ranged from tobacco control and safe schools, to clean energy and transportation.

He points to his years serving in Brookline government, serving on committees and as a Precinct 6 Town Meeting member, as laying a groundwork of necessary experience.

A Brookline resident of 15 years, Vitolo’s work in town has focused on what he described as quality of life issues, like bringing the Complete Streets initiative to town. A state initiative, Complete Streets improves accessibility and safety of town streets and sidewalks for all modes of transportation.

It is a focus on issues like transportation that are essential for Brookline, Vitolo said.

“Housing, transportation and public education are key issues facing Brookline where the state is an important partner in finding solutions that are effective and fair,” he said.

Former Brookline School Committee Member To Run For State Representative

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Brookline.com

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January 8, 2018

Since 1974, when the Norfolk 15th District Seat was created in the State House of Representatives, no woman has filled the seat. Now that State Rep Frank Smizik has announced his decision not to run in the next election, Rebecca Stone, former Brookline School Committee member, wants to change that.

After she heard the news that Smizik would not seek another term, Stone said she focused on celebrating his years of dedicated service and achievements. But she said recently she could not help but notice the State House is 75 percent men. “It’s time for a woman to fill that seat,” she said.

Stone said being a professional woman with her own “Me Too” moments was an important element of her candidacy. But it was the current political and social climate, together with the recent experience of organizing care for her ailing father so he could spend the last year of his life at home informed and inspired her decision to run.

“Both Brookline and the Commonwealth face major challenges, especially today when Congress and the White House are enacting policies that are at odds with our values and threaten our most vulnerable residents,” she said in a statement.

Stone said there are a number of things she plans to focus on once elected, including; “amplifying civic voice, advancing human rights, protecting the reproductive rights and health of women, and building stronger services and supports for children and families.”

Stone who spent nearly a dozen years on the School Committee, serving as vice-chair and then chair from 2009-2012, points to what she called her pivotal role in a number of significant moments for Brookline and the Schools.

“In my first year on the Committee, I was on the bargaining team that negotiated significantly more time in Brookline’s too-short school day and greatly increased educator salaries, paving the way for the establishment of K-12 world language education which is now a basic part of a Brookline education,” Stone said in her announcement. She pointed out that she helped lead the effort for the 2008 Override that paid for the extended school day, along with raises for teachers and staff, and funded the implementation of a core curriculum in World Language starting in Kindergarten.

With Head of the Select Board Neil Wishinsky, Stone also led the 2015 “Yes for Brookline” override campaign that secured funding to hire more teachers and staff to meet 40 percent growth in school enrollments.

“I have never met a more tenacious advocate or a better collaborator than Rebecca,” said Wishinsky (who is on Stone’s campaign committee) in a statement. “She has shown her commitment to Brookline time and again — four terms on the School Committee, leadership of overrides, and great integrity when facing the occasional slings and arrows of public service. I look forward to working with her as Brookline’s representative.”

Stone’s campaign will be Co-Chaired by Harry Bohrs (former Chair of the Advisory Committee) and Casey Hatchett (a 19-year veteran of the Brookline Police Department, TMM pct 12, and co-Chair of the Brookline Commission on Women).

Stone has lived with her family near the Lawrence School in North Brookline since 1999. She and her husband, Stephen Walt, have two children who graduated from the Lawrence School and Brookline High School. She has been a consultant to non-profits and philanthropy for more than a decade, most recently developing special programs in the area of family strengthening for the William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill
Foundation.

Stone’s announcement January 8, comes less than a week after former Selectwoman Jesse Mermell, who many speculated might consider running for Smizik’s seat, announced that she would be sticking to her current position as President of The Alliance for Business Leadership, where she works on social responsibility and economic growth, ranging from paid family and medical leave to raising the minimum wage, and from investing in transportation to advancing clean energy solutions.

“There may well be another campaign in my future, but this isn’t the right race at the right time,” she said in an emailed statement.

Mid Century Estate With Pop Up Vintage Boutique Sale

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Brookline.com

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January 8, 2018

January 13, Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
January 14, Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
January 15, Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

This is a special opportunity to buy from a charming small mid century estate and well established rightsizing collectors.

Extensive collection of classical music, LPs and CDs with well maintained electronics. Fabulous lighting with good looking mid century tables, desks, wall unit and bookcases. Singer sewing machines and notions. Manual Nikon camera with lens and bag. Nikon digital camera. Lovely crystal glassware, linens and much more. Select vintage clothing and accessories – 1940’s through the 1980’s.

No nonsense please.

Cash only.

The address for this sale is:

31 Heath Street
Brookline, MA 02445

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (BRKL) Holdings Raised By Wells Fargo & Company MN

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Brookline.com

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January 6, 2018

Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its stake in shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRKL) by 4.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 293,704 shares of the bank’s stock after acquiring an additional 12,409 shares during the period. Wells Fargo & Company MN owned approximately 0.38% of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. worth $4,552,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. BlackRock, Inc. increased its position in shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 6.5% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 9,300,912 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $135,794,000 after acquiring an additional 564,134 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group, Inc. increased its position in shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 5.7% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group, Inc. now owns 6,931,162 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $101,195,000 after acquiring an additional 376,821 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors, LP increased its position in shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 4.7% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors, LP now owns 6,208,632 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $90,647,000 after acquiring an additional 279,758 shares during the last quarter. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. increased its position in shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 63.7% during the third quarter. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. now owns 3,813,898 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $59,115,000 after acquiring an additional 1,483,727 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 11.0% during the second quarter. State Street Corp. now owns 2,579,882 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $37,666,000 after acquiring an additional 255,702 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.63% of the company’s stock.

In related news, CEO Paul A. Perrault sold 103,255 shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.69, for a total value of $1,516,815.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 421,122 shares in the company, valued at $6,186,282.18. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director John L. Hall II acquired 20,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $15.48 per share, with a total value of $309,600.00. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders sold 142,255 shares of company stock valued at $2,138,396 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 2.85% of the company’s stock.

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRKL) opened at $15.95 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. The firm has a market cap of $1,195.78, a P/E ratio of 20.45 and a beta of 0.97. Brookline Bancorp, Inc. has a twelve month low of $13.60 and a twelve month high of $17.45.

Brookline Bancorp (NASDAQ:BRKL) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The bank reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.20. The firm had revenue of $62.82 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $60.37 million. Brookline Bancorp, Inc. had a net margin of 19.82% and a return on equity of 7.52%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.19 earnings per share. research analysts expect that Brookline Bancorp, Inc. will post 0.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of brokerages have weighed in on BRKL. BidaskClub cut shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Sandler O’Neill cut shares of Brookline Bancorp from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. The stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $15.83.

Brookline Bancorp Company Profile

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. operates as a multi-bank holding company for Brookline Bank and its subsidiaries; Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) and its subsidiaries; First Ipswich Bank (First Ipswich) and its subsidiaries, and Brookline Securities Corp. As a commercially focused financial institution with 50 full-service banking offices throughout greater Boston, the north shore of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Company, through Brookline Bank, BankRI and First Ipswich (individually and collectively the Banks), offered a range of commercial, business and retail banking services, including cash management products, online banking services, consumer and residential loans and investment services throughout central New England, as of December 31, 2016.

Brookline Fire Fighters Respond To Fire On Beacon Street Near Waxy’s

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Brookline.com

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January 5, 2018

If you saw a number of fire trucks and a ladder near Waxy’s on Beacon Street and wondered what was going on Friday evening, fire fighters responded to a basement fire at 1038 Beacon Street, according to fire officials. By 5:45 p.m. the scene was clear but the frigid temperatures and winds did not make fighting the fire very easy.

No word yet on whether anyone was injured or displaced. The building has 25 condo units.

Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater & Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody

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Brookline.com

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January 5, 2018

Mezzo-soprano Hei Lee Law will perform Alto Rhapsody (1869) by Johannes Brahms. Together with Soprano Mengtao Zhou, they will present Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s famous chamber work Stabat Mater (1736).

Yukiko Oba will be the pianist for this concert, which begins at 2:30 p.m. on January 6, 2018.

Location:

Brookline Village – Hunneman Hall
361 Washington Street
Brookline, MA 02445

Top 10 Trash Takes Of 2017

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Brookline.com

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January 5, 2018

Here is a recap of Brookline’s top ten trash and recycling stories for the past year:

1. HPAYT (June 2017)

13,200 Brookline households converted to black waste carts for weekly discards. The hybrid pay-as-you-throw program brings more efficiency to trash collection and better reflects the true cost of disposing of trash – bringing savings to those who throw out less.

2. China’s “National Sword” initiative (September 2017)

The People’s Republic of China, upset over contamination in recyclables sent from the USA and other countries, pulled import licenses causing prices for used paper, cardboard, and metal and plastic containers to plummet. And municipal costs for recycling went sky high.

3. Composting at Brookline High (June 2017)

Brookline’s largest restaurant, the BHS cafeteria, began composting of food and paper waste. During the month of November alone, students diverted over three tons!

4. Pink bags (April 2017)

The town contracted with Simple Recycling, Inc. to offer a convenient way for residents to repurpose no-longer-needed clothes, textiles, and homegoods. Pink bags should be placed at curbside.

5. Purple over flow bags (June 2017)

Residents can take responsibility for the true cost of disposing of their extra trash with $3 purple overflow bags. They are available at local stores.

6. Contamination in blue carts (2017)

Inspectors renewed efforts to make sure residents follow guidelines for recycling. And most residents responded by keeping plastic bags, foam, food, dog waste and other contaminants out of their blue carts.

7. Southbridge Landfill to close (August 2017)

As the landfill nears capacity and struggles with leakage from its previous iteration, we increasingly went back to burning Brookline trash in the SEMASS waste-to-energy plant in Rochester.

8. HHP Drop-Off (October 2017)

Residents made over 1,248 trips to properly dispose of household hazardous products at the HHP Drop-Off between May 1 and Oct. 31.

9. New members (January 2017)

In a purge the scale of which has not been witnessed since the Presidium changes of 1957, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee lost three long-time members and added four new ones. Thanks to Cynthia Snow, Amie Lindenboim and Barbara Field. Welcome to Kathleen O’Connell, Mary Litterst, John Shreffler and Deane Coady.

Thanks for helping municipal solid waste work in Brookline!

Reminders:

Yard Waste collection is over until Monday, April 2, 2018.

“Naked” Christmas trees will be collected at curbside until Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018.

You know the drill: Remove trees from those big plastic bags. Thanks!

For more information on sanitation, recycling and hazardous waste, visit here.

Update To January 4th Recycling Pickup Schedule

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Brookline.com

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January 4, 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances, RECYCLED materials will not be collected today (Thursday, January 4th) as expected. They will be picked up tomorrow (Friday, January 5th). Trash will continue to be picked up today and should be completed by noon. If possible, please remove recycling carts from the curbside this morning.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

US To End Policy That Let Legal Marijuana Flourish

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Brookline.com

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January 4, 2018

Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country, two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.

Sessions will instead let federal prosecutors where pot is legal decide how aggressively to enforce federal marijuana law, the people said.

The people familiar with the plan spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it before an announcement expected Thursday.

The move by President Donald Trump’s attorney general likely will add to confusion about whether it’s OK to grow, buy or use marijuana in states where pot is legal, since long-standing federal law prohibits it.

“What we haven’t seen is direction from Washington mandating that each U.S. attorney start to enforce federal law,” Massachusetts spokesperson for the Marijuana Policy Project Jim Borghesani said. “If that comes, then that becomes an incredibly disruptive action to states that have legal recreational and medical marijuana.”

Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana last November, and is still in the process of creating policies to back up the new law. The Cannabis Control Commission completed its first draft of those polices in December.

“As far as the mandate and the work of the Cannabis Control Commission is concerned, nothing has changed,” read part of a statement from the commission today, in response to the news. “We will continue to move forward with our process to establish and implement sensible regulations for this emerging industry in Massachusetts.”

The anticipated announcement will also come just days after pot shops opened in California, launching what is expected to become the world’s largest market for legal recreational marijuana and as polls show a solid majority of Americans believe the drug should be legal.

While Sessions has been carrying out a Justice Department agenda that follows Trump’s top priorities on such issues as immigration and opioids, the changes to pot policy reflect his own concerns. Trump’s personal views on marijuana remain largely unknown.

Sessions, who has assailed marijuana as comparable to heroin and has blamed it for spikes in violence, had been expected to ramp up enforcement. Pot advocates argue that legalizing the drug eliminates the need for a black market and would likely reduce violence, since criminals would no longer control the marijuana trade.

The Obama administration in 2013 announced it would not stand in the way of states that legalize marijuana, so long as officials acted to keep it from migrating to places where it remained outlawed and out of the hands of criminal gangs and children. Sessions is rescinding that memo, written by then-Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, which had cleared up some of the uncertainty about how the federal government would respond as states began allowing sales for recreational and medical purposes.

The pot business has since become a sophisticated, multimillion-dollar industry that helps fund schools, educational programs and law enforcement. Eight states – including Massachusetts – and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and California’s sales alone are projected to bring in $1 billion annually in tax revenue within several years.

Sessions’ policy will let U.S. attorneys across the country decide what kinds of federal resources to devote to marijuana enforcement based on what they see as priorities in their districts, the people familiar with the decision said.

Sessions and some law enforcement officials in states such as Colorado blame legalization for a number of problems, including drug traffickers that have taken advantage of lax marijuana laws to hide in plain sight, illegally growing and shipping the drug across state lines, where it can sell for much more. The decision was a win for pot opponents who had been urging Sessions to take action.

“There is no more safe haven with regard to the federal government and marijuana, but it’s also the beginning of the story and not the end,” said Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, who was among several anti-marijuana advocates who met with Sessions last month. “This is a victory. It’s going to dry up a lot of the institutional investment that has gone toward marijuana in the last five years.”

Marijuana advocates quickly condemned Sessions’ move as a return to outdated drug-war policies that unduly affected minorities.

Sessions “wants to maintain a system that has led to tremendous injustice … and that has wasted federal resources on a huge scale,” said Maria McFarland Sanchez-Moreno, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “If Sessions thinks that makes sense in terms of prosecutorial priorities, he is in a very bizarre ideological state, or a deeply problematic one.”

A task force Sessions convened to study pot policy made no recommendations for upending the legal industry but instead encouraged Justice Department officials to keep reviewing the Obama administration’s more hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement, something Sessions promised to do since he took office.

The change also reflects yet another way in which Sessions, who served as a federal prosecutor at the height of the drug war in Mobile, Alabama, has reversed Obama-era criminal justice policies that aimed to ease overcrowding in federal prisons and contributed to a rethinking of how drug criminals were prosecuted and sentenced. While his Democratic predecessor Eric Holder told federal prosecutors to avoid seeking long mandatory minimum sentences when charging certain lower level drug offenders, for example, Sessions issued an order demanding the opposite, telling them to pursue the most serious charges possible against most suspects.

What’s Open, What’s Not In Brookline During “CycloneBomb”

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Brookline.com

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January 4, 2018

It is snowing beautiful snowflakes outside and you are cozy and warm inside. You, like another Patch reader, might be wondering why no one is calling this snow cyclone a “Sno-Clone?” Ahem. Sometimes the beautiful weather inspires a walk around the neighborhood, perhaps to grab one extra thing from the store or to pop into a coffee shop for a moment.

But what is open? Here is what we know so far this morning:

Coolidge Corner/ JFK Crossing:

JP Licks: Closed (only their JP location will be open today).

Union Square Donuts: Open til noon.

4A coffee: Open.

Brookline Booksmith: Closed.

Michael’s Deli: Open at 9:00 a.m. but closed by afternoon.

Petes: “They may call us to shut down any minute, but we’ll be open at least another hour,” said the man on the phone at 9:00 a.m.

Clear Flour Bread: Open.

Los Amigos: Open.

Curry House: Open until 8:00 p.m.

Washington Square:

Cafe Fixe: Open until 4:00 p.m.

Starbucks: Closing at 10:00 a.m.

Dunks: Open til Noon.

Star Market: Open

Barcelona Wine Bar: Open from 4:00 p.m. until “late” with s’mores and other wintery specials.

The Abbey: Open regular hours (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.)

Brookline Village:

Cutty’s: Closed.

Best Burger Bar: Open for lunch and dinner.

Blossom Bar (Where Sichuan Garden is across from Cutty’s): Opens at 5:00 p.m.

And Beyond:

Tatte’s on Beacon Street near St. Mary’s: Open 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Pavement: Open til noon

The Shops at Chestnut Hill – Chestnut Hill, MA (closed all day).

Brookline Public Schools Canceled, Declared Parking Ban

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Brookline.com

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January 3, 2018

Brookline Public Schools are canceled for Thursday, Jan. 4, the School District announced Wednesday evening at 4:30 p.m. Cue the collective cheer for students with dreams of sledding (or sleeping in). There will also be a parking ban in effect in Brookline beginning Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. Friday, according to Brookline’s Director of Public Works Andrew Pappastergion.

Brookline already prohibits parking overnight but when a parking ban is in effect it also means no parking on any public way around town to leave room for the snow plows, or you risk getting a ticket and towed.

Trash will be collected as scheduled on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. DPW is asking residents place all trash at curbside by 7:00 a.m.. Christmas tree pickup will begin again Monday next week.

“Due to the large amount of predicted snowfall, please be aware that DPW plows will be pushing back snow banks as much as possible to allow for safe passage of emergency vehicles,” reads an alert from Pappastergion.

All of Brookline’s library locations will be closed on Thursday, too, but they anticipate regular hours on Friday, January 5, 2018.

Why? There is a blizzard ahead.

Brookline made the announcement at 3:00 p.m. and joins Waltham, which was one of the first cities in the Greater Boston area to declare a snow emergency, announcing it just before 11:00 a.m.

What about the schools?

Superintendent Andrew Bott made the announcement Wednesday afternoon just past 4:30 p.m.. Today at 2:27 p.m. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced that there would be no school for Boston students.

Also important to remember: Residents and businesses have 30 hours after the end of a storm to make sure there’s a safe, shoveled not slippery path for folks to walk in front of homes and businesses.

Winter Preparedness Tips From Brookline Town Hall:

AlertBrookline: Being informed is extremely important! Anyone who lives, works, studies, plays, has relatives, owns property, etc can sign up to receive emergency notifications from the Town of Brookline. You choose how we contact you: phone, text, email (or any combination). Everyone in your home, office and dorm should sign up for AlertBrookline. Sign up for AlertBrookline.

Public Works Winter Guide: The Department of Public Works Winter Guide has useful information for property owners, businesses and residents regarding Snow Emergencies/Parking Bans, snow removal, trash and recycling pickup, and other winter-related topics.

Sidewalk Snow & Ice Removal By-Law: The Removal of Snow and Ice From Sidewalks By-law includes information for residents and business owners.

Hydrant Safety: Clear fire hydrants are a must when the snow comes! Use our online hydrant list and map to located hydrants near your home or office. Learn the proper way to clear your hydrant of snow and ice – every second counts in an emergency! (The Hydrant Map also includes catch basins – those should be clear, too!) Hydrant information can be found on the Brookline Fire Department FAQ webpage. To keep hydrants clear, please do the following:

Remove any snow and ice;
Clear a wide enough perimeter around the hydrant for firefighters to work (about 3 ft);
Clear a path from the hydrant to the street.

Power Outages: Inclement weather often results in power outages. Please add Eversource as a contact in your mobile phone or address book. Their number is 800–592–2000. Never report outages via social media. Always call your utility provider to report outages. For downed power lines, always call 911.

Dads Raising Strong Daughters: Brookline, Newton, Celebs Discuss

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Brookline.com

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January 3, 2018

From Media Girls: MEDIAGIRLS announced that it is hosting a panel discussion aimed to bring together fathers and male guardians to talk about how to stay connected with their daughters in the screen age. Half of all teens say they are addicted to their technology devices, and depression among teen girls is reportedly on the rise.

The event, presented by Showcase SuperLux in Chestnut Hill, MA, will take place on Sunday, January 28, 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The panel includes Phil Lipof, local NBC Emmy-winning anchor; Setti Warren, former two-time Mayor of Newton and gubernatorial candidate; Ramiro Torres, morning personality on radio HOT 96.9; Jon Badalament, Head of Programming for The Fatherhood Project; and Matt Cooney; Executive Director of The Brookline Teen Center. MEDIAGIRLS Executive Director Michelle Cove will moderate.

“We know it can be challenging for men to stay close with their daughters in the adolescent years,” said Executive Director Michelle Cove. “As girls spend increasingly more time on their devices, dads can feel pushed aside. We want to give them specific strategies for staying connected, especially given that social media can leave girls feeling anxious and lonely.”

The event is open to the public. Attendees can arrive at 3:30 p.m. for the opportunity to enter a raffle for father-daughter experiences donated by local shops and restaurants at The Street. MEDIAGIRLS will share film and TV clips of dads and teen girls, and the panel will talk candidly about their own experiences in raising girls. Specific tools will be provided to help attendees build stronger relationships with the teen girls in their lives.

Tickets are on sale here, and all proceeds go directly to bringing MEDIAGIRLS programming to girls at low-income schools in Boston.

Brookline Police, Fire Were Highest Earners In 2017

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Brookline.com

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January 2, 2018

Once again Brookline public safety officials dominated the list of the highest-paid town employees in 2017.

In 2016, the top two earners were Brookline Police officers Michael McCarthy and Robert Mayer. In 2017 Brookline Fire Deputy Chief Colin O’Connell was the highest-paid town employee with a gross take home of 4238,966.55. Michael McCarthy and Paul Cullinane of the Brookline Police were the next highest paid with $238,234.18 and $228,725.05 respectively.

Brookline officers can add tens of thousands of dollars to their base salaries through education bonuses, and by working details at construction sites during off hours.

In 2017, 487 town employees passed the $100,000 milestone, with 17 employees passing the $200,000 mark. Among the town employees to reach the $100,000 plus, club, many work in public safety and the schools. A few employees in DPW, town counsel, Planning and Community Development and other departments were also among the 487 to pass the milestone.

The salary data, based on town records, was gathered from a database of more than 4,000 employees who collected paychecks from the town in 2017.

The top 10

Brookline Fire, Deputy Chief, Colin O’Connell: $238,966.55
Police officer Michael McCarthy: $238,234.18
Lieutenant Paul Cullinane: $228,752.05
Police Chief Daniel O’Leary: $227,420.09
Officer Robert Mayer: $222,002.53
Town Administrator Mel Kleckner: $219,470.29
Lieutenant Kevin Mealy: $218,815.31
Sergeant Michael Raskin: $217,971.13
Sergeant Ilya Gruber: $217,625.22
Brookline Fire, Deputy Chief, Robert Nelson: $217,032.58

Education

Though public safety officials topped the list of highest-paid Brookline employees in 2017, several Brookline public schools employees also topped the list.

Superintendent Andrew Bott: $197,265.46
Assistant Superintendent Mary Ellen Normen: $189,211.53
Deputy Superintendent for Student Services Samuel Zimmerman: $182,426.12
Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Nicole Gittens: $177,925.10
Brookline High School Headmaster Anthony Meyer: $160,691.65

Brookline Students, Composer Team Up To Share “A Gift Of Music”

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Brookline.com

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January 2, 2018

The altruism and innermost thoughts of today’s high school-and-under set are often validated through social media posts gone viral. So rarely do we get to vicariously experience life, according to them, through the form of choir and instrumental. On Jan. 9 and 10, 2018, a live audience will get to say it has.

Brookline’s sixth- to eighth-graders and the Brookline High School choral and orchestra members will perform “A Gift of Music” concert, the culmination of their collaboration with preeminent composer Jim Papoulis. The “gift” is also in reference to the reward earned by the Brookline Performing Arts Department by the Brookline Education Foundation (BEF).

The BEF received proposals for its 35th anniversary grant in spring 2017, and Kenny Kozol, the K-12 Performing Arts curriculum coordinator of the Public Schools of Brookline, got to thinking beyond the usual gadgets and tools for the classroom and students.

″[For us], this one idea struck me as very creative, and the essence of what we do in the performing arts. Let’s hire and work with a composer, meet with students and together, create a number of different songs, and even get the music teachers involved in the songwriting workshops, so they too have the experience,” Kozol said.

The composer Kozol had in mind was Papoulis, who is also a Brookline parent, with one teen currently at BHS and another that has since graduated. While Papoulis’ Rolodex of major music stars he has worked with include Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Snoop Dogg, and the late Natalie Cole, he is passionate about writing choruses and working with young people. Kozol presented the idea of a composer creating one-on-one with students to the BEF in an “informational session” and they immediately valued the nascent project’s true creative tilt and “inclusive nature.”

Afterward, at their request, Kozol wrote a more standard proposal for such a remarkably grand and distinct idea. When Papoulis, whose choir and ensemble credits feature the New York Philharmonic, Portland Symphony, Moscow Philharmonic, and the Beijing Children’s Choir, was approached, he was thrilled about the invitation. It was his suggestion to broaden the notion of collaborating with just some students and instead, “Work with every student and really receive their input” Kozol said.

Once the Performing Arts Department was bestowed the reward, the first step for Papoulis was to become acquainted with what sixth- to eighth-graders – from all eight of Brookline’s elementary schools- wanted the emotional elements of the music and lyrics to be.

“I work with thousands, and thousands, of kids every year, alongside The Foundation for Small Voices, [leading songwriting workshops with choirs from Tanzania, Kenya, to Ireland and Greece] and in a lot of those songwriting workshops, I try to write music from the vantage point of the person singing it,” Papoulis said. “I don’t want to be this adult preaching to them. To me, I got so much out of talking to Brookline’s kids. There’s no better way to understand what’s in the mind of youth than to sit in a room and ask them questions.“
Kozol witnessed a majority of those thoughtful talks in which students were encouraged to speak freely on what it is like to grow up in Brookline, their hopes, and dreams, and what kind of music they listen to (Katy Perry, Pentatonix, Cream, jazz) and their responses for composing music “ranged from many ideas, specific lyrics, melodies, and harmonic.”

It was a group of about a half-dozen students that came up with the song title, “Let Us Rise as a People,” and the themes of kindness and openness carried on as the collective dream among Brookline’s middle school student body. As Papoulis visited each school, ideas were added like building blocks, and he ended up with a notebook of 30 pages filled with notes, later to be fine-tuned as a demo and then finalized.

“Their voices are really important to have in the world, especially today with so much bizarre-ness going on. What do they make out of it? It was just so nice to hear these thoughtful messages. They were worried about the right things. The name of the song speaks to how the only way we can move forward is to unite,” Papoulis said.

Brookline High students warmly suggested adding “a D minor chord, and as we keep ‘rising’, have a major chord towards the end of the chorus,” so as to leave the audience in an aura of aspiration.

After the January concerts, in which 480 students are expected to perform together, Papoulis will collaborate with kindergarten (a new frontier for him) to fifth grade, and the creative process will be similar, with song books written from the results of what these much younger mindsets like to sing about versus what they think of the world around them.

“A Gift of Music” will be a declaration of good-natured ideals to be matched by action in 2018 and beyond. “They’ve seen all this division,” said Papoulis, “and the Brookline student dream is to be a better society.”

Students will perform “Let Us Rise as a People” on Jan. 9 and 10 at the BHS auditorium at 7 p.m. Papoulis will conduct.

Blossom Bar Blooms In Brookline This Week

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Brookline.com

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January 2, 2018

The much-anticipated Blossom Bar (295 Washington Street, Brookline) will open to friends and family this evening in Brookline with a public opening tomorrow, January 3. Ran Duan — a former Eater Boston Bartender of the Year, who led the transition of his parents’ Brookline restaurant from old-school neighborhood Sichuan joint to hip cocktail bar — told Eater the space will be open from 4 p.m. until 12 a.m. to start, but that it will eventually have a 2 a.m. liquor license.

Duan, who has previously appeared in GQ’s “Men of the Year” edition, has been running the show at Baldwin Bar — the acclaimed cocktail bar inside his parents’ other restaurant, Sichuan Garden II, in Woburn — since 2009, adding The Baldwin & Sons Trading Co. in an upstairs lounge in 2015.

Duan told Eater that Blossom Bar will offer a menu of about 40 dishes, including favorites from the old Sichuan Garden such as dan dan noodles, pork dumplings with chili vinaigrette, house special eggplant, and Chongqinq dry hot chicken.

Blossom Bar has not shared its full cocktail menu yet, but the team has been posting teasers on its Instagram page. Head over to Brookline Village this weekend, drink a cocktail inspired by a notorious smuggler, and eat as many noodles and dumplings as possible.

Water Main Break Cleared; All Roads Open

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Brookline.com

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January 2, 2018

A major water main break at the Boston-Brookline line has been cleared, Brookline police said. All roads are now open. The break, just past the Riverway Overpass, was freezing everything in the area for hours Monday night. Water service was shut off, and crews worked to break the ice that formed all around the geyser.

The break shut down Boylston Street in the area and restricted access to Huntington Avenue. The water quickly turned into ice as temperatures straddled zero degrees.

The water main broke around 7:49 p.m. on Washington Street, Brookline Police said, and service was turned off around 10:40 p.m. The break was “directly in the middle of the outbound side” leading to Route 9, the Boston Fire Department said. Both sides of Washington Street were shut down between Huntington Avenue in Boston and Pond Avenue in Brookline due to ice covering the road.

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission said around 10:15 p.m. that some area residents may lose service.

Boston, Brookline, and State Police responded to the scene. Public works employees attempted to keep ice from forming everywhere, but if you have been outside you know that is no easy task.

Meanwhile, it was not far off from where fire is spewing from the ground.

Water main break at Boston/Brookline line of route 9 @universalhub pic.twitter.com/ElwuGEF61A

— Jessica Feldish (@jessfeldish) 2 януари 2018 г.

Ivy Street School

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Brookline.com

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January 1, 2018

Ivy Street School
200 Ivy Street
Brookline, MA 02446

Tel.: 617-620-7779
Tel.: 617-738-5110
Fax.: 617-738-1247

E–mail: thayes@ivystreetschool.org
URL: Ivy Street School

Since 1993, the Ivy Street School has been helping teens and young adults gain the skills they need to successfully transition to adult life. We support students overcoming the challenges of:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Behavioral Health Diagnoses
Brain Injury and other Neurological Conditions
Transition Programming

Our goal is to help students develop self-management and executive functioning skills so that they can lead full lives as adults. The clinical team adheres to the principals of Trauma Informed Care. Clinicians use modified versions of therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to deliver individual and group therapy. Clinicians are also trained in Social Thinking and have areas of interest and expertise such as Transition Planning, Relaxation Techniques and Mindfulness, and Psychological Testing.

Located in a beautiful residential neighborhood in Brookline situated next to a nature reserve, we have all the resources and attractions of Boston in our back yard. Indeed, the city is the school’s second classroom. Much of our learning and therapeutic interventions takes place in the community. Our small size makes it possible for us to incorporate innovative, hands-on experiences into all aspects of day and residential school life.

Schedule a tour of the Ivy Street School to learn more about how we help students thrive. Contact Tunzel Hayes, Admissions Director, at the contact details provided above.

Happy New Year!

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Brookline.com

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January 1, 2018

Fire Forces Evacuation Of Brookline Apartment Complex

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Brookline.com

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December 31, 2017

A two-alarm fire forced the evacuation of an apartment complex at 55 Village Way late Saturday night.

Residents, many dressed in pajamas and wrapped in blankets, stood in the frigid cold as firefighters attacked the blaze from the roof.

The smoke appeared to be coming from a top-floor unit, where a generator in a utility unit appeared to spark, residents said.

Heavy smoke filled the the building, residents said.

One resident, who identified herself only as Cheydie O., described smoke pouring from vents in her unit. She quickly fled with her two young sons, she said.

Resident Wendy MacMillan said she heard a fire alarm and grew concerned when she saw smoke filling a corridor.

As she stood outside, holding her tiny white dog, she worried if her apartment would have heat when she was allowed to go back in.

As crews were clearing the scene, Fire Chief Keith Flaherty said that he did not know if the heat would be working in the building.

Residents were allowed to return inside just before 1 a.m., however there was no heat or hot water, said Jake MacMillan, a relative of Wendy MacMillan.

Some residents coughed as they headed back into the still-smoky building.

Dive Into The Watercolors Of Shirley Selhub

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Brookline.com

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December 29, 2017

Dive Into Watercolors Gallery 93 at the Brookline Senior Center presents “Group Meditation,” an exhibit by watercolor artist Shirley Selhub running Jan. 3 through Feb. 28. A reception for the artist will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. Born in Cleveland, Selhub lived in Jerusalem and Chicago before moving to Brookline in 1987. After retiring from a career as an administrator, she earned a certificate in gerontology at UMass Boston. She helped establish Discovering What’s Next, an all-volunteer program based in the Newton Free Library, to help seniors get the most from retirement. Gallery 93, located at 93 Winchester Street, Brookline, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 617-730-2760.

Learn About Pastel As part of the 33rd annual Almost Miniatures show, Francesca Anderson Fine Art is offering a pastel demonstration by artist Dave Kaphammer on Saturday, Jan. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is $15 per person (cash) at the door. Please reserve a space at the demonstration by calling 781-862-0660. Francesca Adams Fine Art is located at 56 Adams Street, Lexington. For regular hours or more information, go to FAFineArt.com

Musical Tastes The Philippe Crettien Quartet performs original music from its recent CD, “November Dusk,” at Amazing Things Arts Center on Friday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. The group features Philippe Crettien on tenor saxophone, Patrick Mottaz on guitar, Sean Farias on bass, and Mike Connors on drums. Crettien is past artistic director of the Toulon International Jazz Festival; currently he works as jazz band director at The Rivers School in Weston. Admission is $20 general; $19 seniors 65 and over; $17 members; $10 students and children. Amazing Things Arts Center is located at 160 Hollis Street, Framingham. For tickets or more information, call 508-405-2787 or go to amazingthings.org

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents Danielle Miraglia singing the blues with special guests Open Book on Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Miraglia performs an infectious stomp-box rhythm and harmonica with tunes ranging from heart-felt to socially conscious, with traces of inspiration from the Rolling Stones, Prince, and Janis Joplin. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is located at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 508-528-2541 or go to circlefolk.org.

New Year’s Fun Friends of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge offers a New Year’s Day walk on Monday, Jan. 1, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. The walk begins at the Oxbow parking lot at Still River Depot Road in Harvard. For more information call 978-897-7567.

Verrill Farm welcomes the New Year with a Post-holiday Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The ticket price of $8.50 for adults, $4.50 for kids under 10 includes a hearty breakfast of pancakes, Massachusetts maple syrup, bacon or sausage, juice and milk or coffee as well as entry into a raffle for a Verrill Farm BBQ Dinner for four. No reservations necessary. Verrill Farm is located at 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. For more information, call 978-369-4494 or go to verrillfarm.com.

The Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market begins its ninth season on Saturday, Jan. 6. More than 100 vendors will participate during the 10-week season. Special events days include Farm Fiber Days on Jan. 27 and Feb. 24; Massachusetts Farm Wineries Day on Feb. 10; and New England Cheese Day on March 3. Workshops, cooking demonstrations, and author appearances are scheduled throughout the 10 weeks. Enjoy breakfast or lunch while you browse. The market takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through March 10 at Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston Post Road, Wayland.

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (BRKL) Stake Lessened By Great West Life Assurance Co. Can

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Brookline.com

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December 29, 2017

Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lessened its holdings in Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRKL) by 7.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 106,154 shares of the bank’s stock after selling 8,000 shares during the quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can owned approximately 0.14% of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. worth $1,629,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky increased its position in shares of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 8.4% during the third quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 105,252 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $1,632,000 after purchasing an additional 8,131 shares during the period. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. grew its position in Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 63.7% in the third quarter. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. now owns 3,813,898 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $59,115,000 after acquiring an additional 1,483,727 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private, Ltd. grew its position in Brookline Bancorp by 134.0% in the third quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private, Ltd. now owns 57,481 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $891,000 after acquiring an additional 32,912 shares during the period. Cipher Capital, LP grew its position in Brookline Bancorp by 114.2% in the third quarter. Cipher Capital, LP now owns 63,292 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $981,000 after acquiring an additional 33,749 shares during the period. Finally, Municipal Employees Retirement System of Michigan grew its position in Brookline Bancorp, Inc. by 58.8% in the third quarter. Municipal Employees Retirement System of Michigan now owns 28,710 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $445,000 after acquiring an additional 10,630 shares during the period. 77.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (BRKL) opened at $15.85 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1,207.28, a P/E ratio of 20.32 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 1.16. Brookline Bancorp, Inc. has a one year low of $13.60 and a one year high of $17.45.

Brookline Bancorp Company Profile

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. operates as a multi-bank holding company for Brookline Bank and its subsidiaries; Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) and its subsidiaries; First Ipswich Bank (First Ipswich) and its subsidiaries, and Brookline Securities Corp. As a commercially focused financial institution with 50 full-service banking offices throughout greater Boston, the north shore of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Company, through Brookline Bank, BankRI and First Ipswich (individually and collectively the Banks), offered a range of commercial, business and retail banking services, including cash management products, online banking services, consumer and residential loans and investment services throughout central New England, as of December 31, 2016.

Service At Golden Temple Going Down The Drain

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Brookline.com

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December 29, 2017

The Chinese restaurant, located at 1651 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02445, is recently piling up a whole lot of negative reviews.

“The service was horrible. The waiter said they were getting lots of takeout orders keeping the kitchen busy. There were five of us. One entree was served and we waited at least 20-30 minutes for the second entree. That dish was cold. When the third entree didn’t arrive after another 20-30 minutes we took it to go. I won’t go back to this restaurant again.”, says a recent visitor.

Another one adds “Not going back again. It used to be a great restaurant. For the past 1-2 years, the service has been consistently bad, the food is never hot when it is brought to the table, and it’s not worth the price.”

And finally: “A special family dinner with very, very good food ruined by miserable service. After a round of drinks, our party of 4 ordered 2 appetizers and 5 dishes that we intended to share. They literally brought one dish out at a time, with about 5 minutes between each dish arrival and the next — and forgot two of our dishes. After all of the appetizers were done, then comes the fried rice, but no other dishes. Do we (a) eat it by itself, or (b) let it get cold while we wait for everything else? Well, we initially chose (b), until we realized this was how they they were serving. It wasn’t just us; the party across the aisle had what looked like a plate of lo mein show up after they were done eating everything else, and the server struggled to understand they’re request to send it back and remove it from the bill. Then, of the 4 drinks (all non-alcoholic) that we ordered during our prolonged one-dish-at-a-time meal, we only received two, but of course were charged for all 4. Not the type of service you’d expect at an upper scale and expensive restaurant.”

Sweetgreen Will Not Take Over Lady Grace Spot In Brookline

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Brookline.com

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December 29, 2017

It is not happening. This September Lady Grace’s flagship store announced it was closing up shop after decades in Coolidge Corner. Their lease was up and the landlord had found a way to make more money it turned out. Sweetgreen the farm-to-table salad restaurant known for known for its salads and grain bowls was eyeing the location. But this November, the landlord told town officials that sweetgreen was not going to scoot into the space, after all.

Instead: Look for another bank to pop into the space, said David Leshinsky the Coolidge Corner Merchant Association president. Kara Brewton of the Brookline Planning Department said the department did not have anything official on that, though.

Cue the collective groan: Residents have been taking to social media to bemoan the large number of banks in the Coolidge Corner area. A quick google search lands: Century, Santander, Capital One Cafe, Bank of America, Brookline Bank all on Beacon Street within a couple blocks of one another.

In October, the Select Board voted to approve the application for sweetgreen to move into the space formerly occupied by Lady Grace. Plans were in the works for a new facade. But later came back in November and said they were not moving forward.

The Washington based chain, has 10 locations in the state including Chestnut Hill, is slated to open six new locations in the area, including; 60 State Street, The Seaport, and Brookline’s own Coolidge Corner.

Founded in 2007, the restaurant was created with an eye toward healthy eating, and supporting local, sustainable, and transparent growers and producers.

Brookline, MA

Brookline’s First Blizzard 2018: By The Numbers

Brookline storm facts by the numbers:

School Capital Subcommittee Meeting

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (BRKL) Receives Hold Rating From Piper Jaffray Companies

Edward “Ned” Michael Merrick Jr. Passes At 72

Brookline Arts Center To Hold Snowflake Festival

Brookline Resident To Perform With Intergenerational Chorus

Select Board, January 9, 2018, Executive Session 6:00 p.m., Public Session 7:00 p.m.

Happenings Around Brookline

William McGourty Passes At 73

Brookline’s Tommy Vitolo Running For State Representative

Former Brookline School Committee Member To Run For State Representative

Mid Century Estate With Pop Up Vintage Boutique Sale

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (BRKL) Holdings Raised By Wells Fargo & Company MN

Brookline Fire Fighters Respond To Fire On Beacon Street Near Waxy’s

Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater & Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody

Top 10 Trash Takes Of 2017

Update To January 4th Recycling Pickup Schedule

US To End Policy That Let Legal Marijuana Flourish

What’s Open, What’s Not In Brookline During “CycloneBomb”

Brookline Public Schools Canceled, Declared Parking Ban

Winter Preparedness Tips From Brookline Town Hall:

Dads Raising Strong Daughters: Brookline, Newton, Celebs Discuss

Brookline Police, Fire Were Highest Earners In 2017

Brookline Students, Composer Team Up To Share “A Gift Of Music”

Blossom Bar Blooms In Brookline This Week

Water Main Break Cleared; All Roads Open

Ivy Street School

Happy New Year!

Fire Forces Evacuation Of Brookline Apartment Complex

Dive Into The Watercolors Of Shirley Selhub

Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (BRKL) Stake Lessened By Great West Life Assurance Co. Can

Service At Golden Temple Going Down The Drain

Sweetgreen Will Not Take Over Lady Grace Spot In Brookline

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