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Town Of Brookline & City Of Somerville To Host Virtual Public Information Session

The Town of Brookline announces that it is collaborating with the City of Somerville to host a public virtual information session.

The virtual information session, held via Zoom, will take place on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, between the hours of 05:30 p.m. and 06:30 p.m.

The Town of Brookline and the City of Somerville are seeking ways to make it easier for residents to conduct businesses and have hired an outside company, Griffin and Strong, P.C., to conduct research into how things are brought, how companies are contracted, and the rules followed through the process.

Griffin and Strong, P.C. will be answering questions and listening to feedback from residents and community members about how businesses run and the process of starting a business in both Brookline and Somerville.

The goal of the event is to hear from the community about how Somerville and Brookline can do a better job of including and supporting individuals from different backgrounds in the buying process.

Those who are interested can register for the event by visitting here.

The Whole World Must See That Israel Must Exist & Has The Right To Exist

“The whole world must see that Israel must exist, and has the right to exist, and is one of the great outposts of democracy in the world.”

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“If my Jewish brothers and sisters said to me amid anti-Semitism anywhere – we do not need your support, we have enough Jewish power to deal with this problem ourselves, I would still take a stand against anti-Semitism, because it is wrong, it is unjust, and it is evil.

“If my Catholic brothers and sisters said to me amid bigotry towards Catholics – we do not need your support in this, because we have enough Catholic power to deal with it, I would still take a stand against bigotry towards Catholics, because it is wrong, it is evil, and it is unjust.”

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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Brookline Celebrates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Preacher, Activist, Nobel Prize Winner

Join together to honor the values and life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the community of Brookline marks the 60th anniversary of Dr. King receiving the 1964 Nobel Prize for Peace.

The event will commence at 03:09 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in town.

The inspiring program features:

  • Video of Dr. King’s 1964 Nobel Acceptance Speech;
  • “Different Ships, Same Boat,’’ a soul-stirring tribute by performance artist Regie Gibson and the Guy Mendilow Ensemble;
  • Boston University Professor of Religion Margarita Guillory with reflections on the power and the glory of Dr. King;
  • Brookline Poet Laureate Jennifer Barber reads a selected poem that complements the program.

The event is free but tickets are required and are obtainable here.

The full program of the event (PDF) could be downloaded by visiting here.

This event is presented by: Town of Brookline MLK Celebration Committee.

This Event is Sponsored by: 

ASL interpretation services will be provided. For language access and reasonable accommodations, contact Caitlin Starr at cstarr@brooklinema.gov or at 617-730-2345.

For more information about this event, please contact Rob Daves at 617-285-1113 or robdaves@rcn.com.

Merry Christmas

We wish you a Christmas marked by steadfast rejection to hatred. Let us face the grave challenges of anti-Semitism and the dangerous development of extreme ideas in the spirit of the season.

May this festive season serve as a call to forcefully oppose bigotry while also fostering education, rigorous dialogue, and unflinching support for diversity.

Merry Christmas!

Town Of Brookline To Extend Yard Waste Collection Due To Recent Storm Event

The Brookline Department of Public Works announces it will extend yard waste collection for an additional two weeks to enable residents to dispose of unexpected items generated by the recent storm event.

The last day of yard waste collection will now be January 12, 2024. This change is possible due to the fact that there are no extreme weather events forecasted for the upcoming weeks.

Yard waste materials eligible for pick up include grass, leaves, and plant trimmings. These materials must be placed in paper yard waste bags or rubbish containers labeled with “Yard Waste.” Stickers are available at the Municipal Service Center, 870 Hammond Street, or the Town Hall Department of Public Works office, 4th Floor, 333 Washington Street.

Small tree branches are also eligible for collection. However, these must be less than 3 inches in diameter and less than 3 feet in length. Limbs and branches must be bundled and tied together in order to be collected. Yard waste should be placed curbside, adjacent to waste carts, on the correct collection day for your property.

The DPW will not be collecting holiday wreaths or garlands as part of the residential yard waste collection program. The wiring and framing of the materials prevent it from being discarded as yard waste. However, holiday trees can be disposed of if they are left curbside on proper collection days. (Please be sure to remove tree stands and ensure all decorations are properly removed prior to being left curbside)

The yard waste pick-up schedule will revert to its regular schedule after January 12, 2024. Collection will be offered during the first full week of April through the last full week of December.

Additional information on the Town’s yard waste collection program can be found online by visiting here. Questions should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 617-730-2156.

Silver Award For Brookline’s Carlton Street Footbridge Rehabilitation Project

The Town of Brookline, Department of Public Works, and Engineering and Transportation Division are pleased to share that the Carlton Street Footbridge rehabilitation project was recently named a Silver Award winner of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Massachusetts’ 2024 Engineering Excellence Awards competition.

The ACEC Massachusetts’ 2024 Engineering Excellence Awards competition is an annual celebration of engineering excellence, honoring projects worldwide that demonstrate innovation, creative problem-solving, and engineering’s unique ability to improve our world.

The Carlton Street Footbridge rehabilitation project was chosen as a Silver Award winner by a panel of industry, government, and academic experts.

Brookline’s Carlton Street Footbridge, designed by Town Engineer Alexis Henry French was erected in 1894. The pedestrian bridge, conceived of as a gateway entry to the Emerald Necklace Parks by Frederick Law Olmsted, is an elaborate yet practical steel Pratt truss solution with riveted connections and wood decking, accessed by stairs at both ends. It spans 70 feet above the then Boston & Albany Railroad, now the MBTA Greenline, D-branch, between the Fenway and Longwood Stations.

Due to deferred maintenance, the bridge was closed in 1976. The design challenges of providing a universally accessible footbridge safely above an active MBTA line in a nationally recognized historic landscape, with the additional accommodations of bicycle runnels and surface lighting, were skillfully met under the professional guidance of Kleinfelder Engineering.

MassDOT recognized the bridge as a critical transportation link and stepped in with alternative transportation funding. Rhode Island Contractor, Aetna Bridge Company, with a team of skilled tradespersons, proceeded to lift, dig, restore, fabricate, paint, install, and illuminate a truly monumental achievement – the rehabilitation of the Carlton Street Footbridge.

“The Engineering Excellence Award serves as a tribute to the unwavering support of the Select Board and community leaders over the decades, as well as the professional perseverance of DPW staff, the technical diligence of Kleinfelder Engineering and skilled labor of Aetna Bridge Company,” said Department of Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute. “Special recognition is due to DPW Project Manager, Bill Smith, who oversaw all details of the project from inception through completion.”

Brookline Town Clerk Installs New Ballot Drop Boxes

The Town of Brookline announces that the Town Clerk has installed new ballot drop boxes in various locations around Brookline for voters to return mailed ballots during the 2024 election cycle.

The boxes are located in front of the Coolidge Corner Library, Putterham Library and Town Hall. The boxes can be used during all four of Brookline’s elections in 2024: the Presidential Primary on March 05, 2024, the Annual Town Election on May 07, 2024, the State Primary on September 03, 2024, and the Presidential Election on November 05, 2024.

“We want to meet voters where they are and allow them to participate in our elections from their neighborhoods,” said Town Clerk Ben Kaufman. “These drop boxes are another way to increase voter access to our elections, and help voters make their voices heard in our democracy.”

The boxes will be checked by Town Clerk employees throughout the election season, including on Election Day. Voters who deposit their ballots in the boxes bypass any potential mailing delays and ensure their ballots are received by the Town Clerk in time to be counted.

The boxes are part of a larger effort to expand voter access in Brookline. State legislation passed in 2022 allows all voters to request a vote-by-mail ballot. The legislation also required early voting in all State and Federal elections and allowed early voting in Municipal elections.

The Town Clerk plans to continue to expand early voting locations in 2024, including locations beyond Town Hall.

“Whether you are voting by mail, voting early, or voting on Election Day, make sure you have a plan to vote in 2024,” said Town Clerk Kaufman. “It is your civic duty to vote.”

Flu Shot Clinic & Free At-Home CoViD-19 Test Kits

The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is offering flu shots and free at-home CoViD-19 test kits to residents this holiday season to help prevent the spread of illnesses.

The event will take place on Wednesday, December 20, between the hours of 02:00 p.m. and 04:00 p.m., at the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services office, 11 Pierce Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

Residents can pick up a complimentary iHealth test kit, which includes five at-home CoViD-19 tests. Each resident is limited to one box of test kits. Proof of residency is not required.

Test kits that are not distributed during the event will be brought to the Brookline Public Library and residents can pick them up there while supplies last.

Additionally, the Brookline DPHHS walk-in clinic will be open during the event for residents who are looking to get their flu shot. The CDC recommends a high-dose vaccine for those 65 and older. Brookline DPHHS will have both the standard flu vaccine for residents 6 months and older, and a high-dose available for those 65 and older.

The clinic is open to all residents regardless of their insurance status. Insured residents are reminded to bring their insurance card to the event.

Residents can also schedule a flu shot by calling the Public Health Nurse at 617-730-2320.

For additional information about staying healthy this holiday season, please visit here.

The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Reopening Of John E. Murphy Playground In Brookline

The Brookline Department of Public Works Parks and Open Space Division is pleased to announce that the John E. Murphy Playground has officially been reopened to the public following reconstruction.

The redesigned playground includes two play areas, one for ages 5-12 and a separate fenced-in playground area for ages 2-5. Both play areas feature all-new custom Kompan play equipment, poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing, perimeter seating, picnic tables, and a wide variety of play equipment providing many different play experiences.

The park renovation also features an enlarged vortex splash pad and a new basketball hoop, both featuring seat walls at the perimeter. Accessible pathways have been added throughout the park and a new seating plaza is located at the Bowker Street entrance.

In addition to the above-ground site amenities, a new below-grade infiltration system has been installed underneath the pathway. This infiltration system will help divert stormwater from the park and surrounding areas from the Muddy River by providing on-site storage so that water can slowly percolate into the soil. This retention system will help alleviate on-site flooding and combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges into the Muddy River by reducing the volume of water within our sewer system during heavy rain events.

“The Parks Division is excited to deliver a new and improved John E. Murphy Playground that not only provides two beautiful play areas for children but features amenities for all ages and provides environmental benefits to our community,” said Director of Parks & Open Space Alexandra Vecchio.

A formal opening celebration event including activities for the whole family will be scheduled in the spring. Details of that event will be shared on social media and the Town’s website when an event date and time have been set.

For additional information on the John E. Murphy Playground, including photos of the construction process, please visit the project website here or e-mail the Parks & Open Space Division at parks@brooklinema.gov.

Kicking Off The Red Kettle Challenge With The Salvation Army In Massachusetts

The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign is well underway this season, and for the first time it includes a new competition among Massachusetts First Responders: The Red Kettlebell Challenge.

Boston Fire Commissioner Paul F. Burke will be present at The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center to launch the initiative on Thursday, Thursday, December 14, 2023, starting 10:00 a.m., at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center 650 Dudley Street, Boston, MA 02125.

Boston Fire Commissioner Paul F. Burke will join firefighters, Kroc Center fitness staff, community members and RJ Kroc — the Kroc Center’s mascot — in lifting red kettlebells to help lift up communities and draw attention to The Salvation Army of Massachusetts’ newest initiative — The Red Kettlebell Challenge.

The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center is a state-of-the-art, 100,000-square-foot facility with fitness space and community resources all under one roof.

The inaugural Red Kettlebell Challenge provides firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel with an opportunity to show their strength while giving back to the communities they serve — and creates an opportunity to do the most good by empowering participants and community members to challenge more to join in.

Each participating agency has its own Virtual Red Kettle to raise money in support of The Salvation Army’s year-round work providing emergency assistance, feeding the hungry and offering shelter and support to those in need. Teams of first responders commit to one lift of a kettlebell for each dollar raised between now and Salvation Army Red Kettlebell Day on December 23, 2023.

To find out if your local first responders are competing in the challenge, and to donate to their team, please visit here.

“The Salvation Army, through our Emergency Disaster Services, has been partnering with first responders to support our local communities in times of crisis for more than a century, and we are always in search of new ways to lift up our communities,” said Major Scott Kelly, Massachusetts Division General Secretary. “Now, we’re excited to see our police, fire and other community partners and the communities they serve come together to benefit their neighbors in need this Christmas season and beyond!”

With fewer retail stores, coin shortages, and more people shopping online, The Salvation Army is providing communities a new, fun way to support essential programs that help their neighbors through the wide range of social services the organization provides.

Each year, The Salvation Army will serve more than 24 million people across America – including many here in your community. That means over 55 million meals for the hungry, over 10 million nights of shelter for the homeless, and countless Christmas gifts for children who may otherwise go without.

To learn more about the history of the red kettle and the benefits of bell ringing, please visit here.

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at over 7,000 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100 percent of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit.

For more information, please visit SalvationArmyMA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.

Town Of Brookline Enacts New Tree Preservation Bylaw & Regulations

The Brookline Department of Public Works wishes to inform the public of the recently enacted Tree Preservation Bylaw and associated Rules and Regulations.

This bylaw was developed, reviewed, and enacted by Town Meeting in 2022 and approved by the Attorney General’s office in 2023. The full text of the bylaw and all associated rules and regulations can be found on the Town’s website here.

This new bylaw aims to provide enhanced protections for private trees within the community. As stated in the bylaw, “The intent of this Tree Preservation Bylaw is to encourage the preservation and protection of certain trees in connection with significant demolition and/or construction activity by designating areas of a lot where trees must be protected, and by requiring mitigation for trees that are removed by either the replanting of trees or the collection of fees to support the Town’s tree planting and maintenance efforts.”

There are three triggers for the bylaw:

  • Demolition of an existing structure of 250 gross square feet or greater;
  • Construction of any building or structure on a vacant lot;
  • Construction of one or more structures or additions to structures on a lot that increase the Gross Floor Area (GFA) by 50 percent or greater, as defined by Zoning Bylaw Section 2.07.1.

The Tree Preservation Bylaw Rules and Regulations were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on November 28 and are in effect as of November 29, 2023. Applicants can visit the Town’s website here to access the permit. The Department of Public Works will collaborate with other Town Departments and staff to implement and enforce this new bylaw.

For any questions related to this new bylaw, please direct inquires to the Town’s Tree Warden at 617-730-2088 or tbrady@brooklinema.gov.

Phase 2 Of The Muddy River Flood Risk Management Project Completed

Department of Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute is pleased to share that the Town of Brookline recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of Phase 2 of the Muddy River Flood Risk Management Project in Boston and Brookline.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, to celebrate the completion of Phase 2 of the project, which was initiated in response to a storm event in 1996 that resulted in overtopping of the banks of the Muddy River as well as several tributary areas, particularly Stony Brook. The stormwater that was not contained by the Muddy River caused severe flooding and extensive damage to the Green Line Station of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, local hospitals, schools and homes.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in March of 2019. Phase 1 work included the replacement of two undersized culverts, daylighting two sections of the river, and modification of a bridge and culvert headwall.

The Phase 2 construction contract was awarded in February 2020 and major construction was completed in October of this year. Phase 2 work consisted of dredging approximately 91,000 cubic yards of sediment to increase the flow capacity of the river, and the restoration of banks and historic landscape in those portions of the landscape impacted by the project.

“The Town of Brookline thanks the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as all of the citizen stakeholders for being such great partners,” Department of Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute stated in her remarks. “Without their assistance, this project would not have been possible.”

The 3.5-mile-long Muddy River flows through the heart of Frederick Law Olmsted’s famed “Emerald Necklace,” one of the most carefully crafted park systems in America and the oldest remaining linear urban park system in the United States.

More information on the Muddy River Flood Management Project can be found here.

The Town Of Brookline Offers Last Flu Shot Clinic Of The Season

The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is offering residents a final shot for a healthy holiday season. The department will host its last flu clinic of the season during National Influenza Vaccination Week. Vaccination against the flu is still the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.

The final flu clinic will be held on Tuesday, December 05, 2023, between the hours of 02:00 p.m. and 04:00 p.m., at the Public Health Building, 11 Pierce Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

Doses are available while supplies last. High-dose vaccine is available for adults ages 65 and over and FluMist is available for children ages 2 – 18 while supplies last. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment and save time, please register here.

Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations is one defense against respiratory illness. Here are some additional tips to keep you and your family safe and healthy throughout the season:

Keep your hands clean. Make sure you are washing your hands often to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based product when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.

Wear a mask. If you are visiting a family member or friend at high risk, make sure you wear a high-quality mask. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, wear a mask while visiting high-traffic places. Stay home when you feel sick and test for CoViD-19, especially after traveling. Free test kits are available at Brookline DPHHS.

Sneeze or cough in a bent elbow. Make sure you turn your sneezes and coughs away from others while using your bent elbow instead of your hand to reduce spreading germs. If you use tissues, make sure you dispose of them immediately and wash or sanitize your hands.

Keep a safe distance. Respiratory illnesses spread by droplets through coughing and sneezing. If possible, maintain distance between others to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading sickness. Try to avoid crowded and non-ventilated places.

If you know someone who is homebound and needs a flu shot, call 617-730-2320 to schedule an in-home appointment.

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Updated Solid Waste Regulations In Brookline

Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss and Department of Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute report that the Brookline Department of Public Health & Human Services and the Department of Public Works have released the final revised Solid Waste Regulations: Regulations Governing the Handling, Storage, Collection and Disposal of Waste.

The Solid Waste Regulations were last revised in 1998, and the departments worked collaboratively to update them in order to provide greater clarity, more controls pertaining to solid waste storage, placement and security, and accountability for private waste haulers. In addition, the revised regulations require that address and hauler contact information are provided on all dumpsters so that the Town can more easily communicate with residents and businesses when there is a problem. Other changes include aligning the regulations with updated State Sanitary Code language and strengthening violations and enforcement language.

The updated regulations are a component of the overall Rodent Control Action Plan as a comprehensive and collaborative approach to mitigate the impact of rodents in Brookline. While rat activity has been a long-standing issue in many communities across the country, it increased during and following the pandemic causing significant concern among Brookline residents. Solid waste that is inappropriately stored, handled and collected contributes to rodent activity by providing food sources.

As part of the revision process the draft regulations were reviewed and approved by both the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (September 05, 2023) and Advisory Council on Public Health (September 20, 2023) at public hearings and then subsequently approved by the Select Board (October 24, 2023). The draft was also presented at the Small Business Development Committee for feedback.

Regulations can be found on the Public Health & Human Services Department website here.

Baseball Is The Most Popular Sport In Mississippi, But Is It Also The Most Betted On?

Mississippi has been the home of many great baseball players, from Roy Oswalt’s 12-year career in the 90s and 2000s to Dave Ferriss in the post-WWIII era. Mississippi is also home to the Mississippi Braves, a popular Minor League Baseball team in Pearl and a Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

There are also other Minor League Baseball teams, including the Biloxi Shuckers, the Corinth Corinthians and the Tupelo Wolves. Despite having no MLB teams, the sport is very popular in the state.

Is sports betting legal in Mississippi?

Sports betting is legal in the Magnolia state but exactly where you can bet is strictly controlled. Compared to some US states where sports betting is allowed online from anywhere within the state, Mississippi is more prescriptive.

For example, although you can visit retail locations and use online sports books while there, you can’t use the most popular MLB betting sites from the comfort of your couch. Many hope that things will start to relax soon, and there are frequent proposals to change the law to allow bettors to have more freedom in their betting options.

One great aspect of betting on sports in Mississippi is that you can bet on college sports too. Some states do not allow this – for instance, in New Jersey, you are not allowed to wager on in-state college sports events.

Can I bet online in Mississippi?

Betting online in Mississippi is possible but in a very limited way. To bet on an online sportsbook, you need to be physically located within a retail sportsbook or casino. For example, at the Gold Strike Resort in Tunica, there’s a BetMGM retail sportsbook. Here, you can also download and use the BetMGM sportsbook app.

However, as soon as you leave the premises, betting is no longer allowed. Do not bother trying it, either – your phone’s geolocation chip will not permit it.

So, although you can bet online in Mississippi, it is essentially the same as visiting a retail sportsbook and placing a bet.

Betting on baseball in Mississippi

To bet on baseball in Mississippi, you’ll need to visit one of the 29 locations within the state where this is permitted. These are licensed casinos and sportsbook facilities. You can bet with cash or with an online account within the premises.

In Mississippi, you must be 21 years of age or older to place a bet. As such, expect to show some ID to prove your age as well as your address when you visit a casino sportsbook.

The good news is that once you are there and registered, you have lots of betting options available to you. For baseball, there is usually a good range of markets because it’s such a popular sport in the state. Mississippi-born Theo Epstein, who was responsible for ending the Chicago Cubs’ 106-year-long drought, made the sport even more popular among Magnolia state bettors.

During the MLB seasons, it’s possible to wager on all games – that is 2,430! Within that, you’ve got a good variety of markets too, which means there are thousands of baseball betting options. Even though the nearest MLB teams are two states away (the St. Louis Cardinals, the Houston Astros, the Texas Rangers and the Atlanta Braves), you’ll find lots of their fans in this state too.

In terms of available markets, here are some of the most popular ones you will find:

  • Moneyline – great for newbies, as you choose either “win” or “lose”.
  • Parlay – when you put multiple bets together to make a larger bet, it is called a parlay. It is hard to get your guesses right but if you do, it’s more financially rewarding. 
  • Over/under – these are also known as totals. With these bets, you wager on numbers of points, passes, runs, corners, goals, bookings etc. You will bet whether you think the total points/passes/runs etc will be over or under a specified amount.
  • Against the spread – ATS bets mean you do not bet on the outcome per se, but how many points a team will lose or win by.

What are the best betting apps in Mississippi?

There really is only one well-known betting app available in Mississippi and this is BetMGM. It is available to use when you visit Gold Strike Resort in Tunica or Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi.

When onsite, you can do everything you would like to do on the BetMGM app. You can place bets on a huge range of sports and markets, take part in tournaments and make use of promotional offers.

Other destinations have their own sportsbook apps. These are in-house apps and websites but work in the same manner. Like the BetMGM app, you have to be physically present at the resort to be able to use these. Though they are great for residents of Mississippi or visitors to the region, these in-house apps aren’t as good as some of the international sportsbook brands that other states have access to.

An example of an in-house sportsbook app is Pearl River Resort Sports (PRRSports). You can download this app to your phone for free while you are there. It is available for both Android and iOS devices. Like all retail sportsbooks, you will have to show photo ID before you can create your online account and download the app.

What are the most popular sports to bet on in Mississippi?

Besides baseball, Mississippians enjoy a flutter on NFL and NBA games. Though no top NFL teams have come from Mississippi, fans tend to support teams from neighboring states. There are some Division I colleges that are popular to bet on in MS, however. When you’re at a BetMGM resort, you can bet on the Saints, Texans, Cowboys, Titans and Falcons, all of whom are local. You can also go national and bet on who you think might win the Super Bowl.

Like NFL, there are no Mississippi NBA teams, but many Mississippi residents are fans of the Memphis Grizzlies as this team is just on the border with Tennessee. Also, the New Orleans Pelicans play over the Louisiana border. 

Town Of Brookline Appoints Jonathan Simpson As First Assistant Town Counsel

The Town of Brookline announces that Jonathan Simpson has been appointed as First Assistant Town Counsel. He started in his new position on October 10, 2023.

As First Assistant Town Counsel, Attorney Simpson will assist the Town Counsel in the overall management and direction of legal and administrative operations in the law department and will serve as second in charge of the Town Counsel department.

Attorney Simpson previously worked with Brookline’s legal department as Associate Town Counsel for the past eight years. Prior to being appointed associate town counsel, he worked with Miyares and Harrington, LLP in Wellesley as Counsel since 2015 and as Senior Associate since 2008.

Attorney Simpson lives in Brookline with his family. He is a proud Runkle parent and legal mentor for the Runkle Middle School Discovering Justice team.

Attorney Simpson earned his A.B. from Harvard University in 1999, and his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 2004.

Susan Harris has been brought on to fill Attorney Simpson’s previous role as Associate Town Counsel. Attorney Harris comes to Brookline after having served as Legal Counsel in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Professional Practices Investigations since 2017. Before that, she worked at the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office since 2012, including the last three years as Supervising Assistant District Attorney at both Newton and Framingham District Courts.

Attorney Harris earned her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2009, and her J.D. from Boston College Law School in 2012.

Еволюцията на методите на плащане в онлайн хазарта

Виждали сте всичко, от парични залози до цифрови портфейли. Но проследихте ли как са се развили методите на плащане в онлайн хазарта? Ще се изненадате колко много се е променило, а 8888бг казино е водещо в индустрията.

Методи за ранно плащане в онлайн хазарта

В ранните дни на онлайн хазарта трябваше да се примирите с ограничени и често неудобни методи на плащане. Основните налични опции бяха използване на кредитна карта и банкови преводи. Трябваше да въведете данните за вашата кредитна карта или банкова сметка директно на сайта, което беше едновременно затруднение и риск.

Транзакциите с кредитни карти бяха най-често срещаните, но не бяха сигурни. От време на време те биха били отказвани поради мерките на банките за предотвратяване на измами. Беше главоболие.

С банковите преводи ситуацията не беше много по-добра. Процесът беше бавен и често отнема дни. Беше упражнение в търпението да чакате средствата да се появят в сметката ви. Освен това процедурите на банките за предотвратяване на измами понякога водят до маркиране и забавяне на транзакциите.

Безопасността на вашата финансова информация беше сериозна загриженост. Винаги съществуваше риск да попадне в неподходящи ръце, което да доведе до потенциална измама. Тези елементарни методи бяха в основата на платежната система на онлайн хазарта, проправяйки пътя за по-сигурните и удобни методи, които имаме днес.

Поява на електронни портфейли и предплатени карти

С преминаването от първите дни на онлайн хазарта ще забележите възхода на електронните портфейли и предплатените карти, осигуряващи както удобство, така и подобрена сигурност. Появата на тези методи на плащане революционизира начина, по който играчите депозират и теглят средства, опростявайки транзакциите, като същевременно гарантира сигурността на електронния портфейл.

Едно от основните предимства на предплатената карта е, че ви позволява да контролирате бюджета си за хазарт. Можете да харчите само толкова, колкото сте заредили в картата, като предотвратявате потенциален преразход. Това е практичен и достъпен начин за ефективно управление на вашите средства.

Електронните портфейли, от друга страна, предлагат различен вид удобство. Тяхната гъвкавост е тяхната продажна точка. Можете да свържете своя електронен портфейл с множество източници на финансиране като банкови сметки или кредитни карти. Тази гъвкавост на електронния портфейл означава, че можете да изберете най-добрия източник на плащане за всяка транзакция, което ви дава повече контрол върху финансовата ви дейност.

В допълнение, електронните портфейли бързо се превръщат в предпочитана опция поради техните стабилни функции за сигурност. С криптиране и многофакторно удостоверяване те осигуряват сигурна среда за транзакции, правейки онлайн хазарта по-надежден и по-малко стресиращ. И така, очевидно е, че възходът на електронните портфейли и предплатените карти значително подобри онлайн хазартното изживяване.

Криптовалути: промяна на играта

Сега виждате как криптовалути като биткойн се превръщат в промени в методите за плащане на онлайн хазарт. Тази промяна се дължи главно на сигурността на блокчейн, волатилността на криптовалутите и предимствата на анонимността, които криптовалутите предлагат.

Включването на блокчейн технологията в методите за плащане осигурява несравнимо ниво на сигурност. Това е децентрализирана система, при която всички транзакции са прозрачни и неизменни, което означава, че не могат да бъдат променяни или изтривани. Това революционизира начина, по който се извършват и получават плащания в онлайн хазарта, като ви осигурява допълнителен слой сигурност.

Крипто волатилността е друг аспект, който заслужава внимание. Въпреки че може да изглежда като недостатък поради непредсказуемите промени в стойността, той може да бъде и вълнуващ елемент за комарджиите. Потенциалът за удряне на джакпот не само в играта, но и в стойността на самата криптовалута е уникален обрат, който привлича повече комарджии да използват криптовалути.

Не на последно място, предимствата на анонимността не могат да бъдат пренебрегнати. Криптовалутите ви позволяват да правите транзакции, без да разкривате лични данни. Така че, можете да се сбогувате с притесненията за кражба на самоличност и да се насладите на по-лично хазартно изживяване. Просто казано, криптовалутите предефинират света на плащанията в онлайн хазарта.

Мобилни плащания: Удобство на върха на пръстите

Отвъд сферата на криптовалутите, вие също виждате възхода на мобилните плащания като предпочитан метод за онлайн хазарт, предлагащ удобство на една ръка разстояние. Този метод става все по-популярен поради лекотата на използване и незабавните скорости на транзакциите. Вече не е необходимо да влизате в сложна банкова система, вместо това просто използвате телефона си, за да извършите бързо и сигурно плащане.

Това удобство обаче идва с определени предизвикателства и мобилната сигурност е основна грижа. Това е постоянна надпревара да останеш пред кибер заплахите, но повечето доставчици вършат отлична работа, като използват усъвършенствани методи за криптиране и многофакторно удостоверяване за защита на потребителските данни.

Но не става въпрос само за сигурност; поведението на потребителите също играе важна роля за популярността на мобилните плащания. Много хора предпочитат да използват мобилните си устройства за онлайн дейности, включително хазарт, тъй като това им позволява да играят, когато пожелаят, където и да се намират. Безпроблемните, бързи скорости на транзакции на мобилни плащания допълнително подобряват това удобство.

8888BG Casino и как те водят индустрията

В бързо променящия се пейзаж на онлайн хазарта, ще откриете, че 8888 бг казино поставя висока летва по отношение на иновативни методи на плащане. Иновациите на 8888 Casino не се свеждат само до запазване на конкурентоспособността – това е до лидерство в индустрията.

Тяхната пионерска технология представя удобен за потребителя интерфейс, който позволява безпроблемни транзакции, предлагайки множество опции за плащане, включително криптовалути. Тази гъвкавост е значителна част от доминирането на индустрията на 8888 Casino, тъй като обслужва разнообразен набор от предпочитания на клиентите.

Ангажиментът на казиното към иновациите е очевиден в непрекъснатите им усилия за подобряване на сигурността. Те са разработили системи, които защитават потребителските данни и гарантират сигурни транзакции, допринасяйки за солидната им репутация в индустрията. Това отличава 8888 Casino от техните конкуренти, затвърждавайки позицията им на лидер в индустрията.

Във време, когато онлайн сигурността е основен приоритет, техният подход към методите на плащане е модел, който другите да следват. Техният безмилостен стремеж към иновации и удовлетворение на потребителите е това, което ги прави пионери в индустрията.

Brookline Department Of Public Health & Human Services Gives 30 Turkeys & 20 Chickens To Families In Need

The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services launched its first Brookline Bounty Birds initiative in time for the thanksgiving holiday.

The Brookline Bounty Birds included 30 turkeys and 20 chickens purchased with remaining annual funds from Brookline Bounty coupons. The department partnered with Farmers’ Market vendor Copicut Farm to distribute turkeys and chicken roasters to families this Thanksgiving. On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, department staff made deliveries to three locations: the Brookline Housing Authority, the Brookline Senior Center, and the Public Schools of Brookline.

“We are thankful to our community partners and Copicut Farm in helping us reach residents of all ages, from older adults to families in Brookline,” said Brookline Public Health and Human Services Director Sigalle Reiss.

The closure of the Brookline Farmers’ Market last Thursday marked the end of the year for the Brookline Bounty Food Coupon Program, a food access initiative for income-eligible families providing coupons for use at the local farmers’ market. The program provided locally-grown, fresh produce, meat, and other food items to over 700 families this year. During the regular season, participants redeemed nearly $48,000 in coupons, with the majority spent on vegetables, fruits, and proteins. This year, the program collected 92% of coupons distributed the highest redemption percentage to date.

The program has operated successfully for three years, thanks to community partners, particularly the Brookline Farmers’ Market director and manager, Abe Faber and Nate Harlan, and 23 participating vendors. The market is not just a shopping experience but also a community gathering place. Many community members and business owners have noted that market shoppers have become more diverse since the start of the program.

The Brookline Bounty program was initially grant-funded through the Kresge Foundation and later received American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds. The program will resume next spring.

To learn more about Brookline Bounty, please visit here.

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The Friends Of Brookline Public Health Announce Award Recipients

The Friends of Brookline Public Health are pleased to announce the recipients of two awards – the Alan Balsam Public Health Leadership Award and the Herb Carlin Community Health Award – which will be presented during an upcoming meeting on November 29, 2023.

Lawrence “Larry” Madoff, MD, Medical Director, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the staff of the Brookline Department of Public Health will both receive the Alan Balsam Public Health Leadership Award for their outstanding service during the recent CoViD-19 pandemic. The award is given to an individual, who has shown extraordinary leadership in the field of Public Health, both locally and nationally.

Brookline Thrives, a community organization targeting food insecurity, and Bonnie Bastien, who launched Mutual Aid Brookline during the pandemic, will receive the Herb Carlin Community Health Award, which is awarded to an organization or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the public health of Brookline.

The awards will be presented to the recipients during the Friends of Brookline Public Health’s event “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Public Health: Opportunities and Challenges for Brookline” on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, between the hours of 06:00 p.m. and 07:30 p.m., at Brookline High School, 115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

The panel presentation will feature a dynamic discussion with local experts in the field about the intersection of AI, Public Health, and Brookline. Those who are interested in attending can reserve a spot here.

The event is free to attend, but donations to the Friends of Brookline Public Health are welcome. Donations can be made here.

The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is co-sponsoring the event.

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Harnessing Artificial Intelligence For Public Health: Opportunities & Challenges For Brookline

The Friends of Brookline Public Health would like to invite the community to a live panel presentation titled “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Public Health: Opportunities and Challenges for Brookline.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, between the hours of 06:00 p.m. and 07:30 p.m., at the Brookline High School, 115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

Featured panelists:

  • Isaac (Zak) Kohane, MD, Ph.D., Inaugural Chair, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School;
  • John Brownstein, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer, Boston Children’s Hospital; Professor, Harvard Medical School;
  • Carey Goldberg, Panel Moderator, Co-author, The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond, Medical and Science Journalist;
  • Raul Fernandez, Ph.D., Board Member, Brookline For Racial Justice and Equity; former Select Board member;
  • MC: Chris Chanyasulkit, Ph.D., MPH, Trustee, Friends of Brookline Public Health; Immediate Past President, APHA.

Community members are invited to attend to learn more from renowned local experts in the field who will share their insights and experiences, the latest advancements in AI technology and how it can be applied to public health challenges specific to the community.

The event is free to attend, but donations to the Friends of Brookline Public Health are welcome. Donations can be made here.

The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is co-sponsoring the event.

Brookline Public Health Releases 2023 Marijuana Landscape Assessment

Town Administrator Chas Carey and Director of Public Health & Human Services Sigalle Reiss announce the release of Brookline’s 2023 Marijuana Landscape Assessment, developed to help residents, business owners and government officials better understand the landscape and impact of marijuana in the Town of Brookline.

In November 2021, petitioners put forth Warrant Article 9 to the Brookline Town Meeting to establish a study committee to look at a variety of topics pertaining to marijuana and its impact on the town. Town Meeting opted not to pass the Article, but instead referred the issue to the Advisory Council on Public Health (ACPH), in collaboration with the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services (BDPHHS), to conduct a community-based study on public health impacts of marijuana. In 2022, the BDPHHS partnered with Health Resources in Action (HRiA), a non-profit public health organization, to conduct this assessment. HRiA gathered and synthesized quantitative and qualitative data to understand the influence and impacts of marijuana, with a focus on youth, and identify priority areas, address health disparities, and establish intervention strategies as it relates to marijuana and other substance use.

Town leaders will use the findings from this report to prioritize and plan public health activities to prevent youth marijuana use and support intervention and treatment for those in need. The report outlines recommendations considering the Social Drivers of Health (SDoH) as they relate to substance use, as well as the levels of prevention and intervention possible using a public health approach.

Examples of the 73-page report’s recommendations include:

  • Develop messaging for youth about how many of their peers are not using marijuana and other drugs. Address misperceptions that most Brookline youth are using marijuana, to encourage confidence in rejecting the social pressure to use marijuana.
  • Continue to provide safe spaces for youth to talk about mental health challenges and problematic substance use, where they can find support, rather than fear punishment or repercussions.
  • Provide parents / guardians with education and resources to talk with their children about the harms of marijuana and other substance use.

The full report and recommendations can be found here.

“The Department of Public Health and Human Services will use this data to inform and design prevention strategies to reduce substance us in Brookline,” Director Reiss said. “Having a data informed approach will allow the department to focus on effective strategies that increase protective factors and support Brookline youth to continue to make healthy choices and reduce substance use”

The Department of Public Health & Human Services contracted an external agency, Health Resources in Action, Inc. (HRiA), to conduct the assessment. HRiA is a Boston-based non-profit public health organization that provides research, evaluation, strategic planning and program support services around the country.

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Town Of Brookline Announces Veteran’s Day Programming

Town Administrator Chas Carey and Veterans Services Director Bill McGroarty are pleased to announce ceremonial programming and speaking details to honor America’s military veterans later this week on Veteran’s Day.

The event will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, starting at 11:00 a.m., at the Brookline World War Monument, 333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

The event will be attended by:

  • Director McGroarty, Master of Ceremonies;
  • Rev. Jonathan Gaspar, Pastor, St. Mary’s Church (Invocation);
  • Gregory Taylor, American Legion Post 11, Vietnam Veteran, Bronze Star Recipient (Pledge of Allegiance);
  • Kristin DeFosse, singing our national anthem and other songs to honor America and its veterans;
  • John VanScoyoc, Select Board Vice Chair, offering remarks;
  • Senator Cynthia S. Cream and State Representative Tommy Vitolo, proclamation;
  • Commander Raymond Cunningham VFW Stephen F. Rutledge Post 864, offering remarks;
  • Gregory Taylor, American Legion Post 11, Bronze Star recipient, placing the wreath;
  • Commander Elmon Hendrickson, American Legion Post 11, and Commander Cunningham joining in moment of silence;
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Brookline Police Department, Brookline Fire Department, Army JROTC honor guards.

Collation to follow ceremonies.

To download the complete program for Saturday’s ceremonies, please visit here.

Brookline Department Of Public Works Encourages Community To “Go Green After Halloween”

Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute and Zero Waste Program Manager Katie Weatherseed on behalf of the Brookline Department of Public Works are excited to announce an opportunity for community members to “Go Green After Halloween.”

The DPW will host a Pumpkin Toss and Costume Drive to ensure that residents can dispose of their festive Halloween waste in an environmentally-responsible manner.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 09, 2023, between the hours of 01:30 p.m. and 06:30 p.m., at West Centre Street Parking Lot, during the Brookline Farmer’s Market.

Brookline DPW’s “Go Green After Halloween” event gives Brookline residents the opportunity to reduce their Halloween and Autumnal waste.

Residents are encouraged to bring their pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns to the event, and then test their aim by tossing these out-of-season decorations into compost bins.

Over 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown away in the U.S. each fall. Composting these items reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps build healthy soils to nurture future generations of not just pumpkins but all manner of fruits and vegetables.

Please note that pumpkins must be free of non-biodegradable materials, such as paint, candles/wax, and glitter, in order to be composted.

DPW will also accept donations of gently used costumes (of all sizes) in order to both reduce textile waste and provide costumes to community members in need next Halloween. All costumes will be donated to Lincoln School and distributed during their Pumpkinfest event in 2024.

“Go Green After Halloween” is being held in partnership with Black Earth Compost, which accepts a wide variety of organic food waste. Black Earth Compost offers curbside composting services to Brookline residents looking to reduce their household waste. To learn more about composting opportunities in Brookline, please visit here.

“Brookline DPW is excited to offer this fun opportunity for Brookline residents to dispose of their Halloween-related waste the right way,” said Katie Weatherseed, DPW Zero Waste Program Manager. “By keeping these items out of the trash, residents can help us move the needle towards achieving Brookline’s zero waste goals.”

The West Centre Street Parking Lot is accessible from the Coolidge Corner “T” station, as well as the Shailer Street and Harvard Street stop on the Route 66 bus. Please contact DPW’s Highway and Sanitation Division at zerowaste@brooklinema.gov with any questions regarding the event.

Town Of Brookline Introducing Fee For Electric Vehicle Charging At Town-Owned Stations

The Brookline Department of Public Works announces that beginning in November, the town will begin charging a fee for the use of its electric vehicle charging stations.

Beginning November 01, 2023, Brookline will assess a fee of 25 cents per kilowatt hour for EV charging station users. The fee comes following a public decision-making process and the rate is designed to cover the town’s own electricity costs. Users will also be assessed a $5 per hour overstay fee, following a 20-minute grace period, if their vehicle continues to occupy a charging station spot once charging has been completed.

When using town-owned ChargePoint stations, users should ensure they have notifications activated so they can be notified when their vehicle has finished charging.

“We are proud to continue offering publicly accessible EV charging stations to the community, which helps the Town of Brookline actively support efforts to reach our climate goals,” Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute said.

Washington Square Academy’s Haunted Carnival & Fundraiser

Every year for the last 10 years, a local micro school in Brookline, Washington Square Academy (WSA), has celebrated Halloween with creativity and enthusiasm.

Like many years in the past, WSA and the students have created and built an escape room (from scratch) to share with the community.

In previous years, the school has built an entire pirate ship within a classroom or created an Egyptian’s tomb.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Brookline Teen Center, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Entrance fee: $20.

All the proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the Brookline Teen Center.

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About Washington Square Academy

Washington Square Academy has its origins as a small after school program. From a living room table, we began teaching a handful of students. Throughout the 6 years of running a small after school program, we saw immense growth in all of our students. We saw a need for children to get academic support in small groups; and wanting to rise to that challenge, WSA was born.

Since being established two years ago, Washington Square Academy has become known for its rigorous honors curriculum; our standards of excellence have provided the impetus for us to grow into the school we are today.

As educators, we believe that a student’s needs always comes first – and that means exceptional education, exceptional support, exceptional rigor, and exceptional classroom engagement.

To learn more, please visit here.

Brookline Awarded $145,000 In MVP Grant Funds From The Healey-Driscoll Administration To Build Climate Resilience

The Town of Brookline is excited to announce it was awarded $145,000 in climate resilience grant funding to develop a hydraulic model of the Town’s stormwater drainage system and complete a system evaluation and vulnerability assessment for current and future storm events.

The Town, along with the selected consultant, will develop outreach and educational materials to engage the public on this forward-thinking project, which builds on Brookline’s Urban Forest and Climate Resiliency Master Plan completed in 2021. These funds will allow the community to strengthen and expand its climate resiliency efforts by evaluating critical drainage infrastructure below the ground and better understand how it interfaces with open stream channels, ponds and the Muddy River.

Awarded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, which is administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), these competitive grants support communities in identifying climate hazards, developing strategies to improve resilience, and implementing priority actions to adapt to climate change.

Brookline’s project is one of 79 projects to have received action grant funding in the latest round of applications.

“Climate change poses an undeniable threat to our town and its future,” said Town Administrator Charles Carey. “It’s critical that we plan for resilient, sustainable, and innovative practices to safeguard our environment and protect our resources and community for generations to come. This MVP grant will allow us to take tangible steps to ensure Brookline is prepared.”

More than a century ago, natural brooks, such as Village Brook, Tannery Brook, Smelt Brook and Saw Mill Brook, once flowed through the valleys and low-lying areas bordering hills. Most of these brooks have been culverted to allow for development and to mitigate health concerns related to mosquitoes and malaria during a time when these were life-threatening concerns. These culverts were well-designed for the era and more than capable of handling the stream base flow and stormwater runoff. However, with changes in land use, increased impervious cover and greater storm frequency and volume, the capability of Brookline’s drainage system to adapt to all these stressors is largely unknown.

Completing this project will allow the Town to better prepare for future flooding and develop strategies to adapt to our changing climate.

Community members interested in being notified about project meetings and updates should get in touch with Maria Rose, Environmental Engineer at mrose2@brooklinema.gov or Robert King, Director of Engineering and Transportation at rking@brooklinema.gov.

The MVP program, created in 2017, provides funding for community-driven climate resilience planning and action. Ninety-nine percent, or 349 out of 351 of the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, are participating in the program and over $131.5 million has been awarded for local climate resilience planning and projects.

Brookline Department Of Public Health & Human Services Begins Assessment & Gap Analysis Project

The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services announces that it has begun a process to assess human, health and social services and determine any gaps in access to, or receipt of, essential needs for the residents of the town of Brookline.

A five-phase plan will study, illuminate and address real or perceived inequities in human services using a foundation of historical studies, current resources and projection of needed services to allow all groups to access human services in the town.

The study will summarize human services available to Brookline residents, including information on providers, resources and the populations served, and identify existing collaborations and connections between providers and note opportunities to create and strengthen existing partnerships.

The gap analysis will identify needs and gaps in operations such as funding, demand for services and barriers preventing access or utilization. The final report will develop options that transform the conceptual goals from the assessment and gap analysis into realistic, achievable targets.

The Town has partnered with Kulik Strategic Advisers Inc., a national consulting firm with over three decades of experience supporting governments at all levels with community assessments, gap analyses and identification of barriers to human services, to conduct this collaborative study.

“This project intends to set the direction for town, local and regional providers to examine and rethink how services can be offered so that there is equitable access to services for all residents,” said Public Health Director Sigalle Reiss. “We are looking forward to partnering with Kulik Strategic Advisors in conducting this study.”

Help Plant Brookline’s First Miniature Forest

The Brookline Department of Public Works’ Parks and Open Space Division would like to invite community members to help plant the Town of Brookline’s first “miniature forest.”

Members of the Brookline DPW Parks and Open Space Division will gather on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. at Brookline Avenue Playground, 575 Brookline Avenue, to plant Brookline’s first “miniature forest.” Community members of all ages are invited to help plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs to build a new ecosystem within the local park.

The event aims to celebrate the Town’s urban forest and climate action goals.

Communities around the globe are planting pockets of native trees, called Mini-Forests, to manage the effects of climate change. Based on research conducted by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, dense plantings of native tree and shrub seedlings can be as small as two parking spaces and still provide significant benefits.

Gloves, tools and all necessary project supplies will be provided, but participants should come dressed appropriately for the weather and for planting trees. Light refreshments and lawn games will also be available.

The event is co-sponsored by Mothers Out Front, proud partners in promoting the importance of local, grassroots conservation action in their fight for a livable climate.

“With so many people in despair about the climate, we are excited about the chance to put our hands in the ground and regenerate the earth” said Olivia Fischer Fox, Brookline Mothers Out Front Tree Team Coordinator.

“By following the Miyawaki Method of reforestation, we’re utilizing planting principles and techniques effective for urban environments with limited open space,” said Alexandra Vecchio, Division of Parks and Open Space Director. “Projects and initiatives such as this not only promote biodiversity and combat climate change but help park visitors build deeper connections to their neighborhood open spaces.”

The event is free and open to the public.

The Brookline DPW is striving to make the event as close to zero waste as possible. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle.

For questions or additional information, please reach out to the Parks and Open Space Division at parks@brooklinema.gov.

Atlantic City’s Culture, Thrills & Experiences

Atlantic City, prominently positioned on the eastern coast of New Jersey, is a testament to a harmonious blend of history, entertainment, and innovation and stands proud as the East Coast’s seaside gaming and resort capital. 

Drawing over 27 million visitors annually, it ranks among the most sought-after tourist destinations in the United States. Its iconic boardwalk and dynamic arts scene provides many experiences for both cultural enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Cultural Experience and Urban Delights

Atlantic City’s cultural landscape has a rich history and contemporary arts. The historic boardwalk stretches for miles along the city’s coastline and has witnessed countless stories from the early days of the 20th century to the present. Walking along this boardwalk is akin to stepping back in time, with the wooden planks echoing tales of yesteryears.

Complementing this historic charm are the city’s art galleries, which house a diverse range of artworks, from traditional pieces reflecting the city’s heritage to modern art showcasing the new generation’s creativity. With their ever-changing exhibits, these galleries offer a fresh perspective on the city’s evolving cultural identity.

Music, too, plays a significant role in Atlantic City’s cultural scene. Numerous venues dot the city, hosting live performances that range from jazz and blues to contemporary genres. These musical nights entertain and serve as a platform for local artists to showcase their talent.

Thrill-seeker’s Paradise

With its prime coastal location and entertainment options, Atlantic City has long been a magnet for those seeking an adrenaline rush. From the vast ocean expanse to the city’s heart, there are myriad opportunities for adventure and excitement.

Water Adventures

With its vastness and unpredictability, the Atlantic Ocean offers a playground for water sports enthusiasts. Jet skiing, a popular choice among thrill-seekers, allows one to race across the waves, feeling the splash of the ocean and the wind against the face. 

For those looking for a bird’s-eye view, parasailing offers an unparalleled experience. Suspended high above the water, one can take in the breathtaking vistas of the city and the vast ocean. For a more relaxed experience, boat rides provide a serene way to explore the coastline, with the rhythmic motion of the waves offering a calming effect.

Land-based Excitement

While the city’s amusement parks, towering roller coasters and dizzying rides are a significant draw, Atlantic City offers more land-based thrills. Go-karting tracks beckon those needing speed, while mini-golf courses provide a fun challenge for families and groups. 

Apart from its historic charm, the boardwalk hosts a range of games and activities. There’s no shortage of fun, from trying luck at the ring toss to testing one’s strength at the high striker.

Sky-high Thrills

Atlantic City provides opportunities to soar for those not content with keeping their feet on the ground. Helicopter tours offer a unique city perspective, with panoramic skyline, ocean views, and landmarks. 

For the more daring, there are skydiving options, where one can experience the ultimate free-fall before gliding back to solid ground.

In Atlantic City, the promise of adventure is always around the corner, waiting to be discovered. Whether on land, water or in the air, the city ensures that the heart rate never drops too low.

New Jersey Online Casinos

The digital age has significantly changed how people entertain themselves, and Atlantic City has quickly adapted. The emergence of NJ online casino platforms has added a new dimension to the city’s gaming culture. These platforms, with their vast array of games, from slots to card games, offer a unique blend of traditional casino experiences and modern technology. 

The convenience of playing from one’s own space and high-quality graphics and interactive features ensures that the entertainment is non-stop.

Memories Food

Atlantic City’s culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as its cultural tapestry. A visit to this coastal gem offers visual and auditory delights and a feast for the palate. The city’s food scene reflects its rich history and contemporary influences, from the freshest seafood to late-night snacks.

Diverse Dining Options

Atlantic City’s dining establishments cater to various preferences and budgets. Upscale restaurants, with their elegant ambience and curated menus, offer gourmet dishes that are both visually appealing and delectable. These establishments often source the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is a testament to culinary excellence.

On the other hand, the city’s streets are lined with vendors serving up local favorites. Often passed down through generations, these street foods offer an authentic taste of Atlantic City’s culinary heritage. 

Seafood Galore

Given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, seafood is a prominent feature in Atlantic City’s culinary offerings. Restaurants and stalls take pride in serving dishes made from the freshest catches. Clams, oysters, crabs, and a variety of fish are prepared in many ways, from grilling to steaming.

Nightlife and Gastronomy

As daylight fades and the city lights begin to shimmer, Atlantic City transforms into a hub of nocturnal activity. Bars, clubs, and lounges come alive, each offering a unique ambience. While music and dance dominate the scene, the culinary offerings significantly enhance the nightlife experience. 

Tapas bars serve bite-sized delicacies, perfect for pairing with drinks, while some clubs offer elaborate dinner menus. The combination of food, drinks, music, and the city’s energetic vibe ensures that nights in Atlantic City are as enriching as the days.

Final Thoughts

Atlantic City, a jewel on New Jersey’s coastline, is more than just a destination; it’s an experience. It is a place where history meets modernity, where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the rhythms of the present. From its iconic boardwalk, reminiscent of a bygone era, to the digital innovations of online casinos, the city offers a spectrum of experiences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

The cultural tapestry of Atlantic City is rich and varied, with art, music, and history intertwining to create a unique identity. The city’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing contemporary influences is evident in every corner, from art galleries to music venues.

For those with an adventurous spirit, Atlantic City promises varied and exhilarating thrills. Whether it’s the allure of the vast Atlantic Ocean, the excitement of land-based activities, or the thrill of soaring high above the city, there’s an adventure waiting at every turn.

The culinary scene reflects the city’s diverse heritage and offers a gastronomic journey that tantalizes the senses. The fresh seafood, the local street foods, and the vibrant nightlife all contribute to making Atlantic City a culinary haven.

Public Notice Of School Committee Vacancy

The Brookline School Committee is seeking applicants to temporarily fill the seat on the School Committee vacated by the resignation of Nancy Rhei Gorer. The interim appointment will begin in October 2023 and will continue until the May 2024 town election. Candidates must be registered Brookline voters.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume by 12:00 noon on Friday, October 20, 2023 to:

Betsy Fitzpatrick
Executive Assistant, School Committee Office
Town Hall, 5th Floor
333 Washington Street
Brookline, MA 02445

Email: betsy_fitzpatrick@psbma.org

Candidates will be interviewed in a public meeting by a joint session of the School Committee and Select Board on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 07:00pm, remote via Zoom.

The School Committee’s primary responsibilities include evaluation of the superintendent of schools, the review and approval of budgets for education, and establishing educational goals and policies for the school district. More information about the School Committee can be found by visiting here.

Town Of Brookline Seeks Community Feedback On Draft Laboratory & Life Science Regulations

The Brookline Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Economic Development and Long-Term Planning Division, is actively seeking community feedback on proposed regulations for future laboratory and life science facilities within the town.

The proposed biosafety regulations aim to enable the Town of Brookline to oversee non-medical laboratories working with recombinant and/or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and biological materials.

The primary focus of these regulations is to ensure the safety of both workers and the community while establishing a stable and predictable framework for laboratory operations within Brookline.

Residents can provide feedback via e-mail to phcommissioner@brooklinema.gov or at future public hearings.

The development of these public health regulations marks an important milestone in the Economic Development and Long-Term Planning Division’s ongoing efforts to implement recommendations outlined in the Economic Development Advisory Board’s (EDAB) 2021 Laboratory and Bio/Life Sciences Report. This report underscores the significance of advancing lab development to enhance Brookline’s commercial tax base and further integrate Brookline into Greater Boston’s life science ecosystem.

Over the summer, Biosafety Consultant Rebecca Caruso presented a draft of the town’s proposed biosafety regulations, providing an opportunity for the public to offer their feedback.

Most recently, On September 20, 2023, the Town’s Advisory Council on Public Health (ACPH) received an update on the latest draft regulations, which can be viewed by visiting here.

The Departments will continue to gather community and stakeholder feedback and plan to hold a public hearing in the coming months.

For more information, contact Sigalle Reiss, Director of Public Health, at sreiss@brooklinema.gov, or Will Dorfman, Economic Development and Long Term Planner, at wdorfman@brooklinema.gov.

Town Of Brookline Hosts 14th Annual MRC/CERT/EP Buddy Volunteer Celebration

Emergency Management Director Fire Chief John F. Sullivan is pleased to share the success of the 14th annual MRC/CERT/EP Buddy Volunteer Celebration.

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Brookline Police Departments Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Brookline Public Health and Human Service Departments Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the Office of Emergency Management collaborated to host the 14th annual MRC/CERT/EP Buddy Volunteer Celebration.

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Image captions

  • Presentation of the 2023 Trudy Cohen Volunteer Service Award to Sheila O’Flaherty Left to right: Sara Schaffer, Casey Hatchett, Sheila O’Flaherty, Tommy Vitolo.
  • Presentation of the 2023 Community Emergency Preparedness Appreciation Award to EJ Bennett. Left to right: Sigalle Reiss, Sara Schaffer, Tommy Vitolo, EJ Bennett.
  • Sara Schaffer and Sophie Gordon presenting a refresher class on preparing “Go bags.”
  • “Thank you” succulents were given to all volunteers at the celebration.

The annual celebration recognizes the contributions that Brookline’s MRC/CERT/EP Buddy volunteers have made to support the town, residents, and community partners.

The night began with an Emergency Preparedness and Response Volunteer Refresher Training, led by Sara Schaffer, Sophie Gordon and Lt. Casey Hatchett, followed by a buffet-style dinner, served by Catering by Andrew.

Town Administrator Chas Carey, State Rep. Tommy Vitolo, Select Board Member John VanScoyoc, and other Town officials spoke, recognizing the critical work of the MRC and CERT Programs and its volunteers.

“The Town of Brookline is grateful to our CERT/MRC/ Emergency Preparedness Buddy Volunteers who work to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable residents,” said Town Administrator Carey. “The work that our volunteers do has helped to enrich the lives of our senior residents and ensure their safety during times of emergency. It is an honor to recognize these volunteers.”

During the event, EP Buddies Coordinator Sophie Gordon and CERT/MRC/EP Buddy Volunteer Rob Rosengard presented a touching memorial tribute to EP Buddy, Leo. Leo and his wife came from Russia and had no family in the States. He became an EP Buddy after a scare in the ER about eight years ago and recently passed away. Leo’s story epitomizes the need for this program and the importance of social connections.

This year the Town honored Chris Dippel, Aaron Gilman, Toshiki Kobayashi, and Sheila O’Flaherty for their extraordinary commitment to the CERT/MRC programs and to the town’s effort to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and mitigate emergencies.

Additionally, the Brookline Senior Center and Brookline Public Health Nurse EJ Bennett was honored as a recipient of the 2023 Community Emergency Preparedness Appreciation Award. This award recognizes the Senior Centers’ work to support emergency preparedness efforts and to ensure the greatest outcomes for Brookline seniors, and EJ for her commitment to the town and the health and safety of residents.

The Town of Brookline has scheduled a 10-week CERT training session to begin on Monday, October 16, 2023, and run for 10 Mondays.

Classes will run from 06:00 p.m. – 08:30 p.m. at the Brookline Public Safety Headquarters, 350 Washington Street, Brooine, MA 02445.

Those interested in attending the training can complete an online application by visiting here.