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Town Of Brookline Invites Residents To Volunteer For Town Boards And Committees In 2023

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Chas Carey invites Brookline residents to volunteer for a variety of open positions on critical town boards and committees in 2023.

More than 10 boards have vacancies that engaged residents are encouraged to fill in order to help each fulfill its critical role supporting the town’s work related to diversity and inclusion, the arts, public health, preservation, and more.

“All of these organizations share the common goal to better the town of Brookline,” said Town Administrator Carey. “It would be exciting to see community members volunteering to take part in this great work.”

Some of the board and commissions that currently have vacancies include:

  • Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee;
  • Small Business Development Committee;
  • Preservation Commission;
  • Naming Committee;
  • MLK Celebration Committee;
  • Building Commission;
  • Brookline Village Parking Benefit District Advisory Board;
  • Bicycle Advisory Committee;
  • Brookline Housing Authority;
  • Advisory Council on Public Healt;
  • Boylston Street Corridor Study Committee;
  • Zoning Board of Appeals.

Residents who are interested in filling a vacancy on one or more boards should fill out a form here and include their resume or other materials which highlight their relevant background and experience.

To learn more about boards and commissions in Brookline, please visit here.

Second Round Of ARPA Funding Process To Begin In Brookline

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Brookline.com
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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Submission Review Subcommittee Co-Chairs Miriam Aschkenasy and Mike Sandman are pleased to announce the second round of ARPA funding is now open.

President Biden signed ARPA into law in 2021 to support municipalities’ efforts to rebound from the CoViD-19 pandemic. The first round of funding was reviewed by the subcommittee and was allocated for fiscal year 2023, which began on July 01, 2022.

The next round of funding will be awarded for fiscal year 2024, and all proposals will be considered by the subcommittee, with those recommended for funding being submitted to the Select Board for approval this spring. The meetings will be open to the public, as well as recorded for viewing on-demand.

The subcommittee will hold virtual public meetings Fridays at 02:00 p.m. on:

  • February 17, 2023, join here;
  • March 03, 2023, join here;
  • March 24, 2023, join here;
  • March 31, 2023, join here;
  • April 07, 2023, join here.

There will also be one Friday meeting at 11:00 a.m.:

  • March 17, 2023, join here.

Prospective applicants can register and complete their applications online here.

The application is due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.

ARPA Funding can be used for:

  • Supporting public health response efforts or addressing negative economic impacts;
  • Replacing public sector revenue loss;
  • Establishing premium pay for essential workers Investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure Investment in a wide range of community-oriented projects.

Speakers at the public hearing will be strictly limited to 90 seconds in order to facilitate as much feedback as possible during the hearing. Residents may also submit comments via e-mail at ARPAReview@brooklinema.gov. Residents may utilize that email address to provide general feedback on the proposals and process.

In the first round of funding, the Select Board allocated just over $22.4 million to several organizations and projects, including:

  • $198,000 for a pedestrian safety study;
  • $1 million for the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health to establish urgent care stabilization and recovery services;
  • $1 million to support the Brookline Community Foundation’s Safety Net Fund and grantmaking to local nonprofits and organizations;
  • $6 million to support maintenance and capital needs at the Brookline Housing Authority’s Egmont Street Veterans and Trustman Apartments;
  • $3.5 million to address a Public Schools of Brookline operating budget shortfall due to lack of additional federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Program;
  • $1.4 million toward the Davis Footbridge’s design and construction;
  • $300,000 for the Brookline Food Pantry to expand and maintain its operations;
  • More than $257,000 for Women Thriving, Inc., which will provide three, eight-month training programs in work skills, personal finance, health and wellbeing, and more for immigrant women;
  • $500,000 for the Brookline Teen Center for its equitable recovery and program expansion.

To access all publicly available information about ARPA in Brookline, please visit the American Rescue Plan Fund tracker here.

Unlike the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which were intended to allay the direct and immediate impact of the pandemic, the American Rescue Plan allows for more flexible spending and extends the timeline for recipients to allocate money. About $350 billion will be passed down to state, local, and tribal governments to help cope with the economic and public health fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brookline Fire Department Receives State Grant For Fire Education Programs

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Brookline.com
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Chief John F. Sullivan is pleased to announce that the Brookline Fire Department received grant funding for its Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) and Senior S.A.F.E. programs.

Brookline Fire was awarded $6,781 and $2,677 for its S.A.F.E. and Senior S.A.F.E. programs, respectively, by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

The funding gives the department the opportunity to work directly with students in schools and seniors to educate them about fire safety and prevention. Each program is tailored to the common needs of each age group and includes general fire prevention reminders and safe practices in the home. Lessons feature many safety topics including steps to take if a fire alarm goes off.

The lessons taught in the school-based program are in line with the standards of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Health Curriculum Frameworks and the state Department of Fire Services Curriculum Planning Guidebook.

Twenty-seven years after the introduction of the S.A.F.E program within schools, the rate of annual child fire deaths has decreased by 78%, according to the state’s Department of Fire Services, which administers the two programs.

To learn more about the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ S.A.F.E program, please visit here.

Town Of Brookline Begins Search For Permanent Police Chief

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Brookline.com
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The Town of Brookline is beginning its search for a permanent police chief.

Per Town Administrator Chas Carey, the Town will post the position publicly tomorrow as the first step in a search that will be carried out by a screening panel comprised of community stakeholders, with a goal of recommending a final candidate to the Select Board by spring.

“We are eager to do the work of identifying candidates and selecting the person who is ultimately best suited to lead the Brookline Police Department in a way that puts our community first,” Carey said. “In approaching this work, the Town will prioritize expediency, transparency and thoroughness.”

The screening panel includes Police Commissioners’ Advisory Committee (PCAC) and Town Meeting Members Karen Ambrose and C. Scott Ananian, Town Meeting Member and Moderators’ Advisory Committee Member Joslin Murphy, Select Board Member Mike Sandman and Brookline Community Foundation Director Aba Taylor.

Applications will be accepted through February 11, 2023, with preference given to those who apply before February 01, 2023. Candidates selected for further consideration will first be required to submit a written exercise, which the screening panel and Carey will review utilizing a standardized rubric and without the candidates’ names or identifying information included.

Then, candidates will be invited to interview with the screening panel, after which the names on the candidates’ written exercises will be revealed. Through a combination of interview feedback and scoring on the written component, select candidates may be invited for the next phase of the process — a mock Select Board meeting in which candidates will be asked to prepare and give a presentation on a provided topic.

Following this phase, the panel will recommend a candidate to Carey for his advancement to the Select Board, pending the successful completion of an extensive background investigation and reference checks.

Throughout the hiring process, Carey and the screening panel will rely upon the extensive community feedback collected in 2022 as a guide throughout the search process. Carey will attend the public PCAC meeting currently scheduled for January 30, 2023, to discuss the process further.

Jennifer Paster is currently serving as Brookline’s acting chief.

To see the job posting and position profile, ease visit here.

Town Of Brookline Invites Residents To Participate In Town Budgeting Forum

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Chas Carey and the Town of Brookline invite residents to a virtual information session this month to learn more about the town’s budgeting process.

The Brookline Budget Forum serves as an opportunity for residents to hear directly from Town Administrator Carey as he provides insight on municipal finance and the town’s annual budget process.

The event will include an early outlook on the town’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget and residents will have an opportunity to provide general input on town budget priorities.

Over the course of the next several months, the budget will be outlined in greater detail prior to its eventual presentation before Town Meeting for approval this spring.

The forum will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 05:00 p.m. on Zoom.

To register and access the event, please visit here.

After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing directions for joining the webinar.

Happy New Year

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Brookline.com
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May this year give you the opportunity to follow your dreams, love like there is no tomorrow and smile unconditionally.

As we celebrate the New Year, we wish everyone success, a healthy long life and a fresh new start.

We are lucky that we get to have a new chance and a new beginning, so be grateful and live life to the fullest.

Have a joyous New Year!

Town Of Brookline Invites The Public To Take Part In Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning

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Brookline.com
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The Town of Brookline invites residents to an upcoming meeting where the Office of Emergency Management will provide an update on the town’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The Mitigation Plan identifies and prioritizes actions the town can take to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and climate change. The plan is being updated and resident participation is a critical element of a holistic plan.

A virtual public meeting will be held on Zoom on Monday, January 09, 2023, from noon – 01:00 p.m. Advance registration for the meeting is required and can be completed by visiting here.

At the meeting, community members will have an opportunity to contribute their ideas for making the Town more resilient to natural hazards such as flooding, snowstorms, high winds, and extreme temperatures. Community members will also be able to provide feedback on which natural hazards they feel are most concerning, what areas of Town are most vulnerable, and what steps the town should take to mitigate these dangers.

This plan is being developed by the Office of Emergency Management and Brookline’s Emergency Management Team. Jamie Caplan Consulting LLC, a Northampton-based firm, is leading this effort on behalf of the Town and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval, and Town adoption, of the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan allows the Town to apply for pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant funds.

Brookline developed a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) plan in 2017 that also identified possible actions to mitigate risks to natural hazards and climate change. The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will include all of those identified actions still relevant today.

For questions regarding this project, please contact Cheryl Anne Snyder, Emergency Management Coordinator, Office of Emergency Management at 617-730-2656 or OEM@brooklinema.gov.

Upcoming Flu / CoViD-19 Clinics And Tips To Stay Healthy This Winter

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Brookline.com
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With seasonal illnesses circulating, Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss encourages residents to get vaccinated at the Brookline Department of Public Health’s free flu and CoViD-19 clinics.

Staying up to date on CoViD-19 and flu vaccines serves as the best protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the state is seeing an early increase in flu prevalence and severity. Additionally, there has been a recent spike in CoViD-19 cases.

Dates and locations for the Brookline Department of Public Health clinics are:

  • Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 09:00 a.m. to 04:09 p.m. on the second floor of the Brookline Health Department, 11 Pierce Street Only the flu vaccine will be available at this clinic. This is a walk-in clinic.
  • Monday, January 09, 2022, from 04:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m. at the Baker School, 205 Beverly Road. The registration link will be added here in the coming weeks.
  • Monday, January 30, 2022, from 04:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m. at the Baker School, 205 Beverly Road. The registration link will be added here in the coming weeks.

Residents are asked to bring all insurance and Medicare cards, and a form of ID with them to the clinics. Residents should also wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting shirt.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state flu vaccination rate this year is lower than the previous two seasons at 39% for all ages. CoViD-19 Bivalent Booster vaccination rates in Norfolk County are about 30% for those aged 6 months to 65 years and about 58% for those 65 years and older.

“Please remember, it is not too late to get your flu and CoViD-19 shot this season,” Commissioner Reiss said. “Getting vaccinated is always the best way to prevent flu and CoViD-19 and their potentially serious complications, and we encourage all community members to attend our free clinics.”

The Brookline Department of Public Health also offers the following tips to help residents stay healthy this winter:

  • Wear a high-quality mask when indoors around others. Masking is an effective way to slow the spread of respiratory viruses like flu and CoViD-19, especially for those at higher risk for severe illness or those who care for or live with individuals at higher risk.
  • Get vaccinated against CoVIiD-19 and the flu.
  • Stay home and away from others if you feel ill and are experiencing symptoms of the flu and CoViD-19.
  • Take a CoViD-19 test if you are experiencing symptoms.
  • Increase ventilation where possible. This could include opening windows indoors.
  • Wash your hands often.

For more information about the upcoming clinics, please visit here.

May Your Hanukkah Be Bright

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Brookline.com
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Hanukkah, the festival of lights, honors the struggle of ancient Jews to restore the Temple of Jerusalem and maintain their religious freedom. It reminds us that faith and perseverance can help us overcome adversity.

We would like to wish all of the members of the Jewish community a very Happy Hannukah. May you be blessed with joy, good, health, peace and all the best things in life!

Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course To Create Forward Tee Boxes With Anonymous $50,000 Donation

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Brookline.com
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The Brookline Recreation Department and the Robert T. Lynch Golf Course are excited to announce the receipt of an anonymous donation of $50,000, and the subsequent establishment of the Brookline Fund to Expand Access to the Robert T. Lynch Memorial Golf Course at the Brookline Community Foundation. This donation will be directed towards construction efforts developed by the Golf Course Landscape Master Plan.

This donation will be directed towards building additional forward tees at the golf course. The donor noted that they have thoroughly enjoyed playing at the course over the years. They also indicated that they see significant potential in the golf course under the care of golf course architect Mark Mungeam for the past year.

The Recreation Department and the Park and Recreation Commission established a Golf Course Landscape Master Plan Design Review Committee that has facilitated a public process designed to improve the golf course and open space for Brookline residents, golfers, and non-golfers who frequent the golf course.

Throughout many of the meetings, there has been thoughtful discussion regarding the inequities of current tee box yardages for golfers with slower swing speeds. The committee has a goal of making the golf course more playable for a wider spectrum of people, through the addition of more tee box options, especially forward ones.

“So many people in our community have taken an active role in advancing the golf course’s mission and enhancing it as a resource for the Town of Brookline,” Recreation Director Leigh Jackson said. “I want to thank everyone who has supported the master planning efforts, and express my sincere gratitude to the anonymous donor whose generous support will have a tangible impact on making the course more accessible and fun.”

The RTL Golf Course has taken advantage of the opportunity afforded by Brookline’s hosting efforts with the 2022 U.S. Open and the agreement with the United States Golf Association, by building eight of these such forward tees. These forward tees will be crucial to golfer development programs, inclusiveness for golfers of varying abilities, as well assisting with a flourishing junior golf program. These improvements will make the course more inviting and fun for all players with the added benefit of improving the pace of play. When completed, RTL will offer features not provided by other courses in the area.

The donor, who has wished to remain anonymous, wanted to engage the local community through this donation. The golf course is operated on an Enterprise Fund, which diverts the cost away from Brookline’s residential taxpayers.

Any improvement to the course must be funded through fees collected at the golf course. However, residents and golfers alike can also make donations to these renovation efforts by donating to the Brookline Community Foundation. The anonymous donor has committed to making another large donation, matching additional gifts up to another $50,000 over the next two years.

Donations to the Brookline Fund to Expand Access to the Robert T. Lynch Memorial Golf Course are tax deductible and will support maintaining and improving the Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course.

To donate to the Brookline Community Foundation, pleas visit here.

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About the Brookline Community Foundation

The Brookline Community Foundation is a public charity dedicated to advancing opportunity and promoting equity through the transformative power of giving.

By leveraging core strengths in building philanthropic partnerships, supporting nonprofits and community efforts through grantmaking, and driving the research that informs a shared community agenda, the organization is helping build a better Brookline for all who live, learn, work, and play in the community.

To learn more, please visit here.

Brookline Office Of Diversity, Inclusion And Community Relations Invites Community To Event Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Brookline.com
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The Brookline MLK Celebration Committee and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations (ODICR) invites the community to the “Conflicting Voices of Liberty and Slavery (1765-1795)” event in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The event will take place on Monday, January 16, 2022, starting at 03:00 p.m., at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446.

This year’s program promises a moving celebration of the life and values of Dr. King with words, poetry and music to challenge and inspire. The event will feature:

  • Keynote speaker and Pulitzer-prize-winning historian Edward J. Larson, author of American Inheritance, Liberty and Slavery in the Birth of a Nation 1765-1795, which reveals how the twin strands of liberty and slavery were joined in the nation’s founding. Was the American revolution waged to preserve slavery? Was the Constitution a pact with slavery or a landmark in the antislavery movement? Professor Larson brings to light the voices of unsung people of color, including those from Massachusetts, who spoke the truth to the powerful. What was debated and written in 1765 through 1795 became the paradox between American ideals and American realities that Dr. King and all of us struggle with to this day.
  • Poet, educator and performance artist Regie Gibson returns to the Coolidge stage to provide his unique and thought-provoking verses. His supersonic delivery will have attendees sitting on the edge of their seats.
  • Joyful Voices of Inspiration brings the uplifting messages of black gospel music to the celebration. Led by energetic Music Director Donnell Patterson, Joyful Voices is the premiere gospel choir in Metro Boston.
  • Brookline Poet Laureate Jennifer Barber reads a selected poem chosen to complement the celebration.

Tickets are free, but interested residents should register in advance at Coolidge.org/MLK.

Coolidge Corner Theatre is accessible and ASL interpretation services will be provided.

For reasonable accommodations or language access, please contact Caitlin Starr, Assistant Director of ODICR, at 617-730-2345 or cstarr@brooklinema.gov.

The MLK Celebration Committee and ODICR wish to thank the following organizations:

  • Brookline Community Foundation for providing financial support;
  • Coolidge Corner Theatre for donating the use of the main theater and for staff support;
  • Brookline Interactive Group (BIG) for video recording services;
  • Brookline BookSmith for arranging advance copies of Larson’s book to be available in the lobby;
  • Margaret Talcott of the American Inspiration Author Series at the New England Historic Genealogical Society for connecting us with Professor Larson.

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

Town Of Brookline Welcomes New Human Resources Learning And Development Coordinator

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Brookline.com
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Brookline Town Administrator Chas Carey and Director of Human Resources Ann Hess Braga are pleased to welcome Timothy DeWolf into the role of learning and development coordinator for the Human Resources department.

DeWolf began his new role on Monday, December 12, 2022.

As the learning and development coordinator, he is responsible for assisting Director Hess Braga in creating and launching employee learning and development initiatives, including the implementation of all outsourced and in-house training programs for each Town department. He also supports the daily operations of the Human Resources department.

Prior to joining Brookline, DeWolf spent almost 20 years at Clean Harbors Environmental Services where he served as corporate sales training manager, corporate sales trainer, sales analyst, training integration specialist and more. Most recently he served as an implementation specialist at MEDITECH.

Through these roles, he has become well-versed in sales training, customer service training, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, coaching, performance management and curriculum development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tim into his new role as learning and development coordinator for the town’s Human Resources department. This role is a key part of our department and has a tangible impact on the Town of Brookline and successful staff training,” Director Hess Braga said. “Tim brings an impressive background and a wealth of experience to our department, and I am confident that he will excel in this role.”

DeWolf holds a bachelor’s degree in management/marketing from Rhode Island College.

Town Of Brookline Earns Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

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Brookline.com
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Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to announce that the Town of Brookline has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year 2021 operating budget.

Presented by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement by the Town of Brookline.

“Developing a holistic budget is a complex effort that would not be possible without the dedicated work of countless town employees and elected officials,” Town Administrator Kleckner said. “I want to congratulate everyone who contributed to this effort, and especially Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Goff and Assistant Town Administrator Justin Casanova-Davis for their tireless work developing this year’s town budget despite the added challenges brought on by the CoViD-19 pandemic.”

The Town of Brookline maintains an online budget portal — Budget Central — which provides residents with deep insight into the budgeting process, as well as access to myriad documents, including the budget itself. To see the portal, please visit here.

To receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the Town of Brookline had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. The guidelines are designed to assess how well the Town’s budget serves as:

  • a policy document;
  • a financial plan;
  • an operations guide;
  • a communications device.

Budget documents had to be rated proficient in all four categories and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories.

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About the GFOA

The Government Finance Officers Association is a professional association servicing the needs of more than 19,000 appointed and elected local, state and provincial-level government officials. The GFOA provides top quality publications, training programs, services and products designed to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for government finance and policy and management.

What Professional Sports Teams Are In Massachusetts?

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Brookline.com
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Located in the Northeastern United States, Massachusetts is the most populous state in New England. There are several professional sports teams that are based in Massachusetts, and each team has a different history. 

Boston Red Sox

Founded in 1901, the Boston Red Sox have been one of the most successful sports teams in the country. The club won eight World Series titles during its nine-decade history and has been perennial playoff contenders since 2003. But the Red Sox have also suffered through the longest championship drought in baseball history. 

The first Red Sox World Series title was in 1903, and the team defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the championship. They were claimed to be cursed when Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees prior to the 1920 season, but they finally broke the “curse” in 2004 when they swept the St. Louis Cardinals in four games. The Red Sox have again crowned champions in 2007, 2013, and 2018.

They are a favorite of sports betting in Massachusetts, where the practice is legal. 

Boston Celtics

Founded in 1946, the Boston Celtics are a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association’s Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. They play their home games at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Celtics are one of the most successful sports teams in the world, winning seventeen National Basketball Association (NBA) titles. They are also the most successful franchise in the four traditional North American professional sports leagues. They have won eight straight NBA Championships, which is the longest streak in the history of the NBA. They also hold the NBA record of 10 Most Valuable Player awards.

In the early years, the Celtics were a struggling team. Their first title came in 1957. They had a number of players who became iconic figures as the sport gained more attention on a national level.

More recently, they have become a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. They have won multiple championships in the past decade, including a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. The Celtics are regularly featured as one of the best teams in the NBA and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Boston Bruins

Founded in 1924, the Boston Bruins are Massachusetts’ NHL team. They play in the Atlantic Division of the NHL. They have won six Stanley Cups. The Boston Bruins also rank as one of the Original Six NHL teams, along with the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings.

The Boston Bruins are the oldest NHL team in the United States, and have a rich history. They’re one of the Original Six NHL teams, and they’ve won six Stanley Cups. In the past, the team was overshadowed by the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots, but now the Bruins are back in the spotlight with a red-hot season start in 2022.

New England Patriots

What is there to say about the New England Patriots that hasn’t already been said? The Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won six Super Bowl titles and appearing in three other championship games. They have also achieved fifteen division titles and nineteen playoff appearances since their inception in 1960.

The team’s success is largely due to a combination of talented players, excellent coaching, and strong leadership. Bill Belichick has served as the team’s head coach since 2000, and Tom Brady was the starting quarterback for all of their championship runs.

The Patriots have a long history of success in both the regular season and postseason. Their accomplishments include appearing in ten Super Bowls, winning four out of five championships from 2001 to 2005, and making nineteen consecutive playoff appearances from 2000 to 2018.

The Patriots have become one of the most popular sports teams in the world. They’re beloved by fans around New England, and even those who do not root for them recognize their greatness. No matter what happens, they will always be remembered by football fans everywhere.

New England Revolution

The Revs are a member of the Eastern Conference. They play their home matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The stadium is located 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston. It is owned by the Kraft family, who also owns the NFL’s New England Patriots.

The Revolution’s jerseys are sponsored by UnitedHealthcare. The Revs wear all-navy home uniforms and red away uniforms with white and green accents. The UnitedHealthcare logo appears on the home and away jerseys.

The Revolution won the MLS Supporter’s Shield in 2021. The Revs are also one of the founding teams of MLS. The Revs were the last founding team to keep their original crest.

Conclusion

Boston is a city that has been blessed with some of the best sports teams in history, and the past decade has only seen their prominence rise. The Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, and Revolution have all carved out legacies of excellence and success in their respective leagues. Whether you are cheering on your favorite player or savoring a championship victory, Boston has it all when it comes to professional sports.

Brookline Police Department To Participate In “Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

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Brookline.com
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Chief Jennifer Paster is pleased to announce that the Brookline Police Department has been awarded a grant to increase the number of impaired driving patrols during the holiday season as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign.

As part of the Municipal Road Safety Program, the Baker-Polito Administration recently awarded over $5 million in road safety grant funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to local police departments for Fiscal Year 2023. Of this funding, the Brookline Police Department was awarded $19,180.00.

The Brookline Police Department will join other departments across the state and the Massachusetts State Police in the campaign. Police urge motorists who have been drinking or using marijuana or other drugs to plan ahead and designate a driver, use a ride-sharing service or take public transportation.

The campaign runs from December 01 to December 31, 2022. During that time, the Brookline Police Department will have several officers on the lookout for impaired and reckless drivers on the roads. Everyone is reminded to never get behind the wheel if they have been drinking and to never get into a vehicle if the driver is impaired.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. On average, more than 10,000 people have died each year (2014 to 2018) in drunk-driving crashes.

For more information on the Office of Grants and Research’s Municipal Road Safety and impaired driving enforcement grant program, as well as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, please visit here.

Brookline Health Department Reflects On Success Of Food Coupon Program At American Public Health Association Conference

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Brookline.com
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Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss is pleased to announce that Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services officials were able to share the success of their Food Coupon program at the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) conference this week.

Brookline Health officials attended the conference in Boston from November 07-09, 2022. While there, officials gave a presentation to other attendees about the benefits of their Food Coupon program. As part of the program, the Department gives coupons to income-eligible individuals and families to be used at the Brookline Farmer’s Market to purchase fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat and other food products. Individuals and families of two receive $50 in coupons, while households of three or more will receive $100 in coupons.

Nearly $42,000 in coupons were dispersed to 604 participating Brookline families this season – a jump from $31,000 in 2021.

During the presentation, officials shared how the program increases access to fresh food for lower-income families while simultaneously supporting local farmers and fostering a sense of community belonging.

The presentation was supplemented by a colorful and informative poster created through a partnership between the Health Department’s Community Health Division, Patricia Maher from the Brookline Friends of Public Health and Rosemarie Roque Gordon of the Advisory Council on Public Health.

“Thank you to the American Public Health Association for giving us a platform to share the success of our Food Coupon program,” Commissioner Reiss said. “We are very proud of this program and the benefits that it has had throughout our community, and hope that others will be inspired to start similar initiatives. We also thank everyone who has supported this program including the Brookline Friends of Public Health, the Advisory Council on Public Health and everyone at the Health Department.”

The American Public Health Association works to advance the health of all people and all communities. As the nation’s leading public health organization, APHA strengthens the impact of public health professionals and provides a science-based voice in policy debates too often driven by emotion, ideology or financial interests. APHA is at the forefront of efforts to advance prevention, reduce health disparities and promote wellness.

The Food Coupon program is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program was established in 2021 through a grant from the Kresge Foundation.

Image caption (from left to right):

Brookline Partners With Modern Pest Services To Reduce Presence Of Rodents Through Digital Technology

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Brookline.com
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Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss and Department of Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute Gallentine are pleased to announce that the Town of Brookline has partnered with Modern Pest Services to reduce the presence of rodents in town through digital technology.

Modern Pest utilizes Anticimex SMART technology, an intelligent, non-toxic, always-on solution in pest control for businesses, homes and communities.

Brookline, in conjunction with Modern Pest, have identified high-rodent activity areas in town to install above-ground SMART boxes. These boxes will help monitor and control rodent activity while providing real-time data on rodent populations in the community. This data will help the town better deploy resources, including solid waste enforcement, restaurant inspections and additional pest control treatments.

“We are very excited to partner with Modern Pest to minimize the presence of rodents in Brookline through these innovative and unique means,” Town Administrator Chas Carey said. “We thank Commissioners Reiss and Gallentine for working hard to make this initiative possible, and everyone at Modern Pest for their assistance in this process.”

A total of 45 SMART boxes are expected to be installed within the coming weeks. The town also plans to install five pipe systems in high-rodent activity areas.

“Anticimex SMART is regarded as the premier solution to digital pest control in the world,” Modern Pest President David Lock said. “While still relatively new to the US, this technology is proven throughout the world with over 350,000 units deployed worldwide. As a partner of Anticimex, Modern’s access to this technology has provided us with the technology to support our mission to revolutionize pest control. We believe Anticimex SMART and our SMART City concept is the future of pest control in the United States.”

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About Modern Pest Services

Modern Pest Services, an Anticimex company, has been protecting New England’s health and property since 1945. Based in Brunswick, Maine and with over 350 team members, Modern Pest provides quality pest control solutions to over 36,000 homes and businesses in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont.

About Anticimex

The Swedish firm Anticimex is the fourth largest pest control company globally. Founded in 1934, Anticimex operates in 18 countries and has over 7,000 employees worldwide.

Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course Receives Environmental Excellence Award From American Society Of Golf Course Architects

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Brookline Recreation Director Leigh Jackson and Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course General Manager Justin Lawson are pleased to announce that the golf course recently received the Environmental Excellence Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply.

The Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course was one of five golf courses recognized around the world for finding unique ways to address environmental challenges.

Course staff was recognized for increasing community use of the golf course, while lowering the use of fossil fuels, enhancing the natural environment and improving course conditions. The course has accomplished this by implementing robotic lawnmowers and those to be powered by solar, proposing improvements for drainage, walking paths, as well as future planning for a pond to reduce dependence on the town’s potable water supply.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our environmental efforts and we are happy to be making a positive impact on our course and the community of Brookline,” said Lawson. “Thank you to the ASGCA and Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply for recognizing our course and these important environmental measures.”

The Environmental Excellence Awards program was established in 2019 to recognize innovative work being done at golf facilities to address environmental needs. Golf course architects from honored courses collaborate with course owners, operators and managers to make a positive impact on the game of golf and their community.

Submissions are reviewed by a panel of golf industry and environmental leaders, including representatives of GEO Foundation, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and National Golf Course Owners Association.

“Each of these projects is a testament to the positive impact golf can have on the environment,” ASGCA President Brit Stenson said. “Congratulations to these facilities on their commitment to sustainability and the team effort to improve the environmental landscape. ASGCA thanks Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply for supporting the Environmental Excellence Awards.”

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About Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course

Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course is located at 1281 West Roxbury Parkway in Brookline. Founded in 1933, it offers the closest driving range to the city of Boston, as well as a clubhouse and pro shop, all open to the public.

Town Of Brookline Invites Community Members To Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony

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Town Administrator Chas Carey and Brookline Veterans’ Services Director William T. McGroarty wish to invite community members to the Town of Brookline’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, and join various town officials, veterans, veterans’ groups, and the general public in honoring local veterans for their service.

The event will take place on Friday, November 11, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at the World War Monument at Brookline Town Hall, 333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

Attendees will be Representatives of the American Legion Representatives of Veterans of Foreign Wars Representatives of Brookline Veterans’ Services State Rep. Tommy Vitolo Members of the Brookline Police and Fire Departments.

The annual event is organized by Brookline Veterans’ Services, and Director McGroarty will preside over the ceremony. The event will feature a speech from Gregory Taylor, a member of the American Legion Post 11, Vietnam War Veteran and Bronze Star recipient.

Town Administrator Carey will deliver remarks and Rep. Vitolo will deliver a proclamation from the House of Representatives.

Additionally, the ceremony will include a placing of a wreath of thanks and salute, a moment of silence, and a presentation of the Arthur Hurley Memorial Award and the Veterans Service Award.

The Veterans Day collation will be held immediately following the ceremony.

On the day of the event, Brookline Interactive Group will broadcast the ceremony hourly starting at 06:00 p.m and ending at 10:00 p.m on Comcast channel 23, as well as RCN channels 15 and 613 in HD.

Brookline Health Department Invites Community To Learn How To Stay Healthy This Winter

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Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss and President of the Friends of Brookline Public Health Richard Segan wish to invite residents to the virtual “Planning for a Healthy Winter in Brookline” question-and-answer session.

The event will take place on Zoom on Monday, November 14, 2022, between the hours of 06:00 p.m. and 06:45 p.m.

To register, please visit here.

During the session, hosted by the Friends of Brookline Public Health and the Brookline Department of Public Health, residents will hear from town officials and public health experts about ways to stay healthy this winter.

Speakers will share the latest CoViD-19 and flu news, vaccines, and preventive measures in Brookline, and answer questions from attendees.

Speakers include:

  • Rosemarie Roque Gordon, MD, MPH, pediatrician, and member of Brookline’s Advisory Council on Public Health;
  • Sigalle Reiss, MPH, RS, REHS, Director of Brookline Public Health and Human Services;
  • Elizabeth Bennett, MSN, CARN, Brookline Public Health Nurse President Segan will moderate the program.

“The winter is typically when we see a rise in illnesses like the flu,” Commissioner Reiss said. “With the colder months on the horizon, it is so important to know ways to try to stay healthy and avoid serious illness. We encourage all residents to attend this informational session.”

For questions or additional information, please contact Lynne Karsten at 617-730-2336 or lkarsten@brooklinema.gov.

Town Of Brookline Welcomes New Assistant Town Administrator For Finance

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Brookline Town Administrator Chas Carey and Select Board Chair Heather Hamilton are pleased to welcome Charles Young into the role of assistant town administrator for finance.

Young began his new role Tuesday, October 05, 2022.

As the assistant town administrator for finance, he will be responsible for assisting with the executive functions of the Town’s preparation of the comprehensive financial plan / budget and the annual report. He also will ensure fiscal responsibility through best management practices, methods and techniques of program evaluation, governmental fiscal management and budgeting. Prior to joining Brookline, Young served as the first purchasing agent / financial analyst for the Town of Weston and Weston Public Schools, a research fellow at Suffolk University studying police innovation and a research assistant at the Boston Municipal Research Bureau analyzing the impact of policy decisions on city finances.

“Charles brings a wealth of knowledge to this position through his background in public administration and managing and analyzing municipal budgets,” Carey said. “I am confident that he will be a strong addition to the Town of Brookline’s leadership team and we welcome him into his new role.”

Young is a Certified Massachusetts Public Purchasing Official and a former board member of the Mass Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.

“I am excited to be joining the Town of Brookline,” Young said. “It is an honor to be joining this vibrant and welcoming community, and I look forward to collaborating with the leadership team in the stewardship of the Town’s finances.”

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maine at Farmington and a master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk University.

Town Of Brookline Releases Commissions, Committees & Boards Demographic Report

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Town Administrator Chas Carey and Chief Diversity Officer Lloyd Gellineau are sharing the results of the Town of Brookline’s bi-annual demographic survey of commissions, committees and boards (CCBs).

“To ensure that the concerns and ideas of all individuals are voiced and meaningfully considered, municipalities have an obligation to uphold diversity in their civic engagement opportunities and activities,” Gellineau said.

The Brookline Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations has been tracking the town’s progress through demographic surveys and reports to gauge diversity, outreach and engagement in the town’s CCBs every two years, beginning in 2018.

The 2022 survey was distributed to CCB members in July, and was designed to gather demographic data on Town Commission, Committee, Board, and/or Town Meeting Members and other Elected Officials only. The survey was fully voluntary.

By respondents providing the requested information, the Town is better able to assess its progress toward diversity, inclusion, and community engagement within its appointed and elected bodies.

The 2022 Demographic Report of Town Commissions, Committees, Boards and Elected Officials is now available. You can find the downloadable report by visiting here.

Questions regarding the report can be directed to Caitlin Starr, MPH, CDE at cstarr@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2345.

Please contact Sarah Kaplan, ADA Coordinator, at 617-730-2329 or skaplan@brooklinema.gov with any accessibility questions or requests for reasonable accommodations.

Brookline Police Earn Re-Accreditation From The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission

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Chief Jennifer Paster is pleased to announce that the Brookline Police Department has earned a Certificate of Re-Accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC).

Brookline Police were awarded the Certificate of Re-Accreditation at a ceremony on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.

The Brookline Police Department has been an accredited agency since 2013. The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program offers two professional credentialing programs: Certification and Accreditation.

Accreditation is the higher of the two awards, consisting of 257 mandatory standards agencies must meet, as well as 125 optional standards. The Department met all of the required mandatory standards and 74% of the optional standards.

The accreditation process consists of two components: The establishment of a body of professional standards for police agencies to meet and a voluntary assessment process by which agencies can be publicly recognized for meeting those standards considered best practices for the profession.

These components are aimed at providing accountability among agency personnel and ensuring policies are applied evenhandedly; providing a statewide norm against which agencies can judge their performance; providing a basis to correct deficiencies before they become public problems; providing independent evaluation of agency operations; enhancing the reputation of an agency, increasing public confidence; and minimizing insurance costs and agency liability.

Accreditation also ensures the Brookline Police Department is prepared to meet the expectations of the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (POST) and the requirements it created as part of the state’s police reform law.

“I would like to thank MPAC for awarding our department Re-Accreditation and I am proud of all the men and women on our team for their unwavering commitment to professionalism in serving Brookline,” said Chief Paster. “This achievement is an affirmation of our department’s commitment to upholding the best policing practices.”

Image caption (from left to right): Representative from Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, Detective Keith Lacy, Lt. Andrew Amendola , Brookline Police Chief Jennifer Paster, Officer Peter Muise, and Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission Secretary and Orleans Police Chief Scott MacDonald. (Photo courtesy Brookline Police Department)

Massachusetts Superior Court Dismisses Challenge To Brookline’s Tobacco-Free Generation Bylaw

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Town Administrator Chas Carey announces that the Town of Brookline’s Tobacco-Free Generation bylaw has withstood a court challenge and will remain in effect.

The bylaw took effect in September 2021 following approval by the Office of the Attorney General. The bylaw, which was proposed via citizens’ petition and subsequently adopted by Town Meeting in late 2020, prohibits anyone born after January 01, 2000, from purchasing tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, in Brookline.

The Massachusetts Superior Court on October 17, 2022 granted the town’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to block the bylaw. The Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University’s School of Law represented the town pro bono in the case. The work was overseen by Associate Town Counsel John Buchheit. Former First Assistant Town Counsel Patty Correa contributed significantly to the effort through her initial research and the first draft of the Town’s legal brief.

“The dismissal of this challenge is a positive outcome, validating decades of tobacco control work in local government to reduce access to tobacco and nicotine products and prevent disease for future generations.” Public Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss said. “Brookline has laid the path that other communities may now follow as they seek to keep harmful tobacco products out of the hands of generations to come, and I want to thank all at the Public Health Advocacy Institute whose tireless efforts made this moment possible.”

Since its effective date, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services has taken a proactive role in educating stakeholders about the bylaw.

The plaintiffs in the case have appealed the decision.

Brookline Invites Community To Share Input For New Public Art Installations

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The Economic Development Division, in partnership with the Brookline Arts Center (BAC), invite residents to the “Brookline Art Makes Community” engagement event to help bring more public art to commercial areas of Brookline.

The eventwilltakeplaceon Thursday, November 03, 2022, between the hours of 05:00 and 07:45 p.m. in the Beacon Street Art Gallery, located at 1351 Beacon Street, Brooklin, MA 02446.

The initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

At the event, attendees will learn about this new public art initiative. They also will have the opportunity to contribute input on preferred types of public art such as murals, sculptures, and lighting installations, as well as preferred locations for these installations.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to gather and share their ideas about public art,” Town Administrator Chas Carey said. “Engagement from residents and community members will help ensure that new public art captures the values and visions of our community and all that makes Brookline so unique. We encourage all residents to attend, especially those who have a passion for art.”

For questions, please contact the Economic Development Planner Aaron Norris at anorris@brooklinema.gov.

Brookline Green Electricity Renewed For Two Years, Default Offering Will Reach 100% Renewable

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The Town’s electricity supply program, Brookline Green Electricity (BGE), will begin a new supply contract in December 2022, which will provide fixed prices for the next two (2) years.

The Town is proud to announce that under the new contract, the most popular offering in the Program, Brookline Green, will provide 90% renewable energy in 2023 and 100% in 2024. Brookline Green will also cost less than Eversource Basic Service winter rates in December, although future savings cannot be guaranteed.

“Since 2017, this Town-sponsored program has provided electricity supply to the majority of Brookline’s residents and small businesses, while also providing an effective tool to combat climate change,” said Select Board Chair Heather Hamilton. “We are thrilled that the Program will continue providing value, particularly in this time of energy volatility.”

Brookline Green Electricity has had a substantial impact supporting the growth of renewable energy in New England, and that impact will increase even further in this new contract. By the end of this upcoming contract, BGE Program expects to purchase over 60,000 MWh of voluntary MA Class I renewable energy each year, equivalent to the annual production of 13 land-based wind turbines. MA Class I is the State’s term for new renewable energy, and all of Brookline’s voluntary MA Class I comes from within New England.

Additionally, since the Program launch, Brookline Green Electricity has yielded more than $6.3 million in cumulative savings to participants (future savings cannot be guaranteed).

No action is necessary for most BGE participants to receive the new contract pricing. The “Brookline Green 65” option will no longer be offered, so those customers must affirmatively choose a new Program option. All other BGE participants will be transitioned automatically to the new price for the Program option in which they are now enrolled (see new pricing at the table below).

You can confirm whether you are enrolled in BGE by looking at the Supply Services Section of a recent Eversource electric bill. If it says “Direct Energy Town of Brookline”, then that account is enrolled. If it says something else such as Basic Service Fixed or names a different supplier then that account is not enrolled. Starting with the electricity bill participants receive for December 2022, the Supplier name will change to the reflect Program’s new supplier “Brookline Green Electricity c/o NES.”

BGE Participants may change to another option in the Program at any time or opt out of the Program without penalty. To select a different BGE option or to opt out of the Program, use the online form at BrooklineGreen.com or call the new supplier, NextEra, at 877-960-5514.

For questions about Brookline Green Electricity, please contact the Town’s support line at 800-931-6221.

Town Of Brookline Partners With Helpsy To Offer Free Clothing Recycling Service

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The Brookline Department of Public Works is pleased to announce that Brookline has partnered with Helpsy to offer a free and convenient way for residents to responsibly recycle their unwanted clothing and textiles.

Starting this month, Brookline residents can request for their unwanted clothing and textile items to be picked up by Helpsy at their homes. Pickups will take place weekly on Saturdays between 07:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. Residents can schedule a home pickup by visiting here or calling 1-800-244–6350. All items should be placed in a closed bag and left outside by the curb on their assigned collection day. Helpsy will accept donations in any type of bag, so long as the items are dry and clean.

Additionally, residents can drop off clothing, shoes, and textiles 24/7 at two Helpsey drop-off boxes at 815 Newton Street across from Skyline Park. Community members are asked to ensure all donations are bagged and placed inside the bins.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, textile waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the United States, occupying nearly 5% of all landfill space. In an effort to reduce waste statewide, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recently enacted new waste ban regulations that prohibit textiles, including clean clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, curtains, fabrics, and more, from being disposed of. Effective Tuesday, November 01, 2022, these items must be recycled or donated for reuse.

“Helpsy and Brookline share a commitment to keep clothing out of our landfills, and give clothing the longest life possible through various recycling methods. We are thrilled to begin this partnership with Helpsy so that we may combine our efforts to keep unwanted textiles from incineration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Brookline Zero Waste Program Manager Katie Weatherseed.

As the largest clothing collector in the Northeast, Helpsy partners with municipalities and organizations across 11 states to collect unwanted clothing and other textiles in order to keep clothes out of landfills. Brookline is the 24th town to partner with Helpsy, joining 13 other municipalities in Massachusetts offering this service.

In 2021 alone, Helpsy diverted nearly 30 million pounds of textiles from landfills through a combination of clothing drives, home pickups, thrift store partnerships, and clothing receptacles. The collected textiles are either resold to thrift stores, turned into rags for industrial use, or repurposed as stuffing and insulation.

“Helpsy’s mission is to keep clothes out of the trash,” Helpsy Co-Founder & CEO Dan Green said. “We are dedicated to changing the way people think about clothing recycling while adhering to the highest level of social and environmental performance.”

Helpsy is a B Corp Certification, meaning that the business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving, to supply chain practices and input materials.

Helpsy’s service replaces Brookline’s former textile collection service offered by Simple Recycling.

For more information about this program, please visit here or here.

Brookline Town Clerk Shares Important Information For Voters Ahead Of Upcoming Election

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The Office of the Town Clerk announces that Brookline residents will have the opportunity to take part in early voting ahead of the upcoming election, and wishes to share important information about voter registration, mail-in voting and more.

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming election is Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 05:00 p.m. Eligible residents can register to vote online here. Residents may also register to vote by visiting the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall.

Early voting will be available for all residents at Town Hall, 333 Washington Street, Room 103 on the following dates:

  • Friday, October 28, 2022, from 08 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 30, 2022, from 10:09 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.
  • Monday, October 31, 2022, from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 01, 2022, from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 02, 2022, from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 03, 2022, from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
  • Friday, November 04, 2022, from 08:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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

The state election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 08, 2022. To vote on Election Day, registered voters should visit their designated polling place. To determine your polling place or view a sample ballot, click here.

Additionally, any registered voter who would like to vote by mail/absentee in the election may do so online by clicking here, or by scanning and emailing a completed and signed application — available here — to townclerk@brooklinema.gov. Registered voters may also obtain a request form directly from the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in/absentee ballot is 05:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 01, 2022, and mail-in/absentee ballots must be received by the Town Clerk’s Office by 08:00 p.m. on election day in order to be counted.

Town Of Brookline Shares Information On MassDEP’s New Waste Ban Regulations

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The Brookline Department of Public Works wishes to share information on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) new waste ban regulations, which take effect next month.

MassDEP’s 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan established an objective to reduce disposal statewide by 30 percent over the next decade. In an effort to reach this goal, MassDEP has established new rules requiring that mattresses and textiles be kept out of the trash so they can be recycled or donated for reuse, effective Tuesday, November 01, 2022.

According to MassDEP, approximately 300,000 mattresses and box springs are disposed of each year in the state. About 85% of this mattress material can be recycled. Approximately 23,000 tons of textiles are disposed of each year. About 95% of this material can be reused or repurposed.

Additionally, the state has also updated existing legislation requiring that businesses and institutions that dispose of a half-ton or more of organic material per week divert their organic waste from the trash. The previously established threshold was one ton.

Community members are reminded that mattresses and textiles cannot be recycled through household recycling bins. They must be scheduled for pickup or given to organizations that specialize in reselling them second-hand or repurposing them for other uses.

Ways to Recycle Mattresses and Box Springs

Clean mattresses and box springs must be recycled or donated for reuse.

  • Residents on town trash collection service who wish to recycle a mattress should call the DPW at 617-730-2156 to request a mattress pickup.
  • Residents or businesses on private service can search for recycling service providers for mattresses here or here.
  • Residents may search MassDEP’s Beyond the Bin recycling directory for organizations near them that accept mattresses for donation and reuse.
  • More information can be found here.

Ways to Recycle Textiles

All clean clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, curtains, fabric, or similar products must be recycled or donated for reuse.

  • The Town of Brookline recently entered into a partnership with Helpsy for textile recycling. Residents can schedule a free home pickup service for their textiles by visiting here or calling 1-800-244-6350.
  • Two Helpsy textile drop-off boxes, accessible 24 hours a day, are located at 815 Newton Street in Brookline.
  • A list of local charitable organizations that accept textile donations is also available here.
  • More information can be found here.

Recycling Organics / Food Waste

The term “organics” includes all food and vegetative materials (e.g., cut flowers). Liquids, yard waste, biodegradable products (e.g., compostable plates and cups) and compostable paper (e.g., napkins and paper towels) are not included in the ban.

MassDEP offers several resources through RecyclingWorks, a recycling assistance program, to help businesses and institutions better understand how likely it is that their operation will be subject to the commercial organics ban. A Food Waste Estimation Guide developed by RecyclingWorks is available here.

Businesses and institutions can comply with this ban by donating servable food to shelters and food pantries, reducing food waste generation through more efficient food service operations, and/or working with a hauler to send food waste to a composting facility, anaerobic digester or for animal feed.

While the town does not recommend any specific compost haulers for commercial organics, the following companies are currently permitted to operate in Brookline:

RecyclingWorks also offers free technical assistance and guidance to businesses and institutions. To request this service, contact RecyclingWorks at info@recyclingworksma.com or 888-254-5525. Additional information can be found here.

Additional information on the upcoming waste bans can be found here.

Business Owners From Historically Marginalized Groups Encouraged To Utilize “Work With Brookline” Portal

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As the Town of Brookline reaches the one-year anniversary of its partnership with Qwally, Town Administrator Chas Carey and Chief Procurement Officer David Geanakakis encourage business owners from historically marginalized groups to utilize the Work With Brookline portal.

The portal, which was created by Qwally, aims to provide support to small businesses, specifically those owned by women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups. It also aims to support the establishment of businesses and provide owners with guidance to grow their businesses.

This easy-to-use portal assists owners in the process of establishing their businesses, looking into Supplier Diversity Resource certifications, finding procurement opportunities in Brookline and more. Portals also feature information on legal structure guidance, as well as state, local and federal resources that offer entrepreneurial support.

Interested business owners are encouraged to sign up by visiting here. Users can access the site’s free Quick Start Guide feature to receive a customized checklist that includes information on how to grow their business and work with the town. By answering a few simple questions, the site connects users to tailored information and resources. For additional information on how to use the portal, please visit here.

“This portal is a key part of Brookline’s outreach efforts to individuals of historically marginalized groups. The overall goals of the site are to increase diversity and equity opportunities, make procurement of goods and services more accessible, and provide easy access to information that is usually difficult to find,” Geanakakis said. “We encourage business owners from these groups who have not registered yet to sign up to access this valuable resource.”

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About Qwally

Qwally is a user-friendly, cloud-based software platform that provides self-serve tools to help small businesses connect with municipal programs and navigate complex processes, with the goal of building more equitable, inclusive and resilient communities.

To learn more, please visit here.

Brookline Select Board Unanimously Terminates Ashley Gonzalez From Police Chief Position

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The Select Board has today unanimously voted to terminate the employment of Ashley Gonzalez from the position of Chief of Police following a disciplinary hearing.

Gonzalez was determined to have violated the town’s Policy Against Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Retaliation, and Brookline Police Department rules and regulations against conduct unbecoming a police officer on multiple occasions and with several employees following an independent review by the firm Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting (CIC).

CIC’s principals include former Secretary of Public Safety and Security and Worcester County First Assistant District Attorney Daniel Bennett and former Massachusetts State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin.

Gonzalez exercised his right to have the disciplinary hearing held in a closed session. The Select Board reconvened in open session after the hearing to take its vote. The videk recording of the meeting follows.

In its report to the Select Board, CIC recommended Gonzalez’s termination after finding multiple admitted, corroborated and sustained allegations of sexual harassment against female employees of the Brookline Police Department in violation of town policies.

To read a redacted version of CIC’s investigative report, please visit here.

Gonzalez was sworn in as chief on June 01, 2022, and placed on paid administrative leave on August 05, 2022, shortly after town officials received separate reports of multiple alleged instances in which the policy was violated.

“We have a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation, and I want to thank the team from Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting for a thorough review of these incidents,” Select Board Chair Heather Hamilton said.

Jennifer Paster is currently serving as acting chief.

Town Of Brookline Invites Community To Workshop About Proposed Redevelopment Of 10 Brookline Place

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Town Administrator Chas Carey and the 10 Brookline Place Committee (10BPC) invite residents to a community workshop about the proposed redevelopment of 10 Brookline Place this month.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, between the hours of 06:00 p.m. – 08:00 p.m., Room 103 of Town Hall, 333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

The owner of 10 Brookline Place has proposed that the space be rezoned to accommodate a larger building for laboratory Life Science and other related uses. The current building is used as an administrative office building.

Workshop participants will have an opportunity to share their input on the proposed redevelopment, including massing schemes and other public benefits and amenities. An interactive physical model of the proposed structure will be available. Community feedback from the event will inform 10BPC’s possible recommendations to the Select Board about a rezoning and new use proposal for this site at Town Meeting in spring 2023.

The Select Board appointed 10BPC to review, analyze and propose modifications to the redevelopment proposal presented by the owner.

To learn more about 10BPC, please visit here.

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