Fellow Brocktonians,
Happy Black History Month! Welcome to our Champions Update. My genuine hope is that you will look for this newsletter every month to stay informed about all of the great things happening in the City of Champions. Should you wish to invite others to sign up and receive this newsletter, they may do so HERE.
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On Monday, January 3rd, I was officially sworn in to serve my second term as Mayor of the City of Champions.
Due to an uptick in COVID cases, I could not present an Inaugural Address in person. As a result, thanks to our partnership with Brockton Community Access (BCA), I was able to deliver the speech virtually.
My speech summarizes my first term as Mayor and gives residents a picture of what to expect in 2022 and beyond.
To view the speech on Youtube, please click here.
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Omicron surge slowing down
I am relieved to inform you that our COVID case numbers have significantly dropped within the last week. This news is clear evidence that the Omicron surge is slowly dissipating. Our 'Average Daily Cases' has dropped significantly to 53.4 positive cases per 100,000 and our percentage of COVID patients in hospital beds in the City is now at a remarkable 3.8%.
While this is good news, we must not let our guard down. Our vaccination rate has remained stagnant, showing minimal improvement from last month. Currently, 67.5% of all residents have received a primary series dose(s) of the COVID vaccine. We must continue to elevate these numbers if we hope to return to life as normal. Please encourage those who have not yet received the vaccine to consider doing so to save lives. Thank you.
New In-Home Vaccination Program
The 'Mayor Sullivan Wellness Trust Team' is now executing a new in-home vaccination program available to Brockton residents who have difficulty getting to a vaccination clinic. If interested, our nurses are available to come to your home and offer first, second, or booster doses of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. In addition to this service at home, COVID tests will also be provided free. If you have already received your first or second vaccine, that is a significant step. However, please consider fully vaccinating as this has proven to be the most helpful in preventing hospitalization and severe disease. To schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, please call (508) 580-0289.
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Brockton hires first-ever Diversity & Inclusion Manager |
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After a very lengthy search for a promising candidate, I am happy to announce that Ms. Yulanda R. Kiner is the first-ever Diversity & Inclusion Manager for the City of Brockton. In this new role, Ms. Kiner will review workplace policies and procedures, execute trainings and events, etc., to advance my vision of a fair, equitable, and inclusive Brockton.
Please read the press release to read more about Ms. Kiner's journey.
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City-wide Black History Month Essay Competition for Students |
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In celebration of Black History Month, the Mayor's Office is hosting a city-wide essay competition for students ages 16-19. The winning essay will receive two tickets to attend a performance by Brockton's own Van Buren Records at Boston Calling on Saturday, May 28th. Van Buren Records generously donated tickets. Please email your response to the prompt, "What does the Liberty Tree mean to you?" to mayor@cobma.us by February 21st at 4:30 pm.
The winner will be announced some time in March.
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City launches Broadband Survey |
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The City of Brockton has implemented a survey to evaluate the speed and affordability of broadband internet connections for city residents and businesses. We will utilize the survey to complete a market assessment and feasibility study to improve broadband connectivity in Brockton. The City is encouraging residents to complete the survey.
For more information on the initiative and fill out the survey, please visit ConnectBrockton.com.
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Remembering
Fire Lt. Michael Mahoney
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The Brockton community is devastated by the sudden passing of Brockton Fire Lieutenant Michael Mahoney. Lt. Mahoney was a good man, who is beloved by his firefighter family and the community-at-large. Our hearts go out to the Mahoney family as they go cope with this very difficult news. May his soul rest in peace. |
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Remembering Louie Tarantino |
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The City of Brockton offers its most sincere condolences to the loved ones of Louis A. Tarantino, who passed away on Wednesday, February 16th. Mr. Tarantino, a graduate of Brockton High School, was a veteran of the United States Army (106th Infantry) and taken prisoner in Germany at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. After his time in the military, he served as a Pollster and Veteran's Graves Registration Officer for the City and volunteered many hours at the Brockton VA Medical Center. Mr. Tarantino was a true American hero...a member of our Greatest Generation. May he rest in peace. |
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One of my favorite roles as Mayor is the opportunity to attend events where I directly connect with the people of Brockton. Here are some of the many significant events I attended in January.
Backpacks & Blankets
January 12th - I was overjoyed to be joined by 24HR Power Founder Susie Lordi and Universal Missionary Church Pastor Roberto Silveira for the conclusion of the "Hope for the Holiday: Backpacks & Blankets Event." Pastor Silveira retrieved a plethora of backpacks (filled with everyday essentials) and blankets for individuals experiencing homelessness in our City. Thank you to the young volunteers who made a difference by helping stuff these backpacks and paint these blankets for our residents in need.
BFD Training Graduation
January 14th - 13 firefighters graduated from the Brockton Fire Department Training Program. I was pleased to have been invited to attend by Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli and was honored to offer some encouraging words to the graduates. These graduates took part in a rigorous 13-week training and passed with flying colors. I am grateful to the elected officials who attended the graduation: State Representative Gerald Cassidy, Councilor-at-Large David Texeira, Councilor-at-Large Rita Mendes, Council President Jack Lally, Ward 2 Councilor Maria Tavares, and Ward 7 Councilor Shirley Asack. Best of luck to these courageous firefighters.
MLK Breakfast
January 15th - It is always a privilege to attend the annual NAACP Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at Lombardo's. This year was the 36th installment of this beautiful event. This year's keynote speaker was Brockton Public School's Office of Equity Diversity & Inclusion Executive Director, Renee Heywood. Thank you to Brockton Area Branch NAACP President Ms. Phyllis Ellis for coordinating this inspiring event.
I am looking forward to continued collaboration with the NAACP on issues of the utmost importance to the African American community of the City of Brockton.
Welcome, Pho 99 Restaurant
January 26th - There is a new pho restaurant in Brockton. It was exciting to visit the Pho 99 Restaurant, located at 708 Belmont St., to welcome them to the City of Champions. I presented an official mayoral citation to the staff for their commitment to the community and the City of Brockton. It is always a joy to meet business owners in the City. I enjoy hearing their impressions of Brockton, and learning how I may be of service to their business needs. Thank you, Pho 99 Restaurant, for inviting us to your new location.
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Best of luck in Retirement, Mr. Choquette
January 27th - I was honored to present Mr. Keith Choquette with a mayoral citation in recognition of his 23 years of service to the City. Mr. Choquette served as the Assistant Library Director at the Brockton Public Library. Thank you for everything you have done to enrich the lives of those who sought knowledge at the library, Mr. Choquette.
Good Day Metro South
January 28th - I attended the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, "Good Day Metro South" event at Stonehill College. The guest speaker was Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, President & CEO, Kenneth Turner. It was a pleasure to be joined by many local agencies and their representatives. Thank you to Metro South Chamber of Commerce President Christopher Cooney for coordinating this inspiring event.
Happy 100th Birthday Ms. Bagdonas
January 31st - It was an honor and privilege to present an official mayoral citation to Ms. Helena Bagdonas on her 100th birthday. Ms. Bagdonas immigrated from Sweden with her parents at such a young age that she did not know she was not a citizen until after graduating from high school.
Upon getting her citizenship, she volunteered in the Navy during World War II. Ms. Bagdonas began as a nurse in the Navy, then transferred to the secretarial unit, and finally worked for an Admiral.
A particular highlight for her was meeting President Truman while going to the Capitol Building one day. During the Kennedy Administration, she worked at the VA hospital, from which she later retired. Thank you, Ms. Bagdonas, for your service to our Nation.
Lithuanian Flag Raising
February 16th - A Lithuanian Flag Raising Ceremony was held at Brockton City Hall for Lithuanian Independence Day. I proudly issued an official proclamation declaring February 16th as “Lithuanian Independence Day” in the City of Brockton. Thank you to the Knights of Lithuania Council I who assisted the City in coordinating this wonderful event. Thank you to all of the residents and elected officials who attended this important City event.
Dominican Flag Raising
February 28th - We celebrated 178 years of Dominican Independence at Brockton City Hall. It was my honor to proclaim February 27th Dominican Independence Day in the City of Champions. A special thank you to Buena Vista Restaurant for the wonderful food. My gratitude to all who coordinated and attended this outstanding City event.
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The Mayor Sullivan 'Winter Clothes Drive' to support the community continues. We are accepting new and gently-used clothing. The drop-off location is at the Mayor's Office, at 45 School St. Every donation makes a difference. For more information, contact the Mayor's Office at 508-580-7123.
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Mayor Robert Sullivan's Wellness Trust Team registered nurses will visit Brockton homes to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. The Vaccine at Home program is available to Brockton residents ages 5+ who cannot attend a vaccination clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call 508-580-0289.
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Additional Community events |
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The Lenten Luncheons are back, and the first one will take place Friday, March 4th, 2022, with doors opening at 11:30 am. The Luncheons series will kick off with a musical performance of Broadway favorites with Pastor Jeffrey Johnson, a former professional musician and teacher. For more information on this program, contact Anne at 774-297-4939 or ambeauregard@outlook.com.
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The Friends of Irish Research and the David Allen Lambert Library will host a free concert and tours on Saturday, March 5th, at the North Baptist Church, 899 North Main Street. The concert is from 1 pm - 3 pm in the auditorium. For more information and to register, please email at friendsofirishresearch@gmail.com.
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