The Mayor's Champions Update
My fellow Brocktonians,
 
Welcome to my Champions Update! My genuine hope is that you will look out for this newsletter every month to stay informed about all of the great things happening in the City of Champions. If you would like to invite other folks to sign-up and receive this newsletter, you can do so HERE.
 COVID-19 Update
Our ‘Daily Incidence Rate’ has climbed rapidly over the last 4 weeks! Our current rate is 21.7 daily cases per 100,000. If the Commonwealth was still using color designations for COVID, we would be in the red right now. I implore everyone to please lead by example and practice proper social distancing measures and wear a mask where applicable, to keep citizens safe and reduce our daily case rate. 

On the vaccine front, 69.9% of all eligible  Brocktonians (age 12+) have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with over 47% already fully vaccinated! This news is extremely encouraging, however we must continue to improve these numbers! I encourage you to please promote our upcoming vaccine clinics (listed in the events section below) with anyone you know who may have not received the vaccine.
City Hall Mask Policy Changes:

As of Monday, August 2nd, masks and/or face coverings are once again required by both employees and visitors at all City buildings. As Mayor, I have a duty to protect our residents, visitors, and City employees. I have reinstated the mask mandate at all City buildings in an effort to minimize and mitigate the spread of the virus and the new Delta variant. Thank you for understanding!

Successful Vax Clinic at BHS!

On Monday, August 2nd and Tuesday, August 3rd , the Board of Health in conjunction with Brockton Public Schools, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, BEMA, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, and Brewster, held a 1st dose vaccine clinic for all students and their families at Brockton High School. Students and families from Brockton and neighboring towns came to Brockton High to receive vaccines. We can now report the amazing news that 250 first dose vaccines were administered over the course of the two days! Second doses will be administered on August 23rd and August 24th! Thank you to all who made the personal choice to receive the vaccine!

Vaccine Calendar
 
I'm pleased to inform that the City has a vaccine calendar! To see a full list of all future vaccination clinics check out our vaccine calendar.
As the summer continues, gatherings between family and friends will be on the rise putting those residents who aren’t vaccinated at risk. Please continue to abide by all medical/health protocols and continue to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene. In addition, please consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine as it is still the best overall way to protect yourself from the deadly effects of the virus.
"Open For Business" visits have begun!
During the month of July, I officially began visiting local businesses in Brockton. The purpose of these visits is to listen and learn from small business owners about difficulties they've had and how the City can help. The first 3 visits I made were to 3 longstanding Latino-owned businesses: Buena Vista Restaurant, Brockton Meat Market, and D'Chovi Barbershop. I was accompanied on these visits by Adelsa Mendes, who is the Business Assistance Manager at the Brockton Redevelopment Authority. If you are a business in Brockton I encourage you to develop a relationship with Adelsa as she has many resources to help your business thrive. Her email is amendes@brocktonredevelopmentauthority.com.In addition, if you would like me to come to visit your business I invite you to reach out to my Public Relations Associate Daveson Perez so we can schedule a time to come visit. His email is dperez@cobma.us
Farmer's Market is Back!
The Brockton Farmer's Market is back for another season! Every Friday from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Brockton residents can come to City Hall Plaza and choose from an array of fruits and vegetables provided by local farmers for purchase. The Brockton Public Library has also been in attendance as they are currently holding a book drive. The Brockton Farmer's Market will continue for the remainder of the Summer and into the Fall, ending on October 29, 2021. Cash, credit, certificates, SNAP, and EBT are all accepted. I absolutely encourage everyone to stop by and support our local farmers. Every time I stop by I am elated to buy what are probably the biggest blueberries I have ever seen! For more information please email, info@brocktonfarmersmarket.com.
Brockton Junior Cadet Program
I am happy to report that I have teamed up with Chief Emmanuel Gomes and the Brockton Police Department to provide a very unique and fulfilling opportunity for the youth of the City of Champions.

With the Junior Cadet Program, BPD and I are trying to showcase a promising and rewarding career in law enforcement to the young people in Brockton.

Through this program teenagers ages, 14-16 will have the chance to get first-hand knowledge on law enforcement and the inner workings of an agency such as BPD.

Each of these Junior Cadets will learn about criminal law, first aid/CPR, bike safety, leadership and team building, physical fitness, nutrition, basic personal finance, water safety, and learn about our K-9 units.

This is an intensive 1-week learning experience. There will be two separate sessions, the first is August 9-13, and the second is August 16-20. This is a non-paid position but affords highly motivated young people an opportunity to consider policing as a potential career choice.

The eligibility requirements for the Junior Cadets are as follows:

  • • 14-16 years old
  • • Brockton Resident

To sign up for the Junior Cadet Program visit http://www.brocktonpolice.com/commu.../junior-cadet-program/
Summer Concert Series!
The Mayor Summer Concert Series is back in full swing!! 

Our first and second performers were Billy Couto & The After Hours and Los Sugar Kings (pictured on the right). It was a pleasure to be there each time and I can honestly say these concerts are a great way to spend a summer night

Join us every Wednesday, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at City Hall Plaza until September 8th. FREE parking and water bottles.
 
All concerts are weather permitting. Please follow the City of Brockton on Facebook page for updates. Take a look at the concert schedule below:
 
  • Wednesday, August 18th – (TBA) - The Amp at City Hall Plaza
  • Wednesday, September 1st - Elliot Johnson & J Street Blues - The Amp at City Hall Plaza
  • Wednesday, September 8th- Soul Intensity - The Amp at City Hall Plaza
Congratulations, Chief Nardelli!
On July 29th, I had the distinct honor of being present for the official swearing-in of Fire Chief Brian Nardelli at City Hall! I had the pleasure of speaking on behalf of the City, offering a heartfelt congratulations to one of Brockton's best firefighters and an even better human.

Brian has been a mainstay at the Brockton Fire Department for 25 years and I know he will continue making us all proud. I cannot think of a better person to lead the men and women of the Brockton Fire Department. Congratulations and best of luck to you Chief Nardelli! I look forward to working alongside you!
Where's Mayor Sullivan?
One of my favorite parts of being Mayor is the opportunity to go out to events where I can directly connect with the people of Brockton. Here are some of the many great events I was able to attend in July and part of August.

Consulate General of Chile in Brockton!

It gave me great pleasure to attend a mass and a wonderful celebration at St. Patrick's Church to honor the statue of Nuestra Senora Del Carmen and to welcome Mr. Philip Garber, the Consulate General of Chile. Mr. Garber was truly a gentle man. I presented him with an official citation and after the event we had great discourse about the "City of Champions," agreeing to meet again in Boston later this summer.
 
Honoring Elder Fernandes
 
On July 13th, myself and many other elected officials were present to honor a Sgt. Elder Fernandes, who is very clearly a 'Hometown Hero' in the City of Brockton. A man who served honorably in the United States Army, we are still in shock and wanting answers as to the details of his passing. At the memorial proceedings I was able to once again connect with the family members of Sgt. Fernandes, including his loving mother. It was an honor to say a few words of remembrance on behalf of the City he so loved and wanted to make proud.

Peruvian Flag Raising
 
As I have said on many occasions, what characterizes the City of Brockton is it's beautiful and bountiful diversity. On July 28th, it was the Peruvian Bicentennial Independence Day, which was cause for celebration! At City Hall Plaza, we held a Peruvian Flag Raising event, which included Peruvian Folk Dancing performance and locally donated Peruvian food and beverages from Rincon del Sabor and Brockton Roasted Chicken. It was my privilege to commemorate the day by officially proclaiming the day Peruvian Independence Day in the City. Thank you all those who were able to attend!!

Pastor Michael
 
A very well-respected and loveable man is unfortunately departing from the City of Champions. Father Michael A. Kourmetis recently accepted an offer to become the new Dean of Students at Hellenic College in Brookline, MA. Father Michael was the pastor at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for 3 years. I'm grateful to Father Michael for his support during the COVID-19 pandemic and wish him well as he begins this next chapter. Best of luck!
Cape Verdean Heritage Day

August 1st marked Cape Verdean Heritage Day. To celebrate, City Councilor At-Large Moises Rodrigues organized a Cape Verdean Day event at Brockton High School. I proudly was able to issue an official proclamation declaring the day "Cape Verdean Heritage Day" in the City. A fantastic display of Cape Verdean culture and talent was on display and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

CARES ACT reimbursement check delivered!

Chairman Gregory M. Hanley of the Board of Commissioners for Plymouth County and Plymouth County Treasurer Thomas J. O’Brien personally delivered a CARES ACT reimbursement check to the City. The reimbursement check is in the amount of $774,878.44! The City greatly appreciates the dedication and efforts of the County Treasurer and the three County Commissioners for their continued support.
Honoring a Legend!

2 years ago, the City of Brockton lost a legendary civil servant when it lost Louis Tartaglia. On August 2nd, I walked over to the Board of Health offices, where Louis served as Executive Health Officer, and presented the Tartaglia family with two mayoral citations: one in remembrance of Louis, and the second in honor of his twin brother Hank Tartaglia, who is a dedicated public servant in his own right. I am so grateful to the Tartaglia Family for being such dedicated public servants!

Tour of Father Bill's & Mainspring property:
 
On July 30th, Quincy State Senator John Keenan came to Brockton to take a tour of 'Jack's Place,' a Father Bill's & Mainspring property on North Main St. It was a very informative tour of a space that will be a great asset for individuals experiencing homeless in the City.
 
Brockton Hall of Fame
 
As many of you know, the City of Champions has been an organic incubator of athletic prowess for quite some time. From Boxing to Football to Baseball there have been many decorated athletes to come out of the City. However, there are many more sports which should be given their shine. On August 1st, I had the chance to present citations to outstanding swim/dive and track & field athletes and coaches at the Brockton Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Three of Brockton's coaching legends in Harry Allen, Brendan O'Neill, and Mark O'Reilly were among those inducted alongside their former record-breaking athletes. It was my honor and priviledge to recognize these individuals and cement their place as champions in the City of Champions.

Ruth Silva Street Renaming

Ruth E. Silva is a woman who is known my many in the Brockton community as one of the most selfless residents in the entire City. Ms. Silva has housed over 400 foster kids during her time living in Brockton. It was a tremendous opportunity to be in attendance at the renaming of North Manchester St. (the street she lives on) to Ruth E. Silva Way. My gratitude goes to Councilor Jeffrey Thompson for leading the charge on getting the street name changed and to the other Councilors who supported this effort. God Bless you, Ruth!

Upcoming Events!!
  • Friday, August 13th, the Board of Health will hold a 1st dose vaccine clinic at the Market Basket at Westgate Mall from 3 pm - 7 pm.
  • Saturday, August 14, the Board of Health will hold a 1st dose vaccine clinic at the Shaw's Market on 715 Crescent St. from 12 noon - 4 pm. The Shaw's Center will also be open for walk-in from 9 am - 1 pm.
  • Monday, August 16th, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South will be holding a 3v3 Basketball Tournament from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. This free tournament is open to teens ages 13-19. To register email mwashington@bgcmetrosouth.org. More info on flyer above.
  • Monday, August 23rd, and Tuesday, August 24th the Board of Health will be hosting a second dose vaccine clinic at Brockton High School. This is a team effort between the Board of Health, Mayor Sullivan's Wellness Trust Team, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, BEMA, and Brewster, to get students vaccinated before the first day of school on September 2nd.