Fellow Brocktonians,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Another eventful month has passed in the "City of Champions." April began with the City hosting the President of Cape Verde, the Honorable José Maria Neves. President Neves held an assembly at Brockton High School (BHS) to foster the friendship between Cape Verde and the students at BHS. Brockton welcomed the new BHS football coach, former New England Patriot and Super Bowl Champion, Jermaine Wiggins. Later in the month, I traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with our Federal Congressional Delegation. I had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator Edward Markey, and Congressman Stephen Lynch to discuss the potential to receive Congressionally Directed Spending Grants. We finished off the month by planting a new tree on the City Hall grounds in honor of Arbor Day. This is an annual tradition at City Hall, and I was happy to commemorate it with our residents.

I hope that you are enjoying the Spring. Before we know it, Brockton's students will be out of school and we will all be immersed in summer activities. I wish you all a happy and safe month of May, and please enjoy this edition of Mayor Robert Sullivan's Champions Update.

Should you wish to invite others to sign up and receive this newsletter, they may do so HERE.

Warmest Regards,

Mayor Robert F. Sullivan, Esq.

Please note: In observance of Memorial Day on May 29, 2023, City Hall will be closed to the public, and reopening on May 30, 2023. There will be a one-day trash delay due to the holiday. Thank you to those who bravely and courageously served this Country. We will never forget the sacrifices they made on behalf of our civil liberties.

The Cape Verdean President, the Honorable José Maria Neves, visited Brockton on April 3, 2023 and held an assembly at Brockton High School to a packed student audience. Prior to the assembly, Brockton High's culinary students prepared a sumptuous lunch for the President and his delegation. The students cheered and waved Cape Verdean flags and responded to the President’s speech in Cape Verdean Creole. President Neves told the students to study hard to prepare themselves for a complex world. Brockton has the highest number of Cape Verdean residents in the United States. Mayor Sullivan has a close relationship with President Neves and looks forward to continuing to support the Cape Verdean community in Brockton and in Cape Verde.

You can watch the entire event here, thanks to our friends at Brockton Community Access.

North Montello Street Stop & Shop Will Remain Open

On April 10th, Stop & Shop officially announced that the North Montello Street location will be staying open. This outcome is the result of the Mayor facilitating discussion between Stop & Shop and the property's landlord to come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. North side residents have used this store not only for groceries but as a pharmacy, bank, and gas station. A closure would have been a hardship on many of the people there. Stop & Shop also announced that it will be rolling out programs to help alleviate food insecurity in Brockton. We are very excited to partner with them for years to come.

Please note: The Council on Aging Senior Center is now at its new, temporary location at the Shaw's Center, One Feinberg Way, Brockton. Center activities will take place at the Shaw's Center while the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center undergoes renovations.

Mayor Sullivan Goes to Washington

The Mayor had the honor of traveling to Washington, D.C. on April 18th and 19th with Brockton CFO Mr. Troy Clarkson for their annual meeting with members of Brockton's Federal Delegation, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, and Congressman Stephen Lynch. These meetings are a wonderful opportunity to discuss congressionally-directed spending requests that will greatly benefit the City of Brockton. Last year, through these in-person meetings, the Mayor secured funding for the renovation of the Cosgrove Pool and for the bio-solids project. The Mayor and Mr. Clarkson were also able to meet with Brockton native and Brockton High School alum Mr. Kenneth Feinberg, who is best known for being the Special Master for the September 11th Victim’s Compensation Fund; and the Cape Verdean Ambassador, José Luis Livramento. It was a fast-paced visit and one that Mayor Sullivan gladly anticipates attending annually. Our Federal Delegation members are phenomenal allies for our great City.

Please note: Brockton Public Schools is nearing the end of the school year. Click here for end of year updates.

New Brockton High School Football Coach

On April 14th, Brockton Public Schools announced the new football coach, former New England Patriot and Super Bowl champion, Jermaine Wiggins. Coach Wiggins takes the helm from Coach Peter Colombo, who retired in the fall of 2022 with a 132-72 record and five Super Bowl appearances. The event took place at Marciano Stadium and the BHS band, cheerleaders, and football team were all there for the announcement and to welcome the new coach. We know the Brockton High Football Program will thrive under Coach Wiggins’s leadership.

Upcoming Events in Brockton

Flag Raisings at City Hall

May 18th at 10:30 am: Haitian Independence Day

May 22nd: Cameroon National Day

Kids’ Road Races at D.W. Field Park

A 2.2 mile course for kids aged 7–14 years

Saturdays through June 17, 2023

9:30 am Registration

10:00 am Race Starts

D.W. Field Park

Click here for more information

Brockton High School Drama Club Presents Mamma Mia!

Friday, May 12th at 7:30 pm 

Saturday, May 13th at 7:30 pm 

Sunday, May 14th at 6:00 pm 

Nelson Auditorium, Carol Thomas/Vincent Macrina Stage

Brockton High School, 470 Forest Avenue

Brockton Garden Club Plant Sale

Saturday, May 20, 2023 

8:30–11:00 am

Brockton Parks and Recreation Office, 45 Meadow Lane

Get there early for the best selection. Click here for more information.

Upcoming Brockton Public Library Events

Career Development Roundtable

Lingos Auditorium at the Main Branch, 304 Main Street

Saturday, May 13th 2:00–4:00 pm

Everyone Has a Voice Poetry Series

Driscoll Art Gallery at the Main Branch, 304 Main Street

Saturday, May 20th at 2:00 pm

Mental Health Awareness with Maylisa Balthazar

Driscoll Art Gallery at the Main Branch, 304 Main Street

Saturday, May 20th 10:00–11:00 am

Evening of Conversation with Our Poet Laureates

Driscoll Art Gallery at the Main Branch, 304 Main Street

Monday, May 22nd, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm

Click here for more information.

Chess Nights

Main Branch (304 Main Street): Wednesday, May 24th 7:00–8:30 pm

East Branch (54 Kingman Street): Tuesday, May 23rd 3:00–5:00 pm

West Branch (540 Forest Avenue): Thursday, May 26th 3:00–5:00 pm

Alkaline Diet: The Key to Longevity and Fighting Chronic Disease

Lingos Auditorium at the Main Branch, 304 Main Street

Saturday, May 27th 1:00-2:00 pm

Computer Basics

Computer Lab at the Main Branch, 304 Main Street

Mondays at 10:00 am

Drop-in Tech Help

Top Floor/Reference Department at the Main Branch, 304 Main Street

Thursdays 3:00–4:00 pm

Click here for more information on what is happening at the Library.

Curbside Yard Waste Collection Began the Week of April 3rd

Here is the schedule for the City’s yard waste pick-up:

April 3rd–June 30th  Weekly

July 3rd–October 27th Biweekly (your yard waste collection is the same

day as your recycling collection)

October 30th–December 15th Weekly

Please call Recycle Depot at 508-580-7827 with any questions or click here.

Job Opportunities

Summer Jobs for Young People

The MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board (MassHireGBWB) is now accepting applications for summer jobs for people between the ages of 16 and 24. Click here for more information.



Looking for a Volunteer Opportunity?

There are many ways in Brockton to make a positive impact on our community. Check out the City’s volunteer opportunities page

Free Professional Training for justice-involved individuals or family members of a justice-involved individual. Train for your Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or to become an Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist or Help Desk Analyst. Click here for more information or contact Jim Frazier jfrazier@pcsdma.org or 774-634-4621

Community Health Survey

Your taking this 10-minute survey will enable the Brockton Board of Health to:

• Assess the health of the city residents post COVID-19 pandemic
• Understand and prioritize the health challenges 
• Allocate resources and support greater access to services
• Develop evidence-based public health education and outreach
• Promote and sustain public health equity

Click here for the Community Health Survey.

Brockton Cultural Council 

Share your input on projects being considered by the Brockton Cultural Council. Please take this short survey.

Where is Mayor Sullivan?

April 3rd: Mayor Sullivan and staff members loaded blankets to be delivered to the Turkish Consul General. Brocktonians donated almost 2,000 blankets for the survivors of the February earthquake in Türkiye (Turkey).

April 4th: Mayor Sullivan raised the Senegalese flag in honor of Senegalese Independence Day.

April 6th: The Mayor attended the plaque dedication for the "Make a Difference" mural painted by artist Jessica Picanzo in the parking lot of Brockton Community Access.

April 7th: Mayor Sullivan attended a demonstration of the Brockton Police Department's new state-of-the-art drone technology. These highly technical drones will provide birds-eye searching capabilities, including infra-red technology, for finding missing persons, persons in distress, and/or criminal suspects.

April 10th: Stop & Shop formally announced that the North Montello Street supermarket will remain. In addition, Stop & Shop also announced its commitment to working with the Brockton Public Schools and Massasoit Community College to help alleviate food insecurity.

April 12th: Mayor Sullivan visited the Boys and Girls Club at 233 Warren Avenue. The Club welcomed New England Patriots Quarterback Mac Jones. Mac told the Mayor that Brockton is one of his favorite places to visit.

April 15th: Mayor Sullivan attended the Boxers Little League opening day at the Gilmore School with Chief of Staff Sydné Marrow.

April 19th: Mayor Sullivan met with Brockton-native and BHS graduate, Attorney Kenneth Feinberg in Washington, D.C. Mr. Feinberg has been instrumental in assisting our nation during tragic times (9/11; Boston Marathon Bombing; BP oil spill). 

April 25th: Mayor Sullivan stopped by South Middle School to speak with the school's class officers and to Mr. Stapleton's class.

April 26th: The Mayor hosted civic and community leaders at City Hall for lunch and conversation.

April 28th: Mayor Sullivan hosted the Angolan Association, the Angolan Consul General Augusta Mangueira Bessa, other dignitaries, and area residents for the Angolan flag raising ceremony. 

April 29th: The Mayor attended Brockton Visions, an art exhibition produced by the Homeless Improvement Project (HIP) at Brockton Public Library. The exhibit helped bring awareness to some of Brockton’s unhoused population from their own perspective in the hope of breaking the stigma of homelessness. 

April 29th: Mayor Sullivan attended the 27th Greek Independence Day Parade Dinner Gala. 

April 4th: The dedication of the Robert Jones Building, 596 Summer Street, which houses the Brockton Champion High School. The building was named in honor of the first African American superintendent in Brockton Public Schools, Mr. Robert Jones.

April 5th: The Mayor welcomed Haitian Consul General Ms. Elvire Beauchard accompanied by her special adviser, Mr. Estenieau Jean to City Hall.

April 6th: The Mayor attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Porter and Chester Institute’s new Brockton location at 609 Belmont Street. Porter and Chester Institute provides career training in several trades. 

April 8th: The Mayor attended the ribbon-cutting event at Charming Closet by Jecy, a new clothing boutique at 222 Main Street. 

April 12th: Mayor Sullivan attended the Economic Development Luncheon hosted by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce at the Thorny Lea Golf Club. The program featured economic development leaders in the commercial and residential sectors.

April 14th: The Mayor spoke at the official announcement of Brockton High School's new football coach, former New England Patriot Jermaine Wiggins, at Marciano Stadium. 

April 15th: The Mayor was honored to receive the Haitian Community Partners Foundation's "Humanitarian of the Year" award for providing humanitarian assistance to Haiti and for his commitment to Haitian migrants in Brockton. 

April 22nd: The Mayor attended the opening day parade and ceremony of the Brockton Baseball Association. 

April 28th: The Mayor attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new location of the Healthier You Wellness Partners at 340 Pleasant Street.

April 28th: The Mayor planted a Profusion Crabapple Tree at City Hall in honor of Arbor Day.

April 29th: The Educators' Showcase at Brockton Public Library (304 Main Street) event celebrated teachers and mentors from our local schools and youth organizations.

April 29th: The Mayor attended a special celebration to honor Pastor Egobudike Ezedi,Jr. and his leadership of the Empowerment Christian Church.

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