The Mayor's Champions Update | |
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Fellow Brocktonians,
Welcome to our Champions Update. I hope 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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There is a new feature in the Brockton Mayor's Office. The "Wall of Flags" was installed to reflect the diverse ethnic groups that encompass the City of Brockton. The Mayor's Office has purchased approximately 30 different flags, and will rotate them every three months to showcase all of the diverse people in our community. | |
Mayor Robert Sullivan and his team met with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and her team to discuss the City of Brockton and our portfolio of residential and business developments. The Mayor was joined by Chief of Staff Sydné Marrow, CFO Troy Clarkson, City Planner Rob May, and Brockton Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Robert Jenkins. In addition, MassDevelopment CEO Dan Rivera attended this important meeting. Thank you for your time, Lieutenant Governor Polito. | |
It was my honor and privilege to celebrate 41 nonprofit and faith-based organizations receiving funding from the $2,000,000 ARPA grant program established by the City. The turnout for our award ceremony at City Hall was tremendous. At the ceremony, Chief Financial Officer Troy Clarkson and I shared our gratitude for the fantastic work done by each of these organizations daily. Thank you to all of the organizations and elected officials who were able to join us and to all of the organizations - "Keep up the great work!" | |
Mayor Sullivan Youth Champions Day | |
The first Mayor Sullivan Youth Champions day was a huge success. It was a fabulous day in the City as the Brockton Police Department, the Mayor's Office, and many local partners came together to provide hundreds of Brockton youth with fun activities and opportunities to learn about all of the summer programs offered throughout the City. Thank you to all of the fantastic folks that came together to make this wonderful day a reality. Thank you to the Brockton Fire Department and Brockton Board of Health for their involvement in the day. Finally, thank you to Plymouth County DA Tim Cruz and City Councilor Shirley Asack for joining in the celebration. | |
Successful Keep Brockton Beautiful Day | |
One of my favorite days of the year took place on May 7th. "Keep Brockton Beautiful Day" is a day when our residents to put their civic pride on display as they work to beautify our City. The Mayor's Office team and I met at the Heights Crossing Assisted Living Residence with all the volunteers. We left Heights Crossing and traveled to the Fire Museum/Historical Society and cleaned the exterior of the buildings plus the surrounding areas. Keep Brockton Beautiful Day is always a gratifying experience. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers and elected officials who participated in beautifying Brockton this year. | |
Brockton Recognizes Autism Awareness Month | |
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April is Autism Awareness Month. In recognition of the month, the City came together to show support for individuals living with autism in several ways:
- City Hall was illuminated by the color blue, the official color of World Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd).
- Brockton Cable Access played Autism awareness PSAs and commercials for the month.
- The City posted ten myths about autism, ten facts about autism, and ten known celebrities living with autism on social media throughout the month.
- The Mayor's Office purchased Autism Awareness pins (pictured to the right) for any City employee interested in showing support for the month. Pictures of City employees wearing the pins were posted on the City of Brockton's social media channels with #AutismAwarenessMonth as a heartfelt show of support.
We as a City are so grateful when we can come together to support stellar members of our community.
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New Telehealth program for new COVID-19 treatment, “Paxlovid”
- Massachusetts has launched a new free telehealth program to help residents easily access COVID-19 treatment.
- The COVID-19 telehealth program is a quick, easy and free way for individuals to see if Paxlovid is an appropriate treatment for them. Paxlovid is a COVID-19 treatment pill taken orally that can reduce the risk for severe symptoms and hospitalization by nearly 90 percent.
- This program is available to all COVID-19 positive Massachusetts residents 18 years or older experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- The telehealth visit consists of a short health intake survey and a video consultation with a health care clinician if eligible. During the telehealth visit, the clinician will review symptoms and risk factors and determine if Paxlovid treatment is appropriate.
- If an individual is eligible for the treatment, the clinician will send a prescription to a local pharmacy or, if necessary, arrange for free overnight delivery to the resident’s home.
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This program can be accessed at mass.gov/COVIDtelehealth and is available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese.
Second Booster Available to people aged 55+
The City of Brockton is now administering a second dose of the Booster vaccine for people aged 55 and older. The City has boosters from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
To remain up-to-date with the latest clinic locations around the City, please reference the vaccine calendar located on the City website.
New Vaccine Milestone
We have officially reached over 70% of our residents being fully vaccinated! Currently, 70.1% of the residents in the City of Champions have received a primary series dose(s), and only 33.1% have received the booster. If we are to return to life before the pandemic, it is paramount that these numbers increase. I urge you to please encourage those who have not yet received the vaccine to consider doing so to save lives. Thank you.
Current COVID statistics in Brockton
COVID case numbers are beginning to increase again in our City. According to the color-coding system implemented by the State, Brockton is currently in the yellow category.
There are 340 active cases of COVID-19. 4.7% of all of the hospital beds in the City hold COVID patients.
These numbers are extremely concerning. However, we must continue doing our part to stop the spread of the virus. Throughout the pandemic, medical experts have informed us that the best way to protect ourselves against the virus is to receive a primary series dose(s) of the COVID vaccine and subsequent booster vaccines.
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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 April and the first two weeks of May.
New City of Champions app advertisement
April 5th - The City of Brockton, along with partners from Brockton Redevelopment Authority, Old Colony Planning Council(OCPC), and Brockton Area Transit Authority(BAT), unveiled the new advertisement for the “Brockton MA City of Champions” app. This advertisement will be displayed on the sides of 8 BAT buses to spread the word about this fantastic business directory app. If you haven't already, claim your business today on the app at claim.mycivicapps.com.
BHS hosts Legendary Music Festival
April 9th - I had the pleasure of giving an official welcome at the Southeastern Massachusetts Senior District Music Festival. Brockton High School hosted this year's festival for the first time since 2009. This prestigious festival consists of 400 talented students, musicians, and singers from over 90 school systems in Massachusetts. Thank you to Matt Cunningham and Michael Smith for their dedication to our Brockton students.
Congratulations, Nicalas
April 11th - Congratulations to Nicalas Fernandes! I proudly attended the signing of Mr. Fernandes' paperwork for the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship at the Cape Verdean Association. The International Olympic Committee(IOC) awarded Mr. Fenandes with one of ten scholarships to qualify for the 2024 Olympics, which are taking place in Paris. This accomplished Taekwondo competitor is the highest World Ranked Cape Verdean Male Athlete. Nicalas is currently a sophomore at Merrimack College. The City of Brockton is extremely proud of him.
Thank you, Mr. Macrina
April 14th - I had the honor of presenting Mr. Vincent Macrina with a key to the City and a mayoral citation for his 50 years of service as the Musical Director of the Brockton High School Jazz Band. The City of Brockton is so thankful for the work Mr. Macrina has done to enrich the lives of our young people who have a passion for the arts, specifically music. Thank you, Mr. Macrina.
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Jeanos 35th anniversary
April 15th - Jeano's Restaurant, located at 769 Main St, has been a fixture in the Brockton community for over 35 years. It was my privilege to give an official mayoral citation to the Jean Family and Jeano's Restaurant recognizing their steadfast commitment to serving delicious cuisine to the Brockton community.
Angolan Flag Raising
April 16th - The Angolan community came to City Hall in droves for this year's Angolan Flag Raising. I was pleased to welcome the Consulate General of the Republic of Angola, Ms. Augusta Mangueria, who made the journey from New York to be present at the flag-raising ceremony. In addition, to Madame Consul General, we were joined by NBA player Mr. Bruno Fernando (of the Houston Rockets), Angolan Association of New England President Mr. Delano N. Kiam, and many distinguished members of the Angolan Association and community. I was honored to issue an official proclamation declaring April 16th as “Angolan Flag Day” in the City. It was a great afternoon that ended with delicious food offerings provided by Luanda Restaurant and Lounge, and a fantastic showcase of Angolan artwork and dancing showcase. Thank you to all who collaborated and coordinated this important event.
Brockton FC Home Opener
April 16th - I was fortunate to take part in the pre-match ceremony of the Brockton FC home opener at Marciano Stadium. I was gifted with a Brockton FC jersey, met the players, coaches, and referees, flipped the coin, and executed the opening kick. I enjoyed presenting the team with an official mayoral citation and wished them well on what I hope is a fantastic season for their soccer club. Thank you and good luck this season, Brockton FC United.
Little League Opening Day
April 23rd - It was a busy morning as I attended multiple opening day ceremonies in the City. I visited the boys and girls who play in the Boxers Little League, Downey Little League, and Brockton Blazers softball. Best of luck to every single little league and softball player, and remember to have fun this season.
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Latino Softball League Opener
April 24th - I was proud to attend, support, and throw out the first pitch to kick off the Latin Men's Softball League season played at the Perrault Park behind the Shaw Elementary School. These gentlemen have operated this league in Brockton for years and play against teams from Holyoke, Fall River, and Worcester, to name a few. Best of luck this season.
Thank you, Mr. Tosches
April 29th - I was humbled to join State Senator Mike Brady, City Council President Jack Lally, and Ward 3 City Councilor Mark D’Agostino in honoring Mr. Gus Tosches on his final day as the owner of the Italian Kitchen of Brockton. The owners of Cape Cod Cafe have recently purchased the Italian Kitchen and will be taking over the restaurant's business operations. Mayor Sullivan presented Mr. Tosches with an official Mayoral recognition in appreciation for 60 tremendous years of serving delicious Italian cuisine to our "City of Champions." Thank you to the Tosches family, and best of luck in the future.
150th Anniversary of Arbor Day
April 29th - The City of Brockton celebrated the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. The Department of Conservation and Recreation planted three beautiful cherry blossom trees, beautifying our beloved Fire Fighters Memorial on City Hall Plaza. Thank you to City Clerk Tim Cruise, City Councilors Rita Mendes and Maria Tavares, School Committee Member Tim Sullivan, Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, Local 144 President Bill Hill, Superintendent of Parks Tim Carpenter, Chief Ken Galligan, and all of the dedicated City employees that attended this year's Arbor Day festivities.
Prescription Drug Take-Back
April 30th - A National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event took place at the Council on Aging. This occasion, which takes place twice a year, allows residents to bring unused or expired prescription medications to be appropriately disposed of to ensure the community's safety. Thank you to the DEA, the Brockton Police Department, and the Mayor's Opioid Overdose Prevention Coalition for coordinating this endeavor. For those who missed the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event, you can bring your unused or expired medications to the Brockton Police Department at 7 Commercial St.
YMCA Spinnathon
April 30th - Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Old Colony YMCA 12th Annual Spinathon. The Spinathon had riders spinning in the YMCA parking lot to raise awareness about the important work the organization is doing in the community. I had the pleasure of giving opening remarks the morning of the event.
South Middle School
May 3rd - Recently, I received an invitation from South Middle School teacher Jim Stapleton to answer civics questions from his students. During my visit, I happily presented Jose Duarte, South Middle School principal, and the students with a piece of the Liberty Tree which will be displayed in the school's trophy case. Following the question and answer segment, I was given a tour of the "Hallway of Fame" by Mr. Stapleton. The concept of the Hallway of Fame was implemented by the school last year and is the only one in the City. Thank you for having me, Dragons!
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South Shore Bank
May 4th - I was grateful to be one of the guest speakers at the South Shore Bank board meeting held at Massasoit Community College. During my presentation, I spoke of the greatness of the “City of Champions,” its remarkable residents and business owners, and all current and future development projects. Thank you to South Shore Bank CEO Jim Dunphy for the invitation and to Massasoit President Ray DiPasquale for hosting this informative meeting. The City looks forward to working with both of you on many projects in the future to enhance our Community.
Sound The Alarm
May 7th - The American Red Cross of Massachusetts’ “Sound the Alarm” rally took place at West Middle School. I am so grateful to the volunteers who came out to help install free smoke detectors in residential homes throughout the City as part of the Sound the Alarm campaign. A special appreciation to the Brockton Public Schools Superintendent Mike Thomas, Brockton Fire Department, Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, Captain Rob Hendrigan, Lieutenant Dan Santry, American Red Cross of Massachusetts Executive Director Barbara Cotton, board members, and staff for making this rally a success.
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On Wednesday, May 18th, at 11:00 am, Mayor Sullivan hosts a Haitian Flag-Raising event at Brockton City Hall recognizing Haitian Flag Day. All residents are invited to attend. | |
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Mayor Robert Sullivan's Wellness Trust Team, in conjunction with the Brockton Public Schools, is hosting "Spring Into Wellness" on Sunday, May 22, 2022, from 1 PM to 4 PM, at the Arnone Elementary School (located at 135 Belmont St.). This resource fair will have various non-profit organizations and programs to educate Brockton residents about health and wellness. Registered nurses from Mayor Sullivan's Wellness Trust Team are offering a free Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic open to the public. There will be activities for children, including arts & crafts, games, face painting, music, and more. For more information, call 508-580-7123.
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Please join Mayor Robert Sullivan at the Brockton Public Library on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm to celebrate their new “Portable Planetarium” (located at 304 Main St.). Masks are required to enter the planetarium. For more information, please call the Brockton Public Library at 508-580-7890. | |
Additional Community events | |
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The 5th Annual ‘Be In The Know: Youth Substance Use Prevention Conference’ is at Bridgewater State University on Tuesday, May 31st, from 8:30 am - 1 pm. There will be youth presentations, interactive breakout sessions, giveaway prizes, etc. Robert Hackensen, Jr. will serve as the Keynote Speaker with music from DJ NewNewMusik. Registration for this event begins at 8 am.
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Brockton Area Construction Career Day is on Friday, June 3rd, from 9 am - 1 pm at Massasoit Community College (1 Massasoit Blvd, Brockton). This event gives area high school students an exciting, immersive opportunity to learn about career pathways in various construction-related industries. Incorporating hands-on activities and live demonstrations, professionals from multiple sectors are available to answer questions and give students an opportunity to experience what it would be like to work in their respective fields. To learn how to you might participate or for sponsorship and volunteering opportunities, call John Nesti at MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board at 508-584-9800 or email jnesti@masshiregbwb.org.
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On Saturday, June 11th, My Brother’s Keeper is hosting its 12th annual Family Walk at Stonehill College. The event begins at 9 am. Register online at http://www.mybrotherskeeper.org/FamilyWalk.
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