Brookline Cuts Ribbon on New Public Health Plaza, Plants Pollinator Garden
Brookline Public Health & Human Services is marking a milestone this morning as it opens the doors — and breaks ground on a garden — at its new Public Health Plaza, inviting the full community to join the celebration.
TOWN HALL
The town's Public Health & Human Services department is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony and a pollinator garden planting at the new Public Health Plaza on June 16, according to a News Flash posted Monday to the town's website. Residents are welcome to attend and participate in the garden installation. The new plaza represents a physical expansion of the department's public-facing presence.
Separately, the town's homepage continues to highlight Brookline's recent designation as a Climate Leader Community by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, recognizing the town's ongoing climate action commitments.
SCHOOLS
Two end-of-year dates for families to lock in: Brookline Public Schools will be closed Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, and the last day of school is Monday, June 22.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Brookline Public Library is kicking off a full Pride-themed week with two programs today. This evening, the library hosts a Pride Zine Making workshop — an introduction to self-published print works designed to build toward the upcoming Brookline Queer Zine Fest. Also tonight, performer Matt Heaton brings an interactive 30-minute family singalong, open to all ages but particularly welcoming to children five and under.
Looking ahead, the library's first-ever Brookline Queer Zine Fest arrives Saturday, June 20, at the Brookline Village branch, where local artists will sell zines and original art; the Brookline Booksmith will also provide a selection of free zines.
Note for library regulars: all three branches — Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Putterham — will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"🌱 Patch AM: Could your Brookline project qualify for up to $25,000 in aid?" — A Brookline Patch morning digest flagged a potential grant opportunity that could provide up to $25,000 for qualifying local projects, per Brookline Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
"🌱 Patch AM: Why this Broadway alum is directing Boston's latest intimate love story" — The Brookline Patch morning newsletter spotlighted a Broadway-connected director helming a new Boston-area theater production, per Brookline Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
COMING UP
- **Wednesday, June 17:** Pride Button Making at the Coolidge Corner Library — drop in for buttons featuring Pride flags and pronouns, no registration needed. At Putterham, a grades 5-8 Olivia Rodrigo listening party for the new album runs the same day. The Baby Sign Language Series also begins Wednesday (four sessions total: June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15). The virtual 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group and English Club 2 also meet that morning. - **Thursday, June 18:** Fairy Houses in the Garden runs 4-5 p.m. outside the Children's Room — a drop-in build for kids ages 4-9 using natural materials. Watercolor Basics with Brooke Lambert also meets Thursday. - **Friday, June 19:** All Brookline Public Library branches and Brookline Public Schools closed for Juneteenth. - **Saturday, June 20:** Brookline Queer Zine Fest at the Brookline Village Library. Free International Day of Yoga session at a local park. - **Monday, June 22:** Last Day of School for Brookline Public Schools. Energy Advocate Office Hours open to all residents at no cost, no registration required, for questions about home energy efficiency and utility bills. - **Tuesday, June 30:** Brookline Summer Eats Kickoff Party and Household Hazardous Waste drop-off at the Transfer Station, 815 Newton St.