Brookline Public Health Department Opens New Plaza with June 16 Ribbon Cutting
The town's Public Health & Human Services department announced a new Public Health Plaza this morning, inviting residents to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and pollinator garden planting next Tuesday — arriving the same day the Brookline Public Library launches its summer reading season.
TOWN HALL
Brookline Public Health & Human Services is celebrating the opening of a new Public Health Plaza with a community ribbon-cutting and pollinator garden planting scheduled for Tuesday, June 16. The event is open to all residents; details are posted at brooklinema.gov.
Separately visible on the town homepage this cycle: Brookline has earned a Climate Leader Community designation from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, recognizing the town's work on climate action.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Brookline Public Library kicked off its "Plant a Seed, Read" summer reading program today, June 12, with a drop-in crafting event featuring local artist Alex Makes Art at the main library. All ages are welcome to sign up for summer reading, spin the prize wheel, and make decoupage plant pots to take home.
Tomorrow, Saturday, June 13, the celebration moves outside: the library is hosting a Party in the Park at Emerson Garden from 1 to 3 p.m., with lawn games, music, bubbles, giveaways, and on-site summer reading registration.
Later this month, the Brookline Village Library hosts the first-ever Brookline Queer Zine Fest on Saturday, June 20, where attendees can purchase zines and art from local artists; the Brookline Booksmith will also supply a collection of free zines. All three library branches — Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Putterham — will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth.
SCHOOLS
Two back-to-back dates anchor the end of the academic year for Brookline Public Schools families: schools close Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth, and the last day of school is Monday, June 22.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Brookline Town Meeting Approves New Zoning District For Chestnut Hill Redevelopment" — Town Meeting voted to create a new zoning district tied to a proposed redevelopment of the Chestnut Hill Office Park, and authorized the Select Board to enter into related agreements, per Brookline Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
"Brookline Student's Invention Aims To Help Restore Forests" — A Brookline student designed biodegradable seed pods intended to protect seeds during their most vulnerable early growth stages while breaking down naturally in the surrounding environment, Brookline Patch reports. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
"Brookline Firefighter Announces Retirement After 40 Years" — A veteran Brookline firefighter with four decades of service is set to leave the department next month, according to Brookline Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
"Brookline Restaurant Raises Money For Local Food Pantry" — A popular Brookline restaurant's recent fundraiser brought in thousands of dollars for a local food pantry, Brookline Patch reports. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
COMING UP
- **Saturday, June 13**: "Community" — Coolidge Corner Community Chorus Concert (per Brookline Patch events calendar) - **Tuesday, June 16**: Household Hazardous Waste drop-off, Brookline Transfer Station, 815 Newton Street — accepted items include lightbulbs, batteries, oil-based paint, electronics, and more; check the DPW webpage for weather updates - **Sunday, June 21**: International Day of Yoga — free yoga session at the park (town calendar)