Select Board Approves World Cup Bar-Hour Extension as Hall's Pond Reopens
Hall's Pond Sanctuary and Amory Woods swung open to the public Thursday, the Select Board approved World Cup bar-hour extensions beginning Monday, and the state handed Brookline a Climate Leader Community designation — all on a day when residents also learned to plan around a Juneteenth closure wave Friday.
TOWN HALL
Brookline's Department of Public Works welcomed residents back to Hall's Pond Sanctuary and Amory Woods starting Thursday, June 18, after a period of closure. Both green spaces are now accessible to the public.
The Select Board approved a one-hour extension of closing time for eligible restaurants and bars on designated World Cup match days, with the new hours taking effect June 22. Establishments must be approved to participate; the town says the change gives fans extra time to celebrate matches together.
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources has designated Brookline a Climate Leader Community, recognizing the town's commitment to climate action and clean-energy goals.
One more logistics note: Friday's trash and recycling pickup, June 19, will be pushed to Saturday. No other collection days this week are affected.
SCHOOLS
Brookline Public Schools will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. For families counting down, the last day of school is Monday, June 22.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
All three Brookline Public Library branches — Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Putterham — are closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. Check brooklinelibrary.org for weekend hours before heading out.
Two drop-in programs ran at the library Thursday. Children ages 4 through 9 could build fairy houses from natural materials in the garden outside the children's room from 4 to 5 p.m. Separately, instructor Brooke Lambert led a beginner watercolor class covering color mixing, observational painting, and composition.
This Saturday, June 20, the Brookline Village Library hosts the first-ever Brookline Queer Zine Fest, where attendees can buy zines and art from local artists; the Brookline Booksmith is also providing a selection of free zines. A companion zine-making workshop is also on the Saturday schedule.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Brookline Bar Facing Eviction Amid Landlord Dispute: Report" — A Coolidge Corner bar is contesting its removal after receiving a notice last December that terminated its tenancy-at-will arrangement with its landlord, with the dispute now drawing wider public attention, per Brookline Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline/brookline-bar-facing-eviction-amid-landlord-dispute-report).
COMING UP
- **Friday, June 19:** Juneteenth — all Brookline Public Library branches and schools closed; Friday trash and recycling pickup shifts to Saturday. - **Saturday, June 20:** Brookline Queer Zine Fest and zine-making workshop at Brookline Village Library; Harry Downes Field green-dog hours suspended for permitted sports. - **Sunday, June 21:** International Day of Yoga — free session at the park. - **Monday, June 22:** Last day of school for Brookline Public Schools; World Cup extended bar and restaurant hours take effect for approved establishments; Energy Advocate Caroline Staudt holds office hours at Putterham Library, no registration required. - **Tuesday, June 30:** Brookline Summer Eats Kickoff Party; Household Hazardous Waste drop-off at the Brookline Transfer Station, 815 Newton Street.