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MAYOR SULLIVAN'S CHAMPIONS UPDATE January/February 2025
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From the Desk of Mayor Sullivan | |
In this issue
- New Brockton Rox Ownership Group
- Council on Aging's Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center Reopening
- Lincoln School Senior Apartments Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- Governor Healey Announces Funds for Regional Transit Authorities
- In Memoriam
- Father Bill's & MainSpring Smith Family Housing Resource Center
- The City of Brockton Celebrated Black History Month
- Recent Flag-raising Ceremonies
- Recycle Like a Champion
- Serve the Community by Joining a Board or Commission
- Where Is Mayor Sullivan?
- Black History Month Answer Key
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Hello Fellow Brocktonians,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. We have had a lot of exciting activity here in Brockton already this year. The Council on Aging's newly renovated and expanded Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center is open and operational. We welcomed Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll to Brockton for their administration's announcements of funds allocated to public transit. We commemorated Black History Month in February, and are currently celebrating Women's History Month. We cut the ribbon on Father Bill's & MainSpring Smith Family Housing Resource Center. Lastly, we recognized the new ownership group of the Brockton Rox, including Red Sox Hall of Famer Jim Rice, and announced that the Rox will be joining the professional Frontier League.
All of these exciting developments are signals that our City is moving forward.
We also mourned along with the rest of the nation the passing of the 39th president of the United States Jimmy Carter. More locally, we mourned the losses of two of Brockton's firefighters, Jeffrey Albanese and Steve Monteiro, and 65-year Brockton DPW employee, Howard Newton. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of all of these wonderful citizens.
I hope you enjoy this edition of Mayor Sullivan's Champions Update. It is my honor and privilege to serve as your Mayor. If I can be of service, please call my office at 508-580-7123.
Very truly yours,
Robert Sullivan, Esq.
Mayor
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New Brockton Rox Ownership Group | |
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January 29th was an exciting day in Brockton! Mayor Sullivan had the honor of welcoming the new ownership group of the Brockton Rox, Mr. Bill Janetschek, Mr. Robert Janetschek, Mr. Shawn Reilly and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Red Sox legend Jim Rice to City Hall. The group was here to announce that the Brockton Rox will be joining the Frontier League as Brockton's professional baseball team.
The new ownership group revealed the team's new logo, which pays tribute to the original Brockton Rox, and highlights the renaissance of our City. Get ready for family-friendly events, great baseball, and an unforgettable 2025 season and beyond.
Opening Day is Friday, May 15th.
Get your tickets at www.brocktonrox.com
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Council on Aging's Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center Is Open! | |
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On Monday, March 3rd, Mayor Sullivan joined Council on Aging (COA) Director Janice Fitzgerald, members of the Council on Aging Board of Directors, elected officials, COA members, and members of the community to cut the ribbon at the newly renovated and expanded Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center.
This beautifully redesigned building includes an expanded event space, a larger kitchen, updated restrooms, smaller meeting rooms, and a beautiful new exterior.
We are grateful to the entire COA staff for their work during this almost two-year transition. The new, state of the art Center will serve our community for years to come.
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Lincoln School Senior Apartments Ribbon Cutting | |
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On February 26th, Mayor Sullivan joined NeighborWorks Housing Solutions CEO Rob Corley and Director Cindy Pendergast for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Lincoln School Senior Apartments, 70 Highland Street. This adaptive re-use project turned the Lincoln School building into 37 beautiful studio and one-bedroom apartments for Brockton seniors.
The City of Brockton extends our heartfelt gratitude to NeighborWorks Housing Solutions for their dedication to our senior residents, the preservation of our historic buildings, and the betterment of our community as a whole. We truly appreciate all the contributions they make to the development of our City and our Community.
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Governor Healey Announces Funds for Regional Transit Authorities | | |
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On February 13th, Mayor Sullivan joined Brockton Area Transit (BAT) Executive Director Mike Lambert at the BAT Center where Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, unveiled the Healey-Driscoll Administration's plan to invest $8 billion over the next decade to improve transportation throughout the Commonwealth, including $110 million designated for Regional Transit Authorities like BAT.
Access to reliable, safe, and low-cost transportation is critical for Brockton. These investments will enhance the service BAT already provides for our residents, visitors, workers, and business owners.
In addition, in honor of Black History month, the Mayor proudly presented pieces of Brockton’s Liberty Tree to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
We truly thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their dedicated commitment to public transit and for continuing to support our "City of Champions.”
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In Memoriam
The City mourns the loss of three of our best and brightest.
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As the City's longest-serving employee, Mr. Howard Newton devoted his life to the Department of Public Works. he began working here in September of 1959 and continuing faithfully until his passing earlier this year. His unparalleled knowledge, commitment, and service to our community will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. | |
Captain Steve Monteiro succumbed to occupational cancer in January. Captain Monteiro was a 25-year veteran of the Brockton Fire Department. He was most recently in command of the Fire Alarm and Communications Division. A 1989 graduate of Brockton High School, Captain Monteiro was 53 years old, and leaves behind a wife and 2 children. | |
Firefighter Jeffrey Albanese passed away in late December 2024 after suffering a cardiac arrest while on duty. The 48-year-old husband and father of two was a 24-year Brockton Fire Department veteran. "His larger-than-life personality brought so much joy and fun to everyone’s life," his obituary read. Firefighter Albanese was a graduate of Brockton High School. | |
Father Bill's & MainSpring Smith Family Housing Resource Center Open | | |
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Father Bill's and MainSpring cut the ribbon for the Smith Family Housing Resource Center (HRC) and Yawkey Hall at 124 Manley Street on January 24th. This groundbreaking development marks a significant advancement in the effort to provide essential services and housing for the local homeless population. The Smith Family HRC will replace the Father Bill's & MainSpring downtown shelter with a modern, campus-style day center and overnight shelter. Yawkey Hall, on the same site, will offer 32 permanent supportive housing units for individuals who have experienced homelessness.
Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Edward Augustus was present at the event.
We extend our gratitude to the Conway Family, the Smith Foundation, and the Yawkey Foundation, along with CEO John Yazwinski and his team at Father Bill’s & MainSpring, for their unwavering support of this vulnerable population. More importantly, we applaud their accomplishments in pioneering this innovative model of care for individuals experiencing homelessness.
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The City of Brockton Celebrated Black History Month | |
Can you identify all of these pioneering individuals? Answers at the end of the newsletter. | |
Recent Flag-raising Ceremonies | |
February 3rd: African American | |
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February 27th: Dominican Republic | |
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The City of Brockton's greatest strength is our diversity. Mayor Sullivan's flag-raising ceremonies celebrate our diversity by honoring the many cultures that make up the vibrant fabric of the City.
The flag-raising ceremonies are free and open to the public at City Hall, 45 School Street.
Coming up:
March 17th at 3:30 pm: Ireland
March 25th at 3:30 pm: Greece
March 26th at 3:30 pm: Bangladesh
Watch the City's Facebook page and events page for announcements.
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Can I put my dry cleaning plastic into the recycle bin?
No! Dry cleaning plastic is considered "plastic film," which also includes items like plastic grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, and plastic shipping envelopes. These types of plastics cannot be recycled through the City of Brockton's recycling program because they can get tangled in the machinery and cause damage. However, you can still recycle it! Take it to participating retailers where you can drop it off in their designated bins for proper recycling. Find a participating store near you.
Ask your dry cleaner for a reusable bag to cut down on your use of plastic film.
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The keys to recycling like a champion: NO food, NO liquids, NO straws, NO plastic cups, NO plastic film, NO plastic dishware, NO prescription bottles in the recycling bin. Compost all food when possible. | |
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Serve the Community by Joining a Board or Commission
The City is currently seeking dedicated individuals to secure open positions on Brockton’s various Boards and Commissions. The boards and commissions have a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our City. Their duties include advising stakeholders, sharing specialized expertise, establishing policies, making recommendations for projects, and identifying areas for improvement. While some positions may benefit from your specific expertise or experience, many just require an interest in serving our Community. Your unique perspective may be exactly what we need to assist in influencing the future of Brockton.
The following boards and commissions have openings:
For more information on the requirements and application process, contact Sydné Marrow in the Mayor’s Office at smarrow@cobma.us.
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Preserve the Past and Honor the Future: Join Brockton's Cemetery Board of Trustees
Join us in stewarding Brockton's sacred and historic burial grounds.
Are you passionate about preserving heritage and providing a lasting legacy? Do you value the importance of maintaining a serene and respectful final resting place for our loved ones? If so, we invite you to consider a role that is both meaningful and impactful.
The City of Brockton is Seeking:
- Dedicated individuals with a deep respect for tradition and community.
- Visionaries who can contribute to the future of the City’s 10 cherished and historic cemeteries.
- Team players who are eager to work collaboratively on projects and policies that will impact generations of Brocktonians.
As a Trustee, You Will:
- Guide and govern: working in collaboration with the Superintendent of Cemeteries, you will help shape policies and oversee the management of our cemeteries’ operations.
- Honor Brockton’s history: play a vital role in preserving the historical and cultural significance of these sacred spaces.
- Enhance services: contribute to the development of programs and services that benefit families and honor their loved ones.
Why Join Us?
- Be a guardian of heritage: ensure that our cemeteries remain serene spaces of peace and dignity.
- Make a difference: your decisions will have a lasting impact on the Brockton community and future generations.
- Collaborate with like-minded individuals: work alongside a committed board and staff who share your dedication.
Apply today and make a lasting impact! Contact Sydné Marrow for more information: smarrow@cobma.us
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January 29th: Mayor Sullivan attends the swearing-in ceremony for new Deputy Chief Brendan Weeks (fourth from left) | |
February 11th: Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Association "Discussing Douglass" meeting. | |
February 19th: Mayor Sullivan welcomed the Consul General for Haiti Regine Etienne | |
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Black History Month Honorees Answer Key
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Mary Fields, the first Black mail deliverer
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Amy Sherald, artist
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Benjamin Davis, Commander Tuskegee Airmen WWII
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Arthur Ashe, tennis champion and activist
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Sidney Poitier, Academy Award-winning actor
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Dorothy Vaughan, mathematician
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Lena Richard, first person to host a TV cooking show
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Johnny Mathis, recording artist
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Nipsey Hussle, rapper, entrepreneur, philanthropist
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Thurgood Marshall, first Black Supreme Court justice
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Deval Patrick, former Governor of Massachusetts
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Mae Jameson, astronaut
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Ruby Bridges, civil rights icon
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