Mayor Linda M. Balzotti is happy to announce that Farmers’ Market will return to City Hall Plaza, 45 School St., beginning Friday, July 9.  The Farmers’ Market will be held rain or shine, every Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. until Friday, Oct., 29.

“This is a wonderful tradition in our city,” said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti.  “The Farmers’ Market is a fantastic opportunity for our residents to purchase fresh, local produce and products, and bring those items home to share with friends and family.”

Senior citizens and residents eligible for WIC can purchase items using a discount voucher.  The vouchers for senior citizens are available at Old Colony Elder Services, 144 Main St., or by calling (508) 584-1561.  WIC-eligible residents can get vouchers at 795 Pleasant St., or by calling (508) 588-8241.

This year will feature produce from four farms across the region, as well as syrups, jams, and plants.

Andrew Gulezian, a representative of the UMass Extension, will be on hand each week providing healthy meal demonstrations.  

For more information concerning the Farmers’ Market, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (508) 580-7123. You can also obtain additional information by visiting the City of Brockton’s website at www.brockton.ma.us.

Neighborhood Housing Services, located in the MultiCultural Banking Center at HarborOne Credit Union, 68 Legion Parkway, announces a series of foreclosure clinics and counseling.

NHS works with individual clients, mediating with their lender/servicer to best solve the client's foreclosure issue.  The initial clinic starts with information gatehring regarding teh participant's housing issues and registration of NHS with the lender.  From there, an individual counselor is assigned to work with the borrower to bring the issue to the best conclusion.

Pre-registration for all the clinics is required.  To register, call (508) 895-1782.

Each clinic begins at 6 p.m. and will be held on: Wednesday, July 14; Wednesday, July 28; Wednesday, Aug. 11; Wednesday, Sept. 8; and Wednesday, Sept. 22.

   Angel Food Ministries, a program, sponsored by Catholic Charities of Brockton, 686 North Main Street, allows anyone to purchase high quality, nutritious food at near wholesale prices.

   Stop by Catholic Charities of Brockton or call 508-587-0815 to place an order.

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti is pleased to announce that the Manning Pool, located behind Brockton High School, will open beginning Monday, June 28.  Pool hours are from 1 to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

Passes for the pool are now available for purchase beginning at the Elections Commission, located on the first floor of City Hall, 45 School St.  Passes will also be on sale at the Manning Pool after it opens Monday, June 28.

Season passes are $45 per family, for up to five people; $22 per person; and $18 for senior citizens, age 60 and up.  Daily passes are $3 per day for Massachusetts residents, and $5 per person, per day for non-Massachusetts residents.

The pool will be open until Sunday, August 22.

The Manning Pool has a gazebo, state-of-the-art play area, and multiple water features.  The pool also has a slide, snack bar, locker rooms, and an acre-and-a-half grassy area.

For more information concerning the Manning Pool, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (508) 580-7123. You can also obtain additional information by visiting the City of Brockton’s website at www.brockton.ma.us.

Neighborhood Housing Services, located in the MultiCultural Banking Center at HarborOne Credit Union, 68 Legion Parkway, announces a series of First Time Homebuyer Workshops beginning  Monday, July 12 in English, Capeverdean Creole, and Haitian Creole.

Each workshop consists of two sessions.  Participants must attend both parts/  Session 1 reviews credit, budgeting and how these topic influence buying power.  SEssion 2 includes information fro mlenders, real estate professionals, insurance agents, attorneys, as well as home and lead paint inspectors. 

After completion of the workshop, candidates may be eligible for many first time homebuyer programs, including down payments and closing cost assistance. 

Pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.neighborhoodhousing.org or by calling (508) 895-1784.  There is a $20 fee for the workshops.  Each session is four hours long.

The first sessions will be offered in English and will be held Monday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 14 at the Brockton Housing Partnership, located in the Rockalnd Trust Company Building, 174 West St. from 5 to 9 p.m.

The second sessions will be in Capeverdean Creole, and are slated for Monday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 28 at HarborOne Credit Union, 68 Legion Parkway.

The third sessions will be in Haitian Creole, and will be held Monday, Aug. 23 and Wednesday, Aug. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m. at HarborOne Credit Union, 68 Legion Parkway.

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti announces the launch of a new basketball league designed to engage more Brockton teens at night.

“This program will help us address the needs of our community,” said Balzotti.  “Our young people are looking for ways to engage in positive activities all the time.  Midnight basketball can reach an entire group of teenagers that we might be missing because they have jobs or other responsibilities that prohibit them from taking part in our other programs and activities.”

The program will start Wednesday, July 14 at 10 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 233 Warren Ave.  Games will continue to be held on Wednesday nights through August 25 from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Practices will be held Monday nights, beginning July 19 from 7-8 p.m. at the Old Colony YMCA Youth Division, 465 Main St.

The idea for the program grew out of a need identified through the efforts of outreach workers involved in the Safe Corners Program, an initiative funded through the Shannon Grant that is aimed at reaching out to the youth of Brockton, and connecting them to resources.  It attempts to take youth out of negative situations and engage them in positive activities.

One of those outreach workers, John Williams, is coordinating the program, in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office.

“The idea was to have a safe activity for the young of Brockton; something that’s positive, something that’s competitive,” said Williams.

He hopes to attract enough teenagers to have six teams of 15 players.

“I think it is wonderful that both the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA stepped up and assisted with this venture,” said Williams. 

Each organization donated the use of their facilities to host games and practices.

“This program provides an opportunity for us to give teens a chance to take part in an positive activity with adult mentors in a safe environment,” said Jay Miller, Assistant Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Brockton.

The Youth Branch of the Old Colony YMCA was happy to provide practice space for the league.

The league is open to boys and girls.  Each player will receive a t-shirt for their participation.  Trophies will be given out at the conclusion of the program.

“A big part of the City’s role is to keep our kids safe, so they can become positive members of the society that have bright futures.  This program does that,” said Koren Cappiello, Brockton’s Director of Community and Social Services.  “This league lets Brockton teens know we care about them by trying to provide a program they want, when they need it.  It shows them there’s another option for their present and future.”

Funding for the program is coming from a grant through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

For more information concerning the Late Night Basketball, please contact the Program Coordinator John Williams at (508) 345-4701 or call the Mayor’s Office at (508) 580-7123. You can also obtain additional information by visiting the City of Brockton’s website at www.brockton.ma.us.

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti is happy to announce the start of a new component to Brockton After Dark, Champions for Change

“This is an unique initiative that shows young people that there are opportunities to give back to the communities, and lets them formulate their own plans of how to expand on those existing opportunities,” said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti. “I’m proud we can offer this chance for those young people to get involved in their community.”

“It’s very youth-lead,” said Patricia Godio, the program coordinator and Brockton’s Promise Fellow. 

The volunteer and service program stems from the work of Brockton Promise’s Opportunities to Help program, of which the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts are a part.  Representatives from the Girl Scouts work to facilitate each session.

“We know that empowering youth to make a difference in their community helps build their self esteem and ultimately keeps them engaged in the work of creating positive change in Brockton,” said Heather Arrighi, Brockton’s Promise Chairperson.

Launched in 2003, Brockton’s Promise is a community initiative of 70 local partners in the health, social services, non-profit, and faith based organizations.  Together this coalition of dedicated individuals works to make a sustainable difference in the lives of youth in the city.  The coalition’s priority is to ensure that all young people in Brockton graduate from high school and succeed in work and life.

Programs and services promise to provide the five assets of developmental resources that research shows is necessary for all young people to succeed. Those promises include A Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, An Effective Education, and Opportunities to Help Others.  Brockton's Promise was founded under the principles of America’s Promise Alliance.

The Champions for Change program is offered Wednesday nights, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the War Memorial Building, 156 West Elm St., now through August 18.

Each session begins with an overview of an organization and their efforts in the community.  The information session is followed by an ice cream sundae party, and then participants engage in a service planning period to find ways to participate in the agency’s mission.  At the following week’s session, the group works on their projects.

“The goal of the program is to get young people thinking about their community,” said Renee Pease, Community Program Specialist for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts.

“It’s getting them invested in the community, and to provide the resources for girls to make a difference in their community. Every little bit helps,” she said.  “Girl Scouts is much more then cookies, camping and crafts. While those activities will always be a part of what we do, we are trying to educate the community that we are building future women leaders. “

Now in its seventh year, Brockton After Dark is a free program for city youths ages 13 to 20.  The program provides activities and programs to young people all summer long at various locations throughout the city.

For more information concerning Champions for Change, or Brockton After Dark, please contact the Patricia Godio at (508) 897-6821. You can also obtain additional information by visiting the City of Brockton’s website at www.brockton.ma.us.

   The office of Mayor Linda M. Balzotti is happy to announce that the city of Brockton and the Brockton Rox are joining forces to sponsor Friday Night Movies this summer at Campanelli Stadium.

   “This is a great partnership that allows the city to provide a wonderful free and family-friendly activity for residents,” said Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti.  “I’m so pleased we can use this event to showcase Campanelli Stadium, which truly is a gem in our community.”

   This is the first year the city has teamed up with the Rox for this event. 

   "We're thrilled to partner with the City of Brockton to serve youth and families in our community," said Rox General Manager Brian Voelkel.

   Residents are encouraged to bring the picnic blankets and camp out on the field for the screenings, which are scheduled for Friday, July 9 and Friday, August 13.   Both screenings will begin at approximately 7:45 p.m.   Doors will open at 7 p.m.

   There is no admission charge for Friday Night Movies, and in the event of rain, the movies will be rescheduled. Concession stands at the stadium will be open to provide refreshments to spectators. And, attendees will receive a free small popcorn with purchase of a soda.

   Films to be screened include:

-          Friday, July 9: “Monsters vs. Aliens”

-          Friday, August 13: “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”

   For more information concerning the Friday Night Movies, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (508) 580-7123. You can also obtain additional information by visiting the City of Brockton’s website at www.brockton.ma.us.

Learn To Cope, in conjunction with Mayor Linda M. Balzotti's Office, BAMSI's C.O.P.E.Center, High Point Treatment Center, and the Brockton Mayor's Opioid Overdose Prevention Coalition will sponsor an Overdose Vigil by candlelight Friday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at Brockton City Hall, 45 School St.

The Partnership for Safer Communities, will sponsor a evening of activities and entertainment Monday, Aug. 2 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Campanelli Stadium, 1 Feinberg Way, in celebration of National Night Out Against Crime.

Activities include: a motorcade of police, fire, and mliitary personnel at 4 p.m.; pony rides and a pie eating contest at 5:30 p.m.; and a Brockton Rox baseball game at 6:05 p.m.

Entertainment inlcudes: music by DJ Gary Ahearn; a live performace by the Cavaliers; face painting; Freddy the Robot; the Brockton Rox's own K-O; McGruff the Crime Dog; a K-9 demonstration; child ID program; clowns, and more.

Limited FREE beverages will be provided, and food will be available for purchase at the Rox concession stands.

2010 U.S. Census forms can be mailed back to the Census Bureau continuously. However, beginning in late April census takers will begin visiting households that did not return a census form by mail (or returned a census form after April 17^th).  The census taker will only ask the questions that appear on the census form. If no one answers at a particular residence, a census taker will visit that home up to three times. Please take the time to answer the census taker’s questions. Remember the 2010 Census is safe, easy and important to Brockton.

For more information about the 2010 Census, please visit http://www.2010.census.gov/

      The program’s events will take place throughout the month of July at Campanelli Stadium. Members of the program will attend Rox games, participate in clinics with players and coaches, and even help with the behind-the-scenes operations of a game in a safe and supervised environment, free of charge.

      “The Rox are excited to partner with Crescent Credit Union and the Brockton community for the Round the Bases program,” said Rox General Manager Brian Voelkel. “We’ve always been proud to be able to provide positive experiences for young people at Campanelli Stadium, and it should make for a great summer.”

      “Working with the Rox to create this program provides us with an exciting opportunity to help children in Brockton make the most of their summer,” added Crescent Credit Union President Robert Gustafson. “We are happy to be involved with creating safe activities for the city’s youth. Programs like this play an important role for both the children involved, and the community.”

      The full schedule:

      Friday, July 2: Members attend Rox game and stay for post-game fireworks show.

      Thursday, July 8: Field Day, with games and activities on the field from 6 to 9 p.m.

      Wednesday, July 14: Rox Youth Clinic, where participants learn baseball skills and techniques from the team’s players and coaches.

      Monday, July 19: Members participate in between-innings promotions during the Rox game, and have the opportunity to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

      Friday, July 30: “Kids Rock” Night; members help Rox staff with a variety of jobs and assignments during the game.

      “It’s great that local businesses are taking an interest in the youth of our city,” said Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti. “This program will benefit 100 Brockton kids this summer, at a time when they’re looking to be actively engaged, and to participate in an organized activity.”

      For more information about the program, please contact Koren Cappiello, Director of Community and Social Services at Mayor Balzotti’s office, at (508) 580-7123.  

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Friday, July 30 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Westgate Mall, 200 Westgate Drive.

For more information, call Healther Bellwin at (617) 699 -3809.

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti announces the start of monthly Open Office Hours.

The program will kick off Tuesday, July 27 from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Mayor’s Office, located on the first floor of City Hall, 45 School St.

“When I ran for Mayor, I said I would keep my door open.  This initiative allows me to do that in an organized way,” said Mayor Balzotti.  “I look forward to the opportunity to sit down and talk with all members of the community.”

The Mayor said she plans to hold an open office hour session once a month, in her office.

“I hope, once word gets out about the office hours, people will feel welcome to visit the Mayor’s Office,” said Balzotti.  “My staff and I are always here to help, and I think holding Open Office Hours will introduce people to us and vice-versa.”

Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment for the July 27 session can do so by calling Lauren DeFilippo in the Mayor’s Office at (508) 580-7123.  Please be prepared to provide a brief description of what you plan to discuss with the Mayor. 

The last day to schedule an appointment will be Friday, July 23 at 4 p.m. 

You can also obtain additional information by visiting the City of Brockton’s website at www.brockton.ma.us.

   Self Help, Inc., 142 Crescent St., will sponsor a two session, Property Manage and Landlord Education course Tuesday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 27 from 6-9 p.m.

   The classes will be held at Self Help, Inc., and will cover: choosing a property; choosing a tenant; handling the last month's rent; lease vs. tenant at will; record keeping and budgetingl establishing a tenancy; fair housing laws; handling the security deposit; tenants' rights; maintenance;  and safe homes/healthy homes.

   The cost of the course is $40, and pre-registration is required as seating is limited.

   To register, call Anthony DeOliveira, at (508) 588-4049, ext. 123 or email adeoliveira@selfhelpinc.org.

The Old Colony YMCA youth branch, 465 Main St., will host a teen night, aimed at residents ages 13 to 17 on Friday, July 23 from 7 to 10 p.m.

There is a $3 admission fee, and no admission after 7:30 p.m.

Activities include: basketball; Wii; Dance Dance Revolution; and swimming.

For more information, call (508) 587-4242.

The Boys and Girls Club of Brockton, 233 Warren Ave., will host a car wash Friday, July 16 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The cost is $5 per car.

The Brockton Historical Society will celebrate its 40th Annviersary Friday, July 16 at the Shaw's Center, 1 Feinberg Way.

The event will celebrate the organizations 40 years of preserving Brockton's heritage, as well as the release of James E. Benson's new book "Images of America: Brocktoon;" and the dedication of the Fire Museum to the memory of Willima "Billy" Donovan.

The event will begin with cocktails (cash bar) at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $35, and can be purchased at: the Brockton Historical Society, 216 North Pearl St.; Blue Lion Insurance Agency, 839 Pleasant St.; First Lutheran Church, 900 Main St.; the Law Offices of Siskind & Siskind, 360 Belmont St.; and the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, 60 School St.

Ticket request can also be made via email at northernheritage@comcast.net.

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti is pleased to announce measures to help residents keep cool during this week’s projected record temperatures.

The Cosgrove Pool, formerly the East Side Pool, located on Crescent Street, near Plouffe Academy will be open two additional hours each day beginning today.

The pool will be open from 1 – 7 p.m. today through Thursday, July 8. There is no admission charge to use the pool.

The Manning Pool, located behind Brockton High School, will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday (July 6 and July 8) for Brockton After Dark, a free program for youth ages 13-20.

All three branches of the Brockton Public Library will welcome members of the community to take during their regular summer hours.

The Main Branch, 304 Main Street, will be open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; West Branch, 540 Forest Avenue, will be open Wednesday from 3-8 p.m.; the East Branch, 54 Kingman Street, will be open Thursday from 3-8 p.m.

The common areas, located on the first floor of the Brockton Housing Authority’s seven high-rises will also be available to residents until 9 p.m. daily.  Locations include: Belair Towers, 105 Belair Street; Sullivan Towers, 140 Colonel Bell Drive; Caffrey Towers, 755 Crescent Street; Campello High Rise, 1380 Main Street; Manning Towers, 45 Goddard Road; Kennedy Drive, Kennedy Drive; and Rainbow Terrace, Hawley Street.

“If you are going outside this week, I encourage all residents to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to wear sunscreen,” Balzotti said.

Brockton High School, 470 Forest Avenue, and its surrounding campus, including Marciano Stadium and the Manning Pool, will be part of a Brockton Board of Helath ground-spraying program in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 8.

In accordance with public health laws, we are notifying you of the mosquito control program, which is being undertaken by the Brockton Board of Health in conjuntion with Plymouth County Mosquito Control.  The above-mentioned areas will undergo aerial spraying as part of the mosquito control program.

This program is an added precaution, and health officials do not believe tha tthe chemicals will adversely affect humans. 

Playgrounds, parks, and golf courses will be sprayed for mosquitoes by the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Board beginning Thursday, July 8.

For more information, call the Brockton Board of Health at (508) 580-7175.

   Energize with Fruits and Vegetables will be held Wednesday, July 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Career Works, 34 School Street, in the Minuteman Room.

   The free workshop will cover information on ways to select, purchase, prepare, and enjoy fruits and vegetables, as well as a discussion on the importance of fruits and vegetables for good health.

   Recipe ideas will also be distributed, prepared, and sampled.

   For more information, call Andrea Gulezian, Extension Educator at 508-513-3475.

   Brockton After Dark, a free summer program for youth ages 13-20, will hold basketball tryouts for boys and girls ages 13 and 14 Monday, July 5 at the Old Colony YMCA, 320 Main St., from 6 to 9 p.m.

Scrimmages will be played from 6 to 7:30 p.m., based on the number of players registered and present.

   For more information, call Patricia Godio at (508) 897-6821.

Brockton City Hall, 45 School St., will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.

   The Brockton VA Hospital, 940 Belmont St., will host its 11^th Annual BBQ and Concert on Sunday, July 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.

   The Independence Day event will feature live music from Dale and the Duds, and is open to the public.

   There is a $3 fee for the meal for the public; all patients eat free.

All proceeds from the event go to the Recreation Services at the VA Hospital.

   City Councilor Tom Monahan and Richard Bath will sponsor a Ward 2 Meeting Wednesday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. at George’s Café, 228 Belmont St.

   Guests include: Mayor Kinda Balzotti, Jay Condon, Richard Bath, Mary Waldron, Police Officer Bill Healy, Fire Lt. Marc Poccarro, Police Officer Scott Uhlman, and State Rep. Mike Brady.

   Light refreshments will be served.

Water service will be shut off on Baker Street, from Summer Street to the dead end, for the purpose of working on the water main Wednesday, June 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

For more information, call (508) 580-7865.

The Cape Verdean Association, 575 North Montello St., will host confidential and rapid HIV testing Monday, June 28 from 2 to 7 p.m. in honor of National HIV Testing Day, in conjuntion with BAMSI, and the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center.

There will also be a presentation on Mas Saudi pa Kabu Verdi - a Cape Verde Health Project, in addition to door prizes, food, music, and resource tables.

For more information, call 508-559-0056

Disaster officials overseeing recovery operations in the Massachusetts spring floods announced that the registration deadline for homeowners, renters and business owners to apply for disaster assistance has been extended until close-of-business, Monday, June 28, 2010.

The extension was agreed upon by Commonwealth and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials after reviewing the steady and consistent flow of new registrations throughout the last month. Since May 1, nearly 5,000 applications have been recorded by FEMA.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties may apply for assistance by registering online 24/7 at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for people with speech or hearing disabilities.

The toll-free telephone numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Multilingual assistance is available.

More than 130 disaster housing inspectors under contract by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are currently performing inspections for registered homeowners, renters and business owners in seven counties whose homes or businesses were damaged by the severe flooding that began on March 12.

For Information on the inspection process and on how to register with FEMA please read the full press release from FEMA below or begin the registration process by calling toll-free 1-800-621-3362, or by visiting http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.

The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance has been extended to June 28, 2010.

As a result of the Severe Storms and Flooding that occurred beginning March 12, 2010 the U.S. Small Business Administration has made available their Customer Service Center number 1-800-659-2955 (Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). 

The SBA and FEMA have also established the Plymouth County Disaster Recovery Center at the Lakeville Free Public Library on 4 Precinct Street in Lakeville, MA.  The Disaster Recovery Center is open from 10a.m. to 6p.m Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10a.m. to 6p.m.  The Disaster Recovery Center will close at the close-of-business Friday, June 4, 2010.

Massachusetts residents affected may fill out a loan application online by visiting SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.  For additional information, please see the attached informational sheets from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadline to apply for Federal Disaster Assistance has been extended to Friday, June 28, 2010.

These roads will be closed for the funeral at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on West Street:

• Belmont Street at West Street
•  Torrey Street at West Street
•  Torrey Street at Belmont Street
•  Torrey Street at the entrance to Shaw’s
•  West Elm Street at West Street

The Brockton Water Department will be installing a new water main and fire hydrants on Litchfield Street between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.  beginning Wednesday. June 16.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

For more information, call (508) 580-7865.

Water service will be shut off on Carl Avenue (from Edson Street to #100 Carl Avenue) for the purpose of working on the water main Wednesday, June 16 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

For more information, call (508) 580-7865.

The City of Brockton welcomes public comment on the next issuance of FY2010 Justice Assistance Grant Program, a grant used to control and prevent crime.  Please email your comments to michele@brocktonpolice.com or you may call Michele Streitmater at 508-897-5371. 

Due to a printing error, some of the current utility bills have the incorrect sewer rates on the reverse side of the bills. Please be advised that the billed amounts for sewer usage on the bill are at the current sewer quarterly bock rates as approved by city council. 

Attached please find the correct and current sewer quarterly block rates. If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at (508) 580-7143. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Ashfield Middle School will be highlighted on CNN Monday evening as part of a story about the influx of Haitian refugees in American schools. Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12th, Brockton has enrolled 128 students from the island nation.

On Monday, May 17th, Superintendent Matthew Malone, Principal Barbara Lovell and Ashfield students and teachers will discuss how the new students have assimilated into the school, the challenges and rewards of their introduction into the Ashfield community, and how students are coping with what they have lived through.

The story will air on “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Monday night.The piece comes at a critical point for the school district, which is working to overcome a $9.7 million deficit. The Superintendent and School Committee have launched a petition drive asking Governor Patrick to reimburse school districts based on their current enrollment figures.

The Governor’s proposed FY2011 budget bases its reimbursement level on 2008 enrollment numbers, which is nearly 400 students less than the Brockton Public Schools current census; of those 400, roughly 270 moved into the city between October 1, 2008 and October 1, 2009. The remaining 130 are Haitian students who have immigrated to Brockton since the earthquake.

Copies of the petition are available at all Brockton Public Schools buildings and in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall.

Beginning April 15, 2010 resurfacing and related road work will commence on a section of Route 24 from Brockton to Raynham.  Road work will consist of micro-milling asphalt resurfacing, adjusting and rebuilding of drainage structures, tree clearing and thinning, replacement of cement concrete gores and island noses, removing and resetting curb, installing of traffic counting stations and pavement markings.  Road work will occur from 9:00p.m. to 6:00a.m. Monday through Friday. For more information please call Aggregate Industries at (781) 231-2400.

Neighborhood Housing Services are offering foreclosure clinics and counseling, first time homebuyer workshops, down payment and closing cost assistance for Brockton area residents.  Please see attached document for clinic dates and further information.

Neighborhood Housing Services

508-895-1783

The scent of freshly turned earth and new mulch hung heavy in the air as Mayor Linda Balzotti kicked off Brockton’s Arbor Day celebration April 30th at the Ashfield Middle School. Her Honor presented the Arbor Day flag to Principal Barbara Lovell and commended students for their eco-friendly studies.

For photos of the Arbor Day celebration and the complete story from the Brockton School Department, please see the attached document.

The Brockton Utilities Division will conduct a water main flushing program starting April 26^th and continue through May 13, 2010.  The majority of the work will be done between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.  The activity will cause discolored water in varying degrees in all sections of the city.  Persons who experience water discoloration should clear their water systems by opening the cold water faucet for several minutes and then wait about an hour.  If water is still not clear, they should repeat the flushing procedure.  Every effort will be made to keep inconvenience to the users at a minimum.  The Public Works Department - Utilities Division cannot be responsible for any damages incurred as a result of the activity, which is a necessary and normal maintenance function.  Should further information be desired, please call 508-580-7865 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue have extended the deadline for filing 2009 federal and state income tax returns for those in counties affected by flooding.  The new filing deadline will be midnight May 11, 2010 for the residents of Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester Counties.

For more information, please visit the DOR’s website at www.mass.gov/dor or www.irs.gov.

The Boys & Girls Club of Brockton and Mayor Linda Balzotti are pleased to announce the creation of the Brockton Youth Council. Information on this exciting new initiative as well as details of the 2010 Mayor’s Youth Summit will be outlined at a press conference scheduled at the Brockton Teen Center on Monday, May 3^rd from 4:30-5:00 p.m. Brockton Youth Council members will be introduced and speak about their goals and objectives for the 2010-2011 school year.

For more information about the press conference and the Brockton Youth Council, please see the attached document.

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti announced today that the five citizen–led task forces she established have reported out their findings.  The task forces addressed the issues of Public Safety, Street Violence, Education, Economic Growth and Housing and Neighborhood Stabilization.  

Beginning Friday, April 16, 2010, the report of each task force will be made available to the public on the city’s website, www.brockton.ma.us.  Using the website, residents will be able to read the reports and submit their comments (in addition, reports will be available in PDF-form for downloading).

For the full press release concerning the task force reports, please see the attached document below.  To read and comment on the task force reports click here.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) affirmed that assistance will be available to residents and businesses impacted by both storms.  FEMA's announcement affirmed that the current Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance will now apply to individuals and businesses impacted by both flooding events last month - March 12-15 and March 29-30.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can initiate the application process for assistance by calling the FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, or by registering online at www.fema.gov. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

For the full press release from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, please see the attached document below.

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti, in recognition of the dedication demonstrated by the City of Brockton’s Animal Control Department, announced today that the City of Brockton will recognize the week of April 11-17, 2010, as National Animal Control Appreciation Week.

“The animal control officers in the City of Brockton work hard to keep the residents and animals in our community safe,” said Mayor Balzotti.  “It is important to acknowledge their efforts.”

National Animal Control Appreciation Week is an initiative by the National Animal Control Association (NACA) to celebrate and promote the continuing efforts and professionalism of animal control agencies nation wide.  The City of Brockton is proud to join with NACA in supporting the City of Brockton’s Animal Control Department and encourages the residents of Brockton to show their support for the dedicated work done by Brockton’s Animal Control Officers.

Please be advised that as of Friday, April 2, 2010 all flooded areas have receded off of the streets and barricades have been removed.

The City of Brockton, through the Brockton 21^st Century Corporation and Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of the South Shore (Brockton office) will be holding an affordable housing lottery for eligible and qualified first time home buyers interested in purchasing one of two affordable single family or a three family home.  Eligible applicants must meet U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, City of Brockton, and NSP eligibility requirements regarding income, first time home buyer status, household size, and resale restrictions.

The lottery application to be accessed at http://www.chapa.org/, http://www.neighborhoodhousing.org/, http://www.brockton21.com/;, and www.brockton.ma.us

       Please note: Lottery applications can also be picked up at

                            NHS, 68 Legion Parkway. Brockton

For more information please read the attachments below or contact: brocklott@gmail.com or call NHS at 508 895 1782.

The state is encouraging the owners of homes and business that suffered damage from recent flooding to call their 24-hotline.  The Massachusetts Emergency Agency is urging people to dial 2-1-1 with cleanup questions and to report any damage.

For additional information about MEMA and Flood Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema

The 2010 Census form will be mailed to every residence in Brockton starting in March, 2010. The information that the census collects is vital in determining how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services.   Please take the time to fill out and return the census form.  Remember the 2010 Census is safe, easy and important to Brockton.

For more information on the 2010 Census please visit http://www.2010.census.gov/.

For help answering questions go to www.brocktonGOTV.org for a list of "Questionnaire Assistance Centers" and "Be Counted" sites around the city that will be open from March 19-April 19.

The City of Brockton's Census Complete Count Committee is encouraging people to apply for part-time, temporary census jobs in Brockton.

Go to www.brocktonGOTV.org for a list of March Census test sites and dates to work in Brockton.

On Thursday, March 25, 2010 Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting that he declare a major disaster for the