Inaugural Civics Academy Class Graduates

BREWSTER – Twenty-four Brewster residents now possess an in-depth understanding of town government, along with the certificate to prove it.

The inaugural Civics Academy class officially graduated at the select board meeting Dec. 1 after completing an 11-week course detailing the ins and outs of municipal government, including specifics about each department. 

The program began in early September with an introduction from the select board, human resources and information technology department. The following 10 weeks included topics like facilities with the public works and water departments; health and natural resources; recreation and senior programming with the council on aging; community planning and land use; animal control; the town golf course and the library; the district schools; budget and financials; and finally, the town clerk, town meeting and committees. 

The class also received information from the police department and fire department, earning a certification in fire prevention. 

Newly-elected recreation commissioner Peter Jelinek described his time in the academy in a recent letter: “My greatest take away is that Brewster is run by a small team of highly qualified, experienced and dedicated people,” he said. “If the Civics Academy is offered again I highly recommend signing up.”

Town officials will likely offer the course again next fall.