French's is part baseball field, part open space, playground and courts. Both basketball and tennis can be played at the far end, where there is also a swing set and jungle gym. At the entrance nearest Thayer Public Library, which is across the street, there is a well-kept baseball diamond with bleachers on the third and first base lines. There are no dogs allowed at this park, which is also just south of Thayer Academy on Washington Street and next to Town Hall. The basketball court has nets in both hoops and a bench for resting between play.
Neahma, formally known as the New England Affordable Housing Management Association, was founded in 1989 to facilitate communication between local housing managers and state and federal authorities. Its Braintree office is in a corporate offices building on Washington Street. The association sponsors many events and contributes to different charities each year.
This 320-acre park sits astride the Weymouth/Braintree line. Double-laned bike and walking trails loop through the quiet, forested landscape. Cars can park in one of several lots throughout the park, though rangers close the gates at 7pm. A large, wooden structure provides shelter for picnic tables, and there are more tables near the pond toward the Weymouth end of the park. Pond Meadow Park also features a nature center. Don't forget to leash your pets!
This episcopal church is located across from the Mortimer Peck Funeral Home at the corner of West and Washington streets. Rev. Thomas Mulvey Jr. heads the congregation. After worship services there is coffee and cake so that members and potential members can mingle and talk. The church also houses dance classes, called Dance Forever, which include ballet, tap and jazz for kids and adults.
Thayer is a hub of community resources and activities for Braintree residents of all ages. Along with a full stocking of fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs, CDs, reference material and computers for Internet and other use, the library has conference rooms available, a quiet reading room, a cafe and fun places for kids. There are two separate sections -- one for younger kids, with age-appropriate books and a playing area, and the other for teens, with reading material and more.
Downstairs, along with a number of computers and a community brochure/listing area, there are books for sale. Parking is free in the library's lot, located across the street from Town Hall, and don't forget to check out the reading reccommendations lists hung on the walls. They include such offerings as a list of alternatives to Stephen King and Arthur C. Clarke.
This parish is one of three Catholic churches in Braintree, along with St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi. It is headed by Rev. James J. McCarthy and holds mass every day of the week, as well as reconciliation on Saturdays. Other services here include baptisms, funerals, weddings and first communions.
This center is located in east Braintree near the Quincy line. It serves Buddhists and is a fairly large complex.
South Shore Elder Services is a nonprofit agency that advocates for the South Shore elderly and caregiving community. It assists senior citizens and home aides by coordinating a variety of in-home services and preparing health-benefits applications.
Disabled American Veterans is a non-profit organization with 1.2 million members and branches nationwide. Its purpose is to assist veterans who have been disabled and their families. The organization helps with claims through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. The hall itself, in the southeastern part of town in a residential neighborhood next to the pistol and rifle range, can be rented out for special events like anniversaries and other banquets.
This 1,700-member parish was founded in 1903 and is one of three Catholic churches in Braintree. Its large campus, including a rectory and school, sits in a busy area of Washington Street. The congregation is headed by Rev. Kevin M. Sepe and holds mass every day, as well as vigil and confession on Saturday. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and ecology.
The Braintree Council On Aging is part of the Town of Braintree Department of Elder Affairs. The council influences public policy regarding elder care and promotes community activities and recreation for senior citizens. Resources are also provided to older community members such as transportation services and companion programs.
Located at the intersection of Pond and Washington Streets, South Congregational Church was founded nearly 200 years ago. The congregation is headed by Pastor Scott Killian and meets for worship every Sunday from 10:30am to 11:30am. There is also Sunday School for children at that time and nursery care for kids under 4 years old. Church members often participate in missions, including a recent fundraising drive for victims of the Haiti earthquake. Wonder Days Preschool is also located at the church.
On a busy stretch of Washington Street just south of Town Hall, the local Knights of Columbus hall is come to Braintree Council No. 1462. The Catholic group was founded in 1882 and is a non-profit focused on helping those in need. Individual branches, like this one in Braintree, are overseen by a Supreme Council. The hall is available for a range of special occasions. Call for more information.
The welcoming Reverend Paul Sughre oversees Saint Clare's from his rectory next to the church. Established 51 years ago, the parish is one of three Catholic churches in Braintree and holds Mass every day of the week. Other services include weddings, funerals, volunteer activities and the annointing of the sick. The church grounds are well-kept, contain ample parking and are located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Behind the church are donation boxes for clothes, etc. Parents seeking the Sacrament of Baptism can go the second Sunday of every month or schedule with the church for any Sunday Mass.
