SAVE THE DATE – VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM
On Monday, November 10 from 1:00-2:00 pm, join Bill McGroarty of Brookline’s Veteran’s Services for this informational talk. Please register at 617-730-2770.
This Month’s Valued Volunteer
Fran Perler’s path to Brookline began in Brooklyn, NY, where she was born and raised. After earning her PhD in genetics in North Carolina, she moved to Boston in 1978 for a postdoctoral position. Four years later, Fran settled in Brookline and worked in biotech for more than three decades, conducting research in both basic and applied biology. After retiring in 2015, Fran began coming to the Brookline Senior Center to stay active; playing ping pong and using the Fitness Center. Soon, the once busy researcher found countless ways to contribute to the Senior Center and the Town of Brookline.
In 2017, Fran began volunteering at the Senior Center’s weekly food distribution program. Earning her nickname, “the vegetable lady,” she set up systems to make sure that every visitor, no matter when they arrived, had equal access to fresh produce. She also helped raise funds for a new refrigerator for the food distribution program’s perishable items.
Fran then joined the Council on Aging Board in 2018, and remains an active member to this day. She served as co-chair of the COA’s Recreation Committee, and organized a bird photography class. Fran currently leads the Senior Center’s Investors Group, chairs our Parking Working Group, and enjoys participating in our Karate class and the Current Events group.
When the Senior Center was shut down during COVID, Fran started a jigsaw puzzle and social group outside on her porch to keep people connected during that time. She also began hosting regular ping pong games at her home, which have continued through today.
Fran’s impact stretches beyond the Senior Center. In 2024, she became a Brookline Town Meeting member and has since co-sponsored warrant articles on tree protection and rodent mitigation. She also serves on the Town’s Advisory Committee and was active in ROAR (Recruiting Older Adult Residents), an informal group working to increase seniors’ representation on town boards and committees.
Nature lovers may also recognize Fran from Halls Pond Sanctuary, where she volunteers serving on the Friends of Halls Pond board and maintenance crew; planting, maintaining trails, and clearing invasive species.
No doubt Fran has energy and drive, both here at the Senior Center and in the greater Brookline community. “I hate being bored. Science teaches you how to multitask and problem solve. What can we do to make things better? I set my sights on a goal, often accomplishing it through grassroots efforts, being persistent and patient.” Fran’s dedication has made a real difference in our community, and we are so thankful for the time and generosity she shares with all of us.
If you have a special interest area or expertise that you would like to share, please reach out to Valerie Graf, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617‐730‐2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov and learn about volunteer opportunities at the Brookline Senior Center.
Valued Volunteers
We are proud to introduce our newly published booklet, Valued Volunteers of the Brookline Senior Center. This publication highlights nearly a decade of our amazing volunteers, a sampling of hundreds of our volunteers, both past and present. You can stop by the Brookline Senior Center to get your copy. If you know someone who should be featured for our ongoing Valued Volunteer articles, please reach out to Valerie Graf, Volunteer Coordinator, at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2743.
S.H.O.P (Students Helping Older People)
The SHOP (Students Helping Older People) Program, a collaboration between the Brookline Senior Center and the Brookline High School (BHS), has been a community service club at BHS for over 25 years. Students are paired with seniors to assist with grocery shopping throughout the school year. In addition to providing practical support for seniors, this program also offers high school students valuable life skills. Not only do they hone their grocery shopping skills, it creates opportunities for students and seniors to exchange stories and life experiences, fostering rich intergenerational conversations. These connections often evolve into meaningful, long-lasting relationships, benefiting both the students and seniors involved.
There is currently a waitlist for the SHOP program. If you are a senior who would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact Valerie, Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov
If you are a student who would like to become a SHOP volunteer, please contact Valerie, Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov
CLICK HERE to watch a video to learn more about the S.H.O.P program and how it benefits both students and seniors.
Retirement Engagement Alternatives Program (REAP)
The REAP program is designed for Brookline residents aged 60 and older who wish to remain engaged and active in the community while in retirement or partial retirement. Limited additional program opportunities may also be available for individuals aged 55-60. The goal of this program is to enhance the retirement experience by connecting participants with either part-time paid or volunteer work in the community or at the Brookline Senior Center (BSC).
To enroll or for more information, call 617-730-2767 or email Vivian Williams at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.
Thinking of Volunteering?
If you have a special interest area or expertise that you would like to share with the Senior Center, please reach out to Valerie Graf, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov to learn more about creating and facilitating a new program at the Senior Center.
Other services
Can’t find it?
If you’re looking for something and can’t find it, or think there’s something missing here, please let us know!