In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Senior Center will be closed on October 13th. No transportation or food services will be available on that day.
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.
Visiting Volunteers
Are you interested in weekly social visits with seniors in their home? Volunteers are matched with seniors in the community for weekly friendly visits to help with social isolation common for so many homebound seniors. Volunteers will receive initial training and ongoing support from a Brookline Senior Center Social Worker. Please reach out with our Volunteer Coordinator, Valerie Graf, at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2743.
If you or a family member could benefit from a weekly social visit, please reach out to our Social Worker, Sharon Sandalow, at ssandalow@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2769.
Click here to read more about the Visiting Volunteer program.
S.H.O.P (Students Helping Older People)
The S.H.O.P. (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.
Anne Mogel, a BHS junior and one of this year’s SHOP Student Leaders says, “I’ve had a great experience participating in SHOP. I have been able to form a relationship with the senior I’m shopping for, as well as experience what it’s like to do hands-on volunteering, where I can see my impact up close. I shop for my senior every weekend, and it has become woven into my weekly routine. I’m looking forward to continuing my shopping this year, and furthering my experience!”
Currently serving approximately 30 Brookline seniors, the SHOP program gets high marks from the seniors involved. One senior couldn’t say enough positive things about the two students with whom she has been paired. She noted that “It’s the highlight of my week!” Another senior reflected that “the student’s cheery demeanor is a gift in itself. The program incorporates young people to help older people like me. It’s beneficial for everyone involved. Win Win!”
This program typically runs during the school calendar year, and resumes each fall. If you are in need of a shopper during the summer months, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Valerie Graf, at 617‐730‐2743 or email her at vgraf@brooklinema.gov, to inquire about the SHOP waitlist and summer options.
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
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