Brookline Senior Center
Honoring the wisdom that comes with age
– – Autumn benefit guests – courtesy of Colin Gee
Ruthann Dobek, director
We close Tuesday, December 25 for Christmas. Open all other weekdays.
“Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much.” – – Erich Fromm, psychoanalyst and author (1900-1980)
Thanks to all who made this year’s Autumn Benefit the most successful ever. Thanks to our sponsors and individual donors, the Center will thrive in 2019.
Statistics show that more than half of all charitable giving takes place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. This holiday season I am especially grateful for all your generosity. Our seniors give their time, energy and money to us a welcoming haven for elders. I know many of you share this vision and I hope you will consider a holiday gift to the Center. Know that no matter whether it is a few dollars or a large gift, all donations are appreciated and well used. To make a donation with a credit card, see the donate Paypal logo (top right).
I want to invite everyone to come celebrate the holidays with us. There is an abundance of riches to be enjoyed. The Holiday Open House is Thursday, December 27 with music of the Winikers band. Hope to see you here and feel free to invite a friends. In addition, my holiday wish to all is that no one ever goes to bed cold, hungry or lonely. I am convinced that in this remarkable town with your help we can ensure that all our seniors are warm, well fed and befriended. Peace to all. – – Ruthann Dobek, director
We need donations of warm hats, scarves and gloves, new or hand made, to the Allston Open Door Meal Monday Program for their women and men guests. Please bring items to Jessica Milley-Gee on or before Monday, December 17
Coolidge Corner Library is open: 31 Pleasant St!
Wednesday, December 12 – – Council on Aging meets at 1. Pat Ward, town clerk, will swear in Council Board members. See a video from the Office of the Inspector General of Mass on how to be an effective board and commission member. New members welcome. Ruthann Dobek: rdobek@brooklinema.gov
Friday, December 14 – – Senior Chorus holiday concert at 10 am. Proceeds from the craft fair will be presented along with a donation to HEARTH INC. Register: 617. 730. 2770
Tuesday, December 18 – – Sandy Spector talks about real estate tax exemptions and abatement from 10-12 noon in the gallery
Thursday, December 27 – – Open House to celebrate New Year’s. Winiker Band from 1:30-2:30 and light refreshments to follow. Register: 617. 730. 2770
December Health Checks
Barbara Westley, public health nurse, Brookline Public Health Department
Wednesday, December 19 – – The peer led low vision group meets here at 1 pm
Thursday, December 20 – – Barbara Westley, RN does blood pressure screening here from 1-2 pm
Thursday, December 20 – – Staff from Brookline Hearing Services is here from 1-2 pm for cleaning and counseling at no charge. Batteries: $5/pack
Podiatry Clinic – – Routine foot care with Dr. John McLaughlin: $40. Appointments: 617. 730. 2777
Job Training by SCSEP, 12/12
Joyce Reekie, program assistant for Senior Community Service Employment Program, SCSEP, is here Wednesday, December 12 from 3-4 pm to talk about on the job training for people over 55. You’ll be matched to training with non profits, municipal and state agencies. Pay: $11 for up to 20 hours/week. Operation Able Information Session. Register: 617. 730. 2767 with Deidre Waxman dwaxman@brooklinema.gov
Reverse Mortgage Seminar, 12/13
Bonny Gilbert, Esq. is here Thursday, December 13 at 1 to talk about HECM, home equity conversion mortgage, or a reverse mortgage. Learn what it is and how it works, benefits and risks. You can also use one to hedge or protect your retirement investments. Register: 617. 730. 2770
Balance Exercise Workshop, 12/19
Personal trainer Steve Shain is doing a one-hour workshop about exercises to help improve strength and balance at 10:30. Limited to 30. Register: 617. 730. 2770
New Year's Open House, 12/27
Our annual open house is Thursday, December 27 from 1:30-3:30. Featuring the Winiker Band until 2:30 and light refreshments to follow. Register: 617. 730. 2770
Autumn Benefit Sponsors as of 11/1
Your gifts actively sustain our programs – your support ensures our future – with thanks to
DIAMOND: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Michael Merrill
RUBY: Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation, Brookline Bank, Arthur Epstein, 56tGoddard House Assisted Living, Hamilton Company Harold and Maura Brown, Shulamit Kahn and Kevin Lang, Betsy Pollock, Sue B. Reamer, Winnie and Richard Rubino, Suzanne Salamon and Alan Einhorn, Sherrill House, Wade Horowitz LaPointe LLC
SAPPHIRE: Patricia H. Dobek, Ruthann Dobek and Glenn Boghosian, Rogerson House
EMERALD: Atkin Associates LLC-Barrie Atkin, Laurde and Elias Audy, Doris Tobey Axelrod and Lawrence Marks, Center Communities of Brookline/Hebrew Senior Life, Rev. George and Margie Chapman, Lesley and Zahra Hendi, Mount Pleasant Home, The Move Maven, Providence House Assisted Living, Evelyn Roll, Carol and M John Christian, Marilyn and Andre Danesh, Sidney Gelb, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Elaine Kwiecien, V. Celia Lascarides, Pathway Home Realty Group, Ruth K. Seidman, Waterstone at the Circle, Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, Sonia and William Wong
TOPAZ: Always Best Care Senior Services, Dr. Michele Baker and Rabbi Jim Morgan, BAYADA Home Health Care, Brookline Community Foundation, Brookline Hearing Services, Brookline Municipal Credit Union, Carol and Frank Caro, Helen Charlupski, Judith Chasin, Eleanor Clarkson, Nancy Daly and Kevin Cavanaugh, Rita and Morgan Daly, Betsy and Dennis DeWitt, Eastern Bank, Elder Achievers, Thomas A. Faulhaber, Doris and Saul Feldman, Nancy Heller, Home Instead Senior Care, Georgia and Bruce Johnson, Israel Van Kooy & Days LLC, Joyce and Barr Jozwicki, Rudolph Kass, Pat Krol and Steve Chiumenti, Lasky Home Smith, Levine Chapels, Alberta and Roger Lipson, Longwood Dental Group, Margolis & Bloom LLP, Sylvia and Ralph Memolo, Judy Meyers and Mark Pasternack, Judith B. Mir, Cecily and Alan Morse, Mojtaba Mostashari and Morry Sapoznik, Toni Schroder, Roberta S. Winitzer, Susan and Neil Wishinsky
Thanks to the Event Committee: Barrie Atkin, Ruthann Dobek, Jessica Milley-Gee, Sherry Hanks, Betsy Pollock, Julie Washburn, Karen Weisberg, Roberta Winitzer, Lisa and Danny Wisel, Sonia Wong
French Conversation Tuesdays
We meet Tuesdays from 12:15-1:15. New members, regardless of proficiency, welcome. groupe en est un de conversation Français-Anglais
Zumba Gold Thursdays
Emily Brenner, instructor leads Zumba Gold Thursdays from 1:15-2:15. The session runs through January 24. No class Thursday, December 27. By the class: $7. Session: $45 and free to Brookline Housing Authority residents. – – Sponsored by the Brookline Multiservice Senior Center Corp
– – Emily Brenner photo courtesy of Ohm Wellness Center
Elizabeth Pollock, president
The holiday season is a special time of year. I hope everyone enjoys celebrating with family and friends. This is also the time when we think about giving to those less fortunate. Please consider a gift to the Center as you make your holiday donations. Money raised by the Annual Appeal goes to support programs and services that help our most needy access fuel assistance, SNAP program and emergency resources. I am reminded of how many people give time, money and other resources to help Brookline’s seniors live with dignity and respect. Thank you to all! And best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
– – photo courtesy of Colin Gee
– – photo courtesy of Colin Gee
We gratefully accept donations to our nonprofit and they are completely tax deductible. They keep the van running as well as funding furnishings, improvements and innovative programs. We are proud of our strong community and need your help to sustain it. Please be as generous as you can. The Board and the Center family thank you.
“Exercise is the only thing that helps everything,” says Dr. Janice Schwartz, professor of medicine at UC San Francisco. I’m amazed at the research that confirms the value of fitness for older people. It improves health, memory and helps prevent dementia. We’re also raising funds for scholarships to our fitness center. Join me in supporting this program. Our fiscal year ends June 30. Your contribution will sustain us.
I care deeply about the future of the Center and so I have included it in my estate planning. Endowments help ensure the future of the organization with reserves. You can contribute directly or put the Brookline Senior Center in your will. Gifts of $1,000 will be added to our Wall of Honor. Be sure to let us know you’ve included us in your will or trust so we can recognize you in our Ambassador Club. *** “I give $___ to Brookline Multi-Service Senior Center Corp (EIN 04-2719972), a Massachusetts non-profit corporation, located at 93 Winchester St, Brookline, MA 02445 to be used for general purposes.” Consult your lawyer or financial advisor
News
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Thank you to for your generous raffle donations for the Autumn Benefit and Holiday Craft Fair:
Aborn True Value, Albert’s Florist, Anatolia, Athan’s Bakery, Bebe Spa, Bottega de Capri, Brothers Restaurant,Cafe Fixe, Cafe Landwer, Caffe Nero, Chef Chow’s House, Daily Catch, Connelly Hardware, Coolidge Corner Theatre, Dok Bua, Domani Hair Design, Fire Opal, Drive-by-Pies, Dunkin Donuts Allston, Edible Arrangements, Frank Pepe’s, Osaka, Kolbo Judaica, Hong Kong Cafe, Orinoco, Hops n Scotch, Kabloom, Wild Goose Chase, Martin’s Coffee Shop, Matt Murphy’s Pub, Michael’s Deli, Mint Julep, Paper Source, Paris Creperie,Party Favors, Peet’s Coffee, Pon Thai Bistro, Prairie Fire, Zaftig’s, Serenade Chocolatier, Trader Joe’s, Sichuan Garden/Blossom Bar, Stop & Shop, Sichuan Gourmet, Brookline Spa, Starbucks Comm Ave, Starbucks Coolidge Corner, Starbucks Washington Square, Starbucks Village, Star Market, T.Anthony’s Pizza AND to individuals and volunteers!
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ANDREA ROSENTHAL PHOTOGRAPHS through December 28: Reimaginings
Image: My Goal (after Andrew Wyeth)
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LIBRARY CONNECTION
The Library Connection, a partnership of Brookline’s Council on Aging and the Public Library of Brookline, delivers library materials to home bound Brookline residents unable to leave their home. Call volunteer coordinator Patricia Burns at the Council on Aging 617. 730. 2743
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AGE FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
Be one: http://www.brooklinecan.org/age_friendly_business.html
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WONDER WOMAN RUTHANN DOBEK:
wickedlocal.com/news/20180315/ruthann-dobek-brookline-senior-centers-wonder-woman
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BOSTON 25 TV: SHOP PROGRAM
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Newsletter
– – Find the newsletter here, at the library, Town Hall, banks, Stop & Shop on Harvard, Star Market on Beacon and Brookline Booksmith. The best way to get one is subscribe: for $10 we’ll mail it to you for a year. If you’re a retailer with space for newsletters, call us. We deliver. Advertise with us: Click for ad specs
Planned Giving
– – Consider leaving a legacy to the Senior Center. Your bequest is a gift of hope. Please call Ruthann Dobek, director: 617. 730. 2756 and help us secure a bright future. Brookline Multi-Service Senior Center Corp (EIN 04-2719972), a Massachusetts non-profit corporation.