Ongoing Programs

A Taste of Qigong

Join us at the Senior Center for drop‐in Qigong (ʺchee‐ gungʺ) on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. Qigong is the practice of cultivating mental and physical balance through the coordination of breath, movement, and awareness. Qigong can be practiced throughout oneʹs entire life to promote overall health and well‐being. You can drop in anytime and learn something new.

Acoustic Jam

Do you play an acoustic instrument and/or sing?

Join Brookline Acoustic at the Senior Center on Wednesday nights from 6:00 – 8:00 pm for an informal jam. All skill levels and types of music are welcome.

Age Thrive Dance Class

Age Thrive is a Movement Meets class for all self-identified seniors, regardless of experience or mobility. It promotes the joy of dance while enhancing mobility, strength, and flexibility through upbeat exercises. These free classes foster community in a supportive atmosphere, and require no prior dance experience. Variations will be offered to cater to different abilities.

Please register at 617-730-2770.

No class on October 2nd.

Bingo

Join us for fun games of Bingo with all different patterns to play!

Bridge for Experienced Players

We welcome experienced players in-person on Friday mornings at 9:00 am sharp. Give the revolving bridge game a try. To get into the rotation, contact Jamie at jjensen@brooklinema.gov.

Broadway Dance Class Tuesdays

BROADWAY DANCE CLASS NOW TWICE A WEEK! Join fitness instructor Denise Harrington at the Senior Center on Tuesdays at 9:00 am and Wednesdays at 10:45 am. Have fun dancing to Broadway show tunes. Props included! Enjoy yourself in this fun movement class, but please make sure to wear comfortable shoes (no sandals or bare feet). Come Dance with Denise!

No class on September 29.

Broadway Dance Class Wednesdays

BROADWAY DANCE CLASS NOW TWICE A WEEK! – Join fitness instructor Denise Harrington at the Senior Center on Tuesdays at 9:00 am and Wednesdays at 10:45 am. Have fun dancing to Broadway show tunes. Props included! Enjoy yourself in this fun movement class, but please make sure to wear comfortable shoes (no sandals or bare feet). Come Dance with Denise!

Brookline Band

Mondays, 2:30‐4:00 pm. The Senior Center invites instrumentalists to join the Brookline Band to play songs from the Great American Songbook!

To register or for questions, please call 617-730-2770.

Brookline Bees

Tuesdays, 10:30 am-12:00 pm.The Brookline Bees are a delightful group of people, some of whom have not used a sewing machine since middle school, others who have been sewing all our lives, coaching and collaborating on projects we care about — making baby quilts, hemming slacks, custom bags, appliance covers, or pillow shams — with fun and conversation. Please join us!

By popular request, we are holding another Mending Workshop on Friday, September 25, 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Bring us your mending challenges! We will consult and coach for free.

Caregiver Support Group

The Senior Center is offering this new group for caregivers who are actively caregiving to learn from each other, as well as for former caregivers to share their experiences.

Please register at 617-730-2770.

Chess Lessons & Games

Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 pm Facilitator Mark enjoys helping others discover the fun of chess as a game for everyone.

Council on Aging Book Group at the Putterham Library

The group is held on the third or fourth Monday of each month. The group meets at 2:00 pm both online and in-person at the Putterham library branch. For more information on how to connect via Zoom or to learn more about this month’s book, please visit The Brookline Public Library’s website.

Current Events

Current Events meets at the Senior Center every Friday morning from 10:30 am‐12 noon. Come share your thoughts and interact with others about what is going on in today’s world, whether it be local, national or international. It is a fun and informative event for all.

We are all rewarded when our group attendance reaches a specified number. That reward is in the form of a pizza party, held once a month, on the Friday following our attendance goal. Come and join us!

Dancing Through the Decades

This is a 6-week series format limited to 30 participants on Mondays, August 31-October 19 at 10:45-11:45 am.

Our Broadway Dance instructor, Denise, offers a Dance Fitness class on Mondays at 10:45. Come dance to a variety of music including popular songs from the 20’s to the 90’s. Get groovin’ and movin’!

Please register for the upcoming series at 617-730-2770

Dick’s ESL Classes

Drop-in Ping Pong

Mondays from 12:00-2:00 pm

Drop-in Ping Pong Wednesdays & Fridays

Ping Pong is happening at the Senior Center on Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 12:00-4:30 pm. Come drop in for a quick game!

Intermediate Mahjong

Intermediate/Advanced Mahjong meets weekly Thursdays at 2:15.

Please register with Jamie at jjensen@brooklinema.gov.

Investors Group

The Investors Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm.

Whether you are a casual investor, a billionaire, or just curious about investing and stocks, join us to talk about ideas, investment products, high and lows of the markets and the excitement of investing. PLEASE NOTE: We will not pool funds or make investments together, nor will we give investment advice as investment clubs are known to do.

Please register at 617-730-2770

Knitting Group

On Thursdays at 2:00-4:30 pm, join our peer-led group of knitters from beginner to advanced. Learn new techniques and have fun with friends knitting items for yourself, loved ones, and the community. Feel free to bring your own supplies, but there are also a variety of supplies available.

Mat Pilates Fusion

Join us for this Mat Pilates class using the tabata method. Mat Pilates focuses on core strengthand the rejuvenation of the body through micro movements.

We will incorporate weights and other materials to assist in strength training, along with contemporary Pilates movement. Please bring your own towels, yoga mats, and hand weights if you have them.

Please register at 617-730-2770.

Men’s Group

Drop in for open conversation over coffee with other men in the community. This is a welcoming group where conversation topics evolve and we may have informal speakers occasionally. We will meet the first and third Monday of the month at the same time.

MetroWest Legal Services Clinic

Schedule a private, FREE half hour legal PHONE consultation. MetroWest Legal Services provides free legal aid to seniors on housing, public benefits and social security matters; durable power of attorney, health care proxy and simple probate matters; Medicaid, nursing home issues, limited domestic relations; consumer issues and bankruptcy. *Please note for registration that sharing a one-or-two word subject matter will help the attorney in her preparations and this information will remain absolutely confidential.

To schedule your telephone consultation, contact scheduler Jamie at 617-730-2753 or jjensen@brooklinema.gov.

Spaces are limited!

Mindfulness Group

Mindfulness is a way to learn how to focus on the present in everything we do. Every other Thursday from 2:00‐3:15 pm, at the Senior Center and via Zoom, join Debby Beck as she explores the different dimensions of mindfulness with us. Debby has brought mindfulness into her clinical work and teaching for over 20 years.

Please register with Jamie at jensen@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2753.

Monthly Food Commodity

The Senior Center conducts a monthly Food Commodity program outside the Senior Center. Registered participants are assigned a pick up time. If you are a low income senior, aged 60 or older, and you would like to participate in this program to receive 35 pounds of shelf stable food on the third Wednesday of each month from 9:00 – 11:00 am, please contact Jamie at 617-730-2753 or jjensen@brooklinema.gov

Needlepoint

Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 pm, join this peer‐led needlepoint group as we work together, while also enjoying some social time.

Please register at 617-730-2770.

Online Dance Party

Join us Thursday afternoons from 1:00-2:00 pm for an online dance party with Lynn Modell.

For information on how to connect, please contact Lynn at lemodell@gmail.com.

Open Chess and Games

Anytime during the week all are welcome to come in for games of any kind in the coffee lounge.

Origami Making

Come learn how to create beautiful origami! Whether you’re a beginner or have folded before, everyone is welcome. Join us on Tuesdays with Ryley for a fun and relaxing time where you’ll learn new techniques and make unique paper creations.

Pet Therapy Visits

Enso the Goldendoodle looks forward to meeting you in the Coffee Lounge with his handler Liz Linder. Otherwise known as the ‘Curly Coated Gentleman’ Enso is sweet, sensitive and earnest, and has worked as a therapy dog for the past two years between libraries and retirement residences. Liz Linder has a photography studio in Brookline Village.

Ping Pong for Beginners

Mondays from 2:00-2:45 pm

Public Issues Non-Fiction Book Discussion Group

Volunteer Cindy Palmquist is challenging your thinking every month on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 9:00-10:00 am with our nonfiction book discussion group centered on public issues, history, current events and other non-fiction topics. The Public Library of Brookline (Coolidge Corner Branch) will have copies of the books available several weeks ahead of each meeting. Suggestions for future titles are encouraged.

Rummikub

Scrabble

On Wednesdays at 10:00 am, join other interested Scrabble players for this fun game. Please bring a board and tiles if you have them.

Self-Massage for the Hands and Feet

Wednesdays for the month of September, 11:00-11:45 pm

Our hands and feet work our whole lives tirelessly. Here’s an opportunity to care for them.
Must be able to reach your feet. Best done barefoot, but bring socks. Lotion optional.

Space is limited, so please register at 617-730-2770.

Senior Sing-Along

The Senior Chorus always welcomes new members to add to its already enthusiastic roster of singers. There are no auditions. Just come on Fridays at 10:30 am and make a joyous sound with the group led by Joe Reid.

Singing Together Virtually

The Sing‐A‐Long group on Zoom sings mostly folk songs from times gone by and we have several instrumental players to lead the songs. The words will be displayed on your screen. Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, as everyone but the leader is muted, so you can just listen or sing along.

For Zoom link, contact Judy Chasin at hearojudy51@gmail.com

Social Walking Group

Join us for a stroll around Brookline. We welcome both active walkers and strollers to meet up with peers for a variety of walks in and out of the area. The group will walk rain or shine, so wear your best walking shoes and come get those steps in!

Transportation to the Senior Center is available for anyone who needs it. To be included on the group’s email list in order to exchange ideas for future walks with each other, please contact Lauren Walsh at lwalsh3@brooklinema.gov.

Songs of Israel’s Popular Singer-Songwriters

Returning in September Since 1973, Israeli singers have performed in the famed international Eurovision contemporary song competition. From poignant and topical to romantic, upbeat and silly, Israelis have presented a wide variety of musical numbers. Join Dr. Miriam Rosalyn Diamond to explore these songs as well as the artists, stories, and controversies behind them. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required. The group meets via Zoom on the fourth Monday of the month from 7:30 – 9:00 pm beginning September 23.

To register, email jjensen@brooklinema.gov

Spanish 1 Lessons

Now is the best moment to learn Spanish because the majority of the population of Spanish speakers has increased. It can help you in a number of ways to communicate in Spanish. On Thursdays from 2:30‐4pm, Soledad Phelan is offering the opportunity to learn basic phrases, words, etc. that you can use when interacting with people. Soledad is from Peru and has a lot of experience teaching both in Peru and in the US with multiple populations. 

Please register at 617‐730‐2770.

Sports Fan Forum

Calling all sports fans! The Senior Center hosts a weekly sports discussion group on Wednesdays at 10:00 am at the Senior Center. Whether you are a casual observer or an armchair expert, the Fan Forum is open to all who wish to share the joy, frustration, and excitement of Sports Fandom.

We will gather to discuss the news of the day, relive memorable moments in sports history, and share our predictions of what may come to pass. The group is facilitated by Conor McDermott Welch, LCSW. Please register with Conor at cwelch@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2751.

Stretch and Strength

Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 am, join Mia to boost mobility and build strength through safe, low-impact exercises tailored for all abilities. Participants use chairs, light dumbbells, and bodyweight in a supportive environment to enhance flexibility and muscle tone.

Please register at 617-730-2770.

The Alexander Technique

Wednesdays at 2:00 pm, join the ongoing Alexander Technique class to improve movement, reduce pain, enhance posture, and boost confidence in daily activities. This proven method focuses on changing body habits that contribute to discomfort, promoting body awareness and ease of movement. The class includes presentations, awareness exercises, hands-on work, and practical applications. Clara Sandler, a Classical musician and teacher, shares her lifechanging experience with this technique after overcoming herniated disc symptoms.

No class on October 21.

Please register at 617-730-2770.

Tuesday Afternoon Film Series

Enjoy a movie with us every Tuesday at 1:00 pm!

There will be no movie on September 15 due to the 9/11 Memorial program.

Virtual French Conversation Group

Meets via Zoom on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 pm. New members, regardless of level of proficiency in speaking French, are invited to join. For questions and to connect, please email Monique Richardson at mona647@comcast.net

Virtual Short Story Social

A good short story can provide the basis for a great discussion! We will send you the story by email or hard copy to read at your leisure. Then, we will meet up via Zoom every other Monday at 10:00 am.

For more information and to sign up for the story and discussion, please contact Jamie at jjensen@brooklinema.gov.

Words Galore

Join Val Walker at 11:00 am-12:00 pm at the Senior Center, for this fun and lively hour of word play and brain twisters: a paradise!

Learn new words, explore the history of old words, and delve into the origins of common phrases. Enjoy limericks, riddles, famous quotes, puns, and fascinating trivia about trendy words. Play guessing games with the dictionary and words‐within‐a‐word games.

Val Walker, MS, is an author, educator, and consultant. A former rehabilitation counselor for 20 years, she is a contributing blogger for Psychology Today, and author of The Art of Comforting and 400 Friends and No One to Call.

Please register at 617‐730‐2770.

Yoga & Dance Improvisation

Join Margaux, BFA in Dance and a Registered Yoga Teacher, for a fun class. Supported by a variety
of music, we explore varying expressions in the world of dance movement and yoga. All levels of
experience are welcome. Wear comfortable clothes to move in.

Please register at 617-730-2770.

Zumba Gold

Wednesdays, 1:00-1:45 pm. Get in shape and have fun with Emily Brenner, our longtime Zumba Gold instructor, at the Senior Center! Now free for the month of September!

Please register at 617-730-2770.