Brookline's Council on Aging will honor the town's residents age 100 and older at a "Party of a Century" celebration on Monday, Oct. 19, at the Senior Center.
The event, announced in the council's October newsletter, is one of several programs filling the calendar at 93 Winchester St. in October. A community forum presenting findings from a major aging survey takes place Oct. 15, and a new civic engagement series launches Oct. 5 with Brookline Police Chief Jennifer Paster as the first guest.
The centenarian celebration begins at 1 p.m. and will feature live music from Bill and Bo Winiker, whose mother Annette became a centenarian this year. The council will also present the Boston Post Cane, a New England tradition dating to 1909, to Brookline's oldest resident. BrooklineCAN, Center Communities of Brookline and Goddard House Assisted Living are co-sponsoring the party.
The event is open to everyone age 99 and older and their families. Centenarians can register by calling Jamie at 617-730-2753. Others may register as space allows at 617-730-2770.
Council on Aging Director Emily Williams framed the milestone in her newsletter letter: "Reaching 100 reminds me that a long life is made up of countless chapters and that every chapter can hold meaning."
Aging survey results go public Oct. 15
BrooklineCAN's Annual Fall Forum, "Making Our Voices Heard," takes place Thursday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Senior Center. Researchers from the UMass Boston Gerontology Institute will present key findings from the "Aging in the Town of Brookline" community needs assessment, a survey completed by 2,250 Brookline seniors.
Williams announced in the council's August newsletter that the survey had been completed and that results would be shared in the fall. Topics at the forum will span housing and financial security, transportation, health and support services, social wellness and caregiving.
The need is real. One in five Brookline residents is 60 or older, according to the newsletter.
By 2040, that ratio will be one in four.
The forum includes wine and refreshments, a question-and-answer session, and information about a new volunteer advocacy group called "The Squeaky Wheels." Residents can RSVP at [email protected] or by calling 617-730-2770.
Police chief opens civic series Oct. 5
A new monthly Civic Engagement Leadership Series, led by Williams, launches Monday, Oct. 5, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Senior Center. Police Chief Jennifer Paster will be the inaugural guest. The series connects residents with town leaders and builds advocacy skills.
The Council on Aging Board meets Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 1 p.m. in Room 103 of the Senior Center and via Zoom (Meeting ID: 165 493 4175).
Upcoming at the Brookline Senior Center, 93 Winchester St.:
- Oct. 1: Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration, 1–2 p.m. Native artists from White Snake Projects perform.
- Oct. 5: Civic Engagement Leadership Series with Police Chief Jennifer Paster, 10–11 a.m.
- Oct. 14: Council on Aging Board meeting, 1 p.m., Room 103 and via Zoom.
- Oct. 15: BrooklineCAN Fall Forum: "Making Our Voices Heard," 4–6 p.m. RSVP: [email protected] or 617-730-2770.
- Oct. 19: Centenarian Celebration: Party of a Century, 1 p.m. Centenarians register: 617-730-2753.
