Brookline is an appealing place to live, especially as people get older. Excellent transportation, educational, cultural and health care services are nearby. It has a rich service environment for those who want to continue living independently in their homes. The Senior Center and a variety of nonprofit and profit agencies, offer many social, personal and practical services that enable people to stay at home. 

 WeAC Month Five at The Brookline Community Foundation was a Major Success.  We're more than half way there.

There are so many things to do this week-end.  The PALS chorus concert, the BCF weatherization action, and the library gala....in between, if you dare to make time to venture out of Brookline, there is the premiere of the opera Madame Whitesnake.  Is this the busiest week in Town?

40 Webster Place is home to several local non profits, one of which is PALS Children's Chorus.  Because we get to see Alysoun, the Artistic Director, around the water cooler, we have gotten to know this wonderful organization pretty well. PALS has sung at several of our Unsung Hero events as well.  The quality of the music and the wonderful spirit of the kids and staff make PALS truly special.  So, if are looking to fill your heart with song, check out the February 27 PALS Gala I Remember the Song.  http://www.palschildrenschorus.org/support/events.htm

Nominations for 2010 Brookline Woman of the Year are now being accepted by the Brookline Commission for Women. Nominees must live or work in Brookline. The Woman of the Year will be honored on Thursday, March 25th, at an awards ceremony in Hunneman Hall as part of the 18th Annual Women Who Inspire Us Essay Contest and Awards Ceremony.
                      

We just learned that there is site for free tax prep at the Brookline Senior Center.  They work with Northeastern University and will be providing services 3 days a week:  Tuesday 9:00am- 2pm, Wednesday 9:00am- 2pm, and Friday 9:00am- 3pm.  It runs from next Friday Feb. 5th- March 31st.

You need to call to schedule a tax prep appointment and they said they are filling up fast (but there is a Feb 5th appt at 9:00am still open!).  Their info is:

Brookline Senior Center
93 Winchester St.
Brookline, MA
(617) 730- 2777

I found this on Twitter.  And thought is was worth sharing.  Brookline has stimulus funs available for capital improvements to small businesses?  I thought that was pretty interesting.  What do you think? http://tinyurl.com/ycr4mt2

Once again the Weatherization Action was a smashing ~ or more appropriately ~ a ripping success!

Our stealth crew, including Jim Lockwood, Tommy Vitolo, John Manaras, Molly Weis, Elijah Ercolino & Paul Schlegel, ripped out 10 yards (about 30 large trash bags) of old insulation from the attic. We are now ready to install the new stuff. Seth Barrett & Kristen O'Connell were back at the windows, tightening frames and sealing storms.

For a peek at all the fun:

 Our hearts go out to the people in Haiti who are suffering hunger, homelessness, injuries and personal grief from the recent earthquake there. The best way to help people in Haiti at this point in time is to make monetary donations to organizations who are experienced in disaster relief and have a presence in the country. Philanthropy differs from charity. Traditionally, philanthropy reflects long-term strategic investments to create lasting change. Charity is more short term and immediate.

The launch of the Brookline 2010 campaing today was the happening event in Brookline!  Aside from being a great opportunity to see the new BATV digs - which are impressive - there was a wonderful crowd of familiar and new faces at the event, great food, and a variety of interactive and educational activities.  I hate to say it - since it's so cliche - but it really was fun for all ages.  Well done!  What an upbeat kickoff to a great initiative!