Looking to the future
Pre-pandemic, BIG had established itself as a community resource for cutting-edge storytelling, hyperlocal programming and civic engagement.
BIG has long played role in keeping Brookline’s residents tuned in, especially among certain populations that might have a hard time otherwise, according to Weiss.
“All of the various meetings that are of interest to older adults, which in most cases are held at night and people can t get to them and don t see them, are now available to all of us because of BIG,” he said.
Weiss hopes to see virtual meetings stick around, even as Massachusetts continues to roll back COVID-19 restrictions. Gov. Charlie Baker allowed remote participation in public meetings for the duration of Massachusetts’ state of emergency, which will end June 15, putting virtual meetings in limbo.
BrooklineCAN age-friendly business profile: Aborn True Value Hardware
BrooklineCAN
Community Content
BrooklineCAN (Community Aging Network) is pleased to highlight Aborn True Value Hardware in our series on Brookline’s Age-Friendly businesses.
Aborn True Value Hardware, 438 Harvard St., Brookline, began in 1954 as a small key-maker shop. That space now just one aisle of the store is approximately 20’x80’. As more space became available, the owners moved walls, added selling space and a wider range of products.
Jose Monroy, the present owner, started working at Aborn in 1984. Before that he had worked as a cabinetmaker, an interior designer and an accountant. In 2008, Jose took over ownership. He says, “Things happen for the best.” He enjoys his location, and says that it’s a nice neighborhood, with beautiful, educated people. He adds, “It’s nice to work for them. We have customers who have continued to come here, since we began. My background as
OPINION: April 29 letters to the editor of the Brookline TAB
Wicked Local
Remembering Frank Caro, walkers’ advocate
Brookline’s Frank Caro, who died suddenly six months ago, was a strong, dogged advocate for safe and pleasant city walking. After his retirement as a professor of gerontology, UMass-Boston, he turned his attention to making Brookline a better place for senior living; he was instrumental in making Brookline the first Age-Friendly City in New England and he co-founded the Brookline Community Aging Network.
He convinced the town to install benches along Beacon Street, and at other locations, to assist seniors in their desire to be walkers (These attractive benches are used by people of all ages.).
Goddard House to host author Greg O’Brien
COURTESY OF GODDARD HOUSE
Goddard House, 165 Chestnut St., Brookline, will co-host author Greg O Brien for a virtual speaking event at 1 p.m. May 4.
Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, career journalist Greg O’Brien speaks about living with Alzheimer’s in his book, “On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s,” which is about hope, faith and humor from an investigative reporter embedded inside the mind of Alzheimer’s, chronicling the progression of his own disease.
This event is co-sponsored by the Center Communities of Brookline, Brookline Community Aging Network and Brookline Senior Center.