Happy January! Wishing everyone a healthy 2023!  The Senior Center will be closed on Monday, January 2^nd in celebration of New Year’s, and on Monday, January 16^th in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

As always, there is an abundance of information in our monthly Senior News & Events. January is an especially busy month with a variety of programs to enjoy. While pre-registration of programs is requested as it is helps in planning, it is not necessary unless indicated, so walk-ins are welcome at many programs. You can find the January 2023 edition as well as any past or future editions of the newsletter here: https://www.brooklinema.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=37 

With seasonal illnesses circulating, Brookline Health Commissioner Sigalle Reiss encourages residents to get vaccinated at the Brookline Department of Public Health's free flu and COVID-19 clinics. The Brookline Department of Public Health also offers the following tips to help residents stay healthy this winter:

• Wear a high-quality mask when indoors around others. Masking is an effective way to slow the spread of respiratory viruses like flu and COVID-19, especially for those at higher risk for severe illness or those who care for or live with individuals at higher risk.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.
• Stay home and away from others if you feel ill and are experiencing symptoms of the flu and COVID-19.
• Take a COVID-19 test if you are experiencing symptoms. Tests are available at the Brookline Senior Center. 
• Increase ventilation where possible. This could include opening windows indoors.
• Wash your hands often.

Staying up to date on COVID-19 and flu vaccines serves as the best protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the state is seeing an early increase in flu prevalence and severity. Additionally, there has been a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

Dates and locations for the Brookline Department of Public Health clinics are:

• Monday, Jan. 9, from 4-7 p.m. at the Baker School, 205 Beverly Road. The registration link will be added here in the coming weeks.
• Monday, Jan. 30 from 4-7 p.m. at the Baker School, 205 Beverly Road. The registration link will be added here in the coming weeks. 
  

Ruthann Dobek, Director
Brookline Council on Aging/ Brookline Senior Center