The Friends of Brewster Seniors (the Friends) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in our community through advocacy, support, and enriching activities.

Each year, the Friends seek an extraordinary volunteer to honor at a luncheon meant to thank all volunteers helping the Friends of Brewster Seniors in some manner. There are many ways people can volunteer for the Friends, including working at Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop, being a member of the Board or committee, or helping with one of the many events sponsored by the Friends. In 2026, the Friends honored a very long term volunteer! Who will be the Volunteer of the Year in 2027?

Our 2026 Volunteer of the Year is none other than Marilyn Dearborn, our sitting president, which came as a great surprise to her; very much deserved, though!

In addition to being the current president, Marilyn served previously as both president and secretary during her prior tenure on the board. Her current presidency brought fresh ideas and programs to the organization, including an update of its name and bylaws. Additionally, this website was developed, and, now in it’s fifth year, A Taste of Crosby Mansion was born!

Despite how it might appear, Marilyn wasn’t always engaged with seniors. She started with children and worked her way up. It was after retiring from the Nauset School system that Marilyn decided she missed working and for the next 10 years was the Program Coordinator at the COA. It was through this job that she met many Brewster seniors. Her retirement from that job didn’t last long either as she missed using her energy, enthusiasm, and organizational skills for the benefit of Brewster’s seniors. Thus began her extensive commitment to the Friends of Brewster Seniors.

When she isn’t doing things for the Friends, Marilyn spends any remaining free time with her husband, two sons and their families, and many friends — until March that is — when she and husband, Dick, annually head to the beaches of Aruba where she can be found reading and soaking up the sunshine!

Congratulations Marilyn!