11-21-2022 9:09pm

Somerset County Senior Centers Offer In-Person and Virtual Activities in December

Donnella Tilery Editor

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County-operated senior wellness centers offer in-person and virtual programs throughout December on Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The senior centers provide a wide range of programs for lifelong enrichment in a social and uplifting atmosphere to positively impact the overall health of aging adults. All senior center programs are FREE for members that register!

All Somerset County-operated senior centers offer a nutritionally balanced lunch, Monday through Friday, for a suggested donation of $2.50 for anyone age 60 and above. The menu choices include a hot meat-based or meatless entrée or a cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunch. Participants should make reservations before to 10 a.m. on the previous business day.

Closures

There will be no in-person or hybrid programs on Professional Staff In-Service Day (Dec. 15), Christmas Eve holiday observed (Dec. 23), and the Christmas Day holiday observed (Dec. 26).

Hybrid Programs

Some programs are hybrid and occur in-person and virtually via Zoom throughout December. Hybrid programs are noted throughout this schedule.

Zoom

Unless otherwise specified, residents ages 60 and above can join any Zoom program listed in this schedule even if they are not a client at the center that is hosting the event.

Zoom is a secure, video-based, user-friendly, online platform that can be accessed through a smartphone, tablet, or computer allowing residents to see and hear others. Participants can join Zoom meetings through a web browser without downloading any applications or software.

Learn how to use Zoom or sign-up for a virtual tour, at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us. To register for a virtual program or class, call 908-203-6101 or email Donlin@co.somerset.nj.us.

Virtual Exercise Classes for All Senior Center Clients

NOTE: An Activity Release Form and the use of a camera (audio and video) are required to participate in these classes. To comply with safety standards, there is room for only 25 participants in each class.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – Hatha Yoga with Bharti. Improve your body posture through controlled breathing and meditation. Learn how to align your body, and improve balance, flexibility, and circulation. **To register call 908-203-6101 or email donlin@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Tuesdays, 12 p.m. – Yoga/Meditation & Breathing with Dr. Prabha Srinivas. Take control of your emotional and physical well-being through the practice of yoga and meditation. This class will help participants reduce their daily stress. **To register call 732-563-4213 or email toth@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – Fit & Flex with Rose. Get fit while performing 20 minutes of low-impact exercise to music, use weights for 15 minutes, and use resistance bands for the last 15 minutes. **To register call 609-466-0846 or email crowley@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Montgomery Senior Center.**

Wednesdays, 1 p.m. – Zumba Gold (Chair) with Laurie Fetcher. Get your blood pumping to zesty music during this hearty workout and build cardiovascular health. In this class, participants will work the hip, leg, and arm muscles and practice fun, rhythmic moves while sitting in a chair. ** To register, call 732-563-4213 or email toth@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Wellness Center.**

Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Yoga for All! Stand & Chair Yoga with Manjula. Gain health benefits by practicing yoga poses from the support and safety of your favorite chair or practice without a chair. Increase bone density, improve strength, flexibility, and balance, relieve stress and gain an overall sense of well-being. Expect gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. **The class is appropriate for all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. To register, call 732-563-4213 or email toth@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

In-Person and Virtual Programs at the Senior Wellness Centers

NOTE: Programs that are virtual and hybrid are noted throughout this schedule. To comply with safety standards, programs are ONLY available to clients that routinely attend the senior center that is hosting the event. A camera with (audio and video) is required to participate in the virtual programs. Call for more details.

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BASKING RIDGE

202 Mt. Airy Road

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

908-204-3435

Computer Lab – Available daily. Center members are invited to use the computers at their leisure.

Billiards Room – Available daily. The pool table is available on a drop-in basis. Monday – Friday.

Knitting/Crocheting/Stitching Club – Mondays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Bring your knitting/crocheting/stitching project to the center or come and learn a new hobby while meeting wonderful people. All are welcome to join.

Take Control of Exercise – Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 a.m. Strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility and balance while boosting stamina in this ongoing exercise program, which is presented in a video format. **There is no fee for this ongoing class. This class is for all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Bridge Club – Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Get intellectual and social stimulation when playing the mentally challenging card game Bridge. Studies show playing Bridge regularly stimulates the brain for alertness and helps the memory stay active. **New members and beginners are always welcome. For more information, call 908-204-3425.**

Mahjong Club – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 12:30 – 4 p.m. Learn to play Mahjong, an interesting game that helps keep your brain sharp and supercharged! This club is for anyone who loves the game and wants to meet new people and have fun. **This is not a competitive club. All levels of experience are welcome.**

Gentle Yoga with Jillian – Thursday, 1 p.m. Practice Hatha yoga to gain the benefits of increasing bone density, and improving strength, flexibility, and balance while immersed in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class will help relieve stress and help participants gain an overall sense of well-being. **The class is currently full. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Gentle Yoga with Jillian – Fridays, 1 p.m. Practice Hatha yoga to gain the benefits of increasing bone density, and improving strength, flexibility, and balance while immersed in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class will help relieve stress and help participants gain an overall sense of well-being. **The class is currently full. This class can be practiced while either sitting or standing. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Monthly Book Club – Every Second Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. Join fellow book club members on Dec. 14, to discuss the crime fiction novel, “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” by Agatha Christie. New members are always welcome!

Dec. 1, 10:30 a.m. – Holiday Trivia with Kelly. Test your knowledge about the holidays in this exciting game of trivia.

Dec. 1, 8, 22 & 29, 11 a.m. – Line Dancing with David Cross. Have fun getting fit while dancing. Participants don’t need a partner and it’s an easy way to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. Studies have shown line dancing increases cardiovascular and muscular strength and improves participants’ coordination and balance. **For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Dec. 2, 11 a.m. – Your Favorite Hits with Chris Doughty. Sing along while Chris plays multiple instruments and performs all-time favorites like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Peter, Paul and Mary and many more.

Dec. 5, 11 a.m. – A Visit from Sinterklaas by Senior Center Participant Bob VanDervalk. Celebrate the annual feast of Sinterklaas, the annual holiday celebrated by exchanging gifts on St. Nicholas’ Eve in the Netherlands on the morning of Dec. 6. In Belgium, Luxembourg and Northern France (French Flanders, Lorraine and Artois) and territories of the former Dutch Empire, including Curacao and Suriname, Sinterklaas is celebrated on Saint Nicholas Day.

Dec. 6, 11 a.m. – Fun, Fit, and Fabulous: Stretch and Strength with Brandywine Living. Lace up your sneakers and let’s get moving! Learn how to improve your flexibility and mobility and stretch and strengthen muscles. These exercises will help protect against injury while you age.

Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – Holiday Jeopardy with Kelly. Test your knowledge while playing this fun game of Holiday Jeopardy. This festive game is a great way to keep your brain active while participating in friendly competition.

Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m. – Holiday Card Making Workshop with Kelly. Get your creative juices flowing while making beautiful holiday cards using stencils. Give these special cards to friends and family. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – Art and Aromatherapy by Raghda Abdelmaksoud, Ebers Consulting. Support your well-being and reduce stress by participating in this multi-sensory experience that uses aromatherapy while participants create a simple painting.

Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – Annual Holiday Party with Entertainment by Clifford Seay. Join the annual holiday celebration and sing along while entertainer Clifford Seay performs classic songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. **For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – Game Day. Play any of your favorite games including scrabble, checkers, hangman and more for socialization, fun and friendly competition.

Dec. 16 & 30, 11 a.m. – Bingo. Bingo is more than just a fun activity. Researchers have found that playing Bingo has multiple benefits such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, improving concentration, honing one’s listening skills and boosting short-term memory.

Dec. 19, 11 a.m. – “Healthy Eating During the Holidays” by Sigrid Solis, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Learn tips for watching your waistline during the holidays.

Dec. 20, 11 a.m. – Holiday Tribute to the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge Participants by Motivational Speaker Karen Muha. Hear personal motivational stories about Ms. Muha’s gratitude for the aging population.

Dec. 21, 11 a.m. – “Breast Health” by Community Cancer Control Specialist Hiral Shula, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Learn about the risks, factors, early warning signs and available treatments for breast cancer, a dangerous disease that affects both men and women.

Dec. 22, 11 a.m. – Craft: Beaded Snowflake Ornaments with Kelly and a Visit from Santa Claus. Using beads, create a pretty snowflake ornament to keep or give to a loved one. Santa Claus will make an appearance too. **Beginners are welcome. All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Dec. 27, 11 a.m. – Game Day. Led by staff from the senior center, participants will enjoy playing their favorite games including scrabble, checkers, hangman and more. Game Day is great for socialization, fun and friendly competition.

Dec. 28, 11 a.m. – Paper Snowflake Craft with Eva & Kelly. Create a simple paper snowflake and hang it from the senior center’s ceiling. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BRIDGEWATER

876 East Main Street

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

908-203-6101

Scrabble Club – Mondays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Exercise your vocabulary and crossword puzzle skills by enjoying a friendly game of Scrabble. If there is enough interest, the senior centers may host a Scrabble competition.

Qigong Practice with Michael – Mondays, 10 a.m. Learn the traditional practice of Qigong, a sitting- meditation that helps participants coordinate their mind, body and spirit (similar to tai chi). When practicing sets of exercises, beginners will learn to master a combination of breathing techniques and physical movements until each movement and posture have been perfected.

Bridge Club – Mondays, 1 – 4 p.m. Play Bridge, a mentally challenging card game that offers intellectual and social stimulation. Playing this game regularly has been shown to stimulate the brain and help the memory stay active. **New members and beginners are always welcome.**

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – Chair Yoga with Manjula. Gain health benefits by practicing yoga poses with the support and safety of your favorite chair. Increase bone density, and improve strength, flexibility, and balance while immersed in a relaxing class. Expect a lot of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class is perfect for relieving stress and helping participants to gain an overall sense of well-being. This class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced standing or sitting.

(Hybrid) Gentle Aerobics with Lisa & Caitlin – Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Exercise and move without putting undue pressure or strain on the body. Learn movements to increase blood circulation, lubricate joints for flexibility, and strengthen and stabilize individual muscles. Gentle aerobics can help decrease the risk of falls and make it easier to accomplish day-to-day activities. **This class is presented in a hybrid format via Zoom and conducted live at the center by an instructor. Exercises can be practiced while standing or sitting. The class is open to all skill levels.**

Mahjong Club – Learn how to play Mahjong, an interesting game that can help sharpen the brain and keep it supercharged! This club is for anyone who wants to have fun, meet new people, and loves to play the game.

Wednesday Mornings – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Beginners)
Wednesday Afternoons – 1 to 4 p.m.
Friday Mornings – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

**This is not a competitive club. All levels of experience are welcome.**

Chair Yoga with Pushpa – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Align the body, and improve its balance, flexibility, circulation and posture by practicing Chair Yoga using controlled breathing and meditation. **All levels of skill are welcome.**

Monthly Book Club – Every Third Thursday, 10 a.m. Join fellow book club members on Dec. 22, to discuss the mystery novel, “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” by Agatha Christie. New members are always welcome!

Aerobic Chair Exercise with Sabina – Thursdays, 10 a.m. Improve heart health, reduce stress, and lower the risk of depression, diabetes and osteoporosis while increasing body stamina, improving

metabolism and increasing flexibility. **This is an ongoing exercise program for all levels of skill. Exercises can be practiced while either standing or sitting.**

Tai Chi for Health – Thursdays, 11 a.m. (Nov. 10 – Dec. 29) & Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. (Jan. 5 & Jan. 12). Help reduce pain, fatigue, and stiffness, improve balance and achieve a greater sense of well-being while practicing Tai Chi. In this class, participants will practice shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. **The class is currently full. This class can be practiced while either standing or sitting. For more information about the next session, call 908-203-6101.**

Stronger Seniors, Core Strength – Thursdays, 1 p.m. Join a safe and easy workout to strengthen core muscles by using resistance bands in this pre-recorded exercise program. **If they wish, participants can bring their resistance bands. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

Take Control with Exercise – Wednesdays & Fridays, 1 p.m. Strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility, and balance while boosting stamina in this gentle exercise program, presented in a video format. **Exercises can be practiced while either standing or sitting.**

Pinochle Club – Fridays, 1 – 4 p.m. Play Pinochle! **New members are always welcome.**

Billiards Room – Pool table is available daily on a drop-in basis, Monday – Friday.

Computer Lab – Available daily, Monday to Friday. Center members are invited to use the computers at their leisure.

Ping Pong – Available Monday – Friday. Take a shot at this fun game for a great way to improve hand/eye coordination, concentration and agility.

Table Shuffleboard (Carrom) – Available Monday – Friday.

Dec. 1, 11 a.m. – “Criminal Justice Myths” by John Paitakes, Ph.D. Get an inside look at how the law is upheld from criminal justice expert Dr. John Paitakes who has worked in the field for fifty years. Dr. Paitakes will de-myth the common beliefs and misunderstanding the general population often has about crime and law enforcement.

Dec. 2, 10 a.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screenings, Somerset County Vo-Tech Nursing Students. Help students hone their blood-pressure-taking skills and get a free blood pressure reading. **No appointment is necessary.**

Dec. 2, 11 a.m. – Dominic Mantuano Does the Holidays. Experience an incredible show when Opera Singer Dominic Mantuano performs a variety of songs including opera, holiday hits and popular hits from the 1950s and 60s.

Dec. 5, 11 a.m. – “Colorectal Cancer Awareness” by Isaiah Cimafranca, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Public Health. Learn the facts about colon cancer including the risk factors, as well as how colon cancer screening and receiving routine colonoscopies, as recommended by your healthcare provider, is an important part of preventative treatment for colon cancer. Participants will also find out about the anatomy of the colon, the digestive tract and the large intestine, and discover why knowing your body and your family’s health history is an important part of your health journey.

Dec. 5 & 19, 11 a.m. – Bereavement Support Group. Share common feelings about grief and the renewal process in this support group that provides participants with a safe place for grieving the death of a loved one. Interfaith bereavement principles and universal spiritual concepts are incorporated into this group. Doctor of Ministry, Grief Counselor, and Pastoral Psychotherapist Ronald W. Kaplan will facilitate discussions. **Everyone’s presence and participation are welcome. To register, call 908-203-6101.**

(Virtual) Dec. 5, 1:30 p.m. – Holiday Fact or Fiction with Cate. Test your memory, and imagination, and learn something new or shocking. The answers may surprise you in this fun guessing game.

Dec. 6, 11 a.m. – “Quilt Display” by Members of the Hillsborough Quilting Club. Learn about the tradition of quilting which began as far back as 3400 BC. See beautiful handmade quilts created by the Hillsborough Quilting Club, which will be donated to CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) to give to CASA’s foster children.

Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – Holiday Fact or Fiction with Cate. Test your memory, and imagination, and learn something new or shocking. The answers may surprise you in this fun guessing game.

Dec. 8, 11 a.m. – Sled Ornament Craft with Caitlin Murray & Lisa Carra. Create a simple, and adorable sled ornament using wood. **Supplies are limited. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 908-203-6101.**

Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m. – Annual Holiday Celebration with Entertainment by James Barba. Get into the holiday spirit and celebrate with good friends and live entertainment by James Barba who will perform holiday songs. **For more information and to register, call 908-203-6101.**

Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – “The Basics of Foot Health” by Dr. Dunja Cronje, Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Learn about the health of your skin, muscles, tendons, and circulation in your feet, a part of the body that many may not realize is important to your health and comfort. Dr. Cronje will conduct a foot screening to assess the skin, circulation, and nerves in the feet. The screening will only be available to a limited number of clients. **Registration is required. To register and for more information, call 908-203-6101.**

Dec. 13 & 29, 11 a.m. – Bingo. Bingo is more than just an exciting activity. Researchers have found that playing Bingo has multiple benefits such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, improving concentration, honing listening skills and boosting short-term memory.

Dec. 14, 11 a.m. – The Sing’n Swing’n Seniors. Enjoy this amazingly talented choral group comprised of local seniors who will share their vocal talents while spreading holiday cheer and paying homage to fellow seniors. Their performance will include songs such as “Hello Seniors” sung to the tune of “Hello Dolly,” “Zip-A-Dee-Do-Da” and the “Lullaby on Broadway.”

Dec. 16, 11 a.m. – Holiday Performance by the Vo-Tech Dancers. Be dazzled by this festive dance performance by student dancers from the Somerset County Vo-Tech. The dancers will be donning beautiful costumes while tap dancing in the style of the NYC Rockettes.

Dec. 19, 11 a.m. – Dreidel Games with Caitlin Murray & Lisa Carra. Celebrate the upcoming holiday Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, and have fun playing Dreidel a Hanukkah tradition.

Dec. 20, 11 a.m. – Performance by the Somerville High School Choir. Get into the holiday spirit by listening to the performance of talented high school singers from the Somerville High School choir.

Dec. 22, 11 a.m. – Painting with Watercolors with Caitlin Murray & Lisa Carra. Create a unique and colorful piece of artwork by using watercolors and masking tape to create crisp lines and intricate shapes. **All supplies will be provided.**

Dec. 27, 11 a.m. – Fun and Games: Dominoes, Left-Right-Center & Close the Box with Caitlin Murray & Lisa Carra. Sit back and relax while playing these old favorite games.

Dec. 28, 11 a.m. – “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research” by Robyn Kohn, Alzheimer’s Association. Learn the latest research results about diet, nutrition, exercise and how positive lifestyle choices can impact the aging process. Ms. Kohn will also discuss the brain-body connection, and the importance of cognitive activity and social engagement, as well as how to create a plan for healthy aging.

Dec. 30, 11 a.m. – Wishing You a Healthy New Year by Jill O’Brien, Generations Home Healthcare. Learn stretches and exercises to help keep your muscles strong for a healthier New Year. **Wear comfortable clothes, and sturdy sneakers and bring a water bottle.**

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT HILLSBOROUGH

339 South Branch Road

Hillsborough, NJ 08844

908-369-8700

Chair Yoga with Manjula – Mondays, 10 a.m. Gain health benefits from practicing yoga poses with the support and safety of your favorite chair. Increase bone density, and improve strength, flexibility, and balance while you are immersed in a relaxing class. Expect a lot of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class is perfect for relieving stress and helping to gain an overall sense of well-being. **The class is open to all skill levels and participants can practice exercises while standing or sitting.**

Sit & Stitch Club – Mondays, 1 p.m. Bring knitting, crocheting, and sewing projects and share your skills and talents with other members. ** Beginners are welcome.**

Mahjong Club – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Play the interesting game Mahjong, a tile-based game of skill, strategy and luck, which was invented in China and has been played throughout the world since the early 20th century.

Fit & Flex with Rose – Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Get fit while performing 20 minutes of low-impact exercise to music, use weights for 15 minutes, and then use resistance bands for 15 minutes. Perform stretching exercises with a chair and other movements while standing. The instructor encourages and supports proper breathing and proper positioning.

Beginner Ukulele Club with David – Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Start on the right note with easy-to-follow lessons. Learn how to hold, tune, and strum simple chords while learning the foundation of playing the ukulele.

Cardio Boxing – Tuesdays &Thursdays, 10 a.m. Learn this exciting blend of exercises that are easy to follow for older adults. **This class is presented in a video format. All exercises are demonstrated while standing and sitting.**

Hillsborough Discussion Group with Al Alvaro – Every Second Thursday, 1 p.m. Join December’s discussion about how to stay safe during the holidays. For more information, call 908-369-8700.

Tai Chi Club with Alice – Fridays, 10 a.m. Practice Tai Chi, an easy-to-learn, mindfulness-flowing, and moving meditatively. This class will help participants achieve peace of mind, better health, balance and joy.

Card Club – Fridays, 1 p.m. Play Rummy, Poker, Blackjack, Solitaire, and more. **Beginners are welcome.**

Puzzle Club – Thursdays, 1 p.m. Strike up a conversation, make new friends, and enjoy assembling puzzles. Participants can choose from a wide variety of puzzles.

Dec. 1, 11 a.m. – “Staying Healthy” by Owner & Pharmacist in Charge Neenu Chandy, AmWELL Pharmacy. Join Dr. Chandy for an informative session on chronic disease management of diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. Participants will also learn about the medications to treat these diseases and the possible side effects of these medications.

(Virtual) Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m. – Retro-Nostalgic Christmas with Musician, Composer, Bandleader, Sound, and Music Production Member Jim Lutz, of the Raritan Valley Trombone Quartet. Imagine chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the chill of Jack Frost nipping at your nose, and the charm of the Yule Log, as you get into the holiday spirit with the sweet sound of Jim’s trombone. He will perform holiday classics with the music of Burl Ives, Perry Como, Judy Holiday, Bing Crosby, Mel Torme, Nat King Cole and more. **For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Dec. 5 & 6, 11 a.m. – Holiday Craft with Tammy. Create an outdoor gingerbread man with step-by-step instructions. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – Game Day. Play your favorite games including scrabble, checkers, hangman and more while socializing, having fun and engaging in friendly competition.

Dec. 8, 11 a.m. – “Easy Entertaining” by Brienne Janho, Rehab at River’s Edge. Learn tips and tricks to help make entertaining less stressful.

Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – Keep Your Mind Sharp by Marlo Sutphin, Braven Health. Learn all about brain health such as what daily activities help maintain the brain as we age and how the proper diet, physical exercise and proper rest can impact health. Participants will play games and learn exercises that will stimulate different areas of the brain to help increase their memory.

Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – “Bridge Builder in Petticoats: Emily Warren Roebling and the Brooklyn Bridge” by Historian Carol Simon Levin. Enjoy this riveting performance by Carol Simon Levin when she impersonates Emily Warren Roebling to tell her story. Ms. Roebling was responsible for the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, helped design the family’s Trenton mansion, studied law, organized relief for troops returning from the Spanish American War, attended the coronation of the Tsar of Russia and had tea with Queen Victoria. Ms. Roebling is often referred to as “one of the most noted women in the country.”

Dec. 13, 10 a.m. – Christmas Performance by the Hillsborough Rockets and Rockettes. Watch a fantastic performance by the Hillsborough Rockets and Rockettes donning their Christmas costumes while performing out-of-this-world dance numbers that will inspire holiday cheer.

Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – “Healthy Eating During the Holidays” by Program Coordinator Jennifer Korneski, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Learn how to eat healthily during holidays.

Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – Brain Games with Doretha. Play various games, puzzles, and trivia challenges specially designed to maintain your brain health. Studies show that brain games may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision-making and short-term memory.

Dec. 16 & 27, 11 a.m. – Bingo. Bingo is more than just an exciting activity. Researchers have found that playing Bingo has multiple benefits such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, improving concentration, honing listening skills and boosting short-term memory.

Dec. 19, 11 a.m. – Christmas with Caitlin Campbell, Foothill Acres. Get into the holiday spirit when Caitlin performs “Jingle Bells,” I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Dec. 20, 11 a.m. – Winter Craft with Dori. Create a 6” wreath and add colorful, festive embellishments to give as a gift or add to your collection of holiday decorations. **Only 24 participants can register. All supplies will be provided. To register, call 908-369-8700.**

Dec. 21, 11 a.m. – Holiday Celebration with Entertainment by Jerry Costaldo. Get ready to celebrate with good friends and live entertainment. **For more information, and to register call 908-369-8700.**

Dec. 22, 11 a.m. – “Medicare 101” by Josh O’Neal, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services. Learn about the changes in Medicare costs for 2023, the Medicare savings programs, and what criteria are needed to help pay for Medicare expenses. This presentation will provide Medicare beneficiaries with valuable information. There will be a Q&A at the end of the presentation.

Dec. 29, 11 a.m. – Game Day. Play your favorite games including scrabble, checkers, hangman and more while socializing, having fun and engaging in friendly competition.

(Virtual) Dec. 30, 11 a.m. – Piano Concert Performance. Join Hillsborough resident, Pallavi Routray, and her students for a mini-concert as they perform American, Broadway and classical songs on the piano.

MONTGOMERY SENIOR CENTER

356 Skillman Road

Skillman, NJ 08558

609-466-0846

Blood Pressure Screenings – First Monday of Every Month, 9:30 a.m. Get a FREE blood pressure screening from a Montgomery Township nurse who will be onsite at the senior center. **No appointment is necessary.**

Take Control with Exercise – Mondays, 10 a.m. Strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility, and balance while boosting stamina in this gentle exercise program. Participants can practice exercises while either standing or sitting.

Nia Melt with Alida Westfield – Mondays, 11 a.m. Have an hour of fun every week while practicing this combination of healthy exercises Nia and Melt. Nia combines martial arts, modern dance, and yoga in a workout set to music. MELT is a self-treatment technique that helps prevent pain, heals injury, and erases the negative effects of aging and active living. The class ends with standing or sitting while practicing 15-20 minutes of non-impact Nia movements performed to music, which was created especially for seniors to promote HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).

**There will be no class on Dec. 12.**

(Hybrid) Yoga Chair Fusion with Debbi – Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Learn techniques to help gain flexibility and improve strength while immersing yourself in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. Practicing yoga may