Raritan NJ
1-30-2023 8:21pm

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

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Register at any of the six Somerset County-operated senior centers in February and join the fun activities and programs, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Managed by the county’s Office on Aging and Disability Services, the senior centers provide a wide range of programs to help foster lifelong enrichment in a social and uplifting atmosphere, which will positively impact the overall health of aging adults.

Closures

There will be no virtual, in-person programs or hybrid classes on Monday, Feb. 20 (President’s Day).

Lunch

Invite a friend or neighbor to join you for lunch! All county-operated senior centers provide a nutritionally balanced lunch on Monday through Friday, for a suggested donation of $2.50 for anyone age 60 and above. Menu choices include a hot meat-based or meatless entrée or a cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunch. Senior center clients must make reservations for lunch by 10 a.m. of the previous business day.

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BRIDGEWATER

876 East Main Street

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

908-203-6101

Billiards Room – The pool table is available daily on a first-come, first-served first 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 – Available Monday – Friday.

Qigong Practices with Michael – Mondays, 10 a.m. Learn the traditional practice of Qigong, a sitting meditation that teaches participants to get acquainted with their mind, body, and spirit. Beginners will learn to coordinate their breathing techniques with movements and then practice sets of exercises (similar to Tai Chi) until each movement or posture is perfected.

(Virtual) Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention – Mondays, 1 p.m. (Jan. 9 to May 8). Learn how to reduce the risk of falls by focusing on shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. Studies have shown that some participants have experienced a reduction in pain, fatigue and stiffness, and have achieved a greater sense of well-being when practicing Tai Chi. **This program is beneficial for those with balance problems and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. For more information, call 908- 203-6101.**

(Virtual) Hatha Yoga with Bharti – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. 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 send an email to donlin@co.somerset.nj.us.**

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. **The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting.**

Line Dancing with Connie and Debbie. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Improve cardiovascular and muscular strength, coordination and balance while line dancing. Line dancing is so much fun it doesn’t even seem like exercise! You don’t need a partner and it’s a great way to maintain your mental and physical health. **This class is suitable for participants with limited mobility. All levels of skill are welcome. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

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 loves the game and wants to have fun and meet new people.

• 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.**

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.**

Monthly Book Club – Every Fourth Thursday, 10 a.m. Join fellow book club members on Feb. 23, to discuss the historical fiction novel, “The Kitchen Front,” by Jennifer Ryan. 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. ** No class on February 23. This is an ongoing exercise program for all levels of skill. Exercises can be practiced while either standing or sitting.**

Ukulele Bootcamp – Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. (Jan. 12 – March 9). Learn how to start playing songs on the first day of this fun, eight-week ukulele course! The ukulele is an incredibly easy-to-learn instrument with only four strings, which makes it easy for participants to quickly learn finger placement and play chords. Playing the ukulele can help improve focus, and hand-eye coordination, foster social interaction, and more. **The class is currently full. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

Stronger Seniors, Core Strength – Thursdays, 1 p.m. Join this safe and easy workout to strengthen core muscles by using resistance bands in this pre-recorded exercise program. **Participants can bring resistance bands or use the bands at the center. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

(Hybrid) Gentle Aerobics with Lisa & Caitlin – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. & Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Exercise 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 will be presented 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.**

Project Healthy Bones – Fridays, 12:45 p.m. Improve balance, strength, flexibility, and posture in this peer-led, 24-week exercise and education program for individuals who are either at risk for osteoporosis or have it. **The class is full, and there are no available openings. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

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

Feb. 1, 11 a.m. – “I Have a Dream: The Story About the Speech” by Museum Curator Marisa Bozarth Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences. Honor Black History Month and learn facts that you may not know about one of the most famous speeches in American history – Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Feb. 2, 17 & 27, 11 a.m. – Bingo. Bingo is more than just a fun activity. Researchers have found that playing Bingo provides multiple benefits, such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, improving concentration, honing one’s listening skills and boosting short-term memory.

Feb. 3, 11 a.m. – Winter Painting with Anastasia and James Robinson. Create a beautiful winter scene in a few simple steps. **Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Call to register at 908-203-6101.**

(Virtual) Feb. 6. 11 a.m. – “The Life of Albert Einstein” by Eve Mandel, Historical Society of Princeton. Examine the life of Albert Einstein and learn how his fascination with a compass played a role in his development as a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, how he accepted a job in Princeton to escape Nazi Germany and how he used his status to advocate for civil rights and advance world peace.

Feb. 14 & 28– 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 the discussions. **Everyone’s presence and participation are welcome. To register, call 908-203-6101.**

Feb. 7, 11 a.m. – Valentines for Kids with Caitlin & Lisa. Make adorable Valentine’s critters for local first-grade students to make them feel special on Valentine’s Day. **Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Call 908-203-6101.**

Feb. 8, 11 a.m. – Color Chemistry & Geometry by Local Artist Karen Haake. Create different geometric shapes by using drawing templates and watercolors. Learn how using different colors with shapes (color chemistry) affects how one sees and feels about art. **Supplies are limited. Registration is required. To register, call 908-203-6101.**

Feb. 9, 11 a.m. – “Low Back Pain” by Dr. William Walsh, DC, AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine in Somerset. Learn about how to ease lower back pain and prevent future pains.

Feb. 10, 10 –11:15 a.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screenings. Get a free blood pressure screening from the Somerset County Vo-Tech nursing students. Learn about your health and help them learn. **No appointment is necessary.**

Feb. 10, 11 a.m. – NJ Shares by Nicholas Carra, NJ Shares. Learn how to apply for aid to pay utility bills and how to apply for assistance.

Feb. 13 & 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screenings. Get free blood pressure screenings from Rutgers School of Nursing students. **No appointment is necessary.**

Feb. 13, 11 a.m. – Heart Ornament Craft with Lisa & Caitlin. Create a simple, folk-art heart ornament to hang in your home for Valentine’s Day. **Supplies are limited. Registration is required. To register, call 908-203-6101.**

Feb. 13, 2 p.m. – Lunch & Learn Opportunity: Aromatherapy by Lisa Bayer, Always Best Senior Care Services. Learn about different essential oils and create an aromatherapy product to take home. In this class, participants will also learn about the history, properties, and intended usage of essential oils, the various ways essential oils can be used in daily life, and will receive an essential oil recipe to create at home. **The class size is limited. Registration is required. To register and for more information, call 908-203-6101.**

Feb. 14, 11 a.m. – Love is in the Air by Arlene Brief Entertainment, sponsored by Aristacare Health. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with DJ Arlene and sing and dance to romantic favorites.

Feb. 15, 11 a.m. – Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge. Get a little brain workout and exercise both sides of the brain at the same time by solving a jigsaw puzzle.

Feb. 16, 11 a.m. – “Home Fire Safety” by Joe Bender & Allie Calascibetta, Red Cross. Learn how to keep your home safe from fire. Families are twice as susceptible to injuries and death in homes that do not have working smoke detectors.

Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – “U.S. Dollar Symbols and Denominations” by Nan Peterson, Somerset County Library System. Discover the origins of the imagery, such as pyramids, eagles, owls and other symbols and markings including Latin phrases used on American currency. Also, learn other bits of entertaining trivia.

Feb. 22, 11 a.m. – Health & Wellness Jeopardy by Lori Morell and Anne Lorraine, Parker Life. Play a fun team game about staying well.

Feb. 23, 10:30 a.m. – Casino Night with Caitlyn Campbell, Foothill Acres. Bring your good luck charms and enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas at the senior center. Get revved to play slot machines, poker, and roulette in Bridgewater.

Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – Fun and Games with Lisa & Caitlin. Play your favorite games such as dominoes, left-right-center a dice game and more, to relax and have fun.

Feb. 28, 11 a.m. – “Healthy Habits of Successful Aging” by Program Coordinator Mary Catherine Lundquist, Rutgers University COPSA Institute for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. Learn about practicing healthy habits to stay strong while aging. It only takes about 66 days to implement a new habit that can add years to your life.

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 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. **The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting.**

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

Do You Want to Bingocize? by Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough participant and trained instructor, Carol Slater – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. & Fridays, 11 a.m. (Jan. 4 – March 10). Play this fun version of Bingo with an educational twist to Bingocize your brain. The game combines exercise and facts about health. Game sessions last 45 to 60 minutes. This a great way to get mingling and moving. Participants will have a chance to win a prize. ** Registration is closed. The game should only be played twice a week on nonconsecutive days. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Mahjong Club – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Play Mahjong, an interesting tile-based game that requires 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. **A limited number of ukuleles are available to borrow. For more information,

call 908-369-8700.**

Vitality: Cardio Boxing Series with Curtis Adams – Tuesdays &Thursdays, 10 a.m. Cardio boxing is an exciting blend of exercises, in video form, for older adults that are easy to follow. **All exercises are demonstrated while standing and sitting.**

Hillsborough Discussion Group with Al Alvaro – Every Second Thursday (Feb. 9), 1 p.m. Join the group to discuss heart health and encourage fellow members to work towards heart-healthy lifestyles in honor of American Heart Health Month when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health. **For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Simply Seated: Energize Serries with Curtis Adams – Fridays, 10 a.m. Join other center members for a fun, challenging and invigorating chair exercise class, which is presented in a video format. In this class, participants will practice a variety of exercises and stretching to strengthen the heart, abs, and core, and to help increase strength, boost stamina and energy, and improve blood circulation, heart health, range of motion, motor skills and balance. **Participation requires a sturdy chair, water bottle, and hand weights for strength training. Substitute hand weights with two soup cans or two filled water bottles.**

(New) Blood Pressure Screenings – Last Friday of Every Month, 12:30 p.m. Get a FREE blood pressure screening from a nurse from the Philippine Nurse’s Association of New Jersey, who will be onsite to provide FREE blood pressure screenings. **No appointment is necessary.**

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.

Feb. 2, 11 a.m. – “Fantastic Plant Stories” by the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center. Learn how plants have been used as part of the celebration around the world for hundreds of years, such as the calming and contemplative effect of an evergreen bonsai with moss, the scarlet poinsettia, cut evergreen trees, formal planted gardens and bouquets of common flowers have been bringing joy to our lives throughout the decades.

Feb. 6, 11 a.m. – Art Project: Photo Finish Roses with Senior Center Participant Aiko Allyn. Enhance a photograph of roses using a technique of collage-colored leaves. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Feb. 9, 11 a.m. – Love Songs with Musician Andrew Lobby. Join fellow center members to celebrate the month of love through Andrew’s performance of popular love songs from the past.

Feb. 13, 11 a.m. – Valentine’s Craft with Tammy. Create a Valentine’s craft by following step-by-step instructions. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Feb. 16, 11 a.m. – “Wildlife and Your Home” by the Somerset County Parks Commission Environmental Education Center. Learn about the wildlife that travels through New Jersey yards and sometimes into homes. In this presentation, participants will find out what to do if they encounter these animals, receive informational resources, and contribute to Q&As throughout the session.

Feb. 23, 11 a.m. – “Functional Foods: Berries” by Program Coordinator Jennifer Korneski, Family & Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Find out valuable nutritional and health information about berries and how including berries in the daily diet can provide exceptional health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and improving one’s overall heart health.

February 27, 11 a.m. – “Our Rights Too!” By Historical Impersonator, Storyteller Carol Simon Levin. Celebrate Black History Month and enjoy this fascinating tale brought to life by a historical impersonator. Carol Simon Levin tells the often untold and overlooked story of an enslaved female poet, an abolitionist and women’s rights speaker, famous female organizers and suffrage activists, female Native American activists, migrant rights advocates and many more diverse women of all colors and creeds who fought for women’s rights and made a significant impact in history.

MONTGOMERY SENIOR CENTER

356 Skillman Road

Skillman, NJ 08558

609-466-0846

Billiards Room – Available daily. The pool table is available daily on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Computer Lab – Available daily. Center members can use the computers at their leisure.

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 these 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 accompanied by music. In this class, participants will practice 15-20 minutes of non-impact Nia movements performed to music while standing or sitting, and will practice MELT, which is a self-treatment technique to help prevent pain, heal injury, and erase the negative effects of aging and active living. The class was created especially for seniors to help promote HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). **This class will not be held on Feb. 20.**

(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 help you increase bone density, strengthen muscles, improve balance, relieve stress and achieve an overall sense of well-being. **This class will be presented in person with an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

Intermediate Ukulele Lessons with Chris – Tuesdays, 11 a.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. Build on the skills learned in the beginner’s class to master chords, melodies and improvisation. Participants will also play a multi-part arrangement in a band and perform a wide range of musical genres. **For more information, call 609-466-0846.**

Tai Chi with Herb – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Reduce the risk of falls by practicing Tai chi. In this class, participants will focus on shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. Studies have shown that most participants have reduced pain, fatigue, and stiffness and achieve a greater sense of well-being when practicing Tai Chi. **Participants can practice exercises while either standing or sitting. For more information, call 609-466-0846.**

Beginner Ukulele Lessons with Denise – Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Learn how to hold, tune, and strum simple chords while learning the foundation of playing the ukulele in easy-to-follow lessons over six weeks. **Next session will start on March 1, 2023. To register and/or reserve a ukulele, call 609-466-0846 or email Crowley@co.somerset.nj.us.**

Line Dancing with Debbie Bjornsted. Thursdays, 11 a.m. Improve cardiovascular and muscular strength, coordination and balance while line dancing, which is so much fun it doesn’t even seem like exercise! You don’t need a partner and it’s a great way to maintain your mental and physical health. **This class is suitable for participants with limited mobility. All levels of skill are welcome.

...

Virtual and/or Hybrid Program Guidelines

Hybrid programs occur in person with an instructor and simultaneously virtually via Zoom. Hybrid and virtual programs are noted throughout the schedule.

Unless otherwise specified, residents aged 60 and above can join any Zoom programs listed in this schedule even if they are not a client at the center that is hosting the event. A camera (audio and video) is required to participate in virtual programs.

What Is Zoom?

Zoom is a secure, video-based, user-friendly, online platform that can be accessed through a smartphone, tablet, or computer that allows 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.

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