SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BRIDGEWATER - Upcoming Events

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BRIDGEWATER

• 876 East Main Street
• Bridgewater, NJ 08807
• 908-203-6101

Billiards Room – Available daily, Monday to Friday on a first-come, first-served basis.

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 minds, bodies, and spirits. Beginners will learn to coordinate their breathing techniques with movements and then practice sets of exercises (like Tai Chi) until each movement or posture is perfected.

Do You Want to Bingocize? Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater Participants and Trained Instructors Join Carol Buckelew and Judy Gaeta – Mondays, 11 a.m. & Thursdays, 11 a.m. (March 20 – May 25). Bingocize your brain and play this fun version of Bingo with an educational twist. This game combines exercise with facts about health. The game sessions last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. This a great way to mingle and move. Participants may win a prize. **The game should only be played twice a week on nonconsecutive days. To register and for more information, call 908- 203-6101.**

(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 – 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 March 23, to discuss, “The Aviator’s Wife,” historical fiction by Melanie Benjamin. **New members are always welcome!**

Aerobic Chair Exercise with Sabina – Thursdays, 10 a.m. Improve your 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.**

Ukulele Bootcamp – Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. (Jan. 12 – March 2). 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.**

March 1, 11 a.m. – Sweet Dreams Craft with Caitlin & Lisa. Make a nighttime-themed windchime. **Supplies are limited. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

March 2 & 6, 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.**

March 2, 11 a.m. – “Sleep and Aging by Atlantic Health.” Learn why sleep is important, and find out how to get more rest. Participants should wear their most comfortable pajamas.

March 2, 1 p.m. – Guided Meditation with Cate. Take a break and soothe yourself. Learn how to get a more restful sleep at night by learning to relax during the day. Guided meditation helps participants relax with calming music and gentle suggestions for relaxation and staying in the present. Research has shown that meditation helps reduce stress, control anxiety, increase one’s attention span, and decrease age-related memory loss.

March 3, 11 a.m. – The Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling in Somerset County by Certified Recycling Professional Melissa Harvey, Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management. Learn what items are acceptable and what items are unacceptable to recycle in Somerset County. Find out how to dispose of household hazardous waste and electronics and learn information about the county’s free shredding program. Participants will also discover the impact that China has had on recycling and where items are disposed.

March 6, 11 a.m. – Maple Sugaring” by Naturalist Vanessa Darras, Somerset County Park Commission. Learn about maple sugaring including the maple sugaring techniques used by Native Americans and how modern maple-sugaring techniques have evolved.

March 7, 11 a.m. Maple Sugar Cooking Demonstration with Jessica Melendez & Kaylee Shvetz, Care One at Somerset Valley. Cook delicious banana-oatmeal flour pancakes to enjoy with fresh maple syrup.

March 7 & 21, 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 the discussions. **Everyone’s presence and participation are welcome. To register, call 908-203-6101.**

March 8, 11 a.m. – “SHIELD Approach to Brain Health” by Certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Trainer, Certified Dementia Practitioner, New Jersey State Assisted Living Administrator, Certified Behavior Therapy Certified Andi Knoble, The Residence at Basking Ridge. Learn about SHIELD: Sleep at least eight hours, Handle stress, Interact with others, Exercise, Learn new things, and eat a healthy Diet. Participants will also find out simple ways to self-monitor. There will be time for Q&A throughout the presentation.

March 9, 11 a.m. – “Senior Medicare Patrol” by Joel Schneider. Learn how to protect, detect and report Medicare fraud and other scams.

March 10, 11 a.m. – “Jump Start Your Garden Indoors” by the Master Gardeners of Somerset County. Leap into spring and learn about the benefits of planting seeds indoors. Find out what materials are needed, how to select seeds, when to plant the seeds, how to manage seedling growth and how to transition young plants to the outdoors.

(Hybrid) March 13, 11 a.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Program by Rearview Mirror (Iris Hirsch and Glenn Bullion). Enjoy this St. Patty’s Day performance of hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s and sing along. **This class will be presented via Zoom and conducted live at the center by an instructor.**

(Hybrid) March 14, 11 a.m. – Shipwrecked by Historian Meg Wastie. Learn about famous shipwrecks that occurred on New Jersey’s coast during the Revolutionary War until the present.

**This class will be presented via Zoom and conducted live at the center by an instructor.**

March 15, 11 a.m. – Avoid Getting Scammed by Melanie Hazim, New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Find out how to avoid getting scammed with fraudulent schemes by imposters through phone calls, emails, and other ploys.

(Hybrid) March 16, 11 a.m. – “Science for Seniors: Oceans” by Gloria Hoffner. Learn how the oceans were formed and why the ocean is salty. Also, discover fascinating facts about ocean creatures including whales and sharks. **This class will be presented via Zoom and conducted live at the center by an instructor.**

March 17, 10 a.m. – 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.**

March 17, 11 a.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Symbols & Shamrock Craft with Caitlin. Create a simple and pretty shamrock decoration for the home. Participants will also learn about Patrick the saint and St. Patty’s Day traditions. **Supplies are limited. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

March 21, 11 a.m. – Songs of the Decades with Clifford Seay. Sing along to favorite songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

March 22, 11 a.m. – Rain Stick Craft with Caitlin & Lisa. Make a rain stick out of simple items found around the home. Rain sticks mimic the sound of rain, so bring the rain stick back to the drum circle. **Supplies are limited. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

March 24, 11 a.m. – Dance Demonstration: Immersing Colors of Love, performed by Nirupama Chandrasekaran. Enjoy a classical Indian art form of dance called Bharatanatyam, which expresses religious themes and spiritual ideas.

March 27, 1 – 4 p.m. – AARP Driver Safety Course (Part One of a Two-Part Series) by Bill Gilbert. Help keep you and your loved ones safe by refreshing your driving skills and learning techniques for handling tricky turns. **Registration is required. The class size is limited. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Payment will be collected at the first session. Participants must attend both sessions. No credit cards will be accepted. To register call 908-203-6101.**

March 28, 11 a.m. – Drum Circle with Dave Miller, EarthMovers Drum Collective. Soothe the mind, body, and spirit by participating in this drumming circle. This holistic experience and ancient approach to healing will incite self-expression and joy as well as lower blood pressure, reduce stress and foster communication. Participants will learn how to hold a drum and make different tones.

March 29, 11 a.m. – Roll & Bowl with Lisa & Caitlin. Play this simple yet addictive game, which is as fun as bowling but as easy as rolling dice.

March 31, 11 a.m. – Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge with Lisa & Caitlin. Get a brain workout and exercise both sides of the brain at the same time by solving a jigsaw puzzle.

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