5-31-2023 4:04pm

Senior Wellness Centers Offer Exciting Programs in June

Donnella Tilery Editor

Newlyweds William McDowell and Doris Halley-Ross celebrate their marriage at the Warrenbrook Senior Wellness Center where they began their romance.

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Connect with others by registering for programs at any of the six Somerset County-operated senior wellness centers. Join the fun, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services oversees the senior wellness centers, which provide a wide range of programs to help foster lifelong enrichment in a social and uplifting atmosphere.

Closing: There will be no in-person or hybrid classes or programs on June 29 (Staff In-Service/Professional Day).

Lunch

Attendees can invite a friend or neighbor to join them 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 years and above. The menu includes a choice of hot meat-based or meatless entrées or cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunches. Senior center clients must make reservations for lunch by 10 a.m. on the previous business day.

Virtual and Hybrid Programs

Programs will be occurring in person and as hybrid and virtual. Participants can attend hybrid programs either in person with an instructor or via Zoom. Hybrid and virtual programs are noted throughout the schedule. A camera (audio and video) is required to participate in virtual health and wellness programs.

Zoom Tutorials

Participants can join Zoom programs 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.

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BASKING RIDGE

202 Mt. Airy Road

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

908-204-3435

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

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

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 that is presented in a video format. **There is no fee to join this class. This class is for all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Knitting/Crocheting/Stitching Club – Mondays, 12:30 – 4 p.m. Bring your knitting/crocheting/stitching project to the center or join fellow center members to learn a new hobby while meeting wonderful people. **Everyone is welcome to join this club.**

Mahjong Club – Mondays, Wednesdays, 12:30 – 4 p.m. Learn to play Mahjong, an interesting game that helps keep the 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.**

(NEW) Canasta Club – Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. Play this traditional card game of strategy and tactics. **New members are welcome. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Bridge Club – Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Get intellectual and social stimulation when playing Bridge, a mentally challenging card game. Studies show when participants play Bridge regularly it can stimulate the brain to keep it alert and help one’s memory stay active. **New members and beginners are welcome. For more information, call 908-204-3425.**

Chair Yoga with Jillian. Wednesdays & Fridays, 1 p.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 being 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 gain an overall sense of well-being. **The cost of the class is $40 for the eight-week program. Wednesday sessions begin on May 24, & Friday sessions will begin on June 2. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Monthly Book Club - Every Third Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. Join fellow book lovers on June 21, to discuss “The Boys on the Boat,” a biography by Daniel James Brown. **New members are always welcome!**

(NEW) Mahjong Lessons with Sylvia Rubin., 9:30 a.m. Learn how to play this fun, challenging game including helpful tips and tricks. Playing Mahjong helps keep the brain sharp and supercharged. **For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

June 1, 11 a.m. – “Mature Life Planning” with Christopher Kellogg, NightingaleNJ Eldercare Navigators. Learn how a proactive, interdisciplinary approach to the aging process, such as managing one’s health, finances, and legal needs can help maximize one’s quality of life.

June 1, 8, 15 & 22, 11 a.m. – Line Dancing with David Cross. Have fun getting fit while dancing. Studies have shown line dancing increases cardiovascular and muscular strength and improves coordination and balance. Participants don’t need a partner, and it’s an easy way to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. **For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

June 2, 11 a.m. – Mandala Art Workshop, with Eva Alexander, Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge Participant. Create a breathtaking circular mandala using markers or colored pencils. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

June 5, 11 a.m. – Songs of the Decades with Clifford Seay. Enjoy a musical performance of favorite hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Bring your dancing shoes!

June 6, 11 a.m. – “Brain Health” by Dementia Practitioner Andi Noble, Basking Ridge. Learn about brain health, such as why brain health is important and how to keep your brain healthy.

June 7, 10 a.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screenings from an Atlantic Health Nurse. Get a free blood pressure screening. **No appointment is necessary.**

June 7, 11 a.m. – “Thunderstorm Preparedness” by Disaster Program Specialist Allie Calascibetta, American Red Cross. Learn how to prepare for thunderstorms and stay safe during these dangerous, powerful storms.

June 8, 11 a.m. – Watercolor Butterflies with Kelly and Eva. Paint beautiful watercolor butterflies to hang at the senior center during butterfly awareness month. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

June 9, 11 a.m. – “Butterfly Basics” by Vanessa Darras, Somerset County Park Commission. Learn all about butterflies the beautiful and complex creatures that adapt physically and behaviorally to the changing environment. Discover the difference between a butterfly and a moth, and other interesting facts.

June 12, 11 a.m. – “NJ Shares” by Nicholas Carra, NJ Shares. Learn about available assistance, eligibility, and how to apply to various programs.

June 13, 11 a.m. – “Summer Berries” by Family & Community Health Sciences Program Coordinator Jennifer Korneski, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Learn about the health benefits of berries, and how to include these tasty and refreshing treats into your daily diet.

June 13, 1:30 p.m. – Healthy Aging Discussion Group (Every Second Tuesday) with Certified Dementia Practitioner Andi Noble, Residence at Basking Ridge. Join this discussion group about healthy aging. Each month, the practitioner will discuss a new topic about mental, physical, or spiritual health. **For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

June 14, 10 a.m. – Greeting Card Craft with Jerry Garris-Happ. Create a beautiful greeting card to keep for yourself or give as a gift. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

June 15, 11 a.m. – Brain Games with Kelly. Help keep your brain young by playing various games, puzzles, and trivia. Studies show that playing brain games may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as thought-processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision- making and short-term memory.

June 16 & 30 11 a.m. – Bingo. Partake in a little bit of friendly competition and play Bingo, which is more than just an exciting activity. Researchers have found that playing Bingo provides multiple benefits, such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, and improving concentration, listening, and short-term memory.

June 19, 11 a.m. – “Women of the Sea and Sky” by Historian Carol Simon-Levin. Enjoy Carol Simon-Levin’s portrayal of American female aviator Jerry Cobb who was part of Mercury 13. In this historical performance, Carol also tells the story of unknown women astronomers, marine scientists and astronauts who explored outer space and the ocean giving the world a greater understanding of the planet and universe.

June 20, 11 a.m. – “Uncovering the Enslaved” by Hannah Gaston, Liberty Hall Museum. Learn the history of slavery throughout the country and in New Jersey in recognition of Juneteenth, which celebrates hope, independence, and the end of slavery in the United States. In addition, participants will also find out how the Liberty Hall Museum is uncovering more stories about enslaved people. **This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.**

June 21, 11 a.m. – “Why are Blood Pressure Screenings Important” by Donna Smith, Arbor Terrace at Basking Ridge. Learn about the importance of blood pressure screenings and how they can help detect the early onset of certain diseases.

June 22, 11 a.m. – Beaded Butterfly Craft with Kelly. Create a beautiful, beaded butterfly key chain, magnet, or pin using pipe cleaners and craft beads. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

June 23, 11 a.m. – Summer Celebration with DJ Gio. Kick off summer with a musical performance by DJ Gio who will play an assortment of dance music and old-time favorites.

June 26, 11 a.m. – 4th of July Craft with Debbie Scott, Bristol Living. Learn how to create a patriotic craft for the Fourth of July holiday. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

June 27, 11 a.m. – No-Bake Summer Recipes with Reena Yaseen, Brandywine Living. Find out how to make easy, no-bake summer recipes, which are perfect for a summer picnic. There will be a tasting too.

June 28, 11 a.m. – “Somerset County Disability Services” by Janell Wilson, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services. Learn about the wide variety of programs the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, offers including Project Lifesaver, and the Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP).

June 30, 9 a.m. – Lifeline Screenings. Get a free preventative-health screening on Friday, June 30, at the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge. These four 60 to 90-minute screenings are a simple, convenient way to learn your risk for stroke, heart disease and other chronic conditions by diagnosing your level of plaque buildup and potential for blockage. The screenings are accurate, affordable and will provide valuable information about your health to share with your doctor. **To register call toll-free 1-888-653-6441, text the word “circle” to 216-279-1607 or visit the webpage at LLSA.SOCIAL/HC.**

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 and posture is perfected.

Walking Club – Mondays, 1 p.m. Walk outside to better your health and improve your balance, mood, memory and sleep. In case of inclement weather, the club will walk underneath the awning. **Wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

(Virtual) Hatha Yoga with Bharti – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. Improve body posture through breath control and meditation. Practicing Hatha Yoga provides many health benefits, including aligning the body, and improving balance, flexibility, and circulation. **To register, call 908-203-6101 or email 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 being 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, which is so much fun it doesn’t even seem like exercise! Line dancing doesn’t require a partner and it’s a great way to maintain one’s 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.

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 lovers on June 22 to discuss “Circe: A Novel,” a historical novel by Madeline Miller. **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.**

(Hybrid) Gentle Aerobics with Lisa & Caitlin – Wednesdays & 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. **There will be no class on June 7. 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 or have osteoporosis. **The class is full, and there are no available openings. 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 borrow bands from the senior center. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

(NEW) Crafts Club – Fridays, 12:30 – 2 p.m. Bring your craft projects to craft and chat. Knit, crochet, embroider or do any other crafts on Friday afternoons. **The center has limited supplies available. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

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

June 1, 11 a.m. – “Toastmasters and the Power of Speaking” by Rich Zarate, Somerville Toastmasters. Learn the art of public speaking. In this class led by Rich Zarate of Toastmasters, participants will find out how to be more confident, and self-aware, improve communication skills, and network. Toastmasters is an international, non-profit, educational organization that helps people improve their public speaking skills.

June 2, 11 a.m. – “Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease” by the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn about brain health during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

June 5 & 28, 11 a.m. – Bingo. Partake in a little bit of friendly competition and play Bingo, which is more than just an exciting activity. Researchers have found that playing Bingo provides multiple benefits, such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, and improving concentration, listening, and short-term memory.

June 6, 11 a.m. – “Hospitality of the House: George Washington at Rockingham by Site Director Lisa Flick, Rockingham State Historic Site. Learn about the impressive list of people who visited Rockingham in 1783 to see General George Washington, a temporary resident of the lovely farmhouse near Princeton. **This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.**

June 6 & 20, 11 a.m. – Bereavement Support Group. Share common feelings about grief and the renewal process in this support group, which 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 facilitates the discussions. **Everyone’s presence and participation are welcome. For more information, call 908-203-6101.**

June 7, 10 a.m. – Public Hearing. The Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services and its Advisory Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater, 876 East Main Street about its programs and services for adults 60 years and above and their caregivers. The forum is an opportunity for the public to talk about community needs and recommended potential solutions.

The purpose of the hearing is to offer county residents the opportunity to comment about the needs of older adults, persons living with disabilities, and caregivers to learn about the 2024 Area Plan Contract Update, which provides services funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act, Supplemental Aging Supportive, SVCS, State Safe Housing and Transportation, Adult Protective Services, Casino Revenues, State, County and Local Funds.

The 2024 Area Plan Contract Update identifies trends and conditions affecting the aging population in Somerset County. Goals and implementing strategies to meet current needs will be discussed. Other topics include the services and programs to be provided under the Older Americans Act, along with the proposed spending plan.

Written comments will be accepted up to June 7, 2023, as part of the public record of the hearing and should be addressed to: Joanne Fetzko, Executive Director, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, New Jersey, 08876 or email OfficeAging@co.somerset.nj.us

For more information or to R.S.V.P., call Jennifer Orozco at 908-541-5745 by Monday, June 5.

June 8, 11 a.m. – Summer Flowerpot Craft. Welcome summer by decorating flowerpots (perhaps with a Patriotic theme for Flag Day) and planting seeds to grow lovely summer flowers. **Supplies are limited. For more information, call (908) 203-6101.**

June 9, 11 a.m. – The Bees Knees by Rich Hoffman, Naturalist, Somerset County Park Commission. Learn about bees, one of nature’s most important role players and how important pollination is to the environment.

June 12, 11 a.m. – Weights & Measures by Jeremy Eckles, Office of Weights & Measures. Learn about the Somerset County Weights and Measures division, including price monitoring for produce and meats, and how they determine if a business is overcharging its customers.

June 12, 2 p.m. – Lunch & Learn: Make Jewelry from Recycled Cans with Artist Debbie Perez. Reduce, reuse, and redesign recycled cans to make beautiful jewelry. **Registration is required. The class size is limited. For more information, call 908-203-6101. This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.**

June 13, 11 a.m. – “Fall Prevention” by Dr. William Walsh, AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine. Learn how to prevent a fall or injury and not be one of the three million older adults who go to the emergency room for fall-related injuries each year.

June 14, 11 a.m. – Fun & Games with Lisa & Caitlin. Play Pass the Pigs, Dominoes, and Left-Right-Center and have a relaxing day enjoying these games.

June 15, 11 a.m. – “Gone Fishin’” by Somerset County Park Ranger by Nicholas Corriero & David Lussier, Somerset County Park Rangers. Learn how to obtain a fishing license, what kind of fish you can catch, and how the local waterways are stocked with fish.

June 16, 11 a.m. – Celebrating Flags & Dads. Celebrate with musician John Sudia when he performs golden oldies, country hits, and patriotic favorites.

June 19, 11 a.m. – “Uncovering the Enslaved” by Hannah Gaston, Liberty Hall Museum. Learn the history of slavery throughout the country and in New Jersey in recognition of Juneteenth, which celebrates hope, independence, and the end of slavery in the United States. In addition, participants will also find out how the Liberty Hall Museum is uncovering more stories about enslaved people. **This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.**

June 20, 11 a.m. – Hillsborough Rockers & Rockettes Performance. Lift your spirits with a performance by the Hillsborough Township Rockers and Rockettes senior dance group. This group, consisting of Hillsborough Township residents, practices up to three times per week and performs throughout the area at nursing homes, senior centers, and other local events. Don’t miss this show!

June 21, 11 a.m. – “The Long-Term Care Continuum” by Christopher Kellogg, NightingaleNJ Eldercare Navigators. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of various long-term care options, the cost of each option, and what to consider when choosing long-term care for yourself or a loved one.

June 22, 11 a.m. – Home Fire Safety by Disaster Program Specialist Allie Calascibetta, American Red Cross. Learn how to keep you and your home safe from fires.

June 23, 11 a.m. – The Swinging Singing Seniors. Swing into summer with this amazingly talented choral group comprised of local seniors who will perform songs, such as “Hello Seniors” sung to the tune of “Hello Dolly,” “Zip-A-Dee-Do-Da” and the “Lullaby on Broadway.”

June 26, 11 a.m. – Unused Medication Drop-Off Opportunity & K-9 Visit by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office. Take advantage of this safe way to dispose of unused or expired medication. A Sheriff’s Officer will be at the senior center to collect the medication. The Sheriff’s K-9 officer will also bring their four-legged partner. **Senior center staff cannot accept unused medication without the Sheriff’s Officer present.**

June 27, 11 a.m. – Summer Celebration with Rob Trout. Get the party started right with performer Rob Trout who will sing your favorite dance hits!

June 30, 11 a.m. – Let’s Make Art Together. Create a three-part painting that has 3D embellishments. The artwork will be made with fellow center members. **This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.**

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT HILLSBOROUGH

339 South Branch Road

Hillsborough, NJ 08844

908-369-8700

(NEW) Rummikub – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:30 a.m. Play this fast-moving board game, which requires players to have some luck and use strategic thinking. Playing Rummikub promotes social interaction, mental stimulation, relaxation, and time flies when you play this game.

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 being 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 helps participants 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 the club, and share your skills and talents with other members. **Beginners are welcome.**

Fit & Flex with Rose – Tuesdays (Virtual) & 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 at 1 p.m. & Thursdays at 10 a.m. Take part in an exciting blend of easy-to-follow exercises for older adults. The class is presented in a video. All exercises will be demonstrated while standing and sitting. **For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Project Healthy Bones – Thursdays, 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 or have osteoporosis. **The class is $15 for the 24-week class, which includes a manual. Participants should bring weights or filled water bottles to use as weights. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Hillsborough Discussion Group with Al Alvaro – Every Second Thursday (June 9), 1 p.m. Members will choose topics to discuss beginning in July through December. If members have special requests, they should inform Al. **For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

(NEW) Walking Club – Thursdays, 1 p.m. Walking regularly can improve your balance, your mood, your memory, and your sleep. Join us to walk outside and to better your health. **The club will meet when the weather permits. Wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Mahjong Club – Fridays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join this Mahjong Club and meet new people while learning to play the game, which is an interesting way to keep your brain sharp and supercharged!

Simply Seated: Energize Serries with Curtis Adams – Fridays, 10 a.m. Join other center members for a fun, challenging and invigorating chair-exercise class in a video presentation. In this class, participants will practice a variety of exercises and stretching to strengthen the heart, abs, and core, help 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. Participants can substitute hand weights with two soup cans or two filled water bottles.**

Blood Pressure Screenings – Last Friday of Every Month, 10 a.m. (June 30) – Get a free blood pressure and blood-sugar screening from the Philippine Nurse’s Association of New Jersey. **No appointment is necessary.**

Puzzle Club – Wednesdays & Fridays, 1 p.m. Strike up a conversation, make new friends, and enjoy assembling puzzles. Choose from a wide variety of puzzles at the senior center.

June 1, 11 a.m. – Laughter Yoga with Roz Gerken. Take part in this fun class of laughter exercises and yoga breathing techniques (Pranayama). This class will help bring more oxygen to the body to energize and promote health. Laughter Yoga reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, and helps support positive thinking during challenging times.

June 2, 16 & 30, 11 a.m. – Mindful Breathing and Meditation by Kruti Thakore. Learn several breathing techniques called pranayama to energize the body, restore balance and promote physical and emotional healing.

June 5, 11 a.m. – Summer Celebration with Entertainment by Guitarist Dan Toye. Celebrate the summer with Guitarist Dan Toye who will perform hit songs. **This program is sponsored by Anne Behrik of Stonebridge Montgomery.**

June 6, 10 a.m. – Card Games. Play your favorite card games like Rummy, Poker, Blackjack and Solitaire. Share your card skills with others. **Beginners are welcome.**

June 7, 10 a.m. – Using Your Wits Series: Part 2 by Lisa Bayer, C.D.P., Always Best Care Senior Services. Learn how to keep yourself healthy while aging in this informative, fun, and interactive series. Participants will also learn mnemonic devices to help them remember things more easily.

June 8, 11 a.m. – “Fair Housing,” by Sharon Clark, Central Jersey Housing Resource Center. Learn about fair housing and assistance for low-to-moderate-income families.

June 9 & 23, 11 a.m. – Ageless Grace Fitness Program with Certified Ageless Grace Educator Roz Gerken. Learn how to activate all five functions of the brain through exercise. This class will help stimulate the brain to improve strategic planning, memory and recall, analytical thinking, creativity and kinesthetic thinking. Ageless Grace is based on the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain and central nervous system to change functionally and structurally. **This program is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while seated in a chair.**

June 12, 11 a.m. –“Why Do We Say That” by Historian Meg Wastie. Discover the meanings and background stories behind some of the curious expressions used in American English.

June 13, 11 a.m. – Game Day with Doretha – Join fellow center members to play Bingo, Rummikub, puzzles, and trivia challenges specially designed to keep the brain young. Studies show that brain games may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as increasing the brain’s processing speed and improving planning skills, reaction time, decision-making and short-term memory.

June 14, 11 a.m. – “A Salute to the Jersey Shore” by Anna Nowik Valerio. Learn how the advent of the railway system, the habits of presidents, and blueprinted icebergs led the way to the beloved beachfront called the Jersey Shore, which is one of the most famous coastlines in the world. **This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.**

June 15, 11 a.m. – Craft: Paint & Personalize a Summer Door Sign with Tammy. Create a door sign using stencils and acrylic paints with a step-by-step tutorial. **All supplies will be provided. There is only space for 18 participants. For more information and to register, call 908-369-8700.**

June 19, 11 a.m. – Maintain the Brain by Certified Dementia Practitioner Mallory Dubuisson, Atlantic Health. Learn how to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by keeping your brain active and healthy. Currently, 35 million people living with Alzheimer’s Disease.

June 20, 11 a.m. – Brain Games with Doretha. Join fellow center members to play brain games. Studies show that playing 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.

June 21, 10 a.m. – The History of Juneteenth by Doretha. Learn about Juneteenth, the celebration of freedom and find out what the Juneteenth colors symbolize.

June 22, 11 a.m. –Summer Painting with Anastasia and James Robinson. Paint a beautiful summer scene with expert artists Anastasia and James. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-369-8700. Made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.**

June 26, 11 a.m. –Introduction to Ayurvedic Nutrition and Detox by Kruti Thakore. Learn about the unique mind-body constitution (Dosha). Find out how practicing Dosha through mindful eating can ignite the digestive fire to restore vitality, improve digestion, and reduce fatigue.

June 27, 11 a.m. – Bingo. Partake in a little bit of friendly competition and play Bingo, which is more than just an exciting activity. Researchers have found that playing Bingo provides multiple benefits, such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, and improving concentration, listening, and short-term memory.