Older Adults Can Celebrate Volunteers at Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers this August

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Volunteers play an important role in Somerset County’s Senior Wellness Centers, contributing to programs that help older adults stay active and connected. Their support complements the work of staff and helps create welcoming spaces where residents can learn new skills, socialize, and build meaningful relationships. Throughout August, Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers are recognizing volunteers for the time and skills they so graciously share.

“Volunteers strengthen our Senior Wellness Centers by adding their energy and experience to daily programs,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner, liaison to the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services. “From fitness and wellness classes to social activities, educational workshops, and congregate meals, volunteers work alongside staff to help create vibrant spaces where our seniors can thrive. The County is grateful for the individuals who contribute their time to these programs.”

That collaboration is reflected in the work of volunteers like Herbert Jung, who has served at the Montgomery Senior Wellness Center since 2011. Herbert teaches tai chi, helps with ukulele practice, and often steps in to support staff and participants with technology. His bilingual background allows him to connect with seniors who speak different languages – making the activities he supports more accessible to a wider range of participants.

“I’ve been volunteering for a long time, and it’s nice to give back. I’m bilingual and speak Cantonese, and a lot of tai chi instructors don’t teach in English,” Jung said. “So, I’m able to bridge that gap for the people who take my classes. Sharing something I know and seeing people learn from it feels very meaningful.”

Volunteers at the Warrenbrook Senior Wellness Center also contribute to the welcoming environment, where participants often teach one another new skills and activities. While Herbert supports movement, music, and technology, Bozena Hovra arrives early to organize food bags, keeps supplies stocked, and helps with a variety of tasks throughout the day. Her dedication is matched by her appreciation for the volunteers and participants around her.

“There are so many activities, and everything is important to us. That’s why the Center feels like a second home, and sometimes a first home,” Hovra said. “People come together to learn, share stories, and support one another. I had never played bridge before. I only knew the red and black cards, but now I’ve been taught how to play bridge, mahjong and canasta. I do tai chi, Zumba, and line dancing. I’m in the book club, we sing, and we even do theater plays. Everyone here inspires me to do and learn more.”

Volunteers like Herbert and Bozena (two of the 137 volunteers) demonstrate how the Senior Wellness Centers appreciate residents who step in to support the daily operations and strengthen the experience for participants. Their efforts make a difference in the sense of community people feel when they walk through our Senior Wellness Centers.

Additional activities, events, and programs are scheduled throughout the month of August at all six Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers, which are operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services (OoADS). Each center is dedicated to helping seniors stay healthy, active, and connected with community.

For anyone aged 60 or older, Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers also offer a nutritionally balanced lunch, Monday through Friday, for a suggested donation of $2.50. Menu choices include a hot meat-based or meatless entrée or a cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunch. Make lunch reservations prior to 10 a.m. on the previous business day by calling the senior center you wish to attend.

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services provides information regarding aging safely in place and in the community. Those over 60 who need assistance with daily life activities are welcome to attend with a caregiver. For assistance, including caregiver support and resources, contact the main office at (908) 704-6346 or (888) 747-1122. Staff are available to meet you at a center or in your home.

Programs are free for registered members, unless indicated otherwise. Residents must call or visit a wellness center to register. Proof of identification, age, and residency are required.

Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers are supported by the Somerset County Commissioners and the NJ Department of Human Services, Office of Aging Services.

 University Hospital Somerset. This initiative is designed to promote early detection and discuss prevention. It will include screening routines and processes, risk factors and symptoms. The goal being to provide education and support for our county residents.

August 4, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. You Have the Power to Outsmart Scammers with A.J. from Edward Jones. This program will illustrate how financial fraud is on the rise and what to look for, resources you can utilize if you are a victim of fraud, and steps you can take to help protect yourself and loved ones.

August 5, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Art SmART with Meg Wastie. Join us for a program geared towards our community of artist. Learn the specific stories behind the creations and the lesser-known information surrounding popular works of art. 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 BRIDGEWATER
876 East Main Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 203-6101

Billiards & Ping Pong – Available daily.

Computer Lab – Available daily. Participants are invited to use computers at their leisure.

Table Games Club – Available daily. Playing Dominoes and Rummikub can help exercise your memory and your concentration, as well as help you meet some new friends.

Qi Gong Practices with Michael Huang – Mondays & Wednesdays, 10 – 11 a.m. Michael will teach the traditional practice of Qigong (a meditation that focuses on getting acquainted with the mind, body, and spirit). Beginners will learn breathing techniques coordinated with physical movements and then practice sets of exercises (like Tai Chi) until each movement or posture is perfected.

Project Healthy Bones – Mondays & Fridays. Project Healthy Bones is a 24-week exercise and education program for older women and men at risk for, or who have osteoporosis. The program includes exercises that target the body’s larger muscle groups to improve strength, balance and flexibility. The 24-week curriculum includes sessions on the importance of exercise, nutrition, safety, drug therapy and lifestyle factors. Registration and physician consent form required for participation. To register or for more information please contact Tiffany Stribling at (908) 704-6327. Current session is July 20 - December 31.

• Mondays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Fridays, 12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Hatha Yoga with Bharti – Tuesdays & Fridays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Hatha Yoga incorporates body postures, controlled breathing, and meditation. Practicing Hatha Yoga has many benefits, including stretching and aligning the body, improved balance and flexibility, a more supple spine, and better circulation. Bring your own yoga mat. Pre-registration required for classes, please call (908) 203-6101.

Card Games – Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Have a card game you would like to play? Do you and your friends need a table? Feel free to play your favorite card game here at the Senior Wellness Center.

Line Dancing – Tuesdays, 1 – 2 p.m. Line Dancing is a perfect exercise for those wanting to improve their coordination and balance. Exercise your body and your memory!

Gentle Aerobics – Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Rosanne/Guy will show you how to exercise and move without putting undue pressure or strain on your body. Practice movements that can increase blood circulation, lubricate joints for flexibility, and strengthen individual muscles. These exercises may help to decrease falls and make it easier to accomplish day-to-day activities. This program can be done while either standing or sitting and is open to all abilities.

Mahjong Club – Mahjong is a great game to keep your brain sharp and supercharged. This club is for anyone who loves the game, wants to meet new people, and have some fun. This is not a competitive club. Join fellow center members to play this thought-provoking game. Club size is limited, registration for one time frame is required. The next quarterly sessions will start the week of October 5 through the week of December 14. Registration forms will be made available at the center starting September 7. For more information, please call (908) 203-6101.

• Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Wednesdays, 1 – 4 p.m.
• Fridays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Pinochle Club – Wednesdays & Fridays, 1 – 4 p.m. There are many benefits of playing pinochle and other card games such as cognitive stimulation, enhancement of motor skills, short- and long-term memory as well as fun through social interactions. Experienced Players preferred, lessons are not provided.

Aerobic Chair Exercise with Sabina – Thursdays 10 – 11 a.m. Aerobic chair exercises provide many health benefits, such as improving heart health; reducing stress; lowering the risk of depression; reducing the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis; increasing body stamina; improving metabolism, flexibility, and stamina. This is an ongoing exercise program for all levels and skills. Exercises can be done standing or sitting.

August 3, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Games with Jess. Get ready to play fun (and possibly new!) games together as a large group, using the projector screen. Will it be Boggle, Trivia, or a crowd suggestion? Join us to find your new favorite and learn new games while having fun!

August 3 & 17, 1 – 1:45 p.m. – Knit a Bit. Calling all knitters, crocheters, and stitchers. Bring your needles, your yarn, and an unfinished project. Let’s sit together and make progress on your pieces. Interested in learning? Maybe an experienced friend will teach you a few new moves. (B.Y.O.S. = Bring Your Own Supplies) Supplies are limited, please bring your needles, sticks, yarn, etc.

August 4, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Craft with Center Volunteers. Seasonal craft with Center Volunteers. Get creative with us as we make a fun, seasonal craft together! All supplies are provided - just bring your imagination and enjoy a late morning of hands-on creativity, relaxation, and social connection with friends. Space is limited, please call (908) 203-6101 to reserve a seat.

August 5, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. BINGO. Bingo is more than exciting activity. Researchers have found that engaging in Bingo has multiple health benefits such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination and improving concentration, listening and short-term memory. Added benefit – it’s fun! We play many different styles of the game to keep the entertainment going. Be there or be square!

August 6, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Community Concert Performance by JAK Music Studios. JAK Music Studios, LLC is excited to join the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater for a summer community concert. Joining students and faculty alike will bring an enjoyable performance of various styles of music and songs on multiple instruments for your listening pleasure.

August 6, 1 – 2 p.m. – Traveling Library with Noah Anderson, Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ). All of what you expect from your library, right at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater. Browse the traveling collection, place hold requests for specific titles, or troubleshoot the library eBook app, Libby. Renew or sign-up with your library today.

August 7, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Armchair Travels. Travel around the world while enjoying the comfort of the Main Dining Room! Let’s visit countries where our friends and neighbors are from or select a new locale, we’ve never been. Rick Steves and his YouTube videos will be our tour guide as we venture off to new places.

August 10, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Eating for Cancer Prevention, presented by Tia Hagins, Registered Dietitian with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. Discover how to fill your plate with colorful vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Learn strategies for cutting back on processed meats, added sugars and alcohol.

August 11 & 25, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bereavement Support Group with Claudia Ernst. Grieving the death of a loved one is a universal experience. The purpose of this support group is to provide participants with a safe place to share common feelings about grief and the renewal process. Claudia, Eldercare Educator, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, will help guide you through this process. We welcome your presence and participation. Please call (908) 203-6101 for more information or to register.

August 11, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Earth Movers Drum Circle with Dave Miller. Soothe the mind, body and spirit in this drumming circle. This is a holistic experience that leaves participants feeling a sense of joy! This is an ancient approach to promote healing and inciting self-expression. The benefits of drumming are deep relaxation, lower blood pressure, reduced stress and help build communication. Dave will teach participants how to hold a drum and how to make different tones. Space is limited, please call (908) 203-6101 to reserve a seat.

August 12, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cell Phone Photography with Mondlock Moments Media. Jeff Mondlock is an award-winning portrait and brand photographer and the owner of Mondlock Moments Media. Jeff has a special love for working with seniors, celebrating the unique stories, wisdom, and personalities that make each individual one of a kind. He is passionate about making photography accessible and enjoyable at any age and any skill level, and this cell phone photography course reflects that commitment — no experience necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to see the world a little differently. Bring your cell phone camera. Space may be limited, please call (908) 203-6101 to reserve a seat.

August 13, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Life of Albert Einstein, presented by Eve Mendel from the Historical Society of Princeton. This enlightening presentation examines the life of the man whose name has become synonymous with “genius.” Learn how a childhood fascination with a compass played a role in the development of the Nobel prize-winning scientist, how he accepted a job in Princeton to escape Nazi Germany and how he used his celebrity to advocate for civil rights and advance world peace. Made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission. Made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.

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