Older Adults Can Enjoy Halloween Festivities at Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers in October

 Somerset County, NJ): Spooky season is quickly approaching in Somerset County, and all six Senior Wellness Centers are prepping for the excitement of Halloween with community-focused celebrations, festivities, and performances. All centers will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026.

In addition to all the regularly scheduled programs, older adults can enjoy a fresh lineup of spooktacular events this October. From Halloween crafting sessions and costume contests to festive dance parties and live musical performances, each center is scheduled to host a variety of creative and physically engaging activities.

All Senior Wellness Centers, which are operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services (OoADS), are dedicated to helping seniors stay healthy, active, and connected with community. 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.

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. Supported by the Somerset County Commissioners and the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services, Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers are open to independent Somerset County residents, 60 years of age and above. Interested residents should contact the main office at (908) 704-6346 or (888) 747-1122 to hear more about eligibility criteria and center operations. Proof of identification, age, and county residency are required to participate

Bridgewater events:

October 15, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Terrific Ted sponsored by Sunrise of Bridgewater. Break out your dancing shoes for live music from Terrific Ted! How many dancing seniors will fit on our dance floor? Let’s find out! Enjoy Music from 50s, 60’s and 70’s!

October 15, 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Quick Art with Jess. A quick and easy art project will be provided for those interested in joining the fun! Expect to share 30-45 minutes of your time.

October 16, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Diwali Celebration. Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with special performances by friends from our center! Honoring the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, this festive gathering offers an opportunity to learn about cultural traditions, enjoy the talents of fellow members, and strengthen community connections. Join us for a celebration of joy, hope, and togetherness!

October 16, 1 – 2 p.m. Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center - Managing Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Emotional Wellness. Anxiety and stress can affect emotional and physical well-being at any age. This presentation will help participants recognize common signs of anxiety, explore practical coping strategies, and learn about resources available to support emotional wellness. Older adults may experience anxiety, grief, social isolation, and other life changes that impact mental health, and this program is designed to encourage awareness and help-seeking. Attendees will have the option to complete a voluntary screening for anxiety following the presentation to promote self-awareness and learn more about available support. Screenings are optional, are not diagnostic, and referrals to Richard Hall and community resources will be provided for those interested.

October 19, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Hungry Hippos. Back by popular demand, this Senior Olympics favorite brings teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition! Form a team or join fellow center members to see who can collect the most balls. Enjoy a playful way to practice hand-eye coordination, stay engaged, and connect with friends!

October 20, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Instrument Meditation sponsored by Bridgeway Senior Healthcare. Join Christina Flanagan Bistis from Bridgeway Senior Healthcare for instrument meditation! You will be invited to relax in a comfortable seated position as the gentle vibrations of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, drums, a rain-stick, crystal harp, and other therapeutic instruments create a calming atmosphere for mind and body. There will be moments of breathwork and optional essential oils. Expect to leave feeling refreshed and centered for the rest of the day. Space may be limited, please call (908) 203-6101 to reserve a seat.

October 21, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Heads Up, Seniors! Fall Prevention with Brain Injury Alliance of NJ. An interactive discussion that will focus on fall prevention strategies and pedestrian safety for older adults. Each participant will receive a home and community safety checklist.

October 22, 10 – 11 a.m. Monthly Book Club with Noah. Join us for a discussion of the book, How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix. New members are always welcome!

October 22, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Empower Somerset: Silver Shield Presentation. Empower Somerset will join us to educate clients about Narcan, how to identify drug overdose, and how to administer Narcan (should the situation present itself). Narcan kits will be distributed at the end of the training.

October 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Covid & Flu Vaccine Clinic with Raritan Valley Pharmacy. Protect yourself this season by staying up to date on recommended vaccinations. Raritan Valley Pharmacy will be on-site to provide COVID-19 and flu vaccines to eligible participants. Vaccination is especially important for older adults because it can help reduce the risk of serious illness, complications and hospitalization while supporting overall health and independence. Space may be limited, please call (908) 203-6101 to reserve a time. Please have photo ID, Medicare parts B&D and completed intake form, please see the front desk. Walk-Ins are welcome.

October 23, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Living History Project (with Jess). We are all pieces of history; living history. Let’s preserve and share our stories, whether together or privately. We will break this into small segments, and over time – your beautiful and amazing works of art will be created! If you want to share your story, we can plan a (future) share session, too. We will gather, document, preserve, and present YOUR living history. We will be travelling down Memory Lane together.

October 26, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bean Bag Skee Ball. Join us for more fun and games, this time playing Skee ball with bean bags! Who can rack up the most points in a single game? Bragging rights are awarded to the winner!

October 27, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Malnutrition & Older Adults with Sheetal Bhatia. Join Sheetal Bhatia, MS, MPH, RDN to gain a better understanding of malnutrition among older adults, including common risk factors and associated nutritional concerns. Learn about key nutrient considerations and dietary practices to support optimal nutrition and overall well-being in daily life.

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