Somerset County-Operated Senior Centers Offer Zoom Activities Throughout December

Virtual Classes and Programs Help Seniors Stay Connected and Fit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County-operated senior wellness centers, managed by the county Office on Aging & Disability Services, are still implementing COVID-19 restrictions. In January 2022, the senior wellness centers will be safely reopening in phases. In the first phase, the senior wellness centers will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to Somerset County residents who are vaccinated. For more information, contact any of the six county-operated senior wellness centers.

There are no classes and programs on Staff In-Service Day/Professional Day (Dec. 16), Christmas Day observed (Dec. 24), and the New Year’s Day Holiday observed (Dec. 31).

Zoom Guidelines

Unless otherwise specified, residents age 60-years and above can join any Zoom program listed on this schedule even if they are not a client at the hosting center.

Zoom is a secure, video-based, user-friendly online platform, accessed through a smartphone, tablet, or computer that allows residents to see and hear others.

Zoom Activity Release Forms

Participants are required to obtain and complete an Activity Release Form from the senior center they regularly attend. After submitting the form to that center, participants will receive an email containing information about all Zoom classes and programs listed on this schedule. All programs are FREE for registered members!

Zoom Tutorial and Registration

Learn how to use Zoom or sign-up for a virtual tour, at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us. To register for a program or class, call 908-203-6101 or email Donlin@co.somerset.nj.us.

December Outdoor and Virtual Programs and Classes for All Senior Center Clients
December 1-3

Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – Tickling the Ivories: Learn to Play the Piano (Lesson 1) with Benson Music Studio. Join like-minded seniors who have an appreciation for music while learning the basics of playing the piano. Participants will learn by using a printed piano keyboard and a free mobile-phone piano app. The class is for those who wanted to take piano lessons when they were younger and never did, or who need a refresher. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 1, 11 a.m. – NJIO Holiday Concert. Enjoy a holiday music performance presented by the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra (NJIO), a unique orchestra that bridges generations of musicians through music and artistic excellence for over 20 years. NJIO gives musicians of all ages and abilities the opportunity to study and perform classical music by rehearsing, learning, and performing side-by-side with professional musicians. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 2, 11 a.m. – Trivia Through the Decades by Crisis Counselor Samantha Malinger, Robert Wood Johnson Institute for Prevention & Recovery’s Hope and Healing Program. Play trivia and take a trip down memory lane. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

Dec. 2, 1 p.m. – “EnviroScape: Part 1” by N.J. Watershed Ambassador Virginia Rockey, Americorps. Participate in a four-part series that begins with environmental education about the various forms of water pollution through a visual aid. Learn about watersheds, and where they are located in New Jersey. Then discuss how the population can help alleviate water pollution. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 3, 11 a.m. – What Can the Library Do for You and Seasonal Trivia. Learn about the new services that the Somerset County Library System offers and then play seasonal trivia. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

Dec. 3, 11 a.m. – A Dance to December performed by the Raritan Valley Dance Ensemble under the direction of Co-Chair and Professor of Dance Loretta Fois of the Department of Arts & Design, Honors College, Raritan Valley Community College. Enjoy the Raritan Valley Dance Ensemble’s (RVDE) performance choreographed by the RVCC faculty, students, and guest artists. Dance techniques using leaps, twirls, jumps, twists, and fluid movements represent various dance forms including ballet modern jazz, improvisation and more. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the performance. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 3, 2 p.m. – Brain Games and Trivia with Kristen. Join Kristen for various trivia and brain games. Studies show that playing games may help sharpen thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision making, and short-term memory. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

December 6-10

Dec. 6, 11 a.m. – “You Are What You Eat” by Research Project Coordinators Dan Dychtwald, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., and Lisa Lanza, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D.N., C.L.C., Institute for Health, Health Care Policy & Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University. Try a different, yet a doable approach to dieting and nutrition. Learn how to choose healthy food and sustain the journey without it being a burden. Find out about the science behind the chemical changes that occur in the brain when consuming healthy food. This class will help motivate participants to make positive changes and stick to their commitments. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 6, 3 p.m. – Holiday Dance Performance by the Vo-Tech Dancers. Don’t miss this holiday extravaganza performed by student dancers from Somerset County Vo-Tech who will dazzle the audience with a festive dance to include tap dancing and beautiful costumes. ** This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – Waltz of the Flowers by George Marriner Maull, Discovery Orchestra.

Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the festive performance “Waltz of the Flowers” from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – Mario Lanza Holiday Show with Dominic Mantuano. Enjoy this marvelous performance by the winner of the “National Choral Award” and the “Governor’s Award for Opera in New Jersey.” Dominic was also awarded the title of “Grand Champion Performer of the World” at the World Championships of Performing Arts – a competition that hosted 1,500 performers from more than 30 countries. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Dec. 7, 1:30 p.m. – “Unmanned Systems: Robotic for Professional and Personal Use” by Dr. William Austin, president, Warren County Community College and students. Take an educational journey toward the future of robotic technology. Meet Warren County Community College’s robotic dog Spot; see land-based, maritime, and air drones housed at the droneport/lab facility; learn about Tom Bot, a robot that provides emotional comfort to older adults; and discover what is on the technology horizon in the tristate area. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 7, 3 p.m. – Guided Meditation with Cate. Take a break and soothe yourself with calming music and meditation. This class will help you reduce stress, control anxiety, increase attention span, and decrease age-related memory loss. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – Tickling the Ivories: Learn to Play the Piano (Lesson 2) with Benson Music Studio. Join like-minded seniors who have an appreciation for music while learning the basics of playing the piano. Participants will learn by using a printed piano keyboard and a free mobile-phone piano app. The class is for those who wanted to take piano lessons when they were younger and never did, or who need a refresher. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 8, 11 a.m. – Virtual Christmas Party with Entertainment by Gary Morton. Celebrate, sing, dance, and be merry with good friends and entertainment by DJ Gary Morton. Gary will perform holiday favorites that will get you into the holiday spirit. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m. – Holiday Performance with Dominic Mantuano. Get into the holiday spirit when Dominic performs current and classic holiday songs. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – Eating for Cancer Prevention by Community Outreach Educator Evelyn Fuertes, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Join this informative discussion about cancer prevention through nutrition and learn how one’s eating habits can affect one’s health. Participants will also find out how to reduce the risk of cancer by adopting the new American palate. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

Dec. 9, 1 p.m. – “Benthic Macroinvertebrates (Part 2)” by Virginia Rockey, Americorps N.J. Watershed Ambassador, Watershed Management Area (WMA) #9, Lower Raritan, South and Lawrence Rivers and Duke Farms. Get up close and personal while watching an interesting demo about Benthic Macroinvertebrates also known as snails, worms, beetles, and dragonflies, which exist in streams and can indicate the level of pollution in a body of water. Ms. Rockey will also discuss preserving the wetlands and “responsible impact.” **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 10, 11 a.m. – “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” by Nicolette Vasco, Alzheimer’s Association. Learn what signs may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia, what type of doctors can help assess and diagnose the disease, as well as the latest advances in treatment. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

Dec. 10, 2 p.m. – Brain Games and Trivia with Kristen. Join Kristen for various trivia and brain games. Studies show that playing games may help sharpen thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as speed of thought process, planning skills, reaction time, decision making and short-term memory. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

December 13-17

Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – “The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts” with Museum Educator Griselle Casacola. Embark on a virtual tour through the doors of the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts; a beautiful Richardsonian Romanesque Revival building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn about the 18th and 19th century New Jersey craftsman and artisans from the colonial era through the age of industrialization and discover the significant historical value and impact these craftsmen had on our society.**This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission. The program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. – From St. Nicholas to Santa Claus. Take a special guided, virtual, holiday tour through Liberty Hall Museum. “From St. Nicholas to Santa Claus” shows four types of American Christmas celebrations. Participants will see how decorations and traditions have changed over the centuries. **This program is hosted by the Montgomery Senior Center.**

Dec. 14, 11 a.m. – “The Kitchen Historian: Holiday Theme” with Historian Dana Bala. Join this festive discussion about how cookbooks, recipes, Grandma’s recipe box, and the treasured community cookbook affected holidays, family life, the community and American culture in the 1870s to 1960s. Recipes provide historians with information about the role of women, politics, cultural issues, ingredients available, kitchen tools and utensils used, fuel sources, literacy, and economic issues. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Dec. 14, 3 p.m. – Virtual Bingo. Researchers have found that playing Bingo provides multiple benefits, such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, and helping to improve short-term memory skills. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 15, 10 a.m. – Tickling the Ivories: Learn to Play the Piano (Lesson 3) with Benson Music Studio. Join like-minded seniors who have an appreciation for music while learning the basics of playing the piano. Participants will learn by using a printed piano keyboard and a free, mobile-phone piano app. The class is for those who wanted to take piano lessons when they were younger and never did, or who need a refresher. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 15, 11 a.m. – “Hospice Misconceptions” by Community Education Liaison Bob Goldbetter, Ascend Hospice. Learn about hospice care (compassionate care), which is not a cure but a way for terminally ill patients to remain comfortable for as long as possible during their last phase of life. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 17, 11 a.m. – “De-Stress for Success” by Lori Morell, Parker Life. ‘Tis the season. Learn about the effects of stress, how it can negatively impact one’s health and how to manage it during the holiday season. **Hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough**

Dec. 17, 11 a.m. – Holiday Sing-Along with Entertainer Sal DiBianca. Sing along or just sit back and relax while enjoying holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas,” “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and more. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

Dec. 17, 2 p.m. – Brain Games and Trivia with Kristen. Join Kristen for various trivia and brain games. Studies show that playing games may help sharpen one’s thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision making and short-term memory. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

December 20-24

Dec. 20, 10 a.m. – “Chuckles, Chortles, and Giggles: The Benefits of Laughter for Seniors” by Healthy Aging Coordinator Rebecca Abenante, M.A., M.S.W., L.S.W., ASW-G, Atlantic Health System. Learn how humor can improve one’s physical and mental health with a medium-sized chuckle or full belly guffaw. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

Dec. 20, 11 a.m. – Holiday Sing-Along with the Full Monty Uke Band. Get into the holiday spirit with a special holiday sing along loaded with uplifting holiday classics. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

Dec. 20, 11 a.m. – “Self-Worth/Self-Respect” by Training and Consultation Specialist Monica Townsend, M.P.A., B.S., COPSA Institute for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, Rutgers University Behavioral Health. Explore why there are lower reporting rates of elder abuse versus other crimes, and discover why having a positive sense of self-worth can help prevent older adults from being victims. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 20, 12 p.m. – Holiday Sing-Along with Caitlyn Campbell, Foothill Acres. Join Caitlyn, who is back by popular demand, when she sings her favorite holiday classics. Participants can request a favorite song and sing along. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – Music by Handel’s Messiah by George Marriner Maull, Discovery Orchestra. Get into the holiday spirit with Maestro George Marriner Maull when he performs “Handel’s Messiah.” **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

Dec. 21, 11 a.m. – Ghost of Christmas Past by Hannah Gaston, Liberty Hall Museum. Enjoy 250 years of Christmas tales at Liberty Hall. Discover how decorations and décor have changed over the years, how wartime rations and accommodations affected holiday celebrations, and see what types of toys and games were found under the tree. **This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission. The program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Dec. 21, 1 p.m. – Learn to Draw a Holiday Theme Still Life Picture with Nadeen. Learn a practical drawing method using minimal supplies (just pencil and paper), and then apply the newly learned skills to draw a holiday-themed still-life picture. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

Dec. 21, 3 p.m. – Guided Meditation with Cate. Take a break and soothe yourself with calming music and meditation. This class will help participants reduce their stress, control anxiety, increase attention span, and decrease age-related memory loss. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 22, 10 a.m. – Tickling the Ivories: Learn to Play the Piano (Lesson 4) with Benson Music Studio. Join like-minded seniors who have an appreciation for music while learning the basics of playing the piano. Participants will learn by using a printed piano keyboard and a free, mobile-phone piano app. The class is for those who wanted to take piano lessons when they were younger and never did, or who need a refresher. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Dec. 22, 11 a.m. – Happy Holidays with the Pettet Sisters. memorable experience at this performance. You will tap your toes and sing along to favorite holiday tunes with the Pettet sisters, who have distinguished careers. Their claim to fame comes from performances at the White House, in movies such as Stepmom, and on an ABC special titled “Sisters in Show Business.” They have gained national recognition with their “Dream Come True Tour” featured on television, radio, and live. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 22, 2 p.m. – Craft: Creating a Snow Hat Ornament with Cate. Create adorable miniature snow hats with just a cardboard tube (from a roll of toilet paper or paper towels), yarn (use any spare yarn you have), and scissors. To register and for more information, send an email to Caitlyn Murray at cmurray@co.somerset.nj.us **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

Dec. 23, 1 p.m. – “Dragonfly Pond: The Ethical Balance (Part 3)” by Virginia Rockey, Americorps NJ Watershed Ambassador, Watershed Management Area (WMA) #9, Lower Raritan, South and Lawrence Rivers and Duke Farms. Delve into the realm of responsible impact with consumers, the associated environmental concerns, problems, viable solutions, and how to preserve and restore wetlands habitat. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

December 27-31

Dec. 28, 11 a.m. – “Starting the New Year: Lessons for a Long Life” by Sigrid Solis, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Learn about the diets and lifestyles of people who live in (blue zones) – areas noted for having populations that live to be 90-years or more and find out how to apply their healthy habits into their own life. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Dec. 29, 11 a.m. – All You Need is Love. “Come Together” to celebrate the new year by singing and dancing to Beatles hits. **Hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

Dec. 29, 2 p.m. – New Year’s Eve Party with Rearview Mirror. Look forward to the year ahead, while looking back to songs of the past performed by Rearview Mirror. Enjoy musical genres including country music, rock, pop, Motown, and standards from the 40s-70s. Each song is accompanied by pictures, videos, and graphics. Jokes and music trivia also make this show fun for all. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

Dec. 30, 1 p.m. – “The Incredible Journey (Part 4)” by Americorps NJ Watershed Ambassador Virginia Rockey, Watershed Management Area (WMA) #9, Lower Raritan, South and Lawrence Rivers and Duke Farms. Learn about the ebb and flow of water and the power of its movement as well as the science of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration and how water cycles work with the earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and land. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**


Virtual Exercise Classes: All Senior Center Clients

(Activity Release Forms Required)

Note: An Activity Release Form and the use of a camera (audio and video) are required to participate.

Mondays, 10 a.m. – Chair Yoga with Manjula. Gain health benefits from practicing yoga poses with the support and safety of your favorite chair. Increase bone density, 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 to gain an overall sense of well-being. **The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 908-369-8700 or email AgingHillsborough@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

Mondays, 12 p.m. – Silver Strength with Rose. Join this 45-minute exercise class, where participants will practice 20 minutes of cardio (or movement), followed by 20 minutes of toning (with or without weights), then a five-minute relaxing stretch. **This class is great for all skill levels. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 609-466-0846 or email crowley@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Montgomery Senior Center.**

Dec. 6, 13 & 20, 1 p.m. –Chair Exercises with Lisa. Have fun while practicing chair exercises, which will help increase blood circulation, improve flexibility and strengthen one’s muscles. Exercises can be practiced while standing or sitting. **Participants need a sturdy chair, water bottle, and hand weights (or substitute with two soup cans or two filled water bottles) for strength training. For more information, call 908-753-9440.**

Mondays, 2 p.m. – Take Control with Exercise. This ongoing exercise program is appropriate for all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. Participants will strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility and balance while boosting stamina. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 908-204-3435 or email agingwellness@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. –Take Control with Exercise. This ongoing exercise program is appropriate for all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. Participants will strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility and balance while boosting stamina. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 908-204-3435 or email agingwellness@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Wednesdays, 12 p.m. – Fit & Flex with Rose. Learn stretching, strength training, laughter yoga, breathing exercises and more in this FREE weekly exercise program. This class changes frequently and is suitable for all skill levels. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 908-369-8700 or email AgingHillsborough@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

Dec. 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10:45 a.m. – Yoga for All! Stand & Chair Yoga with Manjula. Gain health benefits by practicing yoga poses from the support and safety of your favorite chair or practice without a chair. Increase bone density, improve strength, flexibility and balance, relieve stress and gain an overall sense of well-being. Expect gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. **The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 732-563-4213 or email toth@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – Zumba Gold (Chair) with Laurie Fetcher. Get your blood pumping to zesty music that will inspire a hearty workout. This class is manageable for people age 60 and above, beginners, or others who need modification to their exercise routine. Participants will build cardiovascular health by challenging the heart and working the hip, leg, and arm muscles when practicing fun and rhythmic moves while sitting in a chair.**A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 732-563-4213 or email toth@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Virtual Programs, Classes and Clubs

For safety and quality assurance, the following programs are ONLY available for participants of the hosting center. Call for more details.

Note: An Activity Release Form and the use of a camera (audio and video) are required to participate.

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BASKING RIDGE

202 Mt. Airy Road

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

908-204-3435

Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – Tai Chi for Health (Oct. 6 to Jan. 19). Practice shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. Studies have shown that people who practice Tai Chi have reduced their pain, fatigue, and stiffness and have a greater sense of well-being. The class can also help participants who have balance problems reduce their risk of falls. **This program can be practiced while either standing or sitting. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Dec. 16, 12:30 p.m. – Monthly Book Club (Every Third Thursday). Join others to discuss, “Sunflower Sisters” by Martha Hall Kelly, and select the next book to read. New members are always welcome!

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BRIDGEWATER

876 East Main Street

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

908-203-6101

Mondays, 9:45 a.m. – Aerobic Chair Exercises with Sabina. Improve your heart health, reduce stress, lower the risk of depression, reduce the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis, increase body stamina, and improve metabolism, flexibility and coordination in this intense 1-hour workout session. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – Bereavement Support Group. Join this support group and share common feelings about grief and the renewal process. This group provides participants with a safe place to grieve the loss of a loved one by incorporating interfaith bereavement principles and universal spiritual concepts. Doctor of Ministry, Grief Counselor and Pastoral Psychotherapist Ronald W. Kaplan will facilitate discussions. Everyone’s presence and participation are welcome. **To register, call 908-203-6101.**

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. & Fridays, 11 a.m. – Gentle Aerobics with Lisa & Caitlin. Exercise and move without putting undue pressure or strain on your 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. **Exercises can be practiced while either standing or sitting. The class is open to all skill levels. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

Tuesdays, 2 p.m. – Chair Yoga with Manjula. Does the thought of getting down on the floor to practice yoga seem daunting? Gain the benefits of practicing yoga poses from the support and safety of your favorite chair. Increase bone density, 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 to gain an overall sense of well-being. **The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – Hatha Yoga with Bharti. Improve your body posture through controlled breathing and meditation, align the body and improve balance, flexibility, and circulation. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

Dec. 23, 10 a.m. – Monthly Book Club with Nan – (Every fourth Thursday). Join others to discuss, “When no one is Watching: A Thriller” by Alyssa Cole and select the next book to read. New members are always welcome!

MONTGOMERY SENIOR CENTER

356 Skillman Road

Skillman, NJ 08558

609-466-0846

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Intermediate Ukulele Lessons with Chris. Building on the skills learned in the beginner’s class and using a wide range of musical genres, participants will learn more about chords, melody playing, and improvisation, then play a multi-part arrangement in a band.

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – Yoga with Elizabeth. Learn techniques to help gain flexibility and improve strength while being immersed in this relaxing class. Practicing yoga can increase bone density and improve strength and balance, relieve stress and help participants gain an overall sense of well-being. Expect gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. **The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. & Thursdays, 11 a.m. – Exercise for Arthritis. Reduce pain, fatigue, stiffness, and increase flexibility, strength, balance and endurance while practicing exercises in a safe, positive environment. This class is perfect for relieving stress and gaining an overall sense of well-being. ** The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10 a.m. – Tai Chi with Herb. Reduce falls and improve balance by practicing Tai Chi. Learn how to shift body weight with a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. Studies have shown that Tai Chi can help reduce pain, fatigue, stiffness and help people achieve a greater sense of well-being. **This program can be practiced while either standing or sitting. For more information, call 609-466-0846.**

Wednesdays, 1 p.m. – Beginner Ukulele Virtual Lessons with Denise. (A new eight-week course begins on Jan. 5). Start on the right note and learn the basics of ukulele playing with these easy-to-follow lessons. Participants will learn how to hold, tune and strum simple chords. **To register and reserve a ukulele, call 609-466-0846 or email crowley@co.somerset.nj.us.**

Dec. 2 & 16 12:30 p.m. – Advanced Beginner Ukulele Virtual Lessons with Denise. Ready to move to the next level by strengthening your strumming skills and learning new ones? In this class, you will practice basic chords, learn new chords and strum techniques. You will also learn how to play songs with more challenging chord combinations. **To register and reserve a ukulele, call 609-466-0846 or email crowley@co.somerset.nj.us.**

Fridays, 10 a.m. – Intermediate Ukulele Lessons with Chris. Build on the skills learned in the beginner’s class and master chords, melodies and improvisation. Participants will play a multi-part arrangement in a band and perform a wide range of musical genres.

Dec. 1 & 15, 10 a.m. – Move Today with Elizabeth. Learn how to improve your flexibility, balance, strength, stamina and posture to help prevent falls. Exercises can be practiced while either standing or sitting. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 10 a.m. – Let Your Yoga Dance with Kate Denby, certified yoga instructor. Join this fun class and get the body moving. Practice a mix of gentle yoga and dance and move to the rhythm of exciting music in a safe environment. **The class is open to all skill levels. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

Dec. 8 & 22, 11 a.m. – Creative Wellness with Shirin Stave-Matais. Achieve calm, gain control, and learn meditative practices through imaginative, joyful and social interaction. This class combines wellness exercises with Hatha and chair yoga. Participants will learn gestural, improvisational and world dance forms, sound therapy, creative play, guided relaxation and meditation techniques. **Participants of all skill levels are welcome, and the class can be practiced while either standing or sitting. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class.**

WARRENBROOK SENIOR CENTER (located on the Warrenbrook Golf Course)

500 Warrenville Road

Warren, NJ 07059

908-753-9440

Dec. 14, 1:30 p.m. Monthly Book Club – (Every Second Tuesday). Join others to discuss, “The Henna Artist” by Alka Joshi, and select the next book to read. New members are always welcome!