Senior Centers Offer Virtual and In-Person Programs in March

Seniors Can Socialize and Stay Active

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Register at any of the six Somerset County-operated senior centers in March and join fun activities and programs, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Overseen by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, the senior centers provide a wide range of programs to help foster lifelong enrichment in a social and uplifting atmosphere, which will positively impact the overall health of aging adults.

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 and above. Menu choices include a hot meat-based or meatless entrée or a cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunch. Senior center clients must make reservations for lunch by 10 a.m. on the previous business day.

Virtual and Hybrid Program Guidelines
Hybrid programs occur in-person with an instructor and simultaneously via Zoom. Hybrid and virtual programs are noted throughout the schedule.

Unless otherwise specified, residents ages 60 and above can join any Zoom programs listed in this schedule even if they are not a client at the center that is hosting the event. A camera (audio and video) is required to participate in virtual Zoom programs.

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

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. 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.

Knitting/Crocheting/Stitching Club – Mondays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Bring your knitting/crocheting/stitching project to the center or join fellow center members to learn a new hobby while meeting wonderful people. All are welcome to join this club.

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 ongoing class. This class is for all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

(NEW) Do You Want to Bingocize? By Trained Instructor and Participant at the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge Jack Bernardo – Mondays & Wednesdays, 11 a.m. (March 6 – May 10). Bingocize your brain and play this fun version of Bingo with an educational twist. The game combines exercise and facts about health. Game sessions last 45 to 60 minutes. This a great way to mingle and move. Participants will have a chance to win a prize. **The game should only be played twice a week on nonconsecutive days. To register and 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.**

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

Chair Yoga with Jillian. Wednesdays, 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 to gain an overall sense of well-being. **Next session will start on March 8. The cost is $40 for the eight-week program The class is for all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Chair Yoga with Jillian. 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 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. **Next session will begin on March 17. The cost is $40 for the eight-week program. The class is for all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

Monthly Book Club - Every Third Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. Join fellow book club members on March 15 to discuss “The Quartet” a historic fiction novel by Jean Rhys. **New members are always welcome!**

March 1, 11 a.m. – “Fuel for the Future” with Sigrid Solis, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Get revved up for National Nutrition Month and learn the importance of eating sustainably what it means, and how it helps the world’s food system.

March 2, 10:30 a.m. – Fact or Fiction: Women’s History with Kelly. Celebrate Women’s History Month with a game featuring women’s history when you will decide whether the statement is true or false.

March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 11 a.m. – Line Dancing with David Cross. Have fun getting fit while dancing. Participants don’t need a partner, and it’s an easy way to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. Studies have shown line dancing increases cardiovascular and muscular strength and improves coordination and balance. **For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

March 3, 11 a.m. – “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” by Terrina Chery, Alzheimer’s Association. Learn basic information about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, the progression and various stages of the disease, risk factors, research findings, and FDA-approved treatments.

March 7, 11 a.m. – Green Tea for Health by Basking Ridge Senior Center Attendee Christine Getz. Learn about the nutrients in green tea and how it can improve one’s health including boosting brain function. Participants will be able to sample iced green tea.

March 8, 10 a.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screenings. Get a free blood pressure screening from an Atlantic Health nurse. **No appointment is necessary.**

March 9, 10:30 a.m. – Mandala Notebook Decorating with Kelly. Find your inner artist as you create a beautiful mandala notebook using markers, stencils and simple designs. This is a great way to destress. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

March 10, 10 a.m. – Lifeline Screenings. Get a preventative health screening to determine if you are at risk for stroke, heart disease or other chronic conditions. There are four screenings, sixty to ninety minutes long, which are accurate, affordable and will provide you with valuable information about your health that you can share with your doctor. This is a simple, and convenient way for participants to get an in-depth exam to help identify plaque buildup and other major risk factors for stroke and heart disease. **Preregistration is required. There are three ways to register: Call toll-free at 1-888-653-6441, text the word “circle” to 216-279-1607, or register online at LLSA.SOCIAL/HC.**

March 10, 11 a.m. – “Maple Sugaring” by Naturalist Vanessa Darras, Somerset County Park Commission. Learn all about maple sugaring including the maple sugaring techniques used by Native Americans and how modern maple sugaring techniques have evolved.

March 14, 11 a.m. – “Home Fire Safety” by Joe Bender & Allie Calascibetta, Red Cross. Learn how to keep your home safe from fire. Families are twice as susceptible to injuries and death from house fires if the home does not have working smoke detectors.

March 15, 10 a.m. – Greeting Card Craft with Jerry Garris-Happ. Create a beautiful greeting card to give to a loved one. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-204-3435.**

March 16, 10:30 a.m. – Saint Patrick’s Day Trivia with Kelly. Play St. Patty’s Day trivia and learn about history, traditions and more.

March 17, 10:30 a.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Entertainment by Andrew Koontz. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with fellow center members and enjoy a performance of Celtic tunes when Andrew Koontz plays his Irish fiddle. Wear green or any St. Patty’s Day attire.

March 21, 11 a.m. – “Ladies at Liberty Hall” by Hannah Gaston, Liberty Hall Museum. Learn about 200 years of contributions by famous women who lived in the historic home of Liberty Hall and played an important role in the history of our community. Find out about Susan Livingston, whose daring exploits saved soldiers from the British troops during the Revolutionary War; Mary Alice Kean who helped preserve historic structures; and Abbe an enslaved woman to ran away in Paris and survived.

March 23, 10:30 a.m. – Tissue Paper Flower Craft with Kelly – Celebrate spring by creating beautiful flowers using tissue paper then decorate the senior center with your creations. **All supplies will be provided. For more information call 908-204-3435.**

March 24, 11 a.m. – Cardiac Health Awareness by Cardiology Specialist Dr. Patrick Saulino, Patrick F. Saulino M.D., L.L.C. Learn about the importance of cardiac health and find out how to keep your heart healthy.

March 28, 11 a.m. – Spring Cleaning and Downsizing with Nicole Doerr, Wayforth Move Management Services. Find out how to downsize without having to get rid of your favorite items.

March 30, 10:30 a.m. – Brain Games with Kelly. Play various games, puzzles, and trivia to help boost your brain’s health. Studies show that brain 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.

March 31, 11 a.m. – The Spirit of Making Spirits by Camden Winkelstein, Bellemara Distillery. Learn about the chemistry, process, and vernacular used when making spirits. Participants will also find out how Bellemara implements traditional Scottish production techniques with unique American innovations, as well as the start-to-finish production process, such as growing the ingredients, mashing, timing, the equipment used, calibrations, standards and bottling.

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.

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT HILLSBOROUGH
339 South Branch Road
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
908-369-8700

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

Do You Want to Bingocize? by Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough participant and trained instructor, Carol Slater – Wednesdays, 11 a.m. & Fridays, 11 a.m. (Jan. 4 – March 10). Bingocize your brain and play this fun version of Bingo has an educational twist. This game combines exercise and facts about health in sessions that last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. This a great way to move and mingle. Participants also will have a chance to win a prize. ** Registration is closed. The game should only be played twice a week on nonconsecutive days. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Mahjong Club – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Play Mahjong, an interesting tile-based game that requires skill, strategy and luck. Invented in China, the game has been played throughout the world since the early 20th century.

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 & Thursdays, 10 a.m. Take this fun cardio boxing class which is easy to follow for older adults and is presented in video format. **All exercises are demonstrated while standing and sitting.**

(New) 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 osteoporosis or have it. **The class is $15 for the 24-week class that 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 (March 9), 1 p.m. Join the group to discuss the importance of healthy eating and how to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet in honor of National Nutrition Month.**For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

Simply Seated: Energize Serries with Curtis Adams – Fridays, 10 a.m. Join other center members for a fun, challenging and invigorating chair-exercise class presented in a video. 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 (March 31), 10 a.m. Get a FREE blood pressure screening from a nurse from the Philippine Nurse’s Association of New Jersey, who will be onsite to provide FREE blood pressure screenings. **No appointment is necessary.**

Card Club – Fridays, 1 p.m. Play Rummy, Poker, Blackjack, Solitaire, and more. **Beginners are welcome.**

Puzzle Club – Thursdays, 1 p.m. Strike up a conversation, make new friends, and enjoy assembling puzzles. Participants can choose from a wide variety of puzzles.

March 2, 11 a.m. – Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings with the Saint Peter’s Community Mobile Health Unit. Get free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. **No appointment is necessary.**

March 6, 11 a.m. – “Our Rights Too!” By Historical Impersonator, Storyteller Carol Simon Levin. Celebrate Black History Month and enjoy this fascinating tale brought to life by a historical impersonator. Carol Simon Levin tells the often untold and overlooked story of an enslaved female poet, abolitionists, female advocacy organizers, suffrage activists, female Native American activists, and many more diverse women of all colors and creeds who fought for women’s rights and made a significant impact in history.

March 9, 11 a.m. – Sing Along with Lorri Woodward. Celebrate St. Patty’s day and get up and dance to favorite songs from the 1950s up to the 1970s including St. Patrick’s Day songs such as “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “Danny Boy,” and more.

March 13, 11 a.m. – Sing Along with Clifford Seay. Dance to your favorite songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

March 15, 10 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 find out about the county’s free shredding program. Participants will also learn about the impact that China has had on recycling.

March 16, 11 a.m. – “POLST: What is it and Should I Have One?” by Chris Kellogg, NightingaleNJ. Start planning now for Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). POLST forms enable individuals to provide their preference for life-sustaining treatment. In this presentation, participants will learn everything they need to know about POLST forms.

March 17, 10 a.m. – Saint Patrick’s Day Trivia with Doretha. Play St. Patrick’s Day trivia and learn about the history of the holiday, Irish traditions, and more.

March 17, 11 a.m. – Pom-Pom Bunny Craft with Tammy. Create a pom-pom bunny with a step-by-step tutorial. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

March 20, 11 a.m. – Full Monty Uke Band Performance with Chris Gardella. Celebrate spring and sing along to your favorite feel-good songs.

March 21, 11 a.m. – Brain Games with Doretha. Play various games, puzzles, and trivia to keep your brain young. Studies show that brain games may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as improving the speed of thought processes, planning skills, reaction time, decision- making and short-term memory.

March 22, 10 a.m. – “Oh Deer” by Naturalist Rebecca Vermeesch, Somerset County Park Commission. Discover the world of deer one of the most interesting animals in our backyard. Learn fun facts such as how deer interact with predators, their habitat, and humans. Participants will also see a display of deer skulls, bones, antlers, and more.

March 23, 11 a.m. – “Health, Spice, and Everything Nice” by Program Coordinator Healthy Living, Family & Community Health Sciences, Jennifer Korneski, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Understand the benefits of using spices in meals. Variety is the “spice of life” and spices, not to be confused with spicy, can provide diverse health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, helping to control blood sugar and cholesterol, as well as having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

March 24, 11 a.m. – The Cool of Using Warm Colors with Cool Colors by Local Artist Karen Haake. Create a watercolor painting by using both vibrant and warm colors. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-369-8700.**

March 27, 11 a.m. – “Lighthouses of New Jersey” by Marilyn Dunning & Alan Jacobson, New Jersey Lighthouse Society. Learn fascinating details about the history, structure, characteristics, purpose and how the weather affects lighthouses. Participants will also enjoy hearing the historical facts about New Jersey beacons, female keepers and the governance of lighthouses.

March 29, 10 a.m. – “TED Talk: Laughter is the Best Medicine” by Loretta LaRoche. Keep in mind that laughter is the best medicine. Everyone can laugh and humor is an extraordinary way to build resiliency and keep a positive perspective on life.

March 30, 11 a.m. – The James Webb Telescope and Returning to the Moon with NASA’s New Moon Rocket by Amateur Astronomer Paul Cirillo. Learn all about the James Webb Space Telescope, how it was launched into space and how it will make discoveries in our galaxy and the universe. Participants will also hear about NASA’s new moon rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), which will bring citizens to the moon. Hear about the missions planned for the next few years including a Gateway Station, Moon Landers and more.

March 31, 11 a.m. – Avoiding Senior Scams by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office. Find out how to protect yourself from countless scammers and costly scams via email and phone and learn other safety tips.

MONTGOMERY SENIOR CENTER
356 Skillman Road
Skillman, NJ 08558
609-466-0846

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

Computer Lab – Available daily. Center members can use the computers at their leisure.

Blood Pressure Screenings – First Monday of Every Month, 9:45 a.m. Get a FREE blood pressure screening from a Montgomery Township nurse who will be onsite at the senior center. **No appointment is necessary.**

Take Control with Exercise – Mondays, 10 a.m. Strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility, and balance while boosting stamina in this gentle exercise program. **Participants can practice these exercises while either standing or sitting.**

Nia MELT with Alida Westfield – Mondays, 11 a.m. Have an hour of fun every week while practicing this combination of healthy exercises Nia and MELT. Nia combines martial arts, modern dance, and yoga in a workout accompanied by music. Participants practice 15-20 minutes of non-impact Nia movements performed to music while standing or sitting, and then practice MELT, which is a self-treatment technique to help prevent pain, heal injury, and erase the negative effects of aging and active living. The class was created especially for seniors to help promote HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). ** Class will not be held on March 13 and 27.**

(Hybrid) Yoga Chair Fusion with Debbi – Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Learn techniques to help gain flexibility and improve strength while immersing yourself in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. Practicing yoga may help you increase bone density, strengthen muscles, improve balance, relieve stress and achieve an overall sense of well-being. **This class will be presented in person with an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

Intermediate Ukulele Lessons with Chris – Tuesdays, 11 a.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. Build on the skills learned in the beginner’s class to master chords, melodies and improvisation. Participants will also play a multi-part arrangement in a band and perform a wide range of musical genres. **For more information, call 609-466-0846.**

(NEW) Do You Want to Bingocize? With Montgomery Senior Center Participant and Trained Instructor Elizabeth Garvey – Tuesdays, 11 a.m. & Fridays, 11 a.m. (March 28 – June 2) Bingocize yourself and play this fun game with an educational twist that combines Bingo, exercise, health, and fall-prevention information. The sessions last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. This is a great way to get older adults moving and mingling. Some participants may win a prize. **The game should only be played twice a week on nonconsecutive days. Registration is required. To register, call 609-466-0846.**

Tai Chi with Herb – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Reduce the risk of falls by practicing Tai chi. In this class, participants will focus on shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. Studies have shown that most participants have reduced pain, fatigue, and stiffness and have achieved a greater sense of well-being when practicing Tai Chi. **Participants can practice these exercises while either standing or sitting. For more information, call 609-466-0846.**

Beginner Ukulele Lessons with Denise – Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Learn how to hold, tune, and strum simple chords while learning the foundation of playing the ukulele in easy-to-follow lessons over six weeks. **Next session will begin on March 1, 2023. To register and/or reserve a ukulele, call 609-466-0846 or email Crowley@co.somerset.nj.us.**

Line Dancing with Debbie Bjornsted. Thursdays, 11 a.m. Improve cardiovascular and muscular strength, coordination and balance while line dancing, which 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.**

Advanced Beginner Ukulele Lessons with Denise – Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. Hone the skills you have learned, such as basic chords and strumming techniques, then 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.**

Mahjong Club – Fridays, 10 a.m. Join the Mahjong Club and meet new people while learning to play the game, which is an interesting way to keep your brain sharp and supercharged! This club is for anyone who wants to learn the game or loves playing it. **This is not a competitive club. All levels of experience are welcome.**

Advanced Ukulele Lessons with Chris – Fridays, 10 a.m. Learn advanced techniques such as orchestration, fingerpicking, chord melody, harmonies and music theory for beginners. **For more information, call 609-466-0846.**

March 1, 12 p.m. – Lunch & Learn: Getting Started with the Ukulele: A Recipe for Success! Learn basic chords and simple strum patterns on the ukulele, a wonderfully portable music machine. **Register in advance. A limited number of ukuleles are available to borrow. To register and for more information, call 609-466-0846.**

March 2 & 16, 9:45 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 standing or sitting.**

March 3, 10 a.m. – Lucky Shamrock Centerpiece Craft with Delores & Mary. Create a beautiful lucky shamrock centerpiece by filling a paper leprechaun hat with shamrocks and a step-by-step tutorial. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 609-466-0846.**

March 3, 11 a.m. –“Health, Spice, and Everything Nice” by Sigrid Solis, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Understand the benefits of using spices in meals. Variety is the “spice of life” and spices –
not to be confused with spicy – can provide diverse health benefits like strengthening the immune system, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, and providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

March 7 & 21, 11 a.m. – Ageless Grace Fitness Program with Certified Ageless Grace Educator Denise. Activate all five functions of the brain, such as strategic planning, memory, recall, analytical thinking, creativity, imagination and kinesthetic thinking. This fitness program is based on the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity, which means the brain and central nervous system change both functionally and structurally. **Participants of all skill levels will be thoroughly engaged in the class while seated in a chair.**

March 7, 11:30 a.m. – “The History of Saint Patrick’s Day” by Denise Crowley. Learn the history and symbolism of St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday celebrated around the world. Participants will also play St. Patty’s Day trivia, have a Q&A session and tell jokes.

March 8 & 22, 11:15 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 standing or sitting.**

March 9 & 23, 10 a.m. – Crocheting with Mary. Learn everything you need to know about crocheting, a fun hobby that helps people to relax. Participants will learn how to hold the hook, the most common crochet stitches and how to crochet “granny squares.” **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 609-466-0846.**

March 10, 10 a.m. – Community Service Project. Help put together knit kits for the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program.

March 10, 11 a.m. – Healthy Food Tasting: Jackfruit with Denise. Join fellow center members to taste jackfruit grown from the jack tree. This interesting fruit is a species related to the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family and originates from southern India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

March 14, 21 & 28, 1 – 2:30 p.m. – Grief Share Program by Chris Heitkamp. Join this weekly support group led by caring people who have experienced grief and have successfully rebuilt their lives. GriefShare provides members with hope for the future in a warm, caring environment. Weekly discussion topics include: “Is this normal?,” “Challenge of Grief,” The Journey of Grief: Part 1,” “The Journey of Grief: Part 2,” Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why?,” “Guilt and Anger,” “Complicating Factors,” “Stuck,” “Lessons of Grief: Part 1,” “Lessons of Grief: Part 2,” “Heaven,” and “What Do I Live for Now?” **For more information, call (609) 466-0846.**

March 15, 10 a.m. – Acrylic Painting Project with Denise. Paint a bluebird using acrylic paints and follow a step-by-step tutorial. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call (609) 466-0846.**

March 17, 11 a.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Entertainment by Guitarist Dan Toye. Join fellow center members for Irish songs and much more. This program is sponsored by Anne Behrik of Stonebridge Montgomery.

March 20, 11 a.m. – Celebrate Springtime with Clifford Seay. Dance and sing to favorites from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

March 21, 1 p.m. – Classical Indian Dance Performance by World Renowned Artist Guru Bala Devi Chandrashkar and Students. Experience the emotions conveyed through the dance and eye movements of the traditional dance art form of Bharatanatyam, which is known for its sculptural poses, rhythmic footwork, hand and eye movements and elaborate costumes. Dance performances will tell a story about devotion, folk culture, peace and happiness.

March 23, 10 a.m. – My Love for You Blossoms Every Day with Denise Crowley. Share stories with fellow center members by bringing a photograph of your favorite younger person and talk about why the person is so special.

March 24, 11 a.m. – Welcome to the Galapagos Islands by Photographer David Goodwille. Take a once in a lifetime photographic adventure to places found nowhere else on the planet and see exotic animals, lava landscapes and white coral beaches. Enjoy photo closeups of Sally Lightfoot crabs, the blue-footed booby, giant Galapagos tortoises, fur seals and more.

March 27, 10 a.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screenings & Spring Summer Safety with Katie Williams, R.N., Montgomery Township. Learn about spring and summer safety and get a free blood pressure screening from nursing students. **No Appointments are necessary.**

March 29, 11 a.m. – Entertainment with Andrew Lobby. Get up and dance to favorites from the 60s and 70s.

QUAIL BROOK SENIOR CENTER
625 New Brunswick Road
Somerset, NJ 08873
732-563-4213

(Hybrid) Stretching with Allison – Mondays, 10 a.m. Start the day off right by stretching in a chair and then standing to keep the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. Stretching will help maintain one’s range of motion in joints. **This is a hybrid class that will be conducted live at the senior center by an instructor and simultaneously also offered via Zoom.**

(Hybrid) The Regime 2023: A Commitment to Exercise Series with Allyson – Mondays (Upper Body + Mid-Section) and Fridays (Head-to-Toe), 2:15 p.m. Join fellow center members for a head-to-toe workout using intervals of weights, stretching, and aerobic movements. Participating in this class will help lubricate joints for flexibility, strengthen and stabilize muscles, increase blood circulation, boost confidence, support weight loss and support the ability to better accomplish day-to-day activities.**This class will resume on March 13. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing, sneakers and bring water. This program can be practiced while either standing or sitting (with modifications) and with or without hand weights. All skill levels are welcome.**

(Virtual) Geri-Fit with Quail Brook Senior and Trained Instructor Karen Jesse – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m. Rebuild the strength that has been lost through the aging process with Geri-Fit, an exercise program that supports a higher level of functioning in older adults. The program is practiced while seated in a chair and incorporates strength training, stretching and range-of-motion exercises, stability and balance training for fall prevention, cardiovascular activity for heart health, and gait exercises to help improve walking. This unique and beneficial evidence-based exercise program is facilitated for 45 minutes, two times per week, over 12 weeks for a total of 24 classes. **The class is currently full. The class size is limited to 12 to 24 participants. Participants need a set of light dumbbell weights (2 lbs. to begin), a sturdy chair, a stretch band, and water to drink during the workout. Standing is optional. **

(Virtual) Tuesdays, 12 p.m. – Yoga/Meditation & Breathing with Dr. Prabha Srinivas. Take control of your emotional and physical well-being through the practice of yoga and meditation. This class will help participants reduce their daily stress. **To register call 732-563-4213 or email toth@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Boggle Bonanza Word Club with Valerie Fryar – Wednesdays 10 a.m. Dust off your vocabulary skills and build camaraderie while playing Boggle. This is a fun, chaotic but structured game that helps hone teambuilding skills. Playing Boggle will help improve memory, and concentration and can relieve stress. **There will be no session on March 1.**

(Hybrid) Wednesdays, 1 p.m. – Zumba Gold with Laurie Fetcher. Get your blood pumping to zesty music during this hearty workout and build cardiovascular health. In this class, participants will exercise the hip, leg, and arm muscles and practice fun, rhythmic moves while sitting in a chair. ** This is a hybrid class and will be presented live at the center by an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom. To register, call 732-563-4213 or email toth@co.somerset.nj.us. **

(Hybrid)Yoga for All! Stand & Chair Yoga with Manjula – Thursdays, 10 a.m. 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. In this class, expect to practice gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. **The class is appropriate for all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. To register, call 732-563-4213 or email toth@co.somerset.nj.us. This is a hybrid class and will be presented live at the center by an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

Line Dancing – Fridays, 9 a.m. Improve cardiovascular and muscular strength, and balance while line dancing, which is so much fun it doesn’t even seem like exercise! Participants don’t need a partner and it’s a great way to maintain mental and physical health.

Mahjong with Sylvia Rubin – Fridays, 9:30 a.m. Play this fascinating game that is fueled by skill, strategy, and luck. This is a six-week series and is open to beginners and those who need a refresher course. **For more information and to reserve a spot, contact the Quail Brook Senior Center at 732-563-4213.**

(Hybrid) The Essence of Yoga: North American Vihangam Yoga with Raj Gupta and Vijay Patel – Fridays, 1 p.m. Learn traditional yoga poses and how to meditate through a combination of physical and mindful sessions. This class will foster gentle self-awareness, and help participants obtain a level of serenity. **This is a hybrid class and will be presented live at the center by an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

(Hybrid) March 1, 10 a.m. – “Listen My Children” by Author & Historian Meg Wastie. Read, interpret, and discuss historical facts about the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” by William Wadsworth Longfellow. **This is a hybrid class and will be presented live at the center by an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

March 2 & 9, 12:30 p.m. – Free Blood Pressure Screenings. Get a free blood pressure screening provided by nursing students from the College of New Jersey (TCNJ) School of Nursing **No appointment is necessary.**

March 2 & 16, 1 p.m. – Canasta Club with Karen Masur, Quail Brook Senior. Join fellow center members to play this game of tactics and strategic thinking.

March 6, 10:30 a.m. – Legerdemain is the Game! With Professional Magician Ed Smoot. Participate in this magic class where tried and true sleight-of-hand tricks will be analyzed, practiced, and performed.

March 6 & 20, 1 p.m. – Ping Pong Posse with friends. Play Ping Pong, a game for people of all ages and abilities and a fun way to exercise. **Teams or individuals are welcome.**

(Hybrid) March 7, 1 p.m. – “The World of Vitamins, Additives, Meds, and You” by Paumil Patel, Pharm.D., Milltown Pharmacy. Learn the science of supplements in this interactive presentation. Discover the health benefits of vitamin A, what other vitamins provide health benefits, how mixing vitamins can cause negative interactions, and what vitamins to use for nutritional deficiencies. **This is a hybrid class and will be presented live at the center by an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

March 8, 11 a.m. – “Family Feud” with Quail Brook Senior Crystal. Play the exciting classic game “Family Feud.” The survey questions will encourage quick and critical thinking, build comradery, and participants will have fun.

(Hybrid) March 9, 1 p.m. –“Health, Spice, and Everything Nice” by Program Coordinator of Healthy Living, Family & Community Health Sciences, Jennifer Korneski, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Understand the benefits of using spices in meals. Variety is the “spice of life” and spices, not to be confused with spicy, can provide diverse health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, helping to control blood sugar and cholesterol, as well as having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. **This is a hybrid class and will be presented live at the center by an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

(Hybrid) March 13, 11 a.m. – “Proton Therapy” by Clinical Educator Jerry Rymer, ProCure Proton Therapy. Learn about Proton Therapy, a type of radiation therapy that uses high-powered energy to treat cancer and some noncancerous tumors more effectively than other treatments. Proton therapy is a high-powered beam that targets cancerous tissue and only minimally impacts the surrounding healthy tissue. **This is a hybrid class and will be presented live at the center by an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

(Virtual) March 13, 1 p.m. – Chair Dance Fitness Break. Get a great workout with this 30-minute video-based session. Participants will love sitting in a chair while dancing. Chair dance to energetic music for a safer workout and to improve flexibility. **Wear loose-fitting clothing, and sneakers and bring water.**

(Virtual) March 14, 1 p.m. – Classic Music presented by Viking Sponsored Classical Concerts, Conducted by Debbie Wiseman, Performed at Cadogan Hall, London UK. Sit back and immerse yourself in classical music from the comfort of a chair. Sip coffee or tea, close your eyes and take a musical journey.

March 15, 11 a.m. – Karaoke 2023 Quail Brook Senior with Crystal. So, you think you can’t sing? You might be right but who cares? In this session, no one is critiquing your level of talent if the song you are belting out gets the entire center dancing! The best singer and group singers can win a prize. The audience will be judging.

March 15, 1:30 p.m. – Alzheimer’s Support Group Facilitator and Facilitator Kaylee White, Princeton Medical Institute. Join this monthly group for emotional and psychological support, and get tips, knowledge, and resources. This group will help educate Somerset County caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer’s, and others dealing with the impact of this disease.

March 17, 10:30 a.m. – La Fheile Padraig sona duit!: Happy Saint Patrick’s Day with Graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Restaurant, and Chef Consultant Josh Falzone. Revel in the spirit of St. Patty’s Day and enjoy a taste of healthy St. Patrick’s Day recipes, which are low-sodium, and low-sugar but big in flavor. Recipes will include natural green food coloring, mouthwatering spinach pancakes, sugar-free Irish Coffee, and a specialty crafted dessert. Test your St. Patty’s Day knowledge in a trivia contest.

March 20, 10:30 a.m. – Stop, Step, Be Smart by Somerset Clinical Director Stephen Moser, P.T., D.P.T., Ivy Rehab. Learn to take a moment, stop, survey the area, plan, and carefully take steps to reduce or eliminate the risk of falling. This practical program will help relieve participants’ fear of falling, stumbling, and tripping. There will be a Q&A during the session.

March 21 & 28, 1 p.m. – Knit 1/Purl 2 with Quail Brook Seniors Josephine, Inga, and Rajul. Breathe new life into Knit 1/Purl 2 at the Quail Brook Senior Center. **All skill levels are welcome.**

March 22, 11 a.m. – Project Lifesaver by Care Manager Jannell Wilson, L.S.W., Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services. Learn who can benefit from the search and rescue Project Lifesaver program and find out about eligibility requirements.

March 23 & 30, 1 p.m. – Quail Brook’s Tailgate Corn Hole. Play this fun game whre a team of two or four will toss the weighted bag into the hole for points. Someone will take the title of Corn Hole King or Queen.

March 24, 10:30 a.m. – March Madness for Monarchs by Somerset County Speakers Bureau Cynthia Hedin, Rutgers Master Gardeners. Learn what we can do to take the necessary steps to help save the Monarchs, creatures known for their amazing migratory skills and pattern. Participants will find out about the butterflies’ life cycle stages, characteristics, migration, and how the Monarch population is declining.

(Hybrid) March 27, 11 a.m. – A Command Performance: Part 1 by the Artist-in-Residence, and Vocalist, New Jersey State Theatre. Become mesmerized while listening to a gifted musician’s voice as he uses it as an instrument. In part two, participants will take actual voice lessons. **This is a hybrid class and will be presented live at the center by an instructor and simultaneously presented via Zoom.**

March 28, 10:30 a.m. – “Anesthesia” by Hospital Anesthesiologist, Certified, American Board of Anesthesiology Dr. Enrique Pantin, M.D., Robert Wood Johnson University. Learn about the science and history of anesthesia when Dr. Pantin discusses trials, inventions, and modern-day advancements of the drug.

(Virtual) March 28, 1 p.m. – The World of Draft Horses with Gentle Giants, Draft Horse Rescue, MD. Take a virtual tour and learn about the draft horse, hear their unique stories, their physical requirements for nutrition and their hardships.

March 29, 11 a.m. – Paint Flowers on Canvas with Julie Strehle, Brandywine Senior Living. Paint flowers on canvas by following a step-by-step tutorial. **All supplies will be provided. To register, call 732-563-4213.**

March 30, 11 a.m. – Martial Your Strength: Senior Self-Defense by L. Greg Smith. Learn all about self-defense. As people age, their reaction time is slower and their perception changes. In this presentation, participants will learn initiatives, techniques, and tips to help protect themselves through a lecture, a demonstration and practicing moves. **Subsequent classes (one per month) will continue to emphasize and practice evasive techniques to give participants the street-smart edge.**

March 31, 10:30 a.m. – “Scams: How to Recognize Them & Avoid Them” by Certified Senior Advisor, Connie Pizzaro, Oasis Senior Advisors Central Jersey. Learn how to recognize scams and avoid being a victim of a scam.

WARRENBROOK SENIOR CENTER
500 Warrenville Road
Warren, NJ 07059
908-753-9440

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

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

Carrom – Available daily. Play this game that is like Billiards and Table Shuffleboard.

Games/Cards (Scrabble, Uno, Canasta, etc.) – Available daily. Have fun playing these games or suggest another one of your favorites.

Jigsaw Puzzles – Available daily. Strike up a conversation, make new friends and have fun putting the pieces of a puzzle together. There is a wide variety of puzzles available.

Lending Library – Available daily. Pick up a paperback book and return it when you are finished reading.

Watercolor Paint Class – Monday & Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Practice your craft with other experienced artists and meet new people. **All supplies will be included.**

1-on-1 Computer Instruction with Sal – Mondays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn how to send an email, play solitaire and search the web in this eight-week, one-on-one class when you will finally understand what your grandkids have been trying to tell you. **Preregistration is required. To register and for more information, call 908-753-9440.**

Take Control with Exercise. Mondays, 10 a.m. 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. **There are no fees for this class. To register, call 908-753-9440. **

Mahjong for Intermediate Players – Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join other intermediate mahjong players for a game of strategy and calculation. **For more information, call 908-753-9440.**

Zumba Gold with Judith –Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Get your blood pumping with zesty music and a hearty workout. Build cardiovascular health by challenging your heart and exercising, the hip, leg, and arm muscles by performing fun and rhythmic moves while sitting in a chair. **The cost is $40 for the eight-week program. This class is suitable for beginners or anyone who needs modifications to their exercise routine. For more information, or to register call 908-753-9440.**

Bridge Group with Ronnie – Tuesdays, 1 – 3 p.m. Play Bridge, a mentally challenging card game that provides intellectual and social interaction. Regularly playing bridge can stimulate the brain to keep
it alert and help it stay active. **New members and beginners are always welcome. Lessons are available.**

Project Healthy Bones – Wednesdays, 10 a.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. **This class is currently full. To hear about other opportunities, call Lisa Cheng at 908-704-6327.**

Tai Chi – Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Help reduce the risk of falls, ease pain, fatigue, and stiffness and gain a greater sense of well-being when practicing Tai Chi. In this class, participants will practice shifting their body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. **Participants can practice these exercises while either standing or sitting.**

Gentle Yoga with Jillian –Thursdays, 10 a.m. Practice Hatha yoga poses, while either sitting or standing, to increase bone density and improve strength, flexibility, and balance while being immersed in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. The class is perfect for relieving stress, and it also helps achieve an overall sense of well-being. ** Next session will begin on March 16. The cost is $40 for the eight-week program. This class is appropriate for all skill levels. For more information and to register for the next session, call 908-753-9440.**

Mahjong for Experienced Players – Thursdays, 1 – 3 p.m. Play this game of skill, strategy, and calculation.

Older Wiser Workout: Low Impact Aerobics with Sue Grant – Fridays, 10 a.m. Get a gentle, and safe video-based workout that is perfect for beginners and intermediate participants. The class includes a warmup, low-impact aerobics, and a relaxing cool down and stretch. Participants will appreciate the upbeat encouragement and helpful cues. **For more information, call 908-753-9440.**

March 1 & 15, 11 a.m. – Bingo with Rashmi. Bingo is more than just a fun activity. Researchers have found that playing Bingo provides multiple benefits, such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, improving concentration, honing one’s listening skills and boosting short-term memory.

March 1, 10:30 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 2, 16 & 30, 11 a.m. – Basic Computer and iPad Instruction with Parul. Learn basic computer and iPad skills, such as checking email, opening documents and attachments, clearing the cache and creating word documents. Other topics discussed will be based on the participants’ needs. **For more information, call 908-753-9440.**

March 2, 11 a.m. – Monthly Stitcher’s Group. Join fellow group members to chat and stitch. All people with projects including knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and quilting are welcome.

March 3 & 31, 11 a.m. – Brain Games and Hand Bells with Adrienne Graubard. Solve puzzles and challenge your brain with mind-stretching activities, such as word games and a fun-filled musical workout using hand bells.

March 6, 11 a.m. – “Holi” by Seema Moondra. Join fellow center members to celebrate the Hindu spring festival. Listen to Indian songs, learn some dance moves, play some fun games and learn about the festival. Holi is a time to forgive, celebrate life, renew friendships and build new relationships. During Holi people play with colored powder, dance to fun songs, engage in spring cleaning, light bonfires, and hold family get-togethers to celebrate life.

March 8 & 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – 2022 Tax Preparation with AARP Tax-Aide Gloria Wong. Get free in-person tax assistance from the AARP Foundation. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are trained IRS-certified and recertified annually to ensure they are informed about the latest changes and additions to the tax code. This service is primarily for taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate incomes. **To register for free tax assistance, call 908-753-9440.**

March 8, 11 a.m. – “Margaret Morris: American Revolution Diary” by Museum Curator Marisa Bozarth, Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences. Learn about the untold story of Dr. Margaret Hill Morris through her diary. Dr. Morris was a heroine and survivalist who treated soldiers in Philadelphia during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793.

March 9, 11 a.m. – Armchair Travel: Ireland. Travel to Ireland in your mind’s eye and enjoy the land’s stunning natural beauty, mesmerizing music, and friendly locals.

March 10, 11 a.m. – Craft: Butterfly Button Art with Parul. Create a beautiful butterfly button in honor of National Learn About Butterflies Day. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 908-753-9440.**

March 13, 11 a.m. – “Berries and You: Perfect Together” by Program Coordinator Jennifer Korneski, Family & Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Learn invaluable nutritional and health information about berries, which provide exceptional health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and improving artery functioning. Participants will also find out tips for adding berries to their daily diet.

(Virtual) March 14, 1:30 p.m. – Monthly Book Club (Every Second Tuesday). Join fellow club members to discuss “The Enchantress of Numbers” a historical fiction novel by Jennifer Chiaverini and select the next book to read. **This book club is only for Warrenbrook Senior Center participants. New members are always welcome! **

(Virtual) March 17, 11 a.m. “Beethoven…The Agony and the Ecstasy.” Explore the emotional depths and heights of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” and “Symphony No. 3” in this 50-minute Zoom presentation led by Maestro George Marriner Maull. Participants will watch video excerpts from “Discover Beethoven’s Fifth” recorded for American Public Television.

(Virtual) March 20, 11 a.m. – “Spring Cleaning Made Easy” by Decluttering Humorist Jamie Novak. Log on for this program with author and organizer Jamie Novak and find out why spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore! Learn ten tiny tasks that make a big difference, which will help those who are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start gaining some traction. There will be a mini-guided task led by Ms. Novak that will help participants jumpstart their spring cleaning.

March 22, 11 a.m. – Musical Performance with Lorri Woodward. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by singing along to Irish songs from the 50s and 60s.

March 23, 11 a.m. – The Price is Right: 1960’s Version with Parul. Play a version of the original “Price is Right” game and guess the price of items from the 1960s.

March 24, 11 a.m. – Craft: Cherry Blossoms & Owl with Parul. Celebrate the onset of spring with this DIY craft by making a cherry blossom tree with pom-poms. Then make an owl using sticky back foam pieces, and wiggly eyes. **All supplies will be provided. For more information, call
908-753-9440.**

(Virtual) March 27, 11 a.m. – Grain Salads by Vanessa Young, Thirsty Radish. Think beyond boring greens. Enjoy a cooking demonstration during this class while learning how to create dressings, combine flavors, and create essential salad elements, with farro, quinoa, brown rice, vegetables, and seasonal ingredients.

March 29, 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. This program will inform residents what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in the county’s recycling program. Melissa will discuss the impact China has had on recycling in the U.S. She will also discuss how to dispose of household hazardous waste, and electronics as well as the county’s free shredding events.

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Lisa Clark
Public Information Specialist
Somerset County Public Information Office
20 Grove Street • P.O. Box 3000
Somerville, NJ 08876-1262 | 908.231.7020, ext. 7749
Free e-mail bulletins: www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe