Somerset County-Operated Senior Centers Announce "Older Americans Month" Program Schedule

The senior centers operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services announce the May program schedule.  All programs begin at 11:00 am unless otherwise listed.  May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme is “Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow.”  This month, our centers will feature a variety of programs on various aspects of home, personal, financial and other types of safety.  Please call for lunch reservations by 10 a.m. the day before you wish to come. For more information, contact the appropriate centers. 

SOMERSET COUNTY SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER

202 Mt. Airy Road

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

(908) 204-3435 

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Computer Instruction – One-on-one instruction, Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (April 11 through May 23)

Computer Lab – Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Call for Availability)

Living Well Yoga – Seated yoga class, Thursday, 10:30 a.m. (March 25 - May13. No class April 29.) Advance registration required.

Pool Sharks – Pool Table Available Daily, 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. (Call for Availability)

Stretch & Flex Class (Upper & Lower Body Chair Exercise) – Every Monday & Thursday, 10:45 a.m. (May 26 session will be moved to Tuesday, May 27) **Please check monthly calendar updates**

Tai Chi – Monday, 1:00 p.m. (April 7 through May 12.) Advanced registration is required.

Zumba – Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:30 a.m. (April 23 through June 13) Advance registration is required. Forms are available at the Senior Wellness Center. Fee is $40 for 8 classes; or $80 for 16 classes. 

May 2 – Celebrate Cinco De Mayo: Facts and trivia about the Mexican holiday, 10:30 a.m.

May 6 – “The Evolution of Families on Television” by Helen Vasko, 10:30 a.m. (Helen Vasko leads the discussion about how television’s nuclear families have evolved from the 1950s through today.)

May 6 – Free Blood Pressure Screenings with Laura Cummings, RN, BSN, Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, 10:30 a.m.

May 7 – Free Dermaview Screenings by Morristown Medical Center, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.Morristown Medical Center will be at the center to conduct screenings to detect permanent sun damage on your face and provide information on skin cancer detection and prevention.  With the strong summer sun right around the corner, you don’t want to miss this.  No appointment necessary!

May 7 - Total Brain Workout, 10:30 a.m. (It’s that time again for a good brain workout.  Please make a reservation for this program.)

May 9 – “Cognitive Fitness: Keeping Your Mind Sharp” by Kessler Rehabilitation Center,10:30 a.m. (Kessler Rehabilitation Center will be on site today to discuss the many ways to exercise your brain.  They firmly believe that if you don’t use it, you lose it.)

May 13 – “Be Wise About Medications” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m. (Created by the New Jersey Geriatric Education center, UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine and the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, this program reviews the differences between generic and brand name drugs, ways that aging changes the effects of medications, allergic reactions, side effects, adverse drug events and ways to avoid common drug interactions.)

May 14 - Vocal Performance with Josie Mescallado, 10:30 a.m. (Home Instead Senior Care is pleased to present: a Musical Interlude.  The program will include classical and opera selections, Broadway show tunes, popular movie classics and an assortment of patriotic songs.  Attendees will be encouraged to sing along with Josie.)

May 16 -”Hands On” Calligraphy Program at 10:30 a.m. with Catherine Lent, sponsored by the Horizon Foundation. Advance reservations are required.  (This program is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of state, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program.)

May 20 – Summer Strawberry Salad Demonstration by Kaitlyn McGowan, RD, 10:30 a.m.(Kaitlyn is back to assemble this refreshing salad.  Samples will be offered.)

May 21 – Lifeline Screenings, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This is a preventative health screening event that can identify stroke and vascular risk factors.  Call 1-888-653-6441 or visitwww.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners to schedule your appointment and discuss fees.

May 21 – Performance by the Ridge Oak Hand Chimers, 10:30 a.m. (The ladies from Ridge Oak Senior Housing are back to entertain us with choreographed hand chimes.)

May 23 – “Personal Safety: Tips From a Police Officer” by Officer Tim Franks, Somerville Police Department, 10:30 a.m. (Officer Tim Franks from the Somerville Police Department will offer some helpful advice about maintaining your personal safety no matter where you go.)

May 26 – Holiday – Center Closed

May 28 – “Heart Disease: Know the Facts” by Astra Health Center, 10:30 a.m. (A representative from Astra Health Center will discuss heart disease and the risk factors as well as treatment.)

May 28 – May Birthday Celebrations, 12:15 p.m.

May 30 – “Senior Fraud Education & Protection Program” by the state Division of Consumer Affairs, 10:30 a.m. (Did you know that over 8 million Americans are the victims of identity theft every year?  Learn how to protect yourself so it doesn’t happen to you!)

HILLSBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER
339 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ 
(908) 369-8700

Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 – 2:00 pm

Blood Pressure Screening - 3rd Tuesday of Month, 10:30 a.m.

Caram (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards) & Other Games – Every Thursday

Cards – Daily

Flex, Stretch & Tone with Rose – Tuesday & Thursday

May 2 – “Senior Fraud Education & Protection Program” by the Division of Consumer Affairs (Did you know that over 8 million Americans are the victims of identity theft every year?  The Department of Consumer Affairs will be here to discuss how to protect yourself so it doesn’t happen to you!)

May 5 – “Move to Get F.I.T.” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services (In this program, created by the New Jersey Geriatric Education Center, UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine and the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, you will be able to identify the importance of physical activity recommendations.  Most importantly, this program will help you plan a strategy for motivating you to begin or maintain to your exercise program.)

May 6 – Mother’s Day Celebration

May 7 – “What You Need to Know About Osteoporosis with Screenings” by Snehal Davda, Kessler Rehabilitation Center

May 9 – “Pedestrian Safety” Joyce Tiemans, RideWise

May 12 – “New Ways with Produce – Reinventing Recipes with Demonstration & Tasting” by Rachel Simpers, RD, Shoprite/Wakefern Company (Are you tired of the same ‘ol foods?  Learn how to transform fresh fruit and vegetables into modern recipes?  Try them raw, shaved, or whipped into dips or spreads.)

May 13 – “The Story of How Coco (The Cutest Shih Tzu) Became a Therapy Dog” by Kate Domen (Meet Coco and learn how dogs are trained to bring joy to all they visit.)

May 14 – “Celebration of New Jersey’s 350th Anniversary” by Walter Choroszewski, New Jersey Photographer, Author and Advocate of State Pride (“Mr. C” brings his colorful photos, stories and humor that will give you new pride and appreciation for our beautiful state.)

May 16 – “Self Defense and Basic Safety” by Paul Kilduff and Paul Domen, Master Instructors, Golden Rule Karate and Fitness (Do you believe that self-defense techniques are just for men and police officers?  Learn how to improve your safety with basic self-defense moves anyone of any age can learn.  This class will also help you become more aware of your surroundings so you can better protect yourself wherever you go.)

May 19 – “Preventing Home Fires with Life Size Representation” by the Hillsborough Fire Department (This unique program is conducted inside a Fire Safety trailer run by the Hillsborough Fire Marshall’s Office.  As you enter, you will encounter a life-like home with many staged hazards.  Fire Marshals will help you identify the hidden hazards and will explain why they are issues.  Topic hazards include cooking and kitchen electrical issues, fireplace safety, candle and open flame issues, exit routes out of the home, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and the importance of a meeting place for ALL ages.  You will also learn what information to give First Responders when they arrive during an emergency.  This is a not-to-miss event!)

May 21 – “Safety in the Garden” by Joe Gyurian, Rutgers Horticultural Consultant, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Gardening can be a fun and enjoyable pastime and activity.  See what experienced gardeners use and how they protect themselves against the foes that lurk in your garden.  Take a tour of the newly refurbished garden at the senior center and hear about exciting, upcoming garden projects.)

May 23 – “Little Known Facts About Managing Your Blood Pressure” by the Somerset County Health Department (May is Blood Pressure Month.  Review the risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of high blood pressure in this informative program.)

May 26 – Holiday – Center Closed

May 28 – Visit to the Manville Senior Center for the Senior Olympic Games

May 30 – “Be Wise About Medications” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services (In this program created by the New Jersey Geriatric Education center, UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine and the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging you learn the difference between generic and brand name drugs; recognize how aging changes the effects of medications; discuss allergic reactions, side effects and adverse drug events and how to avoid common drug or drug & food interactions.)

MANVILLE SENIOR CENTER

South Third Ave., Manville, NJ 
(908) 526-0175

Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 – 2:30 pm

Aerobic Chair Exercise - Class sponsored by the Manville Recreation Department - Every Monday and Wednesday, 9:45-10:45 a.m.;

Bingo – Every Wednesday, 11:15 a.m.

Birthdays – 4th Wednesday of Month

Leg Strengthening Exercises – Every Friday, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.

Zumba Gold Exercise Class – Tuesday and Thursday, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

May 1 – “Pedestrian Safety” by Joyce Tiemans, RideWise

May 2 – Discussion: Cinco De Mayo, Mexico and Its People

May 5 – “Fire Safety for Older Adults” by Patrick Rinaldi, Manville Fire Marshall

May 5 – State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) – A counselor will be available to provide free help to New Jersey beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, their health insurance.  SHIP is a statewide program by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Advance registration is required.

May 6 – “Preparing to Age in Place” by Audrey Taffet, Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills

May 8 – Craft: Ojo De Dios (Eye of Gold) with Cathy

May 9 – National Pet Week Brain Teasers

May 9 – Bring a Pet Picture to Share

May 12 – “Be Wise About Medications” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services (In this program created by the New Jersey Geriatric Education center, UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine and the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging you learn the difference between generic and brand name drugs; recognize how aging changes the effects of medications; discuss allergic reactions, side effects and adverse drug events and how to avoid common drug or drug & food interactions.)

May 13 & 30 – Dominoes with Al

May 15 – “Little Known Facts About Managing Your Blood Pressure” by Samantha Banerjee, MPH, CHES, Somerset County Department of Health (May is Blood Pressure Month.  Review the risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of high blood pressure in this informative program.)

May 16 – Operation Shoebox Community Project

May 19 – “The Importance of Safe Driving” by Marian Nashed, Somerset Medical Center

May 20 – Minute to Win It Competition: Manville vs. Quail Brook, Facilitated by the Manville High School Honor Society, 10:00-12:00 pm

May 22 – Welcome to Our Garden: Help Make a Welcome Bulletin Board for Our Center

May 23 – Brain Teasers

May 26 – Holiday – Center Closed

May 27 – “Poison Control” by Steve Ross, New Jersey Poison Control Center

May 28 – Senior Olympic Games: Manville vs. Hillsborough Senior Centers

May 30 – Clint Eastwood Day: Trivia and Wheel of Fortune

MONTGOMERY SENIOR CENTER 
356 Skillman Rd, Skillman, NJ

(609) 466-0846

Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Beginners Computer Class – First, Third & Fourth Thursday; 1:00 p.m. Limited seating; call to register

Birthday Celebrations – Last Friday of the Month

Blood Pressure Screening by Montgomery EMS – Third Monday of the Month, 9:45 a.m.

Bridge – Every Friday, 10:15 a.m.

Card Game “3-13” – Every Friday, 10:00 a.m.

ESL Chinese – Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

Exercise for Arthritis with Elizabeth – Tuesday & Thursday, 11 a.m.

Healthy Bones Exercise Class – Every Wednesday, 10:15 a.m. (Doctor’s note required.)

Pool Table – Available Daily

Silver Strength with Linda – Every Monday, 10:15 a.m.

Theater Jazz with Dawn – Every Thursday, 10:15 a.m.

Yoga with Trish – Every Tuesday; 10:30 a.m.

May 2 - “The Life & Work of Claude Monet” – Lecture & Paint on Plastic Workshop, Art of the Master’s Program by Creative Notions, 10:30 a.m. Advanced registration for art project is required. Throughout his long career, Monet consistently depicted the landscape and leisure of Paris. He led the way to twentieth-century modernism by developing a unique style that strove to capture on canvas the very act of perceiving nature. The program’s hands-on art piece will be painting on plastic.   Fifteen minute lecture has unlimited attendance; art project has a 16 person maximum.

May 5 – “Healthy Mexican Cuisine Demonstration” by Rachel Simpers, RD, Shoprite/Wakefern Company

May 6 – Performance by the Love Love Singing Group, 11:30 a.m.

May 7, 14, 21 & 28 – Tai Chi with Herb

May 7 & 21 – Zumba Gold with Elizabeth, 10:30 a.m.

May 8 – “RED DAY” Service Project

May 9 – “The Importance of Balance” by Jeffery Somers, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, Elite Physical Therapy

May 12 – “Stroke Awareness: A Victim’s View” with Bill Dailey (Bill Dailey doesn’t just speak about strokes: he has actually experienced one first hand.  After his “miraculous” recovery, he began volunteering and telling his story to other victims.)

May 14 & 28 – QiGong with Bobbi, 10:15 a.m.

May 19 – “Fall Prevention” by Pat Muscolino, Ways to Be Safe

May 21 -”Hands On” Calligraphy Program at 10:30 a.m. with Catherine Lent, sponsored by the Horizon Foundation (This workshop is limited and reservations are required.) (This program is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of state, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program.)

May 23 – “Sharks 101” by the Somerset County Parks Commission

May 26 – Holiday – Center Closed

QUAIL BROOK SENIOR CENTER
625 New Brunswick Rd., Somerset, NJ 
(732) 563-4213

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Check monthly calendar for schedule updates.)

Bingo Tournament – Every Thursday

Bridge Lessons – Every Friday, 10:30 a.m.

Caram – Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards)

Chair Exercises – Every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Computer Instruction – Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Advance registration required.

Games (i.e., Scrabble, Dominos, Checkers, Yahtzee) – Daily

Healthy Bones Exercise Class – Monday, 9:30 a.m. (Doctor’s Note Needed for Class)

Line Dancing – Every Friday, 9:30 a.m.

May 1 – “What Does Your Mayor Do For You?” by Mayor Brian Levine, 10:30 a.m.

May 2 – “On Your Feet: How to Maneuver In Life” by the Franklin Township Traffic Police, 10:30 a.m.

May 5 – “Vitamins & Supplements: Evidence of Health Benefits?” by Allison Napolitano, RD, Shoprite/Wakefern Company, 10:30 a.m.

May 6 – “Know Your Poison: Learn Garden Safety & Pest Control” by Lynne Gregory, Coordinator, Pesticide Community Outreach, United Stated Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, 10:30 a.m.

May 7 – “Smart Eating for a Healthy Life” by Chung S. Yang, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor & John L. Colaizzi Chair in Pharmacy, 10:30 a.m.

May 7 – “Quail Brook Foot Clinic with Sharon Joag, DPM, East Brunswick Foot Care, 1:00-3:00 pm

May 8 – “April Showers Bring May Flowers” Performance by the Franklin Township Swinging Singing Seniors, 10:45 a.m.

May 9 - “Be Wise About Medications” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m. (In this program created by the New Jersey Geriatric Education center, UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine and the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, you learn the difference between generic and brand name drugs; recognize how aging changes the effects of medications; discuss allergic reactions, side effects and adverse drug events and how to avoid common drug or drug & food interactions.)

May 12 – “An Informance: An Interactive Journey of Life Through Inspirational Poetry” by Glenis Redman, Poet in Residence, State Theatre, New Brunswick, 10:30 a.m.

May 13 & 27 – Tai Chi with Bobbi Joels, 10:30 a.m. (Tai Chi is based on shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically together into one long, graceful gesture.  Studies have reported that some participants experience a reduction in pain, fatigue and stiffness and gain a greater sense of well-being. Regular tai chi can help reduce falls, especially for those with balance problems.)

May 13 & 15 - “AARP Defensive Driving Seminar” by Lois Hockenbury, 1:00-4:00 p.m.Advanced registration is required.  This is a classroom, driver-improvement course that will teach motorists about new traffic laws and defensive driving techniques. You will receive 2 points off your license and receive 5% off your insurance for 3 years.   The fee for AARP members is $15.00 and $20.00 for non-members.

May 14 & 21 – Movement for Healthy Living: Exercise Class in Breathing, Movement and Fun with Joanne, 10:30 a.m.

May 15 – “Make Your Home Safe: Identifying Hidden Hazards in Your Home” by Lowe’s, 10:30 a.m.

May 16 – “Serving Up Good Nutrition” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m. (Caitlin will discuss how to make a meal healthier how to choose healthier choice from each food group and identify nutrient deficiencies associated with aging.)

May 19 – “Fraud Prevention” by Mark Dirato, Head of Security, Unity Bank, 10:30 a.m.

May 20 – Visit to the Manville Senior Center for the Minute to Win It Competition, Facilitated by the Manville High School Honor Society, 10:00-12:00 pm

May 23 - “Move to Get F.I.T.” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m. (In this program, created by the New Jersey Geriatric Education Center, UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine and the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, you will be able to identify the importance of physical activity recommendations.  Most importantly, this program will help you plan a strategy for motivating you to begin or maintain to your exercise program.)

May 26 – Holiday – Center Closed

May 28 – “The Many Factors Influencing Investment Gains & Losses” by Joe Aspelund, David Lerner & Associates, 10:30 a.m.

May 29 – The Quail Brook Senior Center Expo, 10:00-2:00 pm (The Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow Expo will feature a program “Safer You: Protection From Crime & Fraud” by Lisa Gilmurray, Detective-Sergeant with the Somerset County Prosecutors Office.  There will be free refreshments, numerous health screenings provided by area hospitals, valuable information provided by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services and a catered lunch.  For more information and to register call Barbara Karpinski at (908) 704-6346.)

RARITAN SENIOR CENTER
Somerset County Annex
614 First Ave., Raritan, NJ 
(908) 203-0001

Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Bingo – Every Tuesday

Caram – Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards)

Cards (Uno, Canasta and Bunko) – Daily

Crocheting – Every Wednesday

Pool – Available Daily

Table Shuffleboard/Rummikub, Air Hockey and Dominoes – Daily

May 1 – Ping Pong, Cards or Dominoes – Your Choice!

May 2 – Left, Right, Center Dice Game

May 6 – “Stay Fit Feel Good” by Karen Muha, Somerset Hills YMCA

May 7 – Vocal Performance with Josie Mescallado (Home Instead Senior Care is pleased to present: a Musical Interlude.  The program will include classical and opera selections, Broadway show tunes, popular movie classics and an assortment of patriotic songs.  Attendees will be encouraged to sing along with Josie.)

May 8 – “Predatory Lending & Identity Theft” by the New Jersey Citizen Council

May 9 - Mother’s Day Celebration

May 12 – “Identifying Potential Repairs: the Handyman Program” by Bill Crosby, Somerset County Volunteer Office

May 14 – “Safety in the Garden” by Joe Gyurian, Rutgers Horticultural Consultant, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Gardening can be a fun and enjoyable pastime and activity.  See what experienced gardeners use and how they protect themselves against the foes that lurk in your garden.)

May 15 – “Laughter in Medicine” by Shannon Maldonado

May 16 & 23 – Wii Games (Bowling, Baseball or Tennis)

May 19 – Biography Trivia

May 21 – “No More Excuses” by the Magic Mirror Players, Somerset Medical Center

May 22 – Walking Club

May 26 – Holiday – Center Closed

May 28 – Video Match Game

May 29 – Chair Aerobics

May 30 – Game: Can You Name “5”

WARRENBROOK SENIOR CENTER
500 Warrenville Rd., Warren, NJ 
(908) 753-9440

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Free Ballroom Dance Lesson – Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Ballroom Dancing – Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 1–3 p.m.

Bingo – Every Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 a.m. (No class on May 13)

Bridge – Every Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.

Caram – Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards)

Chair Exercises – Every Wednesday, 10:45 a.m. (No class on May 14)

Computer Instruction – Call to Register

Every Monday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m.

            Every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Computer Room – Open Monday thru Friday (Call for Availability)

Healthy Bones Exercise Class – Every Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. (Advance registration & doctor’s note required.)

Knit ‘N Crochet Circle – Every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Lending Library – Open Daily, Monday through Friday

Line Dancing – Every Monday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Oil Painting – Every Wednesday, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Pool Room – Open Daily, Monday through Friday

Watercolor Paint Class – Monday and Thursday, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Advance Registration Required. Call for availability.

Zumba Gold Exercise Class – Monday, 10:45 a.m. (Class is full.)

Zumba Gold Exercise Class – Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. (Call for availability)

May 2, 16, 23 & 30 – Brains and Games with Adrienne/Hand Bell Practice, 10:30 a.m.

May 5 - “Go4Life: Safety and Everyday Fitness Ideas” 10:15 a.m. (Exercise and physical activity fall into our four basic categories – endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.  While exercise is important, it is also important to play it safe when exercising.  This program will not only offer exercises for each of the four categories; it will stress ways to exercise safely.  Go4Life is a fitness and safety program from the National Institute on Aging.)

May 6 – “AARP Smart Driver Course” by Lois Hockenbury, 9:30 a.m. Advance registration is required. This is a classroom, driver-improvement course that will teach motorists about new traffic laws and defensive driving techniques. You will receive 2 points off your license and receive 5% off your insurance for 3 years.   The fee for AARP members is $15.00 and $20.00 for non-members.  A regular or vegetarian lunch is available for an additional $2.00 for those age 60 and above, and $6.75 for attendees under age 60.  Lunch reservations are required by Friday, May 2.

May 8 – “”Be Safe” by Brian Moran, Managing Member, Ways to Be Safe, 11:15 a.m. This Independence and Dignity with Style program emphasizes the importance of fall prevention and medication management.

May 9 – Mind Your Mind: Spatial Relationship Exercises, 10:30 a.m.

May 12 – “Could It Be Poison? The 411 on Keeping Your family Safe” by Steven Ross, New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) Instructor, 10:30 a.m. (Interactive topics to be discussed will include identifying and defining poisons, the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and outdoor garden and pesticide safety.  FREE educational materials will be provided to all participants, including a NJPIES help-line telephone number refrigerator magnet.)

May 13 – “The Life & Work of Claude Monet” – Lecture & Paint on Plastic Workshop, Art of the Master’s Program by Creative Notions, 10:30 a.m. Advanced registration for art project is required. Throughout his long career, Monet consistently depicted the landscape and leisure of Paris. He led the way to twentieth-century modernism by developing a unique style that strove to capture on canvas the very act of perceiving nature. The program’s hands-on art piece will be painting on plastic.   Fifteen minute lecture has unlimited attendance.  Art project has a 16 person maximum.

May 14 – “Butterflies on Parade” by Christa Wood, Naturalist, Environmental Center, Somerset County Park Commission, 10:30 a.m. (Do you like butterflies?  This PowerPoint-based lecture and discussion will highlight butterflies that are native to this are and will illustrate which native plants attract which native butterflies and moths.  The life cycle will be discussed and then a butterfly pavilion will be set up, inside the center, so that the life cycle may be observed, from larvae (each approximately the size of an eyelash) to fully grown butterflies.  After approximately six weeks, the butterflies will be released.)

May 19 -  “Self Defense and Basic Safety” by Paul Kilduff and Paul Domen, Master Instructors, Golden Rule Karate and Fitness (Do you believe that self-defense techniques are just for men and police officers?  Learn how to improve your safety with basic self-defense moves anyone of any age can learn.  This class will also help you become more aware of your surroundings so you can better protect yourself wherever you go.)

May 21 – Free Blood Pressure Screenings with Saint Peter’s University Hospital, 10:15 a.m.

May 26 - Holiday – Center Closed

May 27 – “Cooking with Roberta” 11:15 a.m. (This hands-on cooking preparation opportunity will allow attendees to make zucchini pizza.  This quick and simple recipe will help jazz up ordinary slices of zucchini.)