Senior Wellness Center Plans Special December Highlights

A holiday luncheon and party, an early New Year's celebration and a virtual trip to the Philippines to explore that country's unique holiday traditions are some of the special events scheduled for December at Somerset County's in Basking Ridge.

All programs begin at 10:45 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Those attending are asked to call for lunch reservations by 10 a.m. the day before they wish to come.

The center, open to seniors throughout the county, primarily serves residents of Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Bedminster and elsewhere in the Somerset Hills. The center is at 202 Mount Airy Road and generally is open from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

For more information, please contact Kristen Grieco at the main number at 908-204-3435.

Some regularly scheduled programs are bridge, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Mahjong, every Tuesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; computer lab, daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (call for availability); computers for the visually impaired, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through December; and the computer confidence series, a basic computer course on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (call for availability.)

The pool table is open daily for "pool sharks" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and senior flex class, upper and lower body exercise, is held at 10:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. No class will be held on Dec. 26, and there will be a make-up class on Dec. 27.

Special programs through the month include:

Dec. 2 — “Grieving During the Holidays”  Audrey Oxenhorn, LCSW, discusses how to deal with grief during the upcoming holiday season.

Dec. 6 — “Technology Over the Years”  Helen Vasko leads the discussion about the many advancements in technology over the past 50 years.

Dec. 7 — “Holiday Trip to the Philippines”  Enjoy a “trip” on this day to the Philippines to discover that country's customs and holiday traditions. 

Dec. 9 — “Vision & Glaucoma Screening”  Conducted between 10 a.m. to noon by the Unit Prevention for the Blind. Please call the center to make an appointment.

Dec. 9 — “The Tap Company”  Tap your foot to an 11 a.m. performance by the Somerset County Vo-Tech school’s Tap Company.

Dec. 13 — “Dental Program: Improving & Protecting Your Oral Health” Conducted by Dr. Erakat of Warren Oral Surgery office. Information and dental health samples will be given to attendees.

Dec. 14 — Center Closed  

Dec. 16 — “Holiday Party & Luncheon” At 10:30 a.m., sponsored by the Lyons Club of Bernardsville. Reservations are required by Dec. 12.

Dec. 20 — “Mind Your Mind: Using Numbers”  This is the sixth installment of our nine-part series and it is designed to improve your accuracy and speed in using numbers.

Dec. 23 — Center Closed

Dec. 26 — Center Closed

Dec. 28 — “Hollywood Theme Party” Starting at 10:30am, everyone is a celebrity today at the Senior Wellness Center! Hollywood trivia and live music will get you up and dancing.

Dec. 29 —“Birthday Celebration” At 12:15 p.m., celebrate all December birthdays

Dec. 30 — “New Years Celebration” Starting at 11 a.m., come to wrap up 2011 and ring in the New Year with your friends at the center. Bring your hat and noisemakers!