December Programs Offered for Bedminster Seniors

The Senior Centers operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services have announced the new monthly program schedule.

All programs begin at 11 a.m. unless otherwise listed. Call for lunch reservations by 10 a.m. the day before you wish to come, unless indicated otherwise. A suggested lunch donation for those over age 60 is $2; the cost of lunch for those under age 60 is $6.99.

For more information, contact the appropriate centers.

SOMERSET COUNTY SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER: 202 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, (908) 204-3435. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Bridge – Tuesday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Drop in on Tuesdays for more information.)
• Computer Lab – Available Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Individual Computer Lessons – Friday mornings, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please call for information.
• Mahjong – Tuesday & Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Drop in on Tuesdays and Fridays for more information.)
• Pool Sharks – Pool Table Available Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Call for Availability)
• Stretch & Flex Class – Upper & Lower Body Chair Exercise, Every Monday & Thursday, 10:45 a.m. (Please check monthly calendar for schedule updates)
• Tai Chi – Monday, 1 p.m. The cost is $30 for a six-week session (Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28, Jan. 4 and 11). Registration is required by Dec. 1. Tai Chi is based on shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically together into one long graceful gesture. Tai Chi practice can help reduce falls in the elderly or those with balance disorders.
• Zumba – Wednesday & Friday, 9:30 a.m. The new program started Nov. 18 and will run through Jan. 6. Zumba is an aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance. There are several benefits of Zumba such as strengthening of the cardiovascular system and bones, improving range of motion and good posture.
• December 8 – Holiday Games & Santa Visit, 10:30 a.m. (Join us for some holiday-themed games followed by a visit from Santa Claus!)
• December 9 – 3-D Snowflake Workshop with Jerry, 10:30 a.m. (These 3-D paper snowflakes only look difficult to make! Jerry will show you how to make your own to decorate your home. Please register by December 7).
• December 11 – “Pathways to Happiness: The Historical Perspectives & Inspirational Quotes” by Walter Choroszewski, 10:30 a.m. (Walter offers an exciting and light-hearted overview of “happiness” presenting historical perspectives and inspiring quotes. He will also cover the latest scientific and statistical research on the subject of being happy).
• December 15 – Greed Game, 10:30 a.m. (It’s all in the name of fun! Great gifts are wrapped and placed on a table. You pick one, unwrap it and the next person in numerical order can choose their gift from the table or take yours! The game goes around and around until everyone has taken a turn and ends up with a gift).
• December 16 – “Understanding Domestic Violence” by Veronica Finlay, Resource Center of Somerset, 10:30 a.m. (Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, is inflicted in a variety of ways and is a rampant problem right here in our community. Learn what the effects of domestic abuse are on those who witness it in their homes and how the cycle of violence repeats itself generationally. Learn how a community can come together to break the cycle of violence and move toward a society free of domestic abuse).
• December 18 – “Awareness Seminar for Older Adults” by Police Officers Tim Franks and Hank Werner, 10:30 a.m. (Tim and Hank will demonstrate how to heighten your safety awareness with simple techniques that anyone can do. This is especially useful information to keep in mind during the busy holiday season).
• December 22 – Winter Owl Craft Workshop, 10:30 a.m. (Construct adorable owls made out of paper towel rolls and cardstock. We love to use them as Christmas ornaments or to embellish gifts. Please register by December 16).
• December 24 & 25 – Center Closed
• December 29 – Total Brain Workout: Puzzles & Mind Games, 10:30 a.m. (Join Kristen for another round of mind games and brain stumpers).
• December 30 – Mandala Art Workshop, 10:00 a.m. (Mandalas are created with intricate geometric patterns that are thought to represent the universe. The basic Mandala is a square with four “gates” containing a circle. As an art form they are exquisitely beautiful when color is added. Please register by December 23).
• December 30 – Birthday Celebration, 12:15 p.m.

HILLSBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER: 339 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, (908) 369-8700, Open Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Bocce Court – Available Daily Caram – Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards)
• Fit & Flex with Rose – Every Tuesday, 11:00 a.m., and Thursday at 10:15 a.m. (This FREE weekly exercise program changes frequently and is suitable for all. Included are stretches, strength training, laugh yoga, breathing exercises and more.)
• Game Room – Open Daily Horseshoe Pit – Available
• Daily Stretching – Available Daily
• December 8, 22 & 29 – Mahjong Lessons, 10:00 a.m. (Have you always wanted to learn how to play Mahjong or are you familiar with the game but just in need of fellow players? Tuesday mornings are Mahjong mornings. Lessons and refreshers will be available).
• December 8, 22 & 29 – Mind Your Mind Exercises, 11:15 a.m. (Did you know that solving puzzles or challenging yourself with new mind-stretching exercises can stimulate the brain and enhance your creative and critical thinking processes? Join Janet for some mind-tingling brain stumpers and a funfilled intellectual workout).
• December 9, 16, 23 & 30 – Mahjong Club, 9:30 a.m. (Join our new weekly Mahjong club. All are welcome to learn and enjoy the game of Mahjong).
• December 7 – Left, Right, Center Dice Game, 10:00 a.m.
• December 7 – Hanukkah Celebration (What is Hanukkah and why is it celebrated? Join us to learn about the significance of this celebration that lasts eight nights. We will learn to play the dreidel game and share a traditional dish enjoyed as part of Hanukkah celebrations. Lively music will round out the morning).
• December 9 – December Jeopardy (Join us for a mind stimulating morning of Jeopardy celebrating all things December).
• December 9 – FREE Diabetes Hemoglobin A1c Screenings with Kathy Innuzzo, Saint Peter’s University Hospital Mobile Unit, 10:00-11:30 a.m. (For those individuals who are either diabetic or prediabetic, this is the perfect chance to test your Hemoglobin A1c level. The results will provide a three month average of your levels).
• December 10 – Craft: Holiday & Winter Colored Pencil Designs (As we age, we put aside our crayons and colored pencils in favor of more respectable writing utensils like pens and highlighters. However, it turns out coloring can be beneficial for adults, namely for its de-stressing power. The practice generates wellness, quietness and also stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses and creativity).
• December 11 – “Frank Sinatra Tribute” by Jack McDade, Classical Performer, 10:30 a.m. (December 12th would have been Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday. Join us for a birthday party like no other. Performer Jack McDade, known for his classical style, will entertain us with his Frank Sinatra tribute show. There will be interactive activities on hand to help celebrate the day).
• December 14 - “Heads Up Seniors” by Joanna Boyd, Brain Injury Alliance in New Jersey, 10:45 a.m. (Join us for a FREE educational and social presentation in the format of an interactive game show (Jeopardy). Attendees will be encouraged to give their minds a workout and start thinking and talking about the issue while having fun. Participants will also be provided with a safety check-list to examine their home and lifestyles for potential fall hazards).
• December 15 – Holiday Performance by the Hillsborough Rockers and Rockettes, 10:45 a.m. (Today we will take a special trip to the Manville Senior Center for an uplifting holiday performance). December 16 – Hillsborough Holiday Party with Entertainment by DJ Giovanni, 10:30 a.m. (DJ Giovanni will have us dancing the morning away at our annual holiday party. Challenge yourself with mind stimulating games. Stay and enjoy a festive luncheon while you socialize with friends).
• December 17 & 31 – Wii Games (Bowling, Baseball or Tennis)
• December 18 – Holiday Performance by the Center School Choir (A medley of holiday music will be performed by the students).
• December 21 – Craft: Holiday Origami, 10:15 a.m. (Pam, a center volunteer, will teach us how to make several holiday origami shapes. All supplies will be provided. Learn the art of origami and make a decoration for your home).
• December 21 – December History: Take a Walk Down Memory Lane (Test your knowledge on a variety of topics including December history, celebrity birthdays, December holidays and more).
• December 23 – Poinsettia Bingo
• December 24 & 25 – Center Closed
• December 28 – Movie and Lunch: “Runaway Bride,” 10:00 a.m. (Julia Roberts plays a small-town girl, Maggie Carpenter, whose marches down the aisle become a series of near misses when she bolts before saying “I do.” Richard Gere is Ike Graham, a cynical, big-city newspaper columnist eager to write a tell-all story about Maggie. But the more Ike finds out about the skittish Maggie, the more he finds he’s falling in love).
• December 30 - Bingo

RARITAN SENIOR CENTER: Somerset County Annex, 614 First Ave., Raritan, (908) 203-0001, Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Caram – Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards)
• Cards (Uno, Canasta and Bunko) –Daily Hatha
• Yoga with Bharti Trivedi – Every Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.
• Hatha Yoga incorporates body postures, controlled breathing and meditation. There are many different benefits of Hatha Yoga, including stretching and aligning the body, improved balance and flexibility, a supple spine and improved circulation.
• Pool – Available
• Daily Table Shuffleboard/Rummikub, Air Hockey and Dominoes – Daily
• December 16 & 23 – Wii Games (Bowling, Baseball or Tennis)
• December 29 – Around the House Jingo (Enjoy this twist on the traditional bingo game).
• December 7 & 28 – Sliver Strength Exercises (Exercise and move without putting undo pressure or strain on your body. Join us to learn movements that lubricate joints and keep them flexible, strengthen and stabilize individual muscles and increase blood circulation. These exercises and movements can help decrease falls and increase ability to better accomplish day-to-day physical activities).
• December 8 – “The Life & Work of Wayne Theibaud” – Lecture & Palette Knife Painting Workshop, Art of the Master’s Program by Creative Notions (After a 15-minute presentation about the artist, which is open to all, sixteen participants will take part in a hands-on project that will be in the likeness of the featured artist. Call (908) 203-0001 to reserve your seat).
• December 9 – “Heads Up Seniors” by Joanna Boyd, Brain Injury Alliance in New Jersey, 10:30 a.m. (Join us for a FREE educational and social presentation in the format of an interactive game show (Jeopardy). Attendees will be encouraged to give their minds a workout and start thinking and talking about the issue while having fun. Participants will also be provided with a safety check- list to examine their home and lifestyles for potential fall hazards).
• December 10 – Mind Your Mind: Language Exercises (Did you know that solving puzzles or challenging yourself with new mind-stretching exercises can stimulate the brain and enhance your creative and critical thinking processes? Join Lynda for some mind-tingling brain stumpers and a fun-filled intellectual workout).
• December 11 – Holiday Celebration with Door Prizes and Entertainment by Richie Santa, Elvis Impersonator (Celebrate the holidays with Richie Santa, Elvis Impersonator. He will serenade us with “The King’s Hits” as well as some favorite holiday music).
• December 15 – Name “5” Game (Can you name 5 things that could make a person sneeze? How about 5 Television Dads? Video Game? Vegetables beginning with the letter A? Name 5 is a game that will challenge your memory while tickling your funny bone).
• December 17 – “Getting into the Holiday Spirit” by Josie Mescallado (Join Josie as she serenades us with songs and music to get us into the holiday spirit).
• December 18 – Mind Your Mind: Perception Exercises (Did you know that solving puzzles or challenging yourself with new mind-stretching exercises can stimulate the brain and enhance your creative and critical thinking processes? Join Lynda for some mind-tingling brain stumpers and a funfilled intellectual workout).
• December 21 – Holiday Trivia and Brain Stumpers
• December 22 – Food Jingo (Enjoy this twist on the traditional bingo game).
• December 24 & 25 – Center Closed
• December 30 – New Year’s Celebration with Entertainment by DJ Giovanni (Today we take a special trip to the Manville Senior Center for a New Year’s Celebration with Entertainment by DJ Giovanni. DJ Giovanni will get everyone in the mood with favorite holiday tunes).
• December 31 – Discussion: Sharing Our Goals for the Upcoming New Year (Discuss and share New Year’s resolutions).

WARRENBROOK SENIOR CENTER: 500 Warrenville Rd., Warren, (908) 753-9440, Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Ballroom Dancing – Every Tuesday & Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. (Canceled Dec. 2.)
• Bingo – Every Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 a.m. Bridge – Every Tuesday, 1 p.m. Caram Board Game – Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards)
• Computer Instruction – Advanced Registration Required: Monday, 9:00-3:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 10:30-12:30 p.m.; Computer Room – Call for Availability
• Exercise with Sabina – Every Wednesday, 10:45 a.m. Enjoy an energizing class suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. Exercise with Sabina will boost your energy level, reduce stress and help tone your body by using resistance bands, exercise balls and dance moves.
• Healthy Bones Exercise Class – Every Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. Advanced registration required. Doctor’s Note Needed for Class. (Canceled Dec. 23 & Dec. 30)
• Lending Library – Open Daily, Monday through Friday
• Line Dancing – Every Monday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Oil Painting – Every Wednesday, 9 - 11 a.m.
• Pool Room – Open Daily, Monday through Friday
• Watercolor Paint Class – Monday & Thursday, 9-11:30 a.m. (Advanced Registration Required)
• umba Gold Exercise Class – Monday, 10:45-11:30 a.m.; Wednesday, 11:30-12:15 p.m. Advanced Registration Required. (Canceled Dec. 2.) Zumba Gold sessions are designed for all levels of fitness; no prior experience is needed. Zumba is an aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance. There are several benefits of Zumba such as strengthening of the cardiovascular system and bones, improving range of motion and good posture.
• December 7, 8 & 9 – Community Service Project: Creating Gingerbread Houses, 9:00-10:30 a.m. (Stop in at your leisure to decorate gingerbread houses that will be donated to area nursing homes. Houses and supplies will be available until all five houses are decorated).
• December 7 - “Heads Up Seniors” by Joanna Boyd, Brain Injury Alliance in New Jersey, 10:30 a.m. (Join us for a FREE educational and social presentation in the format of an interactive game show (Jeopardy). Attendees will be encouraged to give their minds a workout and start thinking and talking about the issue while having fun. Participants will also be provided with a safety check- list to examine their home and lifestyles for potential fall hazards).
• December 9 – FREE Blood Pressure Screenings with Susan Anastario, RN, Community Visiting Nurse Association, 10:30 a.m.
• December 14 – “Good Old American Folk Songs: A Musical Tribute” by Spook Handy, 10:30 a.m. (Honoring the great traditions of American roots music, songs inspired by the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, Civil Rights Movement and the 60’s and 70’s peace movement are interwoven with new songs about the world we live in today and presented with a completely contemporary sound and unabashedly positive sensibility. The passion, purpose and spirit of American folk music are alive and well in this uplifting concert honoring the great traditions of American roots music).
• December 18 – State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) A counselor will be available to provide FREE help to New Jersey Medicare 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. Services available by advance appointment only will be available the last Friday of the month).
• December 18 – Brains and Games with Adrienne, 10:30 a.m. (Did you know that solving puzzles or challenging yourself with new mind-stretching activities like learning music can stimulate the brain and enhance your creative and critical thinking processes? Join Adrienne for some communication, mindtingling stumpers followed by Hand Bell practice for a fun-filled, intellectual workout).
• December 21 – A DVD Three Stooges Marathon, 10:30 a.m. (The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy act of the mid-20th century best known for their numerous Columbia short subject films. Their hallmark was physical farce and slapstick. Join us as we watch some of their famous “Cops and Robbers” themed vignettes).
• December 24 & 25 – Center Closed
• December 28 – Performance by the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Honor Society, 10:30 a.m. (Under the leadership of Michael Xie, members of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School musical honor society will be performing some of their favorite pieces. This is the third time they will be performing for us and each time they come, their musical talents amaze us).
• December 31 – Bingo with a New Year’s Eve Touch, 10:30 a.m. (Enjoy playing Bingo and then celebrate with a “Noontime” New Year’s Eve countdown).

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services operates seven multipurpose facilities that offer a variety of educational, recreational and entertaining activities for active older adults, including wellness programs and health screenings. The centers are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Somerset County senior centers offer a wide range of experiences designed for lifelong enrichment in a social and uplifting atmosphere, intended to positively impact overall health. Many of these programs are funded, in part, through the Older Americans Act. Help the Office on Aging and Disability Services improve existing services by taking a Needs Assessment Survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CB68ZG7). The purpose of this survey is to get the opinions of residents on what services are needed to ensure quality of life for older adults.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe.html or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.