Somerset County Events for Seniors

Connect with others at any of the six Somerset County-operated senior wellness centers, which are managed by the County Office on Aging and Disability Services. Join the fun, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The senior wellness centers offer games, activities, and educational health and wellness programs in a social and uplifting atmosphere.

*The senior centers will be closed on Oct. 14 for Columbus Day. *

*Lunch *

Attendees can invite a friend or neighbor to join them for lunch. All county-operated senior wellness centers provide a nutritionally balanced lunch on Mondays through Fridays for a suggested donation of $2.50 for anyone age 60 years and above. The menu includes a choice of hot meat-based or meatless entrées or cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunches. Senior wellness center clients must make reservations for lunch by 10 a.m. on the previous business day.

*Virtual and Hybrid Program Guidelines *

Hybrid and virtual programs are noted throughout the schedule. Participants can attend hybrid programs in person with an instructor or via Zoom.

Participants can join Zoom programs through a web browser without downloading applications or

software. A camera (audio and video) is required to participate in Zoom programs.

*Zoom Tutorials *

Learn to use Zoom and sign up for a virtual tour at
Official Zoom Support | Help Center. To register for a virtual program or class, call 908-203-6101 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." data-renderer-mark="true" class="css-1rn59kg" style="background-color: initial; text-decoration: none; color: var(--ds-link, #0052CC);">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BASKING RIDGE

202 Mt. Airy Road

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

908-204-3435

*Meet Care Manager Cathryn Chamberlain, Office on Aging & Disability Services. Oct. 17, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. *Cathryn will be available on the third Thursday of each month to answer questions about the Office on Aging & Disability Services, assist with referrals for services, and provide information and support. Cathryn will be available to meet individually upon request.

*Computer Lab *– Available daily. Participants can use the computers at their leisure.

*Geri-Fit with Connie Ledder – Mondays & Wednesdays, 10 a.m. (Sessions are from Aug. 12 to Nov. 4)**. *Rebuild strength lost through the aging process and achieve a higher level of functioning in this class, which combines strength training with 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 45-minute exercise program is facilitated two times per week, for 12 weeks (24 classes).

• ** Participants can practice Geri-Fit when seated or standing. This class requires a set of light dumbbell weights (2 lbs. to start), a sturdy chair, a stretch band, and water to drink during the workout. Pre-registration is required. For more information, and to pre-register call Karen Kowalski at 908-704-6327.** Stronger Seniors: Stretching – Mondays 1 p.m. & Fridays 10 a.m. *Join this simple, 45-minute pre-recorded exercise program and use a chair for a safe and thorough stretching routine to feel more flexible.

*Coffee/Tea Social – Mondays, 3 p.m. *Enjoy connecting with others in the afternoon while drinking a favorite beverage.

• Mahjong Club – Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30 – 4 p.m. *Learn how to play Mahjong, an interesting game that helps keep the brain sharp and supercharged! This club is for anyone who loves games, wants to meet new people, and have fun. This is not a competitive club. All levels of experience are welcome.

• Stronger Seniors: Core Strength – Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 10 a.m. *Get a safe and easy workout for core muscles using resistance bands in this pre-recorded exercise program.

*Project Healthy Bones – Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. *Improve balance, strength, flexibility, and posture in this peer-led, 24-week exercise and education program for individuals who either have osteoporosis or are at risk for having the medical condition.

• Pre-registration is required. A doctor’s note is also required before the start of the first class and then once every year. For more information, call Karen Kowalski at 908-704-6327. *
  *Canasta Club – Tuesdays, 12:30 – 4 p.m. *Play this traditional card game that requires strategic and tactical thinking. New members are welcome.

*Take Control with Exercise – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 p.m. *Strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility and balance while boosting stamina during this gentle exercise program conducted via a video. Exercises can be practiced while either standing or sitting. There is no fee for this weekly class.

*Gardeners Club – Tuesdays, 2 p.m. *Learn how to develop a green thumb. Share gardening tips and tricks and find out how to care for indoor or outdoor gardens from senior wellness center members who are expert plant enthusiasts.

Bridge Group – Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Play bridge, a mentally challenging card game that provides intellectual and social interaction. Playing this game can stimulate the brain to keep it alert and help it stay active. New members and beginners are always welcome. Lessons are available.

*Chair Yoga with Jillian –Wednesdays & Fridays, 1 p.m. Gain health benefits by practicing yoga poses with the support and safety of a 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 achieve an overall sense of well-being. *The cost is $40 for the eight-week program. Pre-registration is required. The next sessions are on Wednesdays, Oct. 9 to Nov. 27, and Fridays, Oct. 11 to Nov. 29. For more information and to pre-register, call 908-204-3435.

*Crochet Club – Wednesdays, 3 p.m. *Reduce stress and anxiety while crocheting with fellow center members who will create blankets, scarves, and more.

*Line Dancing – 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! Line dancing doesn’t require a partner, and it’s a great way to maintain one’s mental and physical health.

• Mahjong Lessons with Sylvia Rubin – Fridays, 9:30 a.m. *Learn how to play this fun and challenging game to keep the brain sharp and supercharged.

*Oct. 1, 11 a.m. October-Themed Trivia with Roberto. *Play this fun and challenging game of September trivia with categories in history, pop culture, science, nature, and other general topics pertaining to October.

Oct. 2, 11 a.m. – “Chrysanthemum Talk” with Cindy Hedin, Rutgers Master Gardeners. Learn the history of the chrysanthemum (mum), its many varieties, and how it contributes to the culture in this interesting slide presentation. Participants will see photos of magnificent 1,000 bloom plants, and different varieties of mums in various colors, shapes, and sizes, as well as find out how to care for and handle these flowers that are part of the daisy family.

Oct. 3, 11 a.m. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Painting*. *Enhance your fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and connect with others while participating in a relaxing painting activity. Pre-registration is required. All supplies will be provided.

*Oct. 4, 11 a.m. *– *Bollywood Performance with Binu & Regi from Grace Musical Events. *Relax and enjoy an hour of popular Bollywood melodies, including songs from legendary Bollywood singers, such as Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and others.

Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – “Community Information” with Bernardsville Police Sergeant Tracey Baldassare*. *Learn important information that will affect residents as well as how to be a good neighbor. There will be time for a Q&A at the end of the presentation.

Oct. 8, 11 a.m. – “Diabetes & Nutrition” with Somerset Speaker’s Bureau, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital*. *Learn how to lower A1C through diet, exercise, and proper foot care.

Oct. 9, 11 a.m. – Painting Workshop with Audrey Taffet from Oasis Assisted Living*. *Enjoy this relaxing painting class while creating a picture of an autumn landscape with step-by-step. *Pre-registration is required. All supplies will be provided. *

Oct. 10, 11 a.m. – Table Games with Connie. Take part in an array of table games including Scrabble, Dominos, Rumiko, Chess, Yahtzee, and PO-KE-NO. *No experience is required. New participants are welcome. *

*Oct. 11 & 25, 11 a.m. *– *Bingo. *Partake in a friendly game of Bingo, which is more than an exciting activity – researchers have found that playing Bingo provides multiple health benefits, such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, and improving concentration, listening, and short-term memory skills.

Oct. 14 – The senior center is closed for Columbus Day.

Oct. 15, 11 a.m. – “Timeless Protection: Handwashing Proven by History, Perfected by Science” with Public Health Nurse Cristina Lu, Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services. Learn how handwashing remains the best defense against infection as the respiratory infection season approaches. Participants will also find out the scientific importance of hand washing and see a hand-washing demonstration.

*Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – Cards with Gerry. *Design and make beautiful cards to give to family and friends. Pre-registration is required. Supplies will be provided.

Oct. 16, 11 a.m. – “Breast Cancer Workshop” with Nancy Phillips, MD, IMA Clinical Research. Learn about breast cancer screenings,
self-examinations, and the science of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Oct. 17, 11 a.m. – “Birds of the World” with Ben Barkley, Somerset County Parks Commission*. *Learn about the wackiest, funniest, and most bizarre species of birds from around the globe. In this one-hour session, participants will discover interesting facts about poisonous birds, how birds fly when they are asleep, and about species that migrate 50,000 miles per year.

*Oct. 18, 11 a.m. – “Geology: The Great Swamp” with Randi Emmer, Friends of the Great Swamp. *Learn about The Great Swamp in New Jersey, which was the result of melting waters from the melting glaciers from *220 million years ago. *

Oct. 21, 11 a.m. – Open Enrollment Event for Medicare with Administrative Assistant SHIP Coordinator Jennifer Dambeck, Somerset County Volunteer Services*.* Speak with a SHIP counselor about Medicare Prescription Plans for 2025. Choosing the right Part D Prescription Insurance Plan can be difficult. There will be a limited number of appointments available on this day. Medicare Open Enrollment is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

 *SHIP is your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program that provides unbiased help to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Whether subscribers are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions on how to use Medicare, SHIP can help. SHIP Counselors provide one-on-one confidential Medicare guidance based on your needs.*

Oct. 22, 11 a.m. –* Mobile Library, Somerset County Library System. *Browse a collection of books, movies, and music, register or renew a library card, return a book from any branch, and learn about the services and programs the library offers. Each month the library will visit the senior wellness center to offer new books and information.

Oct. 23, 11 a.m. – “Your First Orchid, Now What?” with Certified American Orchid Society Judge* Wayne Weigand, Rutgers Master Gardeners**.* Learn interesting facts about the more than 30 varieties of orchids through stunning photos and practical information about caring for orchids, including potting, proper soil, watering, fertilization, and the optimal indoor space for growth and maintenance.

Oct. 24, 11 a.m. – “United Nations Day Event” with Mary Ellen Day, Grace Healthcare Services. Learn the history and the creation of United Nations Day on United Nations Day.

Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – Lowering the Cost of Prescriptions with Alex Joo, Senior Services of North America. This informative workshop will provide you with information regarding the demographics of prescriptions in the U.S. today. Prescription safety will be addressed, as well as education on how to reduce the cost of medications. With the spiraling costs of medicines, more Americans are subject to high costs, causing major concerns.

Oct. 29, 11 a.m. – ABC’s of Candy with Meg Wastie. Learn the history of everyone’s favorite sweet treats and take a nostalgic journey guessing the names of candies for each letter of the alphabet. Learn the surprising connections with New Jersey and with wartimes.

Oct. 29, 12:30 p.m. – Poetry Workshop with Jack & Carolyn, Senior Wellness Center Participants. Share a passion for poetry during this monthly workshop when participants will read, write, share, and interpret their favorite poems.
*This is a beginner-friendly workshop. New members are always welcome. * Oct. 30, 11 a.m. – “Disability Awareness: Vision & Health” with Community Educator Jannell Wilson, the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services. Learn about common age-related eye diseases and conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma in recognition of Disability History and Awareness Month.

Oct. 31, 11 a.m. “Ocean Life” with Gloria Hoffner*. *Learn fun facts about the ocean including how it was developed, how deep is the sea, why the ocean is salty, and how many types of fish and sharks are in the ocean. Plus, participants will hold a preserved shark, a fish, a
100-million-year-old ocean fossil, and more.

SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BRIDGEWATER
876 East Main Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-203-6101

The Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater will close at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 for the Somerset County Veterans Resource, Job & Wellness Fair. The event will be held from 3 – 4 p.m. and is open to those who served the country and their spouses. Space is limited. To register, call 908-704-6300.

*Meet Care Manager Darren Lau, Office on Aging & Disability Services. Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *Darren will be available on the second Friday of each month to answer questions about the Office on Aging & Disability Services, assist with referrals for services, and provide information and support. Darren will be available to meet individually upon request.

• Project Healthy Bones – Mondays 10:30 a.m. and Fridays 12:45. Improve balance, strength, flexibility, and posture in this peer-led, 24-week exercise and education program for individuals who are at risk for osteoporosis or have the diagnosis. A doctor’s note is required before the start of the first class and then once every year. The next sessions begin Mondays, Oct. 7 to March 17, and Fridays, Oct. 11 to March 21. For more information, call Karen Kowalski at 908-704-6327.*

*Qigong Practices with Michael – Mondays & Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – *Learn the traditional practice of Qigong (similar to Tai Chi), which combines techniques for meditation, controlled breathing, and movement to connect the mind, body, and spirit for healing.

• Dominoes Club – Mondays, 1 p.m.