South Brunswick Senior Center

Office on Aging

April Newsletter

A hard copy of this newsletter is available in the office

Feed the Good Wolf

 A Note from Caryl Greenberg, Director

   A grandfather was walking with his grandson through the woods, sharing the wisdom he had collected throughout his 73 years. Holding the young boy’s hand, the old man began. “Within us,” he said, “are two wolves locked in a constant state of battle – a good wolf and a bad wolf. The good wolf represents all of the good things we seek to be:

brave, honest, true, happy, and generous of spirit. The bad wolf represents greed, anger, selfishness, arrogance, hatred, and fear. Throughout our lives,” the man finished, “these two wolves will battle.” The young boy looked up at his grandfather and asked, “Which one will win? “The grandfather replied simply, “Whichever one you feed.”

   Take a step back and really look at what you do that feeds the good or bad wolf in your mind. Work on seeking out the people and things that bring out the good wolf in you. This is how we can boost happiness!

  Want to feel lighter? Give the benefit of the doubt. To believe something good about someone, rather than something bad, when you have the possibility of doing either. Don’t be foolish…. Don’t give your credit card number to someone that calls saying you won a prize but I need a $25.00 deposit in order to collect it but… when we feel and think about people being good, not liars, we release our suspicions and that simply feels good to trust people. If someone breaks plans with you, believe their reason and don’t go to ‘they always break plans, they must not value our friendship’. You get the idea!

   Gratitude and forgiveness are two actions that we can take that can really lend itself to boosting happiness. Holding on to anger only hurts us. Eva Kor, a Holocaust Survivor who was 10 years old when she was sent to Auschwitz, defines forgiveness is a way of healing oneself from pain, trauma, and tragedy. It is a means of self-liberation and self-empowerment. Forgiveness is inner healing! She does not forget the atrocities but does not live them in her daily life. Lastly, practicing gratitude has incredible effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships with others.

Why am I writing about this now? Last month we had an incredible, motivational speaker (among other talents) Diane Uniman whose topic was ‘Strategies to Boost Happiness’ I was very inspired by her topic and presentation that I wanted to share it with you. What I wrote about was a small snippet of what she shared. If you are interested in following her blog please go to https://princessdianevonb.com/

The week ahead!!

Special Events Sign up in the Office

April’s Special Events- Sign up is REQUIRED for these programs.

Lottery for a garden bed April 1. You do not need to be present. Please call the office and add your name to the list. Call Caryl or email for details.

Shirley’s Cocina Demo & Tasting- Tuesday, April 2, 10:45am - Get immersed in Spanish food culture with Shirley Crespo. Shirley will feature recipes from her Puerto Rican heritage first demonstrating the recipe technique, followed by a tasting of the featured recipe.

Spring Crafts with Brandywine- Thursday, April 4, 12:30pm- Leslie and Kelly are back!! Join us in making a beautiful Spring Craft to take home.

How Do You Think Of It?- Friday, April 5 12:30pm- In recognition of National Poetry Month Coleen Schlaffer, Author, Poet, Artist, and Award Winning Photographer will be here to give an intimate reading of her newly published book, How Do You Think Of It?”

Art Lectures w/ Bart D’Andrea 12:30pm

Van Gogh Paintings of the Night- Tuesday, 4/9   

Whistler, Cassat and Sargent - Tuesday, 4/30

Repurposing with Art Lee- Tuesday, April 9, 12:30pm Join Art Lee in turning old things into new things. Friendly crowd and always fun!

Art Lee Indoor Garden Workshop- Wednesday, April 10, 12:30pm- Join Art Lee Master Gardener for Indoor and Outdoor gardening and plant tips throughout the year. Group is located in the Garden or on the Patio weather permitting, moves to the Art Room during inclement weather.

Pickleball Tournament- Thursday, April 11th 12:15 – 2:30- Sponsored by Brandywine-Leslie and Kelly are back!! Must be a Pickleball Player and have medicals on file. Sign up by April 4

Annual Student Art Show- Wednesday, April 17 - We are invited to our District’s Annual Student Art Gallery. After the gallery we will join the students for light refreshments. Transportation is provided and we’ll back at the center at 11:30am in time for lunch. Participants drivers and bussers report at 9:15am. Bus departs the center at 9:30am. All participants MUST sign up and take the bus. 

Spring Fling w/ Pam & Steve – Thurs., April 18, 11:30 – 1:30 Lunch 11:30–12:15 Music 12:15–1:15  Must have signed up by April 4   Check in is 10:30 – 11:20  Please be seated by 11:25am

New Member Mingle- Friday, April 19, 12:30- Are you a new member? Want to hear about all the wonderful events, clubs and classes your center offers? Join us here at the New Member Mingle for some light refreshments, and an opportunity to talk to some of our other members and club presidents.   All members are welcome! Sign up by 4/18

It’s Not About Aging…It’s About Living! - Tuesday, April 23, 10:30am – This presentation teaches us how Home Modifications and Smart Home Technology Can Enhance our Lives by promoting safety, accessibility and overall well-being allowing us to live at home independently for as long as possible. 

Senior Consumer Fraud Education and Protection Program- Thursday, April 25, 12:15pm - “From the IRS phone scam to lottery and sweepstakes scams, to the so-called grandparent scam, it appears that imposter frauds and other criminal scams are more active than ever — and are preying on potential victims in New Jersey through phone calls, emails, and other means. Please join us on as a representative from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs tells us how to AVOID GETTING SCAMMED.

Crafts with Kathy- Thursday, April 25, 1:30pm- Join Kathy for fun crafts in a friendly and creative environment.

Registration/Lottery for the Baps Swaminathan Akshardham Temple Trip/ April 30th

Have registration in the office by 10:45 AM Lottery is at 11:00 AM

Trip is June 12th

May Save the Dates

Shirley’s Cocina Demo & Tasting- Will resume in June    

Artflow with Sangeeta  -Watercolor Basics 'Pen and Wash

Sangeeta will be doing another session May 10 – June 28

10:00 AM-11:30 AM Friday's

Intergenerational Event- Beyond The Book Homeschool Visit- Thursday May 2^nd 12:30pm- 2:00pm

The children are visiting today to work on their Community Service Badges. Join these homeschool students ages 5 – 10 for games, coloring, and reading.

Chair Yoga with Ria- Wednesday, MAY 8, 12:30pm- Strengthens your muscles, improve your balance, reduce stress and open your heart through modified yogic postures, breath work, relaxation, and meditation. FREE, MUST sign up.

Tick & Mosquito Awareness and Prevention- Thursday, May 9, 12:30pm- “Tick and Mosquito Awareness and Prevention” Learn about how to avoid these pests as the weather warms up and they become more active. Also learn what to do if you are bitten by one of them and what symptoms to look out for.”

Ladies Tea- Friday, May 10, 12:15pm – Sponsored by Brandywine- Lesley and Kelly are back!! Join us for a High Tea in honor of Mother’s Day! Wear your fancy hats and white gloves if you have em!

Western Roundup with Mark Miklos- Thursday, May 16, 11:30 – 1:30 

Lunch– 11:30–12:15

Music 12:15– 1:15  FRIENDS 50/50 Sign up with Jody and Mary in the kitchen by May 2 Parties are CLOSED EVENTS and are LIMITED to registrants of the party. If you are not signed up you will not receive a meal, nor enter the event room. Check in is 10:30 – 11:20  Please be seated by 11:25am at your table.

Feel Good with Feng Shui- Friday, May 17, 12:30pm- As you know, life is full of ups and downs. It’s how we deal with these ups and downs that can make you a happier person or not. There are some simple steps to help you achieve a better, happier, more energetic life. Feng Shui helps you achieve harmony, health, better relationships and happiness into your life. It helps you achieve these things by moving objects, balancing color and elements, utilizing cures and using intention. Feng Shui brings every aspect of your life into clearer focus.

Middlesex County 90+ Birthday Bash!! May 22

Beading 101- Thursday, May 23,12:30 – 2:30- Join Smita for a class in the Art of Beading. All supplies provided. Limited Seating.

APSEA- BMI and Blood Pressure Screening- Tuesday, MAY 28, 10:00am – 12:00pm- Lobby

Framing Your Shot- Friday, May 31, 10:30am- Join center member and award-winning photographer, Coleen Schlaffer for an exciting presentation on getting the best “shot” in photography. Learn about angles, props, lighting and more!

A note about our monthly parties:

We sincerely hope that you enjoy the wonderful parties we host: it's all about entertainment, food, fun and friends! However, over the course of the last several events, there have been issues ensuring adequate numbers of meals for those who have signed up ahead of time. As you know, the staff works hard serving lunch to you, and if you are not seated by lunchtime, it creates unnecessary stress and extra demand for us. For example, it is difficult to serve you if you sit down at a table that has already been served or whose order has already been taken. Therefore, please ensure that you are you are seated by 11:25 AM. We can then begin to serve promptly at 11:30 right after the Pledge of Allegiance.

As always, it is important that if you have signed up in the lunchroom with Mary or Jody that you call or email them to cancel if you cannot make it.

When you sign up for a party, you select vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. You CANNOT switch from one to the other after making your selection. Menus are available to you on the bulletin board outside the kitchen; please consult them before making your selection for the party. 

Lastly, we cannot have a 'waitlist' for parties. It is incumbent upon you to be aware of programs and events that take place at the center. If you are traveling, please make sure to check your email as a bulletin including all information is sent weekly. You are welcome to email Jody and her email can always be found at the bottom of constant contact emails and newsletters. If you email to RSVP for the party please pick up your ticket before the start of the event.

If you are not registered for the party you will not be able to attend any part of the party. We have capacity to include 150 individuals so you will most likely not be closed out. You are also welcome to bring a lunch from home but you still need to register for the program and be seated by 11:25 AM.

As a courtesy, during parties we will set up coffee in the lobby for those individuals not attending the party.



Please reach out if you have any questions.

Best,

Caryl

Center Happenings

Adult Coloring- 1^st Tuesday of every month 1:30pm Enjoy coloring, and making new friends.

Bingo- Mondays 10:30am  Doors will close at 10:30am   

Book Club- Thursdays 10:30am Come join our weekly book club where we chat about literature and so much more! With the assistance of South Brunswick Library, a book is chosen for the group and we set a discussion date so members can read at their own pace. Book suggestions welcomed!

Braingames with Ram- Studies show that playing games may improve cognitive health in older adults. Join Ram for a variety Braingames. Every Second and last Friday of the month 12:30 pm.

Canasta Lessons- Thursdays 10:00am – Canasta is a card game from the Rummy family. Sign Up

Ceramics- Thursdays 9:30am – 11:30am Each class is $3.00 (class card is $15.00) 

Cost includes glazes and kiln firing. Additional $3.00 charge for firing x-large pieces.

Chess Club Meetup: If you are interested finding a buddy to play a game of Chess with we have Chess

meetup on Mondays 10:30am – 12:00pm.

ESL (English As A Second Language) Class – Do you wish to improve your English speaking skills for practical uses such as shopping, traveling, and dining out at restaurants? Tuesdays 10:30am in the Atrium

Karaoke Club- 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays of the Month at 10:30- Calling all center members who

love to sing! Join us for a fun filled hour of singing along to music. Check calendar for added days.

 Match-War with Al- Wednesdays at 9:30am - MATCH-WAR is an exciting card game where the players must pluck a card to find their MATCHING card within 30 minutes.

NEW!!! Mexican Train Dominoes with Bob- Mondays 12:30pm  Check the calendar for datesDominoes with a kick! So much fun!

Storytelling- Third Wednesday of the Month in place of Writing Away 10:30am Come and tell us your story. Perhaps a reminiscence of childhood, a travel adventure, or an event you were a part of. Every life has stories to tell, and we want to hear yours. 

                                     This Month’s Movies:

Five Flights Up- Friday, April 5^th 10:00am- A long-time married couple who've spent their lives together in the same New York apartment become overwhelmed by personal and real estate-related issues when they plan to move away. 1H 28M

The Holdovers- Monday, April 29^th 12:30pm- A cranky history teacher is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook and a troubled student who has no place to go. 2H 13M

                             TED Talk Discussion Groups- Mondays 1:30pm

       Watch a selected TED Talk followed by a group discussion

April 1: The Blue Zones of Happiness

April 8: How to Live to Be 100

April 15: The Secret to Living Longer May Be Your Social Life (Sardinia)

April 22: Exploring the Island: Okinawa

Veteran’s Group- Meets 2^nd Tuesday every month at 10:30am   

What's On Your Mind? - We have a variety of topics during this discussion group plus trivia fun facts, riddles, news stories, etc.  Fridays 1:30pm

Writing Away- Wednesdays 10:30am Friendly group that gathers to creatively write, read and share their work. 

WANT TO ATTEND FITNESS CLASSES OR USE OUR GYM?

Medical Clearance by your Doctor is REQUIRED and

needs renewal every 2 years Click Here for Form

Sneakers and Proper attire are REQUIRED in both gyms.

Shoes must be changed before entering either gym during inclement weather.

WORKOUT GYM IS OPEN 8:45AM-4:15 PM

Fitness Class Cost

Fitness Classes are $3.50 per class. Two payment options are available

• 10 Class Card for $35.00 – Buys you any 10 classes of your choice. Repurchase when your card is full.
• Monthly Class Card- Unlimited Classes (that month) of your choice for $40.00. Repurchase monthly

Class Descriptions

 (all classes can be modified to accommodate all fitness level

Body Sculpting – Mondays 11:00am   &  Wednesdays- 10:30am

This total body exercise class can accommodate everyone’s fitness level. Exercises can be done standing or seated. Stretching is done at the end and we finish with a one minute challenge.

Chair Yoga- Thursdays 11:30am

Strengthens your muscles, improve your balance, reduce stress and open your heart through modified yogic postures, breath work, relaxation, and meditation. Chair Yoga classes incorporate mainly seated poses; some standing poses are also included and students can hold onto their chair for balance.

Now & Zen- Some Wednesdays and Tuesday’s 1:30pm  (please check calendar)

Promotes total body restoration by incorporating a variety of holistic healing modalities to maximize controlled breathing, increase mindfulness and channel energy flow. Program will include Pranayama, breath work with stretching, guided meditation, chanting and Reiki. This class is done seated. FREE

Pickleball - Open play daily. Sign up and check in each day at the table outside the gym. Medical waivers must be on file. the. We will also be offering coached, supervised play with instructor Carolyn Dardani Horensky. Learn / develop skills while having fun!

Instruction will be 1x per month for beginners- office for registration and info

Limited to 6 players per session and you must sign up in the office . No fee.

Next date for instruction is Friday, April 12 (Please note the hard copy of the newsletter has the incorrect date) .

Sweatin to the Oldies – Tuesdays 12:30pm

Class is done standing. Cardiovascular exercise using popular music mostly from the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Zumba- Fridays 10:00am  

Dance & aerobic movements performed to energetic music. The choreography incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo. Zumba routines incorporate interval training, alternating fast and slow rhythms — to help improve cardiovascular fitness.  No class April 12

Mat Yoga with Daria- Great News!! Daria will be holding a monthly Mat Yoga Class now through August. This class is done standing as well as kneeling and laying in on the floor. This is a free class brought to us through a grant procured by the SB Library. Bring your own mats, a blanket and blocks if you have them. Sign up in the office. Check calendar for dates.

Medical waivers must be on file for this class. Limited space

Senior Advisory Council (SAC)– a 13 member board appointed by the Mayor and Township Council who discuss issues that impact the Senior Center. Everyone is welcome.

Township Liaison: Councilwoman Archana (Ann) Grover     Chair: Geeta Balasubramanian 

Meeting: Thursday, April 4 10:30am  All are encouraged to attend.

FRIENDS – Friends is a non-profit organization raising funds to promote and supplement the Senior Center activities as well as improve the lives of seniors. Dues: $10.00/year (resident seniors).

Membership forms are available at the office or on our website.

President: Satya Agarwal  Vice Pres. Public Relations- Geeta Balasubramanian

Vice Pres. Programs- Gina Seepurshad   Vice Pres. Membership- Shikaram Ramananda Gupta

Meeting: Monday, April 8th 11:00  FRIENDS BINGO 12:15

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Billiards Club- All welcomed to play daily. Tournaments are played weekly. Lessons on request. Pool club membership is required for tournaments. There is a $25 yearly membership fee.

Meeting: First Wednesday of the month 11:00am President: Ken Peabody kwpeabody@gmail.com or 732-991-4717

Sequence/ Bridge Club- Daily play. Lessons- Daily in the lobby  Need Facilitators For Both Tournaments: All BRIDGE and SEQUENCE TOURNAMENTS are on HIATUS until further notice.

Sequence Coordinators: Looking for another Sequence Tournament Facilitator Smita Mehta sh35mehta53@yahoo.com

Bridge Coordinator: Looking for 3 more Bridge Tournament facilitators

Shikaram Ramananda Gupta ramashikaram@yahoo.com

Golden Age Club- All welcomed to join.

Meeting: Second & Fourth Wednesday of the Month at 1:00 – 3:00pm

President: Aggie Schwartz  Dues: $15.00 per year

Knit and Crochet Club- On Hiatus Supports organizations serving communities in crisis. Yarn donations are always appreciated! Newcomers are always welcomed!

Meets: Wednesdays 10:00am - 12:00pm.   Looking for facilitator to oversee program

***********************************************************************************************Ping Pong- Group play with others! Equipment provided.

Weekdays: 8:30am – 4:15pm

Pickleball- Check calendar for play times. Must have medical clearance and participant waivers on file.

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Mobile Library- Tuesdays 12:00pm – 12:45pm outside our main entrance

Library Tech Help / Computer Lab/check calendar for dates

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Donations: We gratefully accept monetary donations. All donations go to senior programs.

Checks are payable to So. Brunswick Senior Center. “Tribute Cards” available $15 per pack of ten. Donations are tax deductible.

A tremendous thank you to Janice Gossman and Michael Coppola for their generous donation.

Donations help to purchase items that are not generally covered by our operating budget.                  

We are always in need of new items for Bingo prizes and

gifts for door prizes. 

'Friends of the South Brunswick Senior Center'



Contact Satya Agarwal at email: satya.agarwal@gmail.com

FRIENDS is a non-profit organization raising funds to promote and supplement the Senior Center activities as well as improve the lives of seniors. Dues: $10.00/year (resident seniors). 

*Membership forms are available at the office or click here.

2024 FRIENDS Officers

President: Satya Agarwal

Co-Vice Presidents: Gina Seepurshad, Geeta Balasubramanian and

Shikaram Gupta

Treasurer: Sharad Patel  Secretary: Barbara Christiano

Contact Shikaram Gupta or call 848-667-2110 It is time to renew your FRIENDS membership to be able to take part in all the wonderful events that FRIENDS sponsors in support of your

favorite Senior Center awarded the BEST in Middlesex County!! 

ONLY $10.00 for the year!

Renew now and you will be all set for 2024!!

Bagels, Bingo, Bus Trips, Entertainment, 50/50, Prizes and so much more!!

Penn Medicine Princeton Health

is proud to partner with the

South Brunswick Wellness Center

to provide you with convenient access to medical care,

lab services, community education and physical therapy.

• Lab/Phlebotomy Services: Tuesdays from 8:00am -12 Noon

Appointments Preferred- please call 609.853.6816 walk-ins are accepted

• Physical Therapy: By appointment 609 497-2230
• Primary Care- Dr. Jose C. Vagario By appointment 609 395-2470

To Register For Community Education Lectures

Call (888) 897-8979 (Follow the prompts)

April Lectures 

Osteoporosis and Bone Density- Wednesday, April 3^rd 12:30

Join orthopedic certified nurse, Christina Rossmann BSN, RN, ONC, for an

informative lecture all about osteoporosis. You will learn about the disease

process, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis, as well as tips on how to

lead a bone healthy life!

POLST (Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)-

Wednesday, April 24^th 10:30am

Join Barbara Vaning, with Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness, as they discuss the POLST form and an Advance Directive and the difference between them. Patient treatment wishes are properly communicated to their healthcare team, which promises to honor those wishes.

Save the Date

It’s an Emergency, What Do I Do?- Wednesday, May 1st 10:30am

Whether it's an accidental injury or sudden chest pains, knowing when to call 911 is essential. Join Barbara Vaning, MHA, EMT Training Center Coordinator, with Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness, for this interactive, educational lecture designed to teach you when to call for help.

AARP SMART DRIVER PROGRAM

Wednesday, May 29th 9am – 3pm

To Register For Community Education Lectures/ Events click here:

or call (888) 897-8979 (Follow the prompts)

To Register For Community Education Lectures/ Events

        call (888) 897-8979 (Follow the prompts)

 Senior Center General Information

Senior Center Hours:  Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm 

Phone #: 732-329-4000 x7670 -- 732-438-0918 (rotary phones)

Website: www.southbrunswicknj.gov (Click Departments, then Senior Center)



Membership: FREE Become a member by filling out a registration form and show proof of residence and age. If you have a family member living with your for at least four months, they are welcome to become a member. Registration daily from 8:30:-3:30 PM

Meals: We are a congregate meal site for Middlesex County. Lunch served at 11:30 am- 12:15 PM, Monday to Friday, must be 60+ . Suggested donation $2.25

Home Delivery: Suggested donation: $2.75. Please call if you need home delivery.732-329-6171

Transportation Department - (Located In The Senior Center)

Bus pass required (50 cents each way). Purchase a $10.00 (or more) pass. Wheelchair Accessible Buses  

Reservations are required and should be scheduled no later than 3:45 pm for the next day pick up in order to be brought to the Senior Center, food shopping, weekly trips or on the errand shuttle. AM pick up to come to the senior center and return at 1:30 PM and/or 3:15 PM

Please call for Medical transport with as much notice as possible. This is curb to curb service.

Schedule your transportation to the DMV in South Brunswick, Social Security Office on Jersey Ave. or the Middlesex County Board of Social Services. Early morning appointments are preferred.

To cancel “Same Day Service” call (732)-329-4000 x7363 by 8:30 am; leave a message, provide name, address, phone number, and reason for call. Please see the transportation calendar for details.