OPEN HEARTS, OPEN SPACES: CREATING A CULTURE OF WELCOME (Hybrid - In-Person at NSK Location and on Zoom)

Tuesday, September 30, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Fee: $5

In a world where division often feels louder than connection, this interfaith panel invites us to pause, listen, and imagine how we can create families and communities where everyone feels seen and valued.

Join the Reverend Lauren McFeaters (Nassau Presbyterian Church), Dr. Vineet Chander (Hindu Life Program, Princeton University), and Imam Qareeb Bashir (Islamic Center of Ewing) in a heartfelt conversation moderated by the Reverend Conrad Strauch.

Expect wisdom, hope, and practical inspiration to carry into your daily life.

DECODING AI: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE (Hybrid - In-Person at NSK Location and on Zoom)

Wednesdays starting October 8 through November 5, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Fee: $30 resident/$40 nonresident 

Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This hands-on, five-week course is designed for older adults. Each week, we’ll cover:

• What AI is: What it can and can’t do, explained in plain English.

• Staying safe: How scammers use AI and simple steps to protect yourself.

• Practical uses: From organizing photos and recipes to travel planning and creative hobbies.

• Guided practice: We’ll try popular AI tools together with clear, step-by-step examples.

No prior experience is needed. Bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop if you have one.

Instructor: Mike Castenada

A CONVERSATION WITH KATE MCKINNON: THE MILLICENT QUIBB SCHOOL OF ETIQUETTE FOR YOUNG LADIES OF MAD SCIENCE (In-Person at NSK Location)

Wednesday, October 1, 1:00 p.m.

Fee: $5

Join Kate McKinnon — comedian, writer, SNL alum, and “Weird Barbie” — for an evening of comedy, conversation, and a peek into her passion project: the second book in her #1 “New York Times” bestselling Millicent Quibb series. Inspired by her own childhood adventures and love of science, McKinnon shares the quirky tale of three sisters, a mysterious scientist, and why being weird is what makes you wonderful — plus stories from her life and career.

Hosted by 92nd Street Y Live, this event is re-streamed from the live evening broadcast.

MEET STEPHEN

From Brooklyn to Harvard, from Wall Street to retirement, Stephen Albert’s journey has been filled with lessons in resilience, gratitude, and respect. What matters most to him? Not titles or awards — but the people who’ve walked alongside him.

Now in retirement, Stephen reminds us that persistence, connection, and gratitude are what sustain a meaningful life.

Read his full story on our blog: https://cmaprinceton.org/2025/09/24/meet-stephen-albert/

TED TALKS (Hybrid – In-Person at NSK Location and on Zoom)

Tuesdays in September, 10:30 a.m.

Together we’ll watch a TED Talk then participate in an awesome discussion led by Helen Burton. Everyone’s invited! This month’s buzzworthy topics:

September 30 — Harvey Mason Jr.: A survival guide for musicians in the age of AI

Registration required, no fee.

FIRST FRIDAY FILM: “THE FATHER” (Hybrid - In-Person at NSK Location and on Zoom)

Friday, October 3, 1:00 p.m.

Experience what the film critics are calling a “masterpiece.” Featuring an unforgettable, Oscar-winning performance by Anthony Hopkins, “The Father” offers a groundbreaking look at dementia from the inside out. Through a brilliant, immersive narrative, the film challenges you to piece together a reality that is constantly changing. A deeply emotional and profound work of cinema that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Genre: Psychological Drama; Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes, Rated: PG-13

Registration required, no fee.

MEN & WOMEN IN RETIREMENT SPECIAL PRESENTATION: THE SISTINE CHAPEL AND THE LAST JUDGEMENT (Hybrid – In-person at SPB location and on Zoom)

Friday, October 3, 10:00 a.m.–noon

Bart D’Andrea, a former graphic designer and adjunct instructor, will share the story of how Michelangelo was forced to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and how he returned twenty-five years later to paint “The Last Judgement” in the chapel. The Chapel is one of the most magnificent works of art ever created. Bart will discuss Michelangelo’s methods, style and the grueling task he accomplished.

Registration required, no fee.

THE PAINTER’S STUDIO (In-Person at SPB Location)

Fridays, October 3 through November 21, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Fee: $90 resident/$100 nonresident

Step into The Painter’s Studio, a dynamic and inspiring class designed for painters ready to take their skills to the next level. This intermediate-level course is your opportunity to refine techniques, experiment with new styles, and develop your unique artistic voice. Students to provide their own supplies. List available upon request.

Instructor: Christina Rang

FLU SHOT CLINIC (In-Person at NSK Location)

Friday, October 3, 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Don’t wait! Protect yourself and your community this season by getting your flu shot. It’s the best way to prevent the flu and its serious complications. Stop by our flu shot clinic for a quick, easy, and free way to stay healthy this fall.

In collaboration with the Princeton Heath Departments and Wegmans Pharmacy.

Appointments through Wegman’s portal.

LOST & FOUND AT CMAP!

From coats and scarves to eyeglasses and even a briefcase, we’ve collected quite a few items. Take a look at the photo—do any of these belong to you? Stop by our front desk to claim your things!

NEW! ARTFUL CONNECTIONS (In-Person at NSK Location)

Fridays, October 3 through November 14, 10:00–11:30 a.m. (no meeting 10/24)

Join us for a warm and welcoming workshop that blends creativity, community, and compassion. Together, we’ll design handmade cards filled with color, care, and encouragement. These cards will be gifted to older adults, whether to celebrate birthdays, mark special milestones, or bring comfort during times of illness, isolation, or caregiving.

As you create, you’ll enjoy the joy of artistic expression, connect with others, and find purpose in brightening someone’s day through the simple power of kindness and art. No skill required! One may sign up for individual or all sessions.

Facilitator: Ruthann Traylor

Registration required, no fee.

THE WONDERS OF WORDPLAY — FALL QUARTER (Zoom)

Mondays, October 6 through December 29, 2:00 p.m. 

Fee: $10

Join our cooperative-style poetry workshop where participants share their own poems, receive constructive feedback, and are given a weekly prompt for inspiration. All poets, whether novices or seasoned pros, are welcome.

NEW! FITNESS FOR EVERYDAY LIVING (In-Person at SPB Location)

Mondays, October 6 through November 24, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Fee: $60 resident/$70 nonresident

Discover an eight-week unique wellness program that blends movement, mindfulness, and breath work to support total well-being. This unique program combines stretching and functional strength training, anaerobic exercises for cardiovascular health, breath work, energy practices and a focus on posture. Improve balance, reduce anxiety, and lower the risk of falls and physical injury. Join us in moving toward a healthier, more balanced you – from the inside out.

Instructor: Rich Lund

NEW! MEDITATION FOR MODERN LIFE (Zoom)

Mondays, October 6 through October 27, 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Fee: $30 resident/$35 nonresident

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years across various cultures, providing countless people with inner peace, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. However, in today’s fast-paced world, many find it difficult to practice traditional meditation techniques. Enter the world of guided meditations, a modern approach to meditation that combines ancient wisdom with contemporary tools to help people of all backgrounds and experience levels find their way to inner peace.

Instructor: Joy Cline-Okoye

CAFÉ FRANÇAIS: FALL QUARTER (In-Person at NSK Location)

Mondays, October 6 through December 29, 3:00 p.m.

Fee: $15

Bonjour! Join us for relaxed French language conversation focused on pronunciation, vocabulary building, and grammar enrichment. All levels are welcome — come practice and grow your skills in a friendly, supportive setting.

BEGINNERS ART WORKSHOP (In-Person at SPB Location)

Tuesdays, October 7 through November 25, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Fee: $90 resident/$100 nonresident

This class will guide you in the art of watercolor painting and help you appreciate the beauty in the world around you. Whether working on a still life, landscape, or portrait, you will learn to convey each scene through light, texture, and color.

Instructor: Christina Rang

CHAIR MOVES & GROOVES (Zoom)

Tuesdays, October 7 through October 28, 1:00 p.m.

Fee: $30 resident/$35 nonresident

Come and join our month-long chair aerobics workshop on Zoom, packed with music and energy! This program aims to enhance your endurance and fortify your body, mind, and spirit. All you need are hand weights (or substitutes like water bottles or cans), therapy bands, and comfy attire. Let’s exercise together and feel the difference!

Instructor: Alida Dial 

INTRODUCTION TO PICKLEBALL: A LEARN TO PLAY THREE-WEEK WORKSHOP (In-Person at SPB Location)

Wednesdays, October 8 through October 22, 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Fee: $60 resident/$65 nonresident

Get into the game of pickleball with this three-week workshop designed to introduce you to this incredible sport! Build the foundations of your skills and dive headfirst into your newest obsession: Pickleball! 

NEW! HAPPINESS+: HAPPINESS, EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE, AND HOPE (In-Person at NSK Location)

Every Other Wednesday from October 8 through December 17, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Fee: $80 resident/$90 nonresident

Engage in a six-session academic and experiential journey intended to advance greater personal well-being through an in-depth exploration of happiness, emotional resilience, and hope. Three powerful and highly interrelated neuropsychological concepts that influence how adaptively we experience life, react to, and learn from challenges, and envision and prepare for our futures. 

Combining lectures, guided discussions, curated video content, and in-home exercises, this program is designed not merely to educate but to inspire practical growth. Rooted in the salient findings from positive psychology, neuroscience, resilience research, and even ancient philosophies, participants will gain an understanding of how happiness is defined and advanced, frameworks and strategies to nurture emotional resilience across the lifespan, and how hope as action functions as both a cognitive framework and a psychological/spiritual resource in times of uncertainty.

 Please note: This program is educational and experiential, i.e., it is academic but also includes instructions for the application of what is learned to real life. However, it should NOT be considered a therapy program.

Instructor: Bruce A. Maloof, PhD, did his doctoral work at Brandeis University followed by appointments to Dalhousie University, Boston University, and Harvard Medical School. He was the founder and CEO of Behavioral Solutions, P.C., a group practice in Greater Boston, and was appointed as a state-wide advisor to the Massachusetts Commissioner of Mental Health.

NEW! YOGA FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT (Zoom)

Thursday, October 9 through December 18, 10:00 a.m. (no class on 11/27)

Fee: $80 resident/$90 nonresident

Designed for all levels, these classes use chairs for support and offer safe and supportive practices to help reduce tension, increase mobility, manage back pain, arthritis, or everyday aches. Using PainCare Aware principles you will learn to listen to your body’s signals, never forcing or ignoring pain. Resistance bands are used at times and will help you build strength without overdoing it. We will add simple meditation and breathwork practices to reduce stress and balance the nervous system. Together these simple yet powerful practices help you grow stronger, feel more relaxed, and most of all, comfortable in your body.

Instructor: Danalee Gascon

JOIN OUR GRANDPALS FAMILY!

Exciting news: we're recruiting more GrandPals! If you've ever wanted to make a difference in children's lives, now's your chance. Click the interest form link below to join us in spreading love, laughter, and lifelong memories as part of the GrandPals family!

Get ready for heartwarming stories from our amazing GrandPals! In the next few blasts, we'll share inspiring tales of their special connections with students. Buckle up for happy reads as we explore the magic of intergenerational bonding.