Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all county-operated senior centers managed by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services aretemporarily closed until April 30, 2021. The county’s management team is following state-mandated public healthcare guidelines while they continue to assess the centers’ reopening dates.

Senior Center programs that were offered on-site have been modified and are now available via Zoom, which is a secure, video-based, user-friendly, online platform that can be accessed through a smartphone, tablet, or computer and allows residents to see and hear others.

Zoom Guidelines

Unless otherwise specified, residents who are age 60 and above can join any of the Zoom programs listed in this schedule even if they are not a client at the center hosting the Zoom program. 

Zoom Activity Release Forms

Participants are required to obtain and complete an Activity Release Form from the senior center they regularly attend. After submitting the form to that center, participants will receive an email with information about all Zoom classes and programs listed in this schedule. All programs are FREE for registered members! 

Zoom Tutorial and Registration

Learn how to use Zoom or sign-up for a virtual tour, at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us. To register for a program or class, call 908-203-6101 or email Donlin@co.somerset.nj.us. 

Virtual Programs and Classes for All Senior Center Clients

April 1

April 1, 10:45 a.m. – “Frank Owen Gehry, CC, FAIA: The Most Important Architect of Our Age” by Lisa Bayer. Learn about contemporary architecture of the 21st century including the process and interplay of creating a design concept and constructing the building through the eyes of Frank Owen Gehry who used different design approaches such as postmodernism, high-tech, conceptual, and expressionism. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 1, 11 a.m. – “Planning a Native Butterfly Garden” by the Somerset County Park Commission. Who doesn’t love butterflies and flowers? In this lecture and discussion, participants will  learn about the types of plants that attract butterflies and moths and details about these creatures. Participants can request literature that includes interesting details about native plants and butterflies. **Hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

April 5-9

April 5, 11 a.m. – “Stream On” by James Williams, TV producer, director, writer and broadcast executive. Get first-hand knowledge about the broadcasting of live concerts (Sting, Dolly, Live Aid), elections (from Regan to Biden), the Olympics, and major sports (World Cup, NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball, NFL football, and college sports). Learn how major networks and the broadcasting industry have shifted to reflect and adapt to technological advancements. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 5, 12 p.m. – Raritan Valley Community College DanceWorks Virtual Concert.  Enjoy a collection of short films made by  RVCC  students and faculty. These avante-garde films will focus on elements of camera work, thematic material, editing, and music composition using the body as the vehicle for expression. Faculty films to be shown include “Rhythm and Blues,” by Professor Londretta Fois and “(Re)iterations,” by Marissa Aucoin, adjunct professor. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 6, 11 a.m. – “Every Day’s Your Lucky Day” by Anna Nowik. Learn how every day can be your lucky day!  This motivational lecture discusses past and present attitudes toward the concept of luck, fate and scientific studies about optimism and opportunity. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

April 6, 2 p.m. – The Mighty Mushroom by Kim Minerley. Join Kim while she whips up a tasty dish using a simple, but often maligned food – the mushroom. Research has shown eating this superfood can help improve your immune system and lower the risk of heart disease. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 6, 3 p.m. – Guided Meditation with Cate. Take a break and soothe yourself with calming music and meditation, which will help reduce stress, control anxiety, increase attention span, and decrease age-related memory loss. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 7, 10 a.m. – “The Golden Age of Musicals” (Part 1) by Sam Caponegro. Explore and analyze iconic films  of original musicals with movie clips such as “GIGI,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “A Star is Born,” and “Singing in the Rain”. ** This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 7, 11 a.m. – Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots to Presidential Candidates by Carol Simon Levin. Join Carol Simon Levin for her portrayal of Abigail Adams – “saucy” wife of John Adams who was a member of the Continental Congress, and she was also the mother of John Quincy Adams. Abigail will tell stories of tenacious women who fought for women’s rights in the political arena such as Dolly Madison and other female activists, pioneers and politicians who fought to extend women’s economic, social, and political rights. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 7, 2 p.m. – Word Games with Donna. Dust off the cobwebs and get the brain revved up. Join Donna to play fun games like Pictionary, Boggle, Name 5 and more. Interact with old friends, make new ones, and laugh! **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

April 8, 11 a.m. – “Dry Eye” by Bryan Abessi, M.D., F.A.A.O. Get the facts and learn about the common causes of dry eye and ways to help alleviate symptoms. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

April 9, 11 a.m. – Classic Cool with Andrew Lobby, an entertainer. Enjoy a classically cool solo vocal and guitar performance featuring popular hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

April 9, 3 p.m. – Brain Games and Trivia with Kristen. Join Kristen for various trivia and brain games. Studies show that brain games may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision making and short-term memory. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

April 12-16

April 12, 11 a.m. – Women in American Politics: Our Rights Too! By Carol Simon Levin, author and historical impersonator. In this program, attendees will enjoy Ms. Levin’s portrayal of an enslaved woman and poet Phyllis Wheatley; noted abolitionists and women’s rights speakers Mari W. Stewart, Sojourner Truth and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper; organizers and suffrage activists Ida Bell Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrill; Native activists Zitkala-Sa and Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin; migrant rights advocate Dolores Huerta and many more women of all colors and creeds who fought for women’s rights. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 13, 11 a.m. – “Beating the Quarantine Blues: Enhancing Social Connectedness During Times of Isolation” by Monica Townsend, COPSA Institute for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, Rutgers Co-op Extension. Learn tips for coping with isolation during the quarantine. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge**

April 13, 12:30 p.m. – “An Easy Plan for Beating the Blues” by the Rutgers School of Nursing. Learn 12 strategies to help stay connected and mentally healthy. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 13, 2 p.m. – “HERStory” by Charles Smith, instructor, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Rutgers University-Division of Continuing Studies. Join this interesting program that pays homage to international women who have made and continue to make a positive and lasting impact on society. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 13, 3 p.m. – Virtual Bingo. Researchers have found that playing Bingo provides multiple benefits, such as promoting socialization, strengthening hand-eye coordination, and helping to improve short-term memory skills. Participants can use the gameboard on their screen. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 14, 11 a.m. – Treasure Our Local Trees by Pam Zipse, tree expert, Rutgers Urban Forestry Outreach Program. Join  a discussion about how trees have made an impact on the human race. **Hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 14, 2 p.m. – Word Games with Donna. Dust off the cobwebs and get the brain revved up. Join Donna to play fun games like Pictionary, Boggle, Name 5 and more. Interact with old friends, make new ones, and laugh! **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

April 15, 11 a.m. – “Why Do We Say That: Dog Days of Summer & Other Curious Expressions” by Meg Wastie, Historian. Learn the meaning and background stories of some of the stranger phrases and sayings that exist in the English language. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

April 16, 11 a.m. – April Jeopardy. Test your knowledge about the month of April in this game that is based on “Jeopardy.” **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

April 16, 3 p.m. – Brain Games and Trivia with Kristen. Join Kristen for various trivia and brain games. Studies show that playing games may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision making and short-term memory. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

April 19-23

April 19, 11 a.m. – The Inability to Bond: The Mina Edison Story by Alexandra Rimer, researcher, The Edison Papers Project, Rutgers University. Learn about Mrs. Thomas Edison through an interpretation of her life by Ms. Rimer, who will bring to life the trials and tribulations of Mina’s life from this unusual perspective. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 19, 12 p.m. – “Life Planning Documents (Part 1)” by Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey, Inc. Learn about powers of attorney, and living wills from legal representatives from Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey, Inc. Participants will learn about each document and why the documents are important. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 19, 2:30 p.m. – Pun & Games with Donna & Denise. Join the fun with puns. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough & Montgomery Senior Center.**

April 20, 11 a.m. – “Discover Your Cooking Style” by Vanessa Young, Thirsty Radish. Uncover your cooking style with a short quiz. Then, based on the quiz results, participants will learn tips for planning meals and celebrations including recipes, table décor, and creative ideas that reflect their style. Participants will also learn practical tips for more enjoyable, less stressful cooking. ** This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

April 20, 2 p.m. – Travel the Solar System by Amie Gallagher, director, Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium. Join this ride through the galaxy when you will travel the solar system to explore the planets and moons from the comfort of your chair! To participate, bring paper, scissors, pencil, and tape to this demonstration. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 20, 3 p.m. – Guided Meditation with Cate. Take a break and soothe yourself with calming music and meditation, which will help reduce stress, control anxiety, increase attention span, and decrease age-related memory loss. **Hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 22, 11 a.m. – “Art of Ancient Mediterranean” by the Newark Museum of Art. Learn about glass, art, sculpture, funerary art, and ceramics in homes and temples across the greater Mediterranean over thousands of years.  Everyday objects from this gallery tell the stories of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures that were defined by connections to Africa, Asia, Europe and the Near East. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

April 23, 11 a.m. – Exercise 101 by Personal Trainer Christian McLean, B.S. of Exercise Science. Learn about the different types of exercise, what exercises are better for older adults, the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and the benefits of tai chi. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

April 23, 3 p.m. – Brain Games and Trivia with Kristen. Join Kristen for various trivia and brain games. Studies show that brain games may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision making and short-term memory. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

April 26-30

April 26, 11 a.m. – “Can Vitamins Add to a Healthy Lifestyle” by Kunal Patel, PharmD. Learn about how vitamins can be a supplement to aid in metabolic functions, how they help supplement the body’s lack of micronutrients, and how vitamins can interact with medication. There will be a Q&A opportunity at the end of the presentation. **This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 26, 12 p.m. – “Life Planning Documents” (Part 2) by Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey, Inc. Learn about powers of attorney and what are the powers of attorney’s responsibilities. Also, find out about living wills and healthcare directives. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 27, 11 a.m. – “Virtual Safari” by Monica Juhasz, Somerset County Park Commission. Take a journey to Tanzania via your armchair. Travel deep into the African Bush and see elephants, lions, gazelles, and many more exotic animals. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

April 28, 11 a.m. – Mario Lanza and Me. Enjoy this spine-tingling performance from an opera singer and performer, Dominic Mantuano and tenor Mario Lanza while they perform beautiful songs that will give you chills. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.**

April 28, 2 p.m. – Word Games with Donna. Dust off the cobwebs and get the brain revved up. Join Donna to play fun games like Pictionary, Boggle, Name 5 and more. Interact with old friends, make new ones, and laugh! **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

April 29, 11 a.m. – “Aging in Your Own Space: Tips for Seniors in Your Own Home” by Rebecca Abenante, M.A., M.S.W., L.S.W., ASW-G. Learn what you need to know when formulating an aging-in-place plan so that you can remain in your home as you age.  This program will discuss how important it is to pre-plan for home modifications, assistive technology, health care services, community resources, financial concerns, and legal preparations. **This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

April 30, 11 a.m. – Craft Time with Tammy and Donna. Make 3D Mother’s Day Cards for your Mom, Daughter, Sister, or anyone else special. Donna and Tammy will give step-by-step instructions. **Limited space is available. Registration is required. Craft supplies will be mailed to participants. Call 908-369-8700 to register by April 5, 2021. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

April 30, 3 p.m. – Brain Games and Trivia with Kristen. Join Kristen for various trivia and brain games. Studies show that brain games may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to wane with age, such as processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, decision making and short-term memory. **This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Virtual Exercise Classes Open to All Senior Center Clients

NOTE: An Activity Release Form and the use of a camera (audio and video) are required.

Mondays, 10 a.m.  – Chair Yoga with Manjula. Gain the benefits of practicing yoga poses from the support and safety of your favorite chair. This class is an excellent opportunity to increase bone density, improve strength, flexibility and balance while being immersed in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class is perfect for relieving stress and helping to gain an overall sense of well-being. The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in class. To register, call 908-369-8700 or email AgingHillsborough@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 1 p.m. – The Regime Exercise Class with Allyson. Get a head-to-toe workout when using intervals of weights, stretching and aerobic movements, which will lubricate joints for flexibility, strengthen and stabilize muscles, increase blood circulation and can help with weight loss. These exercises can also help lower the risk of falls and increase the ability to accomplish daily activities. Exercises can be practiced while either standing or sitting and with or without hand weights. Monday – Upper Body Routine, Wednesday – Mid Section Routine, Friday – Lower Body Routine. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and sneakers. To register please call 732-563-4213 or email AgingQuailbrook@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Mondays, 2 p.m. – Take Control with Exercise. This is an ongoing exercise program for all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. Strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility and balance while boosting stamina. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 908-204-3435 or email Grieco@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

April 5, 12, 19 & 26, 1 p.m. – Chair Exercises with Nadeen. Join Nadeen for fun chair exercises that will help increase one’s blood circulation, flexibility and strengthen muscles. Participants can sit in a chair or stand to practice these exercises. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 908-753-9440 or email HrevnackDickey@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Warrenbrook Senior Center.**

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. – Take Control with Exercise.This is an ongoing exercise program for all skill levels and can be practiced while either standing or sitting. Strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility and balance while boosting stamina. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 908-204-3435 or email Grieco@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Basking Ridge.**

Tuesdays, 12 p.m. –Yoga/Meditation & Breathing Techniques with Dr. Prabha Srinivas.Council for Yoga Accreditation International at the S-Vyasa University of Yogic Sciences, Bangalore India. Take control of your emotional and physical well-being and reduce stress in your life through the practice of yoga and meditation. **Participants should wear comfortable clothing that will allow for movement. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register call 732-563-4213 or email AgingQuailbrook@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

April 14, 10 a.m. – TLC (Tender Loving Care) Chair Exercise with Laurina Kuligowski. Unite the mind and body and restore the spirit with Laurina. In this class, participants will practice slow, deliberate and graceful stretching movements with integrated deep breathing while seated in a chair. **Wear comfortable clothing. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register call 732-563-4213 or email AgingQuailbrook@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Wednesdays, 12 p.m. – Fit & Flex with Rose. Learn stretching, strength training, laughter-yoga, breathing exercises and more in this FREE weekly exercise program. This class changes frequently and is suitable for all skill levels. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register call 908-369-8700 or email AgingHillsborough@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Senior Wellness Center at Hillsborough.**

April 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:45 a.m. – Yoga for All! Chair Yoga with Manjula. Gain the benefits of practicing yoga poses from the support and safety of your favorite chair. This class offers an excellent opportunity to increase bone density, improve strength, flexibility and balance while being immersed in a relaxing class while relieving stress and gaining an overall sense of well-being. Expect gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. The class is open to all skill levels and can be practiced while standing or sitting. **A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in class. To register, call 732-563-4213 or email AgingQuaiBrook@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**

Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – Zumba Gold (Chair) with Laurie Fetcher. Get your blood pumping to zesty music that will inspire a hearty workout. This class is manageable for people age 60 and above, beginners, or others who need modification to their exercise routine. Participants will build cardiovascular health by challenging the heart and working hip, leg, and arm muscles by practicing fun and rhythmic moves while sitting in a chair.**A maximum of 25 participants is allowed in the class. To register, call 732-563-4213 or email AgingQuailBrook@co.somerset.nj.us. This program is hosted by the Quail Brook Senior Center.**