May is “Older Americans Month,” and the Quail Brook Senior Center, 625 New Brunswick Rd., has a series of special events lined up. The theme this year is “Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow.” The programs offered focus on various aspects of home, personal, financial and other types of safety. Please call for lunch reservations by 10 a.m. the day before the scheduled event. Quail Brook, like all other senior centers in the county, is run by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services. The schedule is as follows: Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Check monthly calendar for schedule updates.) Bingo Tournament – Every Thursday Bridge Lessons – Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. Caram – Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards) Chair Exercises – Every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Computer Instruction – Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Advance registration required. Games (i.e., Scrabble, Dominos, Checkers, Yahtzee) – Daily Healthy Bones Exercise Class – Monday, 9:30 a.m. (Doctor’s Note Needed for Class) Line Dancing – Every Friday, 9:30 a.m. May 1 – “What Does Your Mayor Do For You?” by Mayor Brian Levine, 10:30 a.m. May 2 – “On Your Feet: How to Maneuver In Life” by the Franklin Township Traffic Police, 10:30 a.m. May 5 – “Vitamins & Supplements: Evidence of Health Benefits?” by Allison Napolitano, RD, Shoprite/Wakefern Company, 10:30 a.m. May 6 – “Know Your Poison: Learn Garden Safety & Pest Control” by Lynne Gregory, Coordinator, Pesticide Community Outreach, United Stated Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, 10:30 a.m. May 7 – “Smart Eating for a Healthy Life” by Chung S. Yang, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor & John L. Colaizzi Chair in Pharmacy, 10:30 a.m. May 7 – “Quail Brook Foot Clinic with Sharon Joag, DPM, East Brunswick Foot Care, 1:00-3:00 pm May 8 – “April Showers Bring May Flowers” Performance by the Franklin Township Swinging Singing Seniors, 10:45 a.m. May 9 - “Be Wise About Medications” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m. (In this program created by the New Jersey Geriatric Education center, UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine and the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, you learn the difference between generic and brand name drugs; recognize how aging changes the effects of medications; discuss allergic reactions, side effects and adverse drug events and how to avoid common drug or drug & food interactions.) May 12 – “An Informance: An Interactive Journey of Life Through Inspirational Poetry” by Glenis Redman, Poet in Residence, State Theatre, New Brunswick, 10:30 a.m. May 13 & 27 – Tai Chi with Bobbi Joels, 10:30 a.m. (Tai Chi is based on shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically together into one long, graceful gesture. Studies have reported that some participants experience a reduction in pain, fatigue and stiffness and gain a greater sense of well-being. Regular tai chi can help reduce falls, especially for those with balance problems.) May 13 & 15 - “AARP Defensive Driving Seminar” by Lois Hockenbury, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Advanced registration is required. This is a classroom, driver-improvement course that will teach motorists about new traffic laws and defensive driving techniques. You will receive 2 points off your license and receive 5% off your insurance for 3 years. The fee for AARP members is $15.00 and $20.00 for non-members. May 14 & 21 – Movement for Healthy Living: Exercise Class in Breathing, Movement and Fun with Joanne, 10:30 a.m. May 15 – “Make Your Home Safe: Identifying Hidden Hazards in Your Home” by Lowe’s, 10:30 a.m. May 16 – “Serving Up Good Nutrition” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m. (Caitlin will discuss how to make a meal healthier how to choose healthier choice from each food group and identify nutrient deficiencies associated with aging.) May 19 – “Fraud Prevention” by Mark Dirato, Head of Security, Unity Bank, 10:30 a.m. May 20 – Visit to the Manville Senior Center for the Minute to Win It Competition, Facilitated by the Manville High School Honor Society, 10:00-12:00 pm May 23 - “Move to Get F.I.T.” by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m. (In this program, created by the New Jersey Geriatric Education Center, UMDNJ – School of Osteopathic Medicine and the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, you will be able to identify the importance of physical activity recommendations. Most importantly, this program will help you plan a strategy for motivating you to begin or maintain to your exercise program.) May 26 – Holiday – Center Closed May 28 – “The Many Factors Influencing Investment Gains & Losses” by Joe Aspelund, David Lerner & Associates, 10:30 a.m. May 29 – The Quail Brook Senior Center Expo, 10:00-2:00 pm (The Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow Expo will feature a program “Safer You: Protection From Crime & Fraud” by Lisa Gilmurray, Detective-Sergeant with the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. There will be free refreshments, numerous health screenings provided by area hospitals, valuable information provided by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services and a catered lunch. For more information and to register call Barbara Karpinski at (908) 704-6346.)
The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
