The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
625 New Brunswick Rd.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(908) 231-7312
Open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A Variety of Board & Card Games (Monopoly, Po-Ke-No, Yahtzee, Dominoes & Checkers) – Available Monday – Friday. If one of your favorite games is not listed and you would like to play, or if you are interested in starting a club with your favorite game, please inform the staff.
Indoor Shuffleboard – Monday – Friday.
Ping-Pong – Monday – Friday. Ping-pong (table tennis) is a relatively new Olympic sport since 1988. Take a shot at this fun game. Play either singles or a doubles game. It’s a great way to improve hand/eye coordination, concentration and agility. **Call for availability.**
Individual Computer & PED (Personal Electronic Devices) Instruction with Mike Dias – Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. **Call (732) 563-4213 to schedule an appointment. Check the monthly calendar for schedule updates.**
Healthy Bones Exercise Class with Joan Ackerman – Monday, 9:15 a.m. This is a peer-led, 24-week exercise and education program for individuals who are at risk of having osteoporosis or have it. Exercises focus on improving balance, strength, flexibility, and posture. Advanced registration is required. A doctor’s note is also required prior to the first class and then once every year. **For a new participant, the price is $45. This includes ankle weights, a participant’s manual and the class fee. If ankle weights are not needed the price is $15. Call Caitlin Witucki at (908) 704-6339 for more information.**
QBC News – Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. Enjoy discussing global breaking news and current events in a stimulating Q&A session. Fellow center members will take turns researching and sharing hot topics of the day.
The Regime Exercise Class – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 1 p.m. This is A head-to-toe workout that also uses intervals of weights, stretching and aerobic movements. Learn movements that lubricate joints for flexibility strengthen and stabilize muscles, increase blood circulation and with proper diet, participants may even lose weight! These exercises can help decrease falls and increase the ability to better accomplish day-to-day activities. This program can be practiced while either standing or sitting and with or without hand weights. Monday – Upper Body Routine,
Tuesday – Mid Section Routine, Wednesday – Lower Body Routine, Friday – Total Routine. **Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing; sneakers are required.**
Continuing Art Institute with Karen Haake – Tuesday, 1 – 3 p.m. Develop drawing skills and techniques in this class. Module 1 – Fine Line Studies; pressure, motor skills and techniques such as hatching, and cross-hatching. Module 2 – Details; learning visual accuracy is dependent upon the relationship between parts and the object as a whole. Module 3 – Reflection; reflections in perspective drawing reveal different parts of an object vs. mirror reflections. Module 4 – Gradation; learn the visual technique of gradually transitioning from one color hue to another, from one shade to another, or one texture to another to create form. **$10.00 fee per class; includes supplies.**
Bridge, Cards & Board Games with the Quail Brook Seniors – Thursday & Friday, 10:30 a.m. Classic games of strategy are a great opportunity for people of all skill levels to meet and socialize. Join the Quail Brook Seniors and volunteers for mind-stimulating and competitive games of Bridge, Texas Hold ‘Em,’ Monopoly, dominoes and more! If you have a favorite game that is not listed and you would like to play, and/or you are interested in starting a club, please inform the staff.
Crochet & Knitting with Esther Fowlkes – Thursday & Friday, 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. Learn the difference between the two methods of creating artistic patterns using fabric and yarn, and a single hook or two needles. What method do you think is easier? This class is for beginners, experts and those wishing to brush up on their skills. **Check the monthly calendar for the schedule.**
Line Dancing – Friday, 9:30 a.m. Line Dancing is so much fun that it doesn’t even seem like exercise! You don’t even need a partner. Dancing is an easy way to stay healthy both mentally and physically, as you work through different moves; and it has been shown to increase cardiovascular and muscular strength, and improve coordination and balance. This class is suitable for participants with limited mobility.
Table Tennis (Ping Pong) – Monday – Friday. Take a shot at being a tournament master by playing singles or doubles game. This competitive game has only been an Olympic sport since 1988 and it is a great way to maintain and improve hand-eye coordination, concentration, and agility.
Circuit Training – Thursday, 9:15 a.m. Have fun while performing cardiovascular exercises that raise your heart rate, tone your muscles in the upper and lower body and strengthen your core. Plus, improve your balance, overall agility and increase your ability to perform everyday activities more easily. Sneakers are required. **Cost is $40 for the eight-week program; the next session begins May 2. Register by April 26. Call (732) 563-4213 for more information.**
May 1, 8, 15 & 29 – Ageless Grace Fitness Program with Roz Gerken, certified ageless grace educator, 10:30 a.m. Ageless Grace is based on the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain and central nervous system to change structurally and functionally. This program is designed to activate all five functions of the brain (i.e. strategic planning, memory and recall, analytical thinking, creativity and imagination and kinesthetic thinking). The program is intended for participants of all abilities.
May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 – Wednesday Yoga with Dr. Prabha Srinivas, Council for Yoga Accreditation International at the S-Vyasa University of Yogic Sciences, Bangalore India), 1 p.m. Take control of your emotional and physical well-being through the practice of yoga and meditation while reducing stress in your life. Please bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement.
May 2 – “Kendo: Traditional Japanese Martial Art” with Michael Huang. Kendo, the “way of the sword” is the traditional Japanese style of fencing. As the roots of Kendo can be traced to early Samurai time, Michael will demonstrate this ancient form of free-flow sword movement.
May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 – Zumba Gold with Laurie Fetcher, 10:30 a.m. Using popular music designed to inspire a heart-healthy workout, Zumba Gold is accessible for participants age 60 and above, beginners or others needing modifications to their exercise routine. Zumba Gold builds cardiovascular health by challenging the heart and working the muscles of the hips, legs, and arms by using fun, energetic and rhythmic moves.
May 3 – “Friends and Family CPR Training,” Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy, 10:30 a.m. Family & Friends CPR is for participants who want to learn CPR but do not need a CPR course completion card to meet a job requirement. This course is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to save a life. Learn the American Heart Association’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique. Participants will receive course materials for use as a reference at home.
May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 – Friday Yoga with Jade Ko, certified yoga instructor, 2 – 3 p.m. Yoga is a holistic approach to health and wellness, and is also known for its stress-reducing effect. This yoga session will practice physical poses, breathing work and meditation with a specific emphasis on aligning the body and relaxation. Please bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing that will allow for movement.
May 6 – Flow & Flair: Flag Dancing with Mykel Dicus, EEC. Production, Inc., 10:30 a.m. Flow and Flair is a unique and creative program that uses progressive physical movement of the entire body through the use of flags that will challenge spatial and cognitive memory. Set to popular music and syncopated counting, the result is a series of sequential patterns that are physically invigorating and fun for the mind, body and spirit.
May 6 & 7 – “AARP CarFit Senior Driving Car Checklist” with AARP and AOTA, 1 – 4 p.m. Learn why the proper fit in your vehicle is essential for both your safety and the safety of others. CarFit was developed by the American Society on Aging in collaboration with AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association. This free 20-minute assessment provides participants with a quick, yet comprehensive 12-point checklist of how well you and your car work together. **Please call (732) 563-4213 to schedule an appointment. Space is limited.**
May 7, 14 & 21 – Body and Brain Yoga with Lucy Pagnetti, certified yoga instructor, 10:30 a.m. This mind-body practice combines stretching, flowing movement, deep breathing exercises and meditation in a simple and easy-to-learn format that helps develop the body’s core strength and helps improve physical, mental and spiritual health.
May 9 – “The Wellness Factor” by Dr. Barbara Etheridge, Etheridge Family Medicine. Learn helpful tips about living healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives. Learn how to make decisions proactively.
May 10 – “High Tea in the British Tradition” by Caitlin Campbell, MT-BC, Community Outreach, Foothill Acres, 10:30 a.m. Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British pastime and has been part of the nation’s culture for centuries. So, let’s cross the pond in our minds-eye and recreate this ceremonious event steeped in history. Don your best spring attire and savor a delectable sampling of delicious treats set with British accouterments, music, singing, and elegance; this is a nice way to celebrate Mother’s Day too. **Please call (732) 563-4213 to make a reservation.**
May 13 – Chair Yoga with Jade Ko, certified yoga instructor, 10:30 a.m. Chair Yoga is a series of specific poses adapted from regular yoga poses and is practiced seated in a chair. This gentle form of yoga can be an effective way to improve one’s overall health, increase strength, flexibility, mental clarity, and proprioception – and when practiced with regularity it can help reduce stress.
May 14 – “What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?” by Rutgers University, 2:30 p.m. Affectionately known as OLLI-RU, this Rutgers University curriculum for learning opportunities is designed for citizens 50 years of age and above who want to continue their learning experience and share knowledge with others. This is a noncompetitive, non-accredited class that is stimulating, friendly, and informal. Please stop in for more information and learn how to begin a new challenge.
May 15 – “Tickle Your Taste Buds” by Liz Holzmann, RD, ShopRite/Wakefern & Ayanna Sanders, RCVV-OT, nutrition student, 11:15 a.m. This is a tasty demonstration with big nutritional value and a twist on cooking the traditional Italian wedding soup.
May 16 – “Visiting the State of Israel” by Rabbi Garfinkel, Rabbi-Temple Beth El. Rabbi Garfinkel will present his exciting excursion and personal experience that details his trip to Israel and will describe the meaning of the culture, history, and holidays.
May 17 – Swinging Singing Seniors Presents “A Nod to Spring” Concert. This music venue filled with piano, songs, dance routines, and sing-along opportunities is sure to warm your heart!
May 20 & 31 – “Hula Happiness: Belly Dance Lessons” with Cheryl Lupa Glover, 10:30 a.m. Belly dancing is an ancient form of dance that has increased in popularity. Set to music, these belly dance lessons will demonstrate/teach circular movements and hip drops, figure eights, and shimmies. Participants will work through a complete range of gentle and repetitive movements that are great for the ligaments and joints in the hip and lower back, which is beneficial for the body just as much as traditional exercise.
May 22 – Fourth Annual Minute to Win It Competition, 10:45 a.m. Participants will visit the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater for the Minute to Win It competition. Sixty seconds, one minute, is all you will have to complete a task or challenge. Sometimes silly, sometimes challenging, but always fun! The Quail Brook seniors are ready to defend their championship title for the third time! Join us as we cheer on our seniors!
May 23 – “Orientation & Mobility for the Blind and Visually Impaired” by Ralph Malatesta, M.ED., COMS, State of New Jersey, DHS. This lecture is intended to help educate participants who have visual impairment, as well as their families and caregivers. Participants will learn about the services provided by the Department of Human Services (Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired) including education, employment, independent living and eye health.
May 24 – Tai Chi with Laurina Kuligowski, activities director, Regency Jewish Heritage Rehabilitation Center, 10:30 a.m. The practice of tai chi is based on shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. Studies have shown 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 those with balance problems. This program can be practiced while either standing or sitting.
May 27 – Center is closed.
May 28 – “Wild but Mild Senior Science Series: Part 2” with Kate Reilly, Duke Farm’s educator, 10:30 a.m. As a collaborative project at Duke Farms, the Quail Brook Seniors are visiting Duke Farms as part of Cornell University’s Citizens Science Project of Birds. During this series participants will learn about urban birding; collect general data about common birds in New Jersey using binoculars; find out how to identify the structural components of birds, and bird-food chains such as larger raptors (eagles) by using the Duke Farm’s eagle cam. They will also incorporate water quality information, and learn how macroinvertebrates support water and bird nutrition/migration.
May 30 – Knitting Lessons with Esther Fowlkes. This will be a rewarding class when participants learn the basics of knitting, which will unwind in this progressive learning platform as participants practice creative ways to use colorful yarn. Choose your styles and learn the ling, cast on, knit stitch, purl, and cast off. Meet in a friendly environment and treat yourself to a meditative, creative and eco-friendly hobby that will help reduce stress and anxiety.
