South Brunswick Senior Center

Office on Aging

June Newsletter

A hard copy of this newsletter is available in the office

Celebrating Diversity and Freedom:

 A June to Remember

As we bask in the warmth of June's embrace, I am delighted to share with you the excitement and significance of this month. June isn't just about picnics and sunshine; it's a time to celebrate diversity, resilience, and the journey towards freedom.

First and foremost, let's raise our rainbow flags high as we honor Pride Month! June is a time to celebrate love, acceptance, and the beautiful tapestry of LGBTQ+ identities.

At our senior center, we embrace diversity in all its forms and Pride Month gives us the perfect opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. So, let’s hang up our rainbow decorations, attend a Pride-themed parade, and most importantly, let love shine brightly in our hearts!

But that's not all—June holds another significant event that deserves recognition and celebration: Juneteenth! On June 19th, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrate the enduring spirit of resilience and freedom. This Juneteenth, let's come together to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for liberation and justice. From inspirational music performances to insightful discussions about Black history and culture, let's make this Juneteenth a day of reflection, learning, and celebration. If you are able, please join Dawn for TED talks followed by discussion this month highlighting PRIDE and the meaning of Juneteenth.

As we embark on this journey of celebration and reflection, let's remember the power of unity and solidarity. Pride Month and Juneteenth remind us that our differences are our strengths, and our shared humanity unites us all. So, let's come together as one community, embracing diversity, championing equality, and spreading love and joy wherever we go. 



Wishing you all a June filled with pride, joy, and freedom!

My Best,

Caryl

VFW on Henderson Road's ceremony is at 10 AM on

Monday, May 27th

11 Henderson Rd, Kendall Park, NJ 08824

Phone: (732) 297-9823

The American Legion's ceremony is at 11AM on

Monday, May 27th

148 Major Rd, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852

Phone: (732) 329-9861

The Week Ahead

From the Desk of

Dawn Neglia

Social Worker

732.329.4000 x 7212

 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

   The United Nations has recognized June 15^th as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” and encourages citizens to take notice and action against abuse and neglect of our older adult population. According to World Health Organization, “elder abuse can be defined

as "a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship, where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person." Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect”.

   Often, we hear of unfortunate circumstances of child abuse, as there is a more heightened awareness to this terrible issue. However, older adults are also vulnerable to abuse due to their reliance on caregivers, physical limitations and cognitive impairment. These same factors can also result in the under-reporting of allegations of abuse or neglect. Abuse is also not an issue that only occurs in care facilities, it occurs in private residences as well. If an older adult is primarily isolated in a home, there may be no one to advocate for the person. Signs of physical and emotional abuse cam include

withdrawn or sad mood, unexplained injuries and bruises and isolation from friends or family. Financial abuse can be detected by a recent change in banking or spending patterns and signs of neglect can be noted when a person is disheveled or not receiving proper medical care.

   If you believe someone is being abused or neglected, there are steps you can take to address the problem. In instances where you are witnessing physical harm to an adult, the police should be the immediate contact. Although it can be intimidating to report abuse or neglect and some fear reporting misinformation, it can make the difference in

the well-being of an older adult. Adult Protective Services can be contacted to

investigate any suspected abuse or neglect in the private home of an older adult as well and most calls can be made confidentially.

For more information on elder abuse and what you can do, see the United Nations website at: United Nations - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

For more information on Adult Protective Services and elder abuse, see their website at: Adult Protective Services  



From the Desk of

Darlene Dawson

Benefits Coordinator

732.329.4000.x 7676

Do These Things Today, Be Safer Tomorrow…

 AN UPDATED “TO-DO” LIST TO MAKE IT MUCH HARDER FOR SCAMMERS TO REACH YOU.

Open your iPhone’s contact list and add your family, friends, doctors and other important numbers. Then go into your phone settings and turn on the setting for “silence unknown callers.” This will send any caller who isn’t in your contacts list directly to voicemail.

Every few months, revise the passwords on your financial accounts. Your best bet is to use a passphrase: Ilovemy17dogz! is much stronger than Scruffy23. Keep track of passwords in a highly secure password manager or by writing them down and storing them safely.

Make sure you are signed out of any financial apps on your phone—credit cards, financial institutions and peer-to-peer apps such as Venmo, CashApp or Zelle. Also make sure your account settings require security measures such as a PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition.

This ensures that if your phone is stolen, the thief will not have access to your money.

Audit your wallet or purse. That means remove cards and information you don’t need to carry (such as your Social Security or Medicare card). And make copies of anything you do need to carry (front and back) and store in a safe place at home.

Be skeptical. Many criminals use friendliness, compassion and kindness as their persuasion method, rather than fear and intimidation. Likewise, scammers create a sense of urgency to get you to act out of emotion rather than logic. If you feel pressured or manipulated, walk away, or hang up the phone.

Check your social media settings to make sure you have your accounts set to private.

This allows only people you choose to trust to view your pages and contact you.

Routinely monitor your credit report. Some banks or credit cards offer this as a free service. You can also go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228 to get free reports from the big three credit bureaus. Watch for unusual activity; if you see any, report it immediately to all three bureaus and appropriate financial institutions.

Special Events Sign up in the Office

June’s Special Events

Sign up is REQUIRED for these programs.

Attention: Primary Day is Tues., June 4 – Auds. 1 & 2 are closed for polling.

Pickleball Tournament- Friday, July 19 12:30p – 2:30p- Must be a Pickleball Player and have medicals on file. 

Registration opens: Mon. June 3  Registration Ends: Friday, July 12

Shirley’s Cocina Demo & Tasting- Tuesday, June 4^th 10:45am - Get immersed in Spanish food culture with Shirley. Shirley will feature recipes from her Puerto Rican heritage first demonstrating the recipe technique, followed by a tasting of the featured recipe.

Neurographic Art with Sangeeta- Wednesday, June 5 12:30pm – 2:30pm- Neurographic art is a meditative and intuitive artistic process that links the unconscious and conscious mind using brain cells called neurons. This creative method stimulates new neural pathways by combining art and psychology. No artistic ability necessary for this class, relax and unwind your mind.

Crafts with Kathy- Thursday, June 6^th 12:30pm- Join Kathy for fun crafts in a friendly and creative environment.

Deep Roots Rising Sound Healing- Tuesday, June 11^th 10:45am - Sound Healing is a powerful method of rejuvenating your body at the cellular level. Sound healing goes right to the DNA of your body's cells helping the cells to release energy that is old and ready to be released, while bringing in space for new energy. The Soundscape created by the sounds of the gongs, Himalayan bowls, chimes, bells, rattles, and other healing instruments creates a frequency that bathes your body. Join us for this special presentation afforded to us through a grant procured by the SB Library. Bring a Mat to lay on.

Foods for Eye Health- Tuesday, June 11^th 12:15pm – Want to improve your eye health? It may be as easy as adding or subtracting some foods from your diet. Join Jule Scalera, Nutritionist for the Middlesex County Meal Program for an informative presentation on eye health.

Repurposing with Art Lee- Tuesday, June 11^th 12:30pm Join Art Lee in turning old things into new things. Friendly crowd and always fun!

Low Vision Group- Wednesday, June 12^th 10:30am - Please join us if you have low vision or care for someone with low vision (or even if you are just interested in the topic).

Art Lee Indoor Garden Workshop- Wednesday, June 12^th 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.

Horseracing with Brandywine- Thursday, June 13^th 12:30pm- Kelly is back!! Sponsored by United Healthcare. Join us for this fun game of chance, place your bets and win a prize!

Bonsai Making with Hemant- Tuesday, June 18^th 12:30 – 2:30 - Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing and shaping miniature trees in containers, developed from the traditional Chinese art form of penjing. Join Hemant as he presents and demonstrates the Art in Bonsai Making and the History of the Bonsai Craft. This class is once per month June through September. Space is limited.

Anniversary Party w/ Barbara Harris – Thurs., June 20^th 11:30 – 1:30 Lunch 11:30–12:15 

Music 12:15–1:15 Must have signed up by June 6 Check in 10:30 – 11:20  

Be seated by 11:25am

New Member Mingle- Friday, June 21^st 12:30pm – New Members… join us to hear about all our events, clubs and classes your center offers? This is the perfect opportunity to talk to some of our other members and club presidents. Light refreshments served. Sign up by 6/20

July- Save the Dates



Senior Batting Practice in Reichler Park- Mondays 10:30am – 11:30am Ed Belding will be holding Senior Softball Batting Practice at Reichler Park Baseball field #1 closest to the pavilion. This program will be great for core strengthening & balance. Imagine hitting a homer and not having to run the bases! Dates: July 1, 8, 22, 29 August 5, 12, 19, 26 (Weather/Temperature Permitting) Medicals need to be on file. Bring a Glove if you have one. We Still looking for right handed glove donations

Art Lecture with Bart- TOPICS TO BE ANNOUNCED- Tuesday, July 9^th & 23^rd 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Patio Palooza with Brandywine- Thursday, July 11^th 12:30pm- Kelly is back! Join us for some Summer Games outside! Bring a towel, your sunglasses and don’t forget to apply Sunblock!

Crafts with Kathy- Thursday, July 11^th 1:30pm

Summer Jam with DJ Iron Mike- Thursday, July 18^th 11:30 – 1:30 

Lunch– 11:30–12:15 Music 12:15– 1:15  FRIENDS 50/50 Sign up at the office window by July 3^rd  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.

New Member Mingle- Friday, July 19^th 12:30pm New Members join us to hear about all our events, clubs and classes your center offers? This is the perfect opportunity to talk to some of our other members and club presidents. Light refreshments served. All members are welcome! Sign up by 7/18

Asbury Park Boardwalk- Friday, July 12^th - Fantastic food, eclectic boutiques, family fun, colorful nightlife and one of the best live music scenes in the world are just some of the things they’ve got going on, all tucked neatly along a historic beachfront promenade splashed with vibrant murals. There’s something for everyone at the Asbury Park Boardwalk.

Registration Lottery - Monday, June 3 12:30

Celebrating 18 Years of Hard Work and Dedication

To The Seniors of South Brunswick…

Caryl’s Retirement Party

Thursday, July 25^th 12:30 ~ Aud. 1&2

Please join the Senior Center Staff

as we honor our Director, Caryl Greenberg

Center Happenings

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

Bingo- Mondays 10:45am   Doors will close at 10:45am   

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. (no Braingames this month)

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

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 with Gilda

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.

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.

Mexican Train Dominoes with Bob- Mondays 12:30pm  Check the calendar for dates

Dominoes with a twist! 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. No meeting this month

This Month’s Movies:

The Eight Mountains- Friday, June 7^th 10:00am – 12:37pm - An epic journey of friendship and self-discovery set in the breathtaking Italian Alps, The Eight Mountains follows over four decades the profound, complex relationship between Pietro and Bruno. Pack a bag lunch and enjoy! (This is a foreign film with closed caption subtitles)

The Holdovers- Monday, June 24^th – 12:30pm – 2:45pm 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.

TED Talk Discussion Groups- Mondays 1:30pm

       Watch a selected TED Talk followed by a group discussion.

June 3^rd: The Truth About Juneteenth

June 10^th: Love No Matter What (Pride)

June 17^th: Why Eyewitnesses Get it Wrong

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 month

Class Descriptions

 (all classes can be modified to accommodate all fitness levels)

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.

Intermediate Mat Yoga with Daria- Daria is holding a monthly Intermediate Mat Yoga Class through August. Intermediate level yoga includes both strengthening and stretching poses and emphasizes internal awareness. This class is done in standing, kneeling and supine positions on the floor. This is a free class. Bring your own mats, blocks, straps and blankets and sign up in the office. Medical waivers must be on file for this class. Monday, June 10

Now & Zen-   On hiatus until September

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. Check calendar for daily times. Sign up and check in each day at the table outside the gym. Medical waivers must be on file. Priority is given to new players for the first 30 minutes of each day. We will also be offering coached, supervised play with instructor Carolyn Dardani Horensky. Learn / develop skills while having fun! 1x per month for beginners. Limited to 6 players per session and you must sign up in the office any time. No fee. Next lesson is June 14th 12:30-2 PM

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 - Wednesdays 9:30am throughout June then Friday’s at 10 AM beginning in July.

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.  

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, June 6^th   10:30am   All are encouraged to attend.

No meeting July or August

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

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, June 10^th   11:00am               FRIENDS BINGO  12:15pm

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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 – 6/5 (this month AUD. 2) 11:00am     

President: Ken Peabody kwpeabody@gmail.com or 732-991-4717

Bridge Club- Daily play. Lessons- Wednesdays in the lobby

In Search of: 3 Facilitators For Bridge Program

Tournament: No tournament this month

Bridge Coordinator: Shikaram Ramananda Gupta ramashikaram@yahoo.com

Golden Age Club- All are welcome to join. Meeting – June 12 & 26  1-3pm

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

President: Aggie Schwartz  Dues: $15.00 per year

SBSC Pickleball Club

• Meeting- First Thursday every Month at 12:30pm in Aud. 2
• Dues: Yet to be determined   
• Next Tournament: Friday, July 19 (open to all pickleball players)
• Senior Olympics Pickleball Practice:
• Mondays 8:30 – 10:30 beginning Monday, June 3

Next Club Hangouts:

Knob Hill Country Lanes Rt.33 -

Thursday, June 6 Details to follow

Committee Members: Richard Jackson, Bart D’Andrea, Raj Saktivel,

Gina Seepurshad, Patty Jensen, Palma D’Angelo, Nancy Kinal   

Questions: rjackson2012@aol.com

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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 – On Hiatus until September   

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Donations: We are looking for donations of empty liquor / wine bottles, white tissue paper, white chalk paint, printed rice paper for decoupage.

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

*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!!

Save the Dates

Longwood Gardens June 26

Ping Pong Tournament June 28

Jersey Shore Premium Outlets July 16

Wine Train

August - Date to be Announced

FRIENDS ANNUAL PICNIC September 19

Casino Trip

October – Date to be Announced

CULTUREFEST November 21

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)

Stop The Bleed- Wednesday, June 5^th 10:30am- Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign intended to cultivate grassroot efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Join Barbara Vaning, MHA, EMT Training Center Coordinator, with Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness, for this invaluable discussion.

July Save The Dates:

Memory Screening – Wednesday, June 24^th 9:30 – 11:30

To Register For Community Education Lectures/ Events

 Click Here

or 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.