South Brunswick Senior Center

Office on Aging

May Newsletter

A hard copy of this newsletter is available in the office

May is Older American’s Month

    Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.

    This year’s theme, Powered by Connection, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.

This May, join us as we recognize the 61^st anniversary of OAM and challenge the narrative on aging. Here are some ways we can all participate in forming out futures:

   Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities here or elsewhere to bring in more growth, joy, and energy. 

    Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities. Have ideas for us to implement? Let us know!

       Stay engaged! Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at the Senior Center or elsewhere in the community.



       Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family and friends. Remember- a stranger is potentially your next dearest friend!



We have a fully packed calendar this month with options that will feed your soul, stimulate your brain and your exercise your body! There are so many options to support successful aging. We hope you find your passion! 

My Best,

Caryl

The week ahead!!

From the Desk of

Dawn Neglia

Social Worker

732.329.4000 x 7212



National Asparagus Month

The month of May bring us Spring weather, flowers and a lesser known celebration, National Asparagus Month! Asparagus is not only a delicious vegetable, it comes packed with nutritional benefits. According to Eating Well, it provides “a good source of fiber, vitamin C and folate. It is also an

excellent source of vitamin K, an essential nutrient for blood clotting and healthy bones. Notably, asparagus also contains chromium, a trace mineral that may enhance the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells—That's good news if you're watching your blood sugar levels.”

       Another benefit of this stalk vegetable is its link to brain health, a popular topic in our center. Eating Well notes that “it may help our brains fight cognitive decline. Like leafy greens, asparagus delivers folate, which works with vitamin B12—found in fish, poultry, meat and dairy—to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. If you're 50-plus, be sure you're getting enough B12, as your ability to absorb it decreases with age”. 

Read above for some asparagus trivia to boost your brain…

From the Desk of

Darlene Dawson

Benefits Coordinator

732.329.4000 x7676

Did you know…

12 Things That Are Free Under Medicare

    While most services come with a cost, some preventive screenings, vaccines and counseling are covered without charge. We worry a lot about what Medicare beneficiaries must pay out of pocket, such as monthly premiums, annual deductibles, copays for doctor visits and prescription drugs. But what many enrollees may not realize is that there are services that won’t cost them a cent. You can get vaccines and screenings for a number of illnesses and see your doctor each year for a wellness visit. You can also get counseling to help you kick smoking or manage your diabetes. You won’t be subject to any out-of-pocket charges for these services as long as you use a health care provider who participates in Medicare or, if you get your health care through a Medicare Advantage plan, an in-network medical professional. 

Here’s a look at what’s covered:

1. A onetime “Welcome to Medicare” visit if your new to Medicare

2. A yearly wellness visit

3. Vaccines

4. Diabetes screenings

5. Depression screening

6. Mammograms

7. Colorectal cancer screenings

8. Lung cancer screenings

9. Prostate cancer

10. Smoking counseling

11. Alcohol counseling

12. Nutrition therapy

For a full list of the program’s preventive and screening services, go to Medicare.gov.

Special Events Sign up in the Office

May's Special Events

Please sign up in the Office

Intergenerational Event- Beyond The Book Homeschool Visit-

Thursday May 2 12:30pm- 2:00pm The children are visiting today to work on their Community Service Badges. Join these homeschool students ages 5 – 10 for games, coloring, and reading.

Chair Yoga with Ria- Wednesday, MAY 29 12:30pm- Strengthens your muscles, improve your balance, reduce stress and open your heart through modified yogic postures, breath work, relaxation, and meditation. FREE, MUST sign up.

Tick & Mosquito Awareness and Prevention- Thursday, May 9 12:30pm- “Tick and Mosquito Awareness and Prevention” Learn about how to avoid these pests as the weather warms up and they become more active. Also learn what to do if you are bitten by one of them and what symptoms to look out for.”

Artflow with Sangeeta- “Watercolor Basics: Pen & Wash”- May 10 – June 28^th 8wks $56

Ladies Tea- Friday, May 10^th 12:15pm – Sponsored by Brandywine- Lesley and Kelly are back!! Join us for a High Tea in honor of Mother’s Day! Wear your fancy hats, bring your fancy tea cups and white gloves if you have em!

Repurposing with Art Lee- Tuesday, May14^th 12:30pm Join Art Lee in turning old things into new things. Friendly crowd and always fun!

Art Lee Indoor Garden Workshop- Wednesday, May15^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.

Western Roundup w/ Mark Miklos – Thurs., May 16^th 11:30 – 1:30 Lunch 11:30–12:15 

Music 12:15–1:15 Must have signed up by May 2^nd Check in 10:30 – 11:20  Be seated by 11:25am

Feel Good with Feng Shui- Friday, May 17^th 12:30pm- As you know, life is full of ups and downs. Feng Shui helps you achieve harmony, health, better relationships and happiness into your life. It helps you achieve these things by moving objects, balancing color and elements, utilizing cures and using intention. Feng Shui brings every aspect of your life into clearer focus.

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South Brunswick Senior Center Hosts…

90’s Birthday Bash Celebration & Luncheon

Wednesday, May 22  – 11:00am to 1:00pm

Must be age 90 or older and you are welcome to bring a guest.

South Brunswick Registration: https://forms.office.com/g/RMQQJ5DJbD  or call Jasmine at

732 329-4000 x7670. Registration for South Brunswick closes Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Center Members-The Auditoriums are closed.

There will be no coffee, microwave, or meals.

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Beading 101- Thursday, May 23^rd 12:30 – 2:30- Join Smita for a class in the Art of Beading. All supplies provided. Limited Seating.

New Member Mingle- No get together in May

APSEA- BMI and Blood Pressure Screening- Tuesday, MAY 28^th 10:00am – 12:00pm- Lobby

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

June- Save the Dates

Attention: Primary Day is Tuesday, June 4 - Auditorium 1 & 2 will be closed for polling.

Neurographic Art with Sangeeta- Wednesday, June 5^th 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

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.  

Foods that Benefit 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 Julie Scalera, Nutritionist for the Middlesex County Meal Program for an informative presentation on eye health.

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).

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 with Barbara Harris- Thursday, June 20^th 11:30 – 1:30 

Lunch– 11:30–12:15 Music 12:15– 1:15  FRIENDS 50/50 Sign up with Jody and Mary in the kitchen by June 6^th  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, 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. All members are welcome! Sign up by 6/20

Art Lecture with Bart- Picasso the Early and Late Years- Tuesday, June 25^th 12:30pm – 2:30pm

Helping Families of All Ages to Downsize, Declutter and Move Forward- Thursday, June 27 12:30pm – Join John Walsh, of Walsh Senior Solutions for a presentation on making areas in the home more livable so they can be used properly, and safely navigated. 

A note about our monthly parties:

We sincerely hope that you enjoy the wonderful parties we host: it's all about entertainment, food, fun and friends! However, over the course of the last several events, there have been issues ensuring adequate numbers of meals for those who have signed up ahead of time. As you know, the staff works hard serving lunch to you, and if you are not seated by lunchtime, it creates unnecessary stress and extra demand for us. For example, it is difficult to serve you if you sit down at a table that has already been served or whose order has already been taken. Therefore, please ensure that you are you are seated by 11:25 AM. We can then begin to serve promptly at 11:30 right after the Pledge of Allegiance.

As always, it is important that if you have signed up in the lunchroom with Mary or Jody that you call or email them to cancel if you cannot make it.

When you sign up for a party, you select vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. You CANNOT switch from one to the other after making your selection. Menus are available to you on the bulletin board outside the kitchen; please consult them before making your selection for the party. 

Lastly, we cannot have a 'waitlist' for parties. It is incumbent upon you to be aware of programs and events that take place at the center. If you are traveling, please make sure to check your email as a bulletin including all information is sent weekly. You are welcome to email Jody and her email can always be found at the bottom of constant contact emails and newsletters. If you email to RSVP for the party please pick up your ticket before the start of the event.

If you are not registered for the party you will not be able to attend any part of the party. We have capacity to include 150 individuals so you will most likely not be closed out. You are also welcome to bring a lunch from home but you still need to register for the program and be seated by 11:25 AM.

As a courtesy, during parties we will set up coffee in the lobby for those individuals not attending the party.



Please reach out if you have any questions.

Best,

Caryl

Center Happenings

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

Bingo- Mondays 10:30am  Doors will close at 10:30am   

Book Club- Most 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.

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

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

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. Check calendar for added days.

 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. 

This Month’s Movie:

The Eight Mountains- Friday, May 3^rd 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!

TED Talk Discussion Groups- Mondays 1:30pm

Watch a selected TED Talk followed by a group discussion

May 6^th: It’s Time For Infectious Generosity

May 13^th: Let your Garden Grow Wild

May 20^th: What Foods Did your Ancestors Love?

Veteran’s Group- Meets 2^nd Tuesday this month at 10:00 AM for a special movie presentation, “ 

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 monthly

Class Descriptions

 (all classes can be modified to accommodate all fitness level

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.

Now & Zen- Some Wednesdays and Tuesday’s 1:30pm  (please check calendar)

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. Sign up and check in each day at the table outside the gym. Medical waivers must be on file. the. We will also be offering coached, supervised play with instructor Carolyn Dardani Horensky. Learn / develop skills while having fun!

Instruction will be 1x per month for beginners- office for registration and info

Limited to 6 players per session and you must sign up in the office . No fee.

Next date for instruction is Friday, May 10

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- Fridays 10:00am  On Hiatus

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.  

Mat Yoga with Daria- Great News!! Daria will be holding a monthly Mat Yoga Class now through August. This class is done standing as well as kneeling and laying in on the floor. This is a free class brought to us through a grant procured by the SB Library. Bring your own mats, a blanket and blocks if you have them. Sign up in the office. Check calendar for dates. This is not a beginners class.

Must have prior experience in Mat Yoga

Medical waivers must be on file for this class. Limited space

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, May 2 10:30am  All are encouraged to attend.

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 (resident seniors).

Membership forms are available at the office or on our website.

Co- Presidents: Satya Agarwal  Vice Pres. Public Relations- Geeta Balasubramanian

Vice Pres. Programs- Gina Seepurshad   Vice Pres. Membership- Shikaram Ramananda Gupta

Meeting: Monday, May 13^th 11:00am               FRIENDS BINGO 12:15pm

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 – 5/1 (this month AUD. 2) 11:00am     

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

Bridge Club- Daily play. Lessons- Daily in the lobby  Need 3 Facilitators For Bridge Program

Tournament: Tuesday, May 7^th 12-2:30

Bridge Coordinator: Shikaram Ramananda Gupta ramashikaram@yahoo.com

Golden Age Club- All welcomed to join. Meeting – May 8 and 15 1-3pm (Note change in date)

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. 1

Dues: Yet to be determined  Tournaments: Bi-Monthly 

Next Club Hangouts: Knob Hill Country Lanes Rt.33 - Thursday, June 6^th 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

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.

Mobile Library- Tuesdays 12:00pm – 12:45pm outside our main entrance

Library Tech Help / Computer Lab – Thursday, May 9^th  

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Donations: We gratefully accept monetary donations. All donations go to senior programs.

Checks are payable to South Brunswick Senior Center. “Tribute Cards” available $15 per pack of ten. Donations are tax deductible. 

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

Prince Tea House May 15

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)

May Events

It’s an Emergency, What Do I Do?- Wednesday, May 1^st 10:30am - Whether it's an accidental injury or sudden chest pains, knowing when to call 911 is essential. Join Barbara Vaning, MHA, EMT Training Center Coordinator, with Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness, for this interactive, educational lecture designed to teach you when to call for help.

AARP SMART DRIVER PROGRAM - Wednesday, May 29^th 9am – 3pm

Call your insurance company to determine whether you can lower your bill by completing this class.

June Save The Dates:

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.

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.