By: centraljersey.com
The following programs are offered in the Monroe Township Senior Center, located in the Municipal Building on Perrineville Road.
The monthly newsletter is distributed around the 15th of the previous month.
For more information about these activities or to register in advance, call the center at 732-521-6111.
New Year: New Beginnings – Did you know you must be registered with the Office on Aging before signing up for monthly activities?
Start the new year right by obtaining a program policy manual at the Senior Center.
Instituted in 2008 to complement the new computer database system, the manual provides insightful information about the office’s registration procedure for regular and special programs, participant walk-ins, day-of event practices, refund guidelines and more.
So be an educated, registered member. Pick up a manual today.
Income tax assistance: By appointment only on Mondays and Fridays, trained AARP volunteer income tax counselors will provide a free tax return service to those with low to moderate incomes.
Limited transportation is available both days.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Rosanna at the office.
Due to this special service, transportation to center programs will not available Mondays and Fridays.
Let’s Wii! Reserve Wii Time Feb. 23.
Get your friends together to bowl, play baseball or tennis. Call to set up a Wii game.
Meaning of Food: Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 1:30 p.m., explore how food defines the different cultures that make up the American "melting pot" in this PBS home video, "Food and Culture," with award-winning New York chef Marcus Samuelsson as the DVD host.
Judge for Yourself: Thursday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m., "Judge Jen" returns to share, discuss and debate true stories and cases. Limited jury seats are available.
Advances in geriatric medicine: Monday, Feb. 28, at 1:30 p.m., learn about the University Medical Center at Princeton’s services to care for the older adult.
These include the Acute Care for the Elderly unit, geriatric friendly rooms and a specialized trained staff to meet the needs of the senior population.
It is one of the first hospitals in the state to offer this special nursing unit.
Judge for Yourself: Tuesday, March 1, 2 p.m., "Judge Jen" returns to share, discuss and debate true stories and cases. Limited jury seats will be available.
Take Control of Your Health: Tuesday, March 1, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., join Judy Kalman and Laura Petix for this six-week workshop (March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and April 5) to discover practical ways to enhance overall health. Those with chronic conditions or caregivers can learn a variety of self-management techniques to deal with fatigue, pain management, better breathing and relaxation as well as how to work more effectively with a health-care provider. Space is limited.
Chef Victor’s cooking demonstration: Thursday, March 3, 1:30 p.m., The Chelsea at East Brunswick will share executive chef Victor and his cooking expertise. He will be preparing a winter chicken vegetable soup with baked cheese peasant bread. Space is limited. Tickets are $1, due upon registering in person.
Healthy sleep: 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 4, Dr. Anays Sotolongo, director of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Comprehensive Sleep Center, will discuss changes in sleep as people age, medical issues that can affect sleep as well as the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Dvorak in Prague: A Celebration: 1 p.m., Monday, March 7, a DVD presentation featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Frederica von Stade and the Boston Symphony Orchestra performing in a concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Dvorak’s New World Symphony. It is hosted by Michael Ferreira.
Meet With Friends: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, join the Friends for the Senior Center for a brief meeting immediately followed by entertainment by the Melody Singers of Clearbrook. Be sure to pick up the monthly "Friendly Tidbits" about special news regarding the overnight trip to the Culinary Institute and upcoming special events.
Game 4 Games: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 10, an afternoon of games, including chess, checkers, Scrabble, video games, etc., as well as light refreshments. Register in advance.
The Civil War Journal: 1 p.m., Friday, March 11, join Michael Ferreria as he presents the key players and moments in the Civil War with this DVD series from The History Channel. During Session One, explore "John Brown’s Walk" and the "Destiny at Fort Sumter." Session Two, March 25, revisit key battles and famous regiments with "The Battle of 1st Bull Run" and "The 54th Massachusetts." When registering, note the date of the Civil War program on the form; transportation will not be available.
The Silent Crippler: Osteoporosis: 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 14. Dr. B. Gabriel Smolarz, board certified in internal medicine, Princeton Medical Group, discusses the most current information on the nature, causes, prevention, and treatment options of osteoporosis as well as the use of Actonel and Fosamax.
All About Shirley Temple: 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, Michael Kownacky and Ted Otten from WWFM The Classical Network will explore the life and career of "the little princess," perceived as either being "cute" or "decadent." Shirley Temple’s career in films, TV and politics make her a Hollywood legend.
Exercise: The Benefits: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, join Dr. Bryan Berger, Innovative Wellness Center, for this one-day workshop regarding the benefits of exercise from cardio to resistance training and the importance of muscle mass as well as "super-foods," self-motivation and achieving wellness.
Art of the Masters: 2 p.m., Friday, March 18, explore the life and career of Frank Stella and work in the artist’s style to create a personal masterpiece with markers. After the brief lecture, 16 participants are permitted to attend the project. However, interested individuals must obtain a project coupon while supplies last. In-person reservations are necessary to obtain a project coupon.
Movies in March: 1:15 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, "Inception," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, 150 minutes, PG-13).
Watercolor Studio: 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, join Clare Godleski, artist and teacher, for this eight-session watercolor class (March 23 and 30, April 6, 13 and 27 and May 4, 11 and 18). Registration fee is $40, due upon registering in-person before March 1. Space is limited. Students have the option to purchase either a student grade kit (on their own) or an artist grade starter kit, provided by the instructor, for $64.50 that includes all paints, paper and brushes. Learn about supply options the first day of class. Those who want the artist’s kit may pay when registering. Other everyday supplies can be found in the home – paper towels, tape, etc.
Sing Like No One is Listening: Jerome Kern: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 24, join Ina Light for a musical afternoon as she discusses the life and career of Jerome Kern. Afterward, sing along to well-known Kern tunes.
Van Gogh: 1 p.m., Monday, March 28, join Maurice Mahler, art historian, for this DVD presentation, "The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh."
Movies in March: 1:15 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, "The Social Network," (120 minutes), drama about the Founders of Facebook.
Old Towne and The Cornelius Low House: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 31, an illustrated talk about two historical sites in Middlesex County: East Jersey Olde Town Village and The Cornelius Low House, both located in Piscataway.
Senior Center notes
– "In the Green, You’ll Be Seen!"
This is the new motto for handling the influx of individuals seeking assistance at the receptionist’s desk. Come on in, "wait" and see for yourself.
– Typo errors happen. Feel free to call about a program misprint. Be sure to cross-reference between the calendar and newsletter for dates and times to check the program information.
– Special programs require registration. Check the Senior Focus’ Program News section for details. The calendar section shows special programs in bold and underlined print for the month.
Regular goings-on: From line dancing to folk dancing, from playing chess to playing harmonica, from dabbling with acrylic paints to dabbling in crocheting and knitting, the Monroe Township Senior Center has something for everyone.
Exercise classes, social events and programs keep our members’ minds and bodies active.
Support groups for diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s, cancer and low vision focus on specific needs.
Ideas for future programs are welcome.
Ongoing events
Income tax assistance for seniors: By appointment only, Mondays and Fridays, trained AARP volunteer income tax counselors will provide a free tax return service to those with low to moderate incomes. Limited transportation will be available both days. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Rosanna at the Monroe Township Office on Aging. Due to this special service, transportation to Senior Center programs will not be available Mondays and Fridays. For more information, call 732-521-2101.
Extra day for blood pressure screenings: The Monroe Township Senior Center will host registered nurse Cindy Lin from St. Peter’s Adult Day Care as she provides free screenings the fourth Thursday of the month in addition to the second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with Mimi and JoAnne, retired registered nurse volunteers. The new service will kick off Thursday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to noon (the fifth Thursday). For more information, call 732-521-2101. Support groups on winter hiatus: Stroke and lo-vision. These groups will resume in April.
All other support groups – cancer, diabetes and Parkinson’s – meet as usual during the winter.
In case of inclement weather, call the office first before venturing out.