Hillsborough Senior Citizens Chapter A meets the first Thursday of the month in the municipal complex. We are open to new members.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m., allowing you time to review the activities we offer. The meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. Dick Meier is president and you can call him at 359-6948.
We seniors of chapters A & B were given a wonderful treat March 10 to a free performance of “Phantom of the Opera.” Before the performance we were treated to a spaghetti dinner followed by a table full of desserts. All this was served to us so graciously by the students of Hillsborough High School.
Our high school has become one of the first in the country to stage this wonderful musical, since the rights have just recently been made available. This is not just a run-of-the-mill musical; it requires participants who have good voices and the ability to read the complicated score. All cast members excelled in this regard.
Christine had a wonderful trained voice able to reach some of those high notes. The Phantom was excellent, a great mature voice he used with great expression, better than I thought than many phantoms over the years. Raoul was excellent, as was Carlotta, with those high notes her character required. The whole cast and production were great.
It took a lot of imagination for the scenery. This was, after all, not Broadway. Tell friends and go see the talent we have in our township. Cost is $10. I’m sure they will be pleased.
I hope you have paid your yearly dues of $5 because this is the end of the grace period. You’ll be off our roster for non-payment.
Trip updates
March 17 — St. Patrick’s Fest at Doolan’s, Spring Lake. We have been here and never been disappointed. Cost is $71. Depart from Pathmark lot at 10:15 a.m.
April 7 — Regular meeting, health fair. This year, it’s open to both chapters from 10 a.m. to noon. There is a whole list of professionals for you to discuss your concerns with. Come take advantage of this free service, free to all. Our regular meeting will commence after noon. We’ll end with refreshments.
April 13 — Member Appreciation Lunch at the municipal building. Cost is $12, which is refunded on your arrival. A nice lunch will be followed by bingo with cash prizes. You have to sign up — no walk-ins.
April 28 — “A Chorus Line” at N.J. Performing Arts Center, Newark. We’ll have the large bus so you can travel in comfort. Lunch will be at Essex House in West Orange. Cost is $87. Depart from Pathmark lot at10 a.m.
May 9-13 — Niagara Falls and Toronto. If you’ve never been, you’ll enjoy the mighty spectacle of the falls.
Atlantic City — First Monday of the month. The bus leaves at 9 a.m. from Pathmark lot and is open to everyone. Call Jo for details at 908-359-6418.
Play cards every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. in our senior room. and mah-jongg on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Bring a snack. We have some very dedicated players who are looking for more people.
”It’s better to be short of cash than short of character.” — Grit magazine.
— Elsie Slusser
CHAPTER B
Chapter B members met March 10 for their regular monthly meeting. We met at the Municipal Building all-purpose room and the doors opened at 11:30 a.m.
Spaces for trips were available for purchase. A good practice is to bring your checkbook or a few checks and be ready when we start selling at 11:30 a.m. We always have many eager members ready to sign up. If you plan on purchasing a space for a trip, you must be present to purchase your own ticket.
The major order of business was the presentation of our by-laws with some amendments and revisions. After much discussion regarding these revisions, a vote was taken. The amended by-laws were approved by the membership. However, there were two amendments to the amendments and they will be voted on next month.
Our guest speaker was Detective Barry Bittenmaster from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, who gave a wonderful presentation regarding fraud as it pertains to seniors. He gave a slide presentation and a 45-minute talk, answered questions and was very informative. This was well received by the membership.
Our Anniversary Luncheon committee has met for its first planning meeting for the event in June at the Somerville Elks Club on Route 28. We were told at the meeting to get out our cowboy boots and hats — country Western is our theme. Cost for luncheon will be $30; upon attendance you will receive a refund of $20. We will start selling tickets in April.
Trip updates
• Our overnight trip to Mystic, Conn., for April 6-7 is closed out.
• Spaces are available for our overnight trip to the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, Pa., on May 16-17. Cost of trip for a double is $285 and $345 for a single.
• Tickets for our March 17 bingo will be sold at the March meeting.
• Chapter B members will gather on April 14 for our annual spring luncheon, which will be held at the Municipal Building in lieu of our regular meeting. A cold buffet will be served by a local caterer. The March meeting was our cut-off date for purchase of these tickets. No exceptions. Cost is $15 and money will be refunded upon attendance.
Need more information? Call 908-359-8412.
— Nancy Greggo
SENIOR CENTER
The Hillsborough Senior Center, operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, is at 339 South Branch Road.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All programs begin at 11 a.m. unless otherwise listed. Call for lunch reservations by 11 a.m. the day before.
Exercise is held every Tuesday and Friday.
For information, contact the center at 908-369-8700.

