South Brunswick Senior Center

Office on Aging

Monthly Newsletter

You can pick up a hard copy of this newsletter in the office.

South Brunswick Senior Center

Office on Aging

Monthly Newsletter / February 2023

 A Note from Caryl Greenberg, Director



Random Acts of Kindness

It is very rare that I find myself in a fast-food drive-thru lane, but last week while running around knocking errands off my to-to list, I had a desperate craving for a cup of coffee, and no time to stop and go inside somewhere to buy one. I happened to see one of the coffee chains up ahead, so I decided to satisfy my urge with an unusual (for me) quick stop. There were only a couple of cars ahead of me in line, and I was able to place my order in less than 2 minutes. I pulled up to the first window to pay, and the very pleasant young lady looked at me, broke into a big smile, and told me that there was no charge -- the person in the car in front of me had already paid for my order. I have to admit that my first reaction was total shock, but that quickly changed to a feeling of gratitude, of warmth and of

appreciation of the grace of a perfect stranger, one who I would never meet. My surprise dissipated enough for me to stammer out a thank-you, and I managed to remember to ask how much the next person's order was, and paid for their meal. It was more than I would have paid for my coffee, but it didn't matter. The human connection that I felt in the moment was too meaningful, too important to lose. I wanted the next person to experience this random act of kindness just as I had, and I hope that the favor was paid forward for many hours at that random coffee shop.

    We have a family friend who drives a pickup truck. In the winter, he attaches a plow to the front after storms and drives around his neighborhood, clearing driveways of accumulated snow. He doesn't ring the bell, or ask people if they need it done; he just jumps in, knowing that each driveway he clears makes it that much easier for someone to get to work, or a medical appointment, or get their shopping done.

    The great 12th century philosopher and scholar Maimonides described 8 levels of charity. The highest level is to support someone by finding them employment, so they won't need to be dependent on others, but the next highest level is giving to someone anonymously; you don't know who the gift is going to, and the recipient doesn't know who the donor is. This is a true act of kindness. 

    February is designated Random Acts of Kindness Month. Unexpected acts of kindness are truly a blessing. New research described in the Journal of Experimental Psychology shows that people who perform a random act of kindness tend to underestimate how much the recipient will appreciate it. That miscalculation could hold many of us back from doing nice things for others more often

(NY Times 9/2/22)

Each of us interacts with so many others throughout the week. Imagine the increased happiness in everyone's lives if you hold a door open for someone, or compliment them on their new (or old!) sweater, or spend time with a friend who's struggling with an issue. Random acts of kindness can be the fuel that adds to the joy that people experience, can be the reason a smile appears on someone's face, or can turn someone's day from sad to happy. Think about the collective potential power we all have in making our little corner of the world a little better place to live.  

All my best,

Caryl 

Please Click above calendars for details and times

Monday January 30

• Mah Jong Lessons
• BINGO
• Movie- The Lost City
• Art Class
• Body Sculpting
• Dancersize
• Pickleball (1:30 not previously scheduled)

Tuesday January 31

• ESL Lessons/Conversations
• PRAB Presentation
• Travel Club
• Sweatin to the Oldies
• Pickleball (not previously scheduled 1:30 PM)

Wednesday February 1

• Match War with Al
• Crocheting/Knitting
• Bridge Lessons
• Writing Away
• Quakerbridge Mall Trip
• Billiards Club Meeting
• Body Sculpting
• NO Now and Zen
• Badminton
• LOTTERY FOR MOVIES
• CLICK FOR REGISTRATION FORM

Thursday February 2

• Canasta Lessons
• No Book Club
• Senior Advisory Council
• Ceramics
• Horseraces/Sponsored Brandywine Senior Living
• Crafts with Kathy
• Chair Yoga
• Pickleball

 Friday February 3

• Movie/Lion/bring a bagged lunch
• Mobile Library
• Using your Wits
• No What's on Your Mind
• Zumba
• Pickleball

Wednesday, February 15th

Trip to the Picture Show in East Windsor

LOTTERY WEDNESDAY:FEB 1

Forms in office

Drawing at 11:15 am

Fill out registration prior to then

$7.00

Transportation provided

Special Events- Sign up is REQUIRED for these programs.

Please sign up with Jasmine in the office or by calling 732 329-4000 x 7670

Sign up early, so you don’t miss out

Horseracing with Brandywine- Thursday, February 2^nd 12:30pm- Leslie and Kelly are back!! Place your bets and win a prize!!

Crafts with Kathy- Thursday, February 2^nd and February 23^rd at 1:30pm- Join Kathy for fun crafts in

a friendly and creative environment. On February 2^nd we’ll be making a Valentine’s craft for the Indian Fields students who will be visiting us for Valentine’s Day.

Using Your Wits- Part Two- Friday, February 3^rd 1:30pm- Sponsored by Always Best Care- Join Lisa Bayer for Part Two of this informative, fun and interactive series on keeping our brains healthy as we age.

Exploring Rhythm and World Music- Monday, February 6^th 12:30pm- Another great cultural program sponsored by the Middlesex Office of Arts and History. Musician, Victor Marshall, will take the audience through an interactive and engaging introduction to drumming and percussion from around the world.

Lottery Presentation- Thursday, February 9^th 12:30pm- Join us for a presentation on the NJ Lottery.

                                  Psssst!... You don’t want to miss it! They’ll be giveaways! 😊

Repurposing with Art Lee- February 14^th 12:30pm Join Art Lee in turning old things into new things. Friendly crowd and always fun!  

Valentine’s Day Social- Tuesday, February 14^th 12:30pm Join us for some sweet treats and some very special visitors from the Indian Fields school! Space is Limited

Art Lectures with Bart D’Andrea

Henri Matisse - February 7^th 12:30pm-  Master of color and simplicity

Henri Lautrec - February 28^th 12:30pm- Post impressionists who brought the city of Paris to his paintings.

Art Lee Indoor Garden Workshop- Wednesday, February 15^th 12:30pm- Join Art Lee Master

Gardener for garden tips. Indoor gardening and plant tips throughout the late Fall and Winter season.

 Mardi Gras Party with Joe Grillo- Thursday, February 16^th  11:00 – 1:30 

Dress to impress wear your Green, Gold and Purple Threads, and Masks and Beads!! 

Jambalaya for lunch today! Lunch 11:30 – 12:15 Music 12:15 – 1:15

SIGN UP by Thursday, February 8^th WITH JODY & MARY IN THE KITCHEN

February Birthday Cake Celebration will be during the Mardi Gras Party please let us know if

you are celebrating your birthday this month when you sign up for Mardi Gras

 New Member Mingle- Friday, February 17^th 12:30pm- Are you a new member? Want to hear about all the wonderful events, clubs and classes your center offers? Join us here at the New Member Mingle for some light refreshments, social games, and an opportunity to talk to some of our other members and club presidents. All members are welcome!!

Kindness is Key- Thursday, February 23^rd 12:30pm- Join Jill for a fun filled uplifting event about spreading kindness and positivity.

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- 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. Recommendations on books are always welcomed by the group.

Braingames with Ram- Studies show that playing games may improve cognative health in older adults. Join Ram for a variety of trivia and other Braingames. Every Second and last Friday of the month at 12:30 pm   

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

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.

MUST pick up pieces last Thursday of every month. Names or initials MUST be on every piece. 

ESL (English As A Second Language) Class  – Tuesdays 10:45am- Do you wish to improve your English speaking skills for practical uses such as shopping, traveling, and dining out at restaurants?

NEW 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 from 9.30 - 11:30- MATCH-WAR is an exciting card game where the players must pluck a card to find their MATCHING card within 30 minutes. This fun and laugh out loud game will provide an opportunity to meet new friends at the Center. 

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 Movies:

Lion - Friday, February 3^rd 10:00am- Five year old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted. (2h 22m- bag your lunch for this movie if you’d like)

Till - Monday, February 27^th 12:30pm- Till' is a profoundly emotional and cinematic film about the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley's relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. 2h 11m

TED Talk Discussion Groups- Mondays 1:30pm

Listen to a selected podcast or TED Talk followed by a group discussion

NO TED TALKS THIS MONTH WILL RESUME IN MARCH

Travel Club – Meets last Tuesday of the Month at 1:45pm Love to travel, want to share your stories and experiences with others or do you want to learn about different countries, cultures? This is the

group for you! 

Veteran’s Group- Meets 2^nd Tuesday every month 10:30am. Enjoy the comraderie of fellow veterans.

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. 

Middlesex County Office of Aging & Disabled Services

Lunch is served from 11:30 AM -12:15 PM

Mardi Gras Party with Joe Grillo-

Thursday, February 16^th  11:00 – 1:30 

Dress to impress wear your Green, Gold and Purple Threads, and Masks and Beads!! 

Jambalaya for lunch today!

Vegetarian Option

SIGN UP by Thursday, February 8^th WITH JODY & MARY IN THE KITCHEN

February Birthday Cake Celebration will be during the Mardi Gras Party

please let us know if

you are celebrating your birthday this month when you sign up for Mardi Gras

Lunch 11:30 – 12:15 

Music 12:15 – 1:15

Sign up with Jody or Mary in the kitchen or call

732.329.6171 by 

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

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 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.

BollyX- On Hiatus

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.

Dancercise - Mondays 12:30pm  Join us for a little fun and cardio/ volunteer led! FREE

Linedancing- February 16 10:00 A line dance is a choreographed dance in which a group of people dance along to a repeating sequence of steps while arranged in one or more lines or rows. Dance to Country hits and some of today’s popular linedance music. Let’s have some fun! FREE

Now & Zen- Every other Wednesday at 12:30 pm in Auditorium 2 

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

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  

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.  

March- Save The Dates- SIGN UP at Office

Using Your Wits- 3 - Friday, March 3^rd 12:30pm- Sponsored by Always Best Care- Join Lisa Bayer for this informative, fun and interactive series on keeping our brains healthy as we age.

South Brunswick Traffic Safety Presentation- Thursday, March 2^nd 12:30pm SB Police Department Sargeant Holsten will be here with updates on traffic patterns and safety within the town. Please join us for an informative presentation and Q&A session with the officers at the end.

Spring Crafts with Brandywine – Thursday, March 9^th 12:30pm- Leslie and Kelly are back!! Join us for crafts. Space is limited. Sign up by Wednesday, March 1st

Sun Salutations Yoga - Floor and Chair – Friday, March 10^th 12:15 - Join Ashwini and Health for Humanity for traditional as well as chair surya namaskar in our large gym. This program targets all

levels and the instructors will be demonstrating floor positions as well as chair positions. If you will be participating in floor positions please bring your own mat.  FREE

March Birthday Cake Celebration!- Tuesday, March 14^th  12:00pm Time to celebrate our center members with Birthday’s in March!  Sign up by Tuesday, March 7^th

Let’s Get Jiggy Party with Bruce Foster- Thursday, March 16^th   11:00 – 1:30 

Lunch 11:30 – 12:15 Music 12:15 – 1:15

SIGN UP by Wednesday, March 8^th   WITH JODY & MARY IN THE KITCHEN

St. Patty’s Day New Member Mingle- Friday, March 17^th 12:30pm- Are you a new member? Want to hear about all the wonderful events, clubs and classes your center offers? Join us here at the New Member Mingle for some light refreshments, social games, and an opportunity to talk to some of our other members and club presidents. All members are welcome! Wear your Green!! Sign up by 3/10

APSEA- BMI and Blood Pressure Screening- 10:00am – 12:00pm-  Auditorium 1

Chair Yoga with Ria- Wednesday March 22^nd 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.

History of New Jersey Towns and Businesses- Thursday, March 23^rd 12:30pm- Presented by Shaun Illingworth, Director of the Rutgers Oral History Archives. Join Shaun and learn the origins and history of our local towns and their businesses.

Effective Physician Office Visits- Friday, March 24^th 10:45am- Presented by Braven Health. This presentation walks people through the steps we should take in preparation for our doctor visits. The

time spent with the doctor is also discussed and shows how, by preparing and using the simple tools provided, the visit can flow smoothly and the patient will walk away feeling "heard". There is also a

focus on post-visit responsibilities, and the "contract" that was made with the practitioner. Tools are provided to help break the communication barrier between patient and physician.

“Heads-Up For Seniors”: Fall Prevention & Concussion Prevention Safety Tips

Wednesday, March 29^th 10:30am- Presented by Debbie Aidelman The goal of this presentation is to educate and inform seniors about strategies intended to increase safety in the home and around the community. You will learn strategies regarding ways to prevent falls, “walk, bike and drive” more safely, and receive a safety checklist to anticipate and avoid potentially hazardous situations.

Clubs and Groups

• The Senior Advisory Council (SAC) is a 13 member board appointed by the Mayor and Township Council who discuss issues that impact the Senior Center. Everyone is welcome. Township Liaison: Mayor Charlie Carley
• Chair: Geeta Balasubramanian. Meeting: February 2nd. 10:30am (All are welcome 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 & Mohandas Hemrajani. Co-Vice Presidents: Lynne Brown & Geeta Balasubramanian. There is no FRIENDS meeting or Friends Bingo this Month.

*

• 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 of the month at 11:00am. President: Ken Peabody kwpeabody@gmail.com or 732-991-4717

• Bridge Club- Daily Bridge play. Friendly Duplicate tournaments are played. Lessons- Wednesdays 10:00am with Lynne Brown. Tournaments: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 12:00pm- 2:30pm. Coordinator: Satya Agarwal satya.agarwal@gmail.com

• Golden Age Club- All welcomed to join. Meeting: Second & Fourth Wednesday of the Month at 1:00 – 3 PM. President: Aggie Schwartz Dues: $15.00 per year

• Knit and Crochet Club- Supports organizations serving communities in crisis. Yarn donations are always appreciated! Newcomers are always welcome! Meets: Wednesdays 10:00am - 12:00pm. Coordinators: Ann Markey & Diane Duffy

• Badminton- Keep your eye on the Birdie! Wednesdays 1:30 – 4:15 Equipment Provided

• Ping Pong- Group play with others! Equipment provided. Weekdays: 8:30am – 4:15pm

• NEW Pickleball! Medical Waivers must be on file from your physician. Daily except Wednesday: Click Wellness Calendar for details

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.

A tremendous thank you to Bhalchandra Vagyani

for his generous donation!!

Donations are tax deductible. We are always in need of new items for Bingo prizes and door prizes. We are in need of Scrapbook Paper all colors all patterns welcome… thank you.

Interested in Bridge Tournaments? 

Contact Shikaram Ramananda

ramashikaram@yahoo.com

for more information

You must be a member of Friends to play.

We also offer Bridge Lessons!!

South Brunswick “FRIENDly” Matters

January fast approaches! 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!

Bagels, Bingo, Bus Trips, Entertainment, 50/50, Prizes and so much more!!

PLEASE BECOME A MEMBER (Click) OF FRIENDS TODAY!

Contact Mohandas Hemrajani: 240639@gmail.com

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 walk ins/no appts.
• 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)

Or register online at: click

Blood Pressure Screening- Tuesday, February 21^st  

10am – Noon

(No Appointment necessary)

AARP Driver Safety Program

Wednesday, March 22^nd 9:00am – 3pm

$20 AARP members $25 non-members.

Discounts for insurance. Pay at the Door.

Event will be held in Auditorium 1 Senior Center

Register at the link

https://www.princetonhcs.org/events?term=south+brunswick

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, a Covid-19 Waiver form and show proof of residence and age. If you have a family member living with your for at least 4 months, they are welcome to become a member.

Meals: We are a congregate meal site for Middlesex County. For a delicious hot meal, call Jodi or Mary at 732-329-6171. Lunch served at 11:30 am- 12:15 PM, Monday to Friday, must be 60+. Please call by noon one day ahead for reservations. Suggested donation $2.25

Home Delivery: Suggested donation: $2.75. Please call if you need home delivery.

 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.

* 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.