South Brunswick Senior Center

Office on Aging

Weekly Update

A Note from Caryl Greenberg, Director

Thanksgiving. A dinner table laden with turkey and stuffing and cranberries and all the other foods of the season. Family that has slogged through the worst travel time of the year to be together. And football! What's Thanksgiving without football! But besides these (and other traditions), the core of the holiday is baked into its very name: Giving Thanks.  

We all face many challenges in our lives: personal problems, medical fears, family worries, and global concerns as well as economic uncertainties and so much more. And yet, even with the challenges we may be facing, many of us (including me) are able to feel blessed, especially at this time of year. For these blessings, we feel thankful and grateful, but that is not the same as ‘giving thanks’.                                                               

There are scientific studies that substantiate the old adage that ‘it is better to give than to receive,’ at least in relation to good mental health. Dr. Ann Vincent from the Mayo Clinic (who researches mind-body connections) found links between altruistic behavior and improved physical and psychological health. People feel better about themselves when they give of themselves, whether that be volunteering or giving monetarily. Remember also that the benefits of giving do not have to be a one time deal – the more you give, the better you feel. In other words, Thanksgiving is not the only time to Give Thanks. 

Believe it or not, research has also shown that generosity is also a wonderful ‘survival skill’ which helps you get through difficult times in your life. People who have survived trauma, natural disasters and being prisoners of war, according to Dr. Edward Creagan, all share a few characteristics which enabled them to flourish during difficult times. A sense of feeling connected: he found that community and relationships are crucial to survival. A sense of altruism: somehow sharing of themselves to make the lives of others better helped them to deal with their pain. And an optimistic attitude and sense of humor. 

In short, being part of something greater than yourself, being generous and having positive thinking is an excellent approach to ‘good mental health’. If you are not sure where to start to achieve the ‘feeling like you are part of something greater than yourself’ think about donating money, time or goods, or all three! My best wishes for a wonderful holiday celebration!

My Best,

Caryl

Please join your neighbors tonight at the Interfaith Clergy Association's

Thanksgiving Service

The South Brunswick Food Pantry, as always, relies on your generosity

to help us assist fellow residents who may need some aid feeding

their families, particularly during the holiday season.

Your generosity (of food and/or money) is deeply appreciated.

Thank you.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK AHEAD

Special Events

November

NADI- Preventive Strategies To Maximize Your Health

Tuesday, November 22nd 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

North American Disease Intervention is a service-oriented non-profit organization that strives to improve the management of Blood Pressure and BMI in local communities through health screenings and education. Join us for a screening, and preventive tips to improve your health.

Art Lectures with Bart D’Andrea -

Tuesday, November 22nd 12:30 PM

Rodin & Brancusi &The Father of Modern Sculpture/Bernini

EXPIRED: Am I reading this right?

Tuesday, November 29 at 12:30 PM

Join Olivia Forté-Gardner from REPLENISH food bank to learn the truth about food date labels on the things we buy every day. Afterwards, test your know-how with our guessing game Is It Still Good?.  You’ll be surprised about what you know! Brought to you by: REPLENISH, food bank for Middlesex County, and the South Brunswick Social Services Department.

Middlesex County Office of Aging & Disabled Services

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

December Programs:

Native American Dance Group

Thursday, Dec 1st 12:30pm

Music, dance and storytelling about

their culture. Sponsored by Middlesex County Culture & Heritage Department.

Holiday Stressors and Stress Management

Friday, December 9th 10:30am

Presented by Braven Health. Participants will learn the definition of stress, identify 3 different types of stress, understand the consequences of stress, learn the negative signs and symptoms of stress and effective coping

strategies for dealing with stress.

December Birthday Cake Celebration!

Thursday, December 13th 12:00pm 

Time to celebrate our center members with a birthday in December! Sign up for lunch and cake.

Book Club Special Event!!

Thursday, December 15th 10:30am

Please join us for a session with local best-selling author Judy Mollen Walters who will be discussing her novels and will share her writing process and experiences. Judy has an interesting background and is excited to share her novels, including her most recently published book “Perfect All the Time”. Space is limited, MUST sign up for this event.

Cocoa Dreams and Ugly Sweaters

Thursday, December 15th 12:30pm

Sponsored by Princeton Care Center. Lindsay’s back! Join us for a Hot Cocoa bar social complete with all the fixins! DOOR PRIZE ALERT- Raffle ticket given to all individuals wearing an “Ugly Holiday Sweater”!

Movie Themed Bingo 

Friday, December 16th 10:30am

Sponsored by Brandywine Assisted Living.

Literacy Awareness & Misinformation Presentation

Thursday, December 29th 10:30am

Join Pranav Karthikeyan, 8th grader from Montgomery Upper Middle School, media literacy advocate, a National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) ambassador and Keynote speaker at NAMLE conference, 2022. It is important to know how misinformation traps are all around us and how easy it is to fall victim to misinformation. This brief, information-packed 30-minute session with lots of examples will automatically empower us against these traps and help us gain credible information.