South Brunswick Senior Center

Office on Aging

Weekly Update

South Brunswick Senior Center/Office on Aging

Monthly Newsletter / October 2022

A Note from Caryl Greenberg, Director

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

These words are spoken by Lucy Maud Montgomery's character, the orphan Anne Shirley, in her classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, as she reflects on and revels in the beautiful autumn scenery of the beloved Prince Edward Island farm that was her first true home. 

The visual delight of oranges, reds, and bronzes; the taste of pumpkin spice; the crackling and delicious scents of wood fireplaces and the crunch of leaves beneath our feet! October is a delight for the senses and a very welcome transition away from the heat and humidity of a very hot summer. 

Transitions aren't only about the weather; while fall is a season of transition, it is also a reminder that transitions and change happen whether we like it or not! And with transitions come opportunities for reflection. 

What better time than this season of change to reflect on changes you may want to make in your life. Maybe you want to try to be a better friend to someone who you've taken for granted lately, or maybe you want to seize the opportunity to become a little better organized. 

All people, no matter their age or abilities, have the capacity and capability to grow. What better time to start down that road then this season of transition. 

October reminds us to be thankful for our bounty and to have fun! The crisp, beautiful mornings lure us outside and as we see our breath we are reminded of the weeks ahead and how soon we will be wearing hats, scarfs and dare I say, get our shovels ready!

Autumn is also a great time for you to discover something new at the Senior Center. We are constantly adding programs and as new members join there are so many new, happy faces just waiting to befriend you. If it’s too cold to walk outside in the coming weeks, feel free to ‘come on in out of the cold’ and walk the circumference of our gym (if there is no scheduled class). We can't wait to welcome you with smiles.

Happy October!

Caryl

732.329.4000 x7682

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK AHEAD

Center Happenings

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

Bingo- Mondays 10:30am Bingo is a $1.00 fee. Purchase $5.00 Bingo Pass in office. You can share your card with a friend. Please purchase cards prior to game time. 

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 cognitive 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

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.  Names or initials MUST be on every piece. 

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:

Practical Magic - Friday, October 7^th 10:00am- American fantasy romantic drama film based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman. Two witch sisters, raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town, face closed-minded prejudice and a curse which threatens to prevent them ever finding lasting love. 1h 44m

Dracula, Dead and Loving It- Monday, October 31^st 12:30pm- A gothic comedy horror film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Leslie Nielsen. It is a spoof of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula and of some of the story's well-known adaptations. 1h 28m

Podcasts/TED Talk Discussion Group- Mondays 1:30pm

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

 October 3rd: TED: Why Fun is the Secret to a Healthier Life

October 10^th: Closed

October 17^th: TED: An Invitation to Reexamine your Familiar World

October 24^th: TED: Why do we Sleep?

October 31^st: Podcast: Say Aloe to My Little Friend

Travel Club - 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. 

Special Events- Sign up is REQUIRED for these programs.

Please sign up with Jasmine at x 7670 or email jaynilia@sbtnj.net

Pink Out Party- Wednesday, October 5^th 12:30pm – Sponsored by Brandywine Assisted Living.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join us in wearing or trimming yourself in pink. There will be light refreshments and games.

Allocating Assets and Basic of Stocks and Bonds- Thursday, October 6^th 12:30pm- Maury Randall is back!! Dr. Randall briefly reviews what is happening in investment markets and describe some of the basics in analyzing stocks and bonds including risks and potential returns. General information only, Dr. Randall is not a fiduciary.

Fire Safety Education for Adults”- Tuesday, October 11^th 10:15am - Adults age 65 and over suffer twice as many fire deaths as the general population. Their physical reaction times may be slowed and their senses of sight, hearing and smell may be diminished. This presentation will provide tips on what to do if in a fire situation, and how to prevent them from starting in the first place.

Crafts with Kathy- Thursday, October 13^th at 1:30pm- Join Kathy for fun crafts in a friendly and creative environment

Art Lectures with Bart D’Andrea-

Vincent Van Gogh – Tuesday, October 11 12:30pm - Created over 1,700 works of art, but only sold one in his lifetime for about $80.00. His troubled life and his art will be discussed.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini – Tuesday, October 25^th 12:30pm - The mannerist sculptor who created pieces that are hard to believe will not come to life. The Ecstasy of St.Theresa and many fountains of Rome will be viewed and discussed.

Repurposing with Art Lee- Tuesday, October 11th 1:30pm- Join Art lee in turning old things into new things. Friendly crowd and always fun!

Art Lee Garden Workshop- Wednesday, October 12^th 10:30AM- Join Art Lee Master Gardener for garden tips. How to winterize your outdoor gardens and planning for next year’s season.

October Birthday Cake Celebration!- Wednesday, October 12^th 12:00pm Time to celebrate our center members with Birthday’s in October! Please sign up at the office with Jasmine

Pie a la Mode Social- Thursday, October 13^th 12:30pm – Sponsored by Town Square Adult Day Care. Who doesn’t love a slice of pie with a scoop of ice cream on top?

Horseracing- Wednesday, October 19^th 12:30pm – Sponsored by Brightstar

Place your bets and win a prize!

Pumpkin Decorating- Thursday, October 20^th 12:30pm- Sponsored by Princeton Care Center, Lindsay’s back! Join us for some creative fun with pumpkins!

New Member Mingle- Friday, October 21^st 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!!

Halloween Masquerade Party

Thursday, October 27^th 11:00am – 1:30pm

              Woot Woot!! Joe Grillo is back!

               Break out your best mask we’re havin' a party

FRIENDS 50/50.

Sign up with Jodi and Mary in the kitchen!!

Lunch served 11:30 – 12:15  Entertainment 12:15 – 1:15

Middlesex County Office of Aging & Disabled Services

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

October Menus Available Soon

South Brunswick “FRIENDly” Matters

FRIENDS is organizing another CASINO Coach BUS TRIP.

Resorts World Casino located in Catskills, New York

Wednesday, Oct 19, 2022.  Cost - $35 per person

Casino is sponsoring $25 in slot play money and $15 for food. Please join us.

Registration opens Tuesday, October 4^th  

MUST BE PRESENT TO REGISTER - EXACT CASH ONLY

See Trip Registration Flyer for details,

available at the Office Monday, September 26^th

Friendaversary 2022- Culture Fest

Thursday, November 17^th  10:00 – 1:30

Celebrating the 23^rd Anniversary

of the Senior Center’s FRIENDS Organization.

        *If you are interested in participating and representing your culture through

                              Artwork, crafts, music, poetry, dance please see Jill

10:00 – 11:30 Cultural Demonstrations – Aud. 1 & 2

12:45- Foods of the World. Sign Up By November 1^st.

Attendance for this event is by sign up only. Sign up at the office.

Save the Dates:

South Brunswick’s Hometown Heroes- Tuesday, November 1^st 1:30pm -  South Brunswick's Hometown Heroes are a group of notable people who live or have lived here. We will be this discussing this group of people that have called South Brunswick Home. Check out this diverse group of individuals and discover your sense of local pride. 

Quilting Presentation – Thursday, November 3rd 12:30pm - "This is a one hour presentation of the "I Spy Quilt".  The I Spy Quilt, is a large format quilt made to hang in the Middlesex County Family Court, New Brunswick, NJ. Sponsored by the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission and led by Quilt Artist Krishma Patel, a group of 15 kids conceived the eye-catching, main design of the quilt.  Presented by the quilt artist Krishma Patel, this lecture covers The Design Concepts, The Process and The making of the quilt from start to finish, followed by a brief Q & A Session.

Veteran’s Appreciation Event - Thursday, November 10^th 11:00am – 1:30pm Sponsored by Parker. Next month on November 11^th, we honor a very special group of individuals, the veterans who have bravely served our country both here and abroad. Our event will feature speakers, lunch and entertainment. FRIENDS 50/50. (please reach out to Dawn if you are a veteran and would like to be acknowledged.)

Sign up with Jodi and Mary in the kitchen!! 732.329.6171

11:00am – Ceremony

11:30am- 12:15 Luncheon 

12:15pm - Patriotic Party with music by Karickter

November Birthday Cake Celebration!- Thursday, November 17^th 12:00pm Time to celebrate our center members with Birthday’s in November!

Horseracing- Wednesday, November 16^th 12:30pm – Sponsored by Brandywine.

Place your bets and win a prize!

NADI- Preventive Strategies To Maximize Your Health - Tuesday, Nov. 22nd  10:00-12 noon

North American Disease Intervention (NADI) is a service-oriented non-profit organization that strives to improve the prevention and management of hypertension and diabetes in local communities through health screenings and education. Join us for a screening, and preventive tips to improve your health."

EXPIRED: Am I reading this right? – Tuesday, November 29^th 12:30pm - Join Olivia Forté-Gardner from REPLENISH food bank to clear up the confusion and learn the true meaning of 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.

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 Interim Chair: Geeta Balasubramanian. Meeting: Thursday, October 6th 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: $5.00/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 October 12 & 26 1- 3 PM  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

The Mobile Library is on Hiatus

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 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

We also offer Bridge Lessons!!

Want to learn how to play Mah Jong?

Sign up in office/lessons with Gail begin in November.

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 only
• Physical Therapy: By appointment 609 497-2230
• Primary Care- Dr. Jose C. Vagario By appointment 609 395-2470

Lectures

To Register For Community Education Lectures

Call (888) 897-8979 (Follow the prompts)

Or register online at: click

Memory Screening- Wednesday, October 5th 10am – 12pm

Take this opportunity to get a memory screening, consisting of a series of questions and/or tasks designed to test memory, language skills, thinking ability, and other intellectual functions. The 15-minute screenings and review of the results are both confidential. Note: A memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and

does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional

Blood Pressure Screening- Tuesday, October 18th 10am – 12pm