June Programs at the Warrenbrook Senior Center

Warrenbrook Senior Center June 2024

Warrenbrook Senior Center, located at 500 Warrenville Road, is one of the six county operated senior centers. Somerset County residents who are 60 years and older are welcome to participate in any of the programs at Warrenbrook Senior Center. They also provide a choice of 4 different meal choices during lunch that seniors can take advantage of during the weekdays. All the programs are free for the registered members. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information on how to become member of the Warrenbrook Senior Community.

Below is the highlight of some of the programs available at Warrenbrook Senior Center in June.

June 3, 11 a.m. – Martial Your Strength: Senior Self-Defense with L. Greg Smith. What makes an individual feel secure? As we age, reactions to surroundings change, you get slower, perception is different, or maybe you become less aware. But there are initiatives, techniques, and tips for seniors to learn, all intended for protection. This program will build on the 2023 introduction series by taking it to the next level: high level/basic martial arts move for seniors to see, learn, and do. You are never too old to learn simple yet effective methodologies that will keep you focused with ‘street smarts’.

June 3, 1 p.m. – Meet & Greet with Warren Librarian – Meet Jennifer Konopacki, Warren Township Librarian as she walks us through the programs that are available at the library for everyone to enjoy.

June 5, 11 a.m. – Jersey Fresh Fruits & Vegetables –Fruits and Vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet. Learn about seasonal produce from Mikaela Kane of Rutgers Co-operative Extension and take home some great recipes.

June 6, 11 a.m. – Chair Physical Therapy – – Improve your strength and mobility without leaving your seat. Nicholas Matthes from Trinity Rehab in Warren will walk you through some exercises.

June 7 – 11 a.m. – Pompom Key Ring Craft – Now that summer is over and we have all the left-over yarns from the winter projects, why not put the yarn to work to create a beautiful Pom Pom Key ring. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. All materials will be provided.

June 10, 27, 11 a.m. – Bingo with Bob Mazet – Bingo is more than just an exciting activity. Researchers found that playing Bingo has multiple benefits. It promotes socialization, strengthens hand-eye coordination, and improves listening and short-term memory skills.

(Virtual) June 11, 1:30 PM – Monthly Book Club – Meets Every Second Tuesday of the month. Join the Warrenbrook Seniors Book Club members to discuss the book of the month and select the next book to read.  New members are always welcome! **Only for Warrenbrook Senior Center Participants**

June 12, 11 a.m. – Nutrition for Colorectal Health – CINJ – Cecilia Gomez from Cancer Institute of NJ will be discussing nutrition tips that can lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

June 13, 11 a.m.– Breathing techniques for mental wellness – Dr Prabha Srinivas will be teaching some practices that can be used to distract the mind and induce calm during an anxiety episode. A few techniques can be practiced on a regular basis to develop an ongoing awareness of trigger situations and to calm and regulate the nervous system consistently.

June 14, 28, – 11 a.m. – Brains n Games and Hand Bellswith Adrienne Graubard. Did you know that solving puzzles or challenging yourself with new mind-stretching activities like learning music can stimulate the brain and enhance your creative and critical thinking processes? Join Adrienne for some mind-tingling, brain-stumping word games and a fun-filled musical workout using hand bells.

June 17, 11 a.m. – Carnival Games – Bring your inner child spirit with you and let’s celebrate summer Carnival Games indoors and support the Warrenbrook spirit. Go Warrenbrook!

Some of the games we will play are Ring Toss, Button Toss, Spin Wheel, Dart, Roll the Ball and of course win some prizes just like we did as children.

June 19, 11 a.m. – Africans in America – Charles Smith will discuss the descent of Africans in America, with a focus on what parts of Africa most Africans came from, a history of slavery in the United States, and famous leaders such as Martin Luther King Junior who started the Civil Rights Movement.

June 20, 11 a.m. – Lawn Care for the Homeowner –Whether you are new to lawn care or have been doing it for years, Tom Reede from Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County will provide the information that can lead to a healthy and attractive lawn. The program will discuss the basics of lawn maintenance including mowing, watering, fertilizing, thatch management and aeration. Also discussed will be weed management, diseases, grubs and more!

June 21 – Senior Center Closed – Juneteenth Observed

June 24, 11 a.m. – Summer Musical Entertainment- Join Tommy Strazza at the Warrenbrook Senior center for a summer musical entertainment covering songs from 50s, 60s. Whether you prefer swinging to the sounds or tapping your feet to the upbeat tunes, there’s something for everyone. Sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to the world of joy and nostalgia. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow seniors and create lasting memories through the power of music!

June 26, 11 a.m. – How to talk to your Dr. – Do you feel rushed and stressed when you finally get to see your doctor.  Audrey Taffet from Oasisi Senior Advisors will help you prepare, take notes, and get the most out of your next MD visit for your best health. 

The following programs take place on weekly basis:

Watercolor Paint Class – Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.This is a great opportunity for an experienced artist to meet new people while water coloring. All supplies are included.

1 on 1 Computer with Sal – Mondays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.- Are you intimidated by computers? Do you know how to email and/or play solitaire on the computer? Do you know how to do a web search? By the end of an 8-week, one-on-one class, you will understand what your grandkids have been trying to explain to you. **Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information** PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. No classes on June 17 and June 24

Stretch – Mondays – 10:00 a.m. – Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Warrenbrook Senior Center volunteer Kanwaljit Minhas will guide you through the exercises to improve flexibility & balance. No fee for this ongoing class. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information. 

Mahjong for Intermediate Players – Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. If you are an intermediate mahjong player and would like to play this game of skill, strategy, and calculation, then join us on Tuesday mornings. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information.

Zumba Gold with Judith – Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. Get your blood pumping with some zesty music that will truly inspire a hearty workout. This class is achievable for beginners or others who need modifications to their exercise routine. Build cardiovascular health by challenging your heart and working hip, leg, and arm muscles by performing fun and rhythmic moves while sitting in a chair. Cost is $40 for the 8-week program. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information.

Bridge Group with Ronnie – Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. Bridge is a mentally challenging card game that offers intellectual and social stimulation. Playing bridge regularly stimulates your brain and helps keep your memory active and your brain alert. Join Ronnie and her group as they play bridge on a weekly basis. New members and beginners welcome (lessons available).

Gentle Yoga with Jillian – Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. This class is open to all levels of skill. Hatha yoga poses can be practiced while either sitting or standing. Hatha yoga will help increase bone density, improve strength, flexibility, and balance while you are immersed in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class is perfect for relieving stress and to help gain an overall sense of well-being.  Cost is $40 for the 8-week program. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information.

Tai Chi with Roger – Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – Tai Chi participants will focus on shifting body weight through a series of light, controlled movements that flow rhythmically into one long gesture. Studies have shown that some participants have experienced a reduction in pain, fatigue and stiffness and have gained a greater sense of well-being. Tai Chi can help reduce falls, especially for those with balance problems. This program can be practiced while either standing or sitting. 

Advanced Bridge – 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. Bridge is a mentally challenging card game that offers intellectual and social stimulation. Playing bridge regularly stimulates your brain and helps keep your memory active and your brain alert. This is a closed group and is available by invitation only.

Art Hour with Jean – Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. – This is a great opportunity for an artist to meet new people while creating an art piece using either watercolor or acrylics. We all work on doing craft work for Community Service projects throughout the year. All supplies will be provided. 

Gentle Yoga with Jillian – Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. This class is open to all levels of skill. Hatha yoga poses can be practiced while either sitting or standing. Hatha yoga will help increase bone density, improve strength, flexibility, and balance while you are immersed in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class is perfect for relieving stress and to help gain an overall sense of well-being.  Cost is $40 for the 8-week program. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information.

Take Control with Exercise – Thursdays, 10 a.m. This is an ongoing exercise program, in video form, for all skill levels, that can be practiced while either standing or sitting. This program will strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility and balance while boosting stamina. No fee for this ongoing class. Call (908) 753-9440 for more information.

Geri-Fit with Rutgers Doctoral Occupational Therapy Students, Fridays (managers to determine time and put in here), June 7- August 2. Geri-Fit is a unique and evidence-based seated (standing optional) exercise program that requires a set of light dumbbell weights (2 lbs. to begin), a sturdy chair, a stretch band, and water to drink during the workout. The Geri-Fit physical activity program incorporates strength training with stretching and range of motion exercises, stability, and balance training for fall prevention, cardiovascular activity for heart health, and gait exercises to help improve walking. Pre-registration is required, please call Karen Kowalski: at 908-704-6327.

“Walk With Ease” Self Guided Program Weekly Check In and Presentation with Rutgers University Doctoral Occupational Therapy Students, Fridays, 1:00 p.m. – June 7 – July 19, 2024. 
Walk with Ease is a 6-week evidenced based, structured walking program that focuses on stretching, strengthening exercises, motivational strategies and health education to promote a more active lifestyle while also managing the challenges related to engagement in walking. Participants will direct themselves to walk during the week either at the center or at home and then will receive weekly tracking of walking progress from doctoral occupational therapy students as well as proper walking techniques, safety, strategies to overcome barriers to walking among other areas related to success.  
No class on June 21. Pre-registration is required, please call 732-563-4213.

Bridge – Fridays, 1:00 p.m. – Bridge is a mentally challenging card game that offers intellectual and social stimulation. Playing bridge regularly stimulates your brain and helps keep your memory active and your brain alert. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information.

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