The Warrenbrook Senior Center is operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services. The center is open to any senior, aged 60+, regardless of where they live – in Somerset County or in another County. All the events listed are held at the Warrenbrook Senior Center (located on the Warrenbrook Golf Course), 500 Warrenville Rd, Warren.
The Center is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Call (908) 753-9440 with any questions or to make reservations.
All Somerset County-operated Senior Centers offer a nutritionally balanced lunch, Monday through Friday, for a suggested donation of $2.50, for anyone 60 and above. Menu choices include a hot meat-based or meatless entrée or a cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunch. Please make reservations prior to 10:00 a.m. the previous business day. Why not invite a friend or neighbor to join you for lunch! As an additional suggestion, why not come earlier in the day and enjoy one of the center’s many programs.
Special events to mark your calendar for:
September 10 – “Artifacts” by Dakota Hettel, Morris Museum, 10:30 a.m.
This is an audience and educator driven program in which the participants learn about a few New Jersey born artists whose work is part of the Morris Museum’s collection. Participants will learn the academic steps to critique art work, hopefully opening their appreciation for artwork styles they may not have understood in the past. Opinions are encouraged and are never wrong! **This program is made possible, in part, by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State through the State/County History Partnership Program Grant, and administered in Somerset County by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission**
September 17 – “George Washington Remembers New Jersey”
by B. David Emerson, History on the Hoof, 10:30 a.m. George Washington was no stranger to New Jersey. From Trenton to Princeton to Morristown to Monmouth to Middlebrook, (and more), the General spent more time here than in any other state. Join General Washington (portrayed by David Emerson in full costume) as he reminisces about his brightest and darkest moments during the battles and encampments of the “Cockpit of the Revolution.” **This program is made possible, in part, by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State through the State/County History Partnership Program Grant, and administered in Somerset County by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission**
September 25 – “Natural Approaches to Inflammation and the Diet”
by Dr. Nikki Conte, ND, 10:30 a.m. This program will give an overall view of the inflammatory pathway as it applies to joints, intestinal health, immune system and brain health. This program will highlight some anti-inflammatory diet recommendations that could be implemented and will also offer some lifestyle recommendations that help with the immune system and joint mobility.
Recurring events at the Center:
Individual Computer Instruction – 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**
Watercolor Paint Class – Monday & Thursday, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced artist to meet new people while watercoloring. **Advanced registration required. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information. Openings available in Monday Group**
Oil Painting – Wednesday, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
This is an excellent way to connect with people who have oil painting experience. **Advanced registration required. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information**
Healthy Bones Exercise Class – Wednesday & Friday, 10:00 a.m.
Peer-led, 24-week exercise and education program for individuals at risk or who have osteoporosis. Exercises focus on balance, strength, flexibility and posture. Advanced registration is required. Doctor’s note is also required prior to first class and then once every year. **For a new participant, the price is $45. This includes ankle weights, a participant manual and the class fee. If ankle weights are not needed the price is $15. Call Caitlin Witucki at (908) 704-6339 for more information**
Billiards Room – Pool table available daily on a drop-in basis, Monday – Friday.
Computer Lab – Call for Availability.
Jigsaw Puzzle – Available Monday – Friday.
Strike up conversation, make new friends and enjoy assembling puzzles together.
Lending Library – Available Monday – Friday.
Soft covered books available to take home and return when read.
September 4, 11, 18 & 25 – Four Part iPhone/iPad Workshop:
Get the Most from this Powerful Tool in Your Pocket with Maureen Greenbaum, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. At this workshop you will get answers for your questions and explore the benefits of individual iPhone apps such as Find My Friend, Google/Apple maps, podcasts, mail, health, camera, calendar, stocks and more!! Participants will decide the class direction. Good for beginners and those with some proficiency who are interested in learning skills to make using the iPhone more effective and FUN! **Be sure to bring your iPhone or iPad. Advanced registration is required. Space is limited**
September 4, 11 & 18 – Boggle and Word within a Larger Word, 10:30 a.m.
This is a challenging game that is played using a grid of letters, in which attendees search for words that can be constructed from letters of sequentially adjacent letters. Words must be at least three letters long but may not use the same letter on the grid more than once per word. Then look for words within a larger word. Join us as we try to find as many words as possible.
September 4, 11, 18 & 25 – Bridge Group with Ronnie, 1:00 – 3:00 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).
September 4, 11, 18 & 26 – Mah Jongg for Experienced Players, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
If you are an experienced Mah Jongg player and are looking for another opportunity to play this game of skill, strategy and calculation, the join us on Tuesday afternoons.
September 4, 11, 18 & 25 – Chair Yoga with Jillian, 12:45 p.m.
Open to all levels of practice and abilities. This class incorporates Hatha yoga poses while seated in a chair as well as the option for standing poses to increase bone density, strength and balance. Students learn techniques to help gain flexibility and strength, while being immersed in a relaxing class. Expect lots of gentle stretching to bring movement to joints and muscles. This class is perfect for stress relief and overall well-being. **$40 for 8-week program. Call (908) 753-9440 for more information. Next session begins on October 2nd**
September 5, 12, 19 & 26
Tone and Flexibility Exercise Class with Sabina, 10:45 a.m.
Enjoy an energizing class suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. Exercising with Sabina will boost your energy level, reduce stress, and help tone your body by using resistance bands, exercise balls and dance moves. Exercises can be done standing up or sitting down.
September 6, 13, 20 & 27 – Ballroom Dancing with Art & Fe, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Meet new people and make some friends while exercising! Dancing is a great way for people of all ages to get and stay in shape. Besides being fun, dancing has many health benefits. Dance can have an incredible impact on overall flexibility, strength, endurance and emotional well-being. Join Art and Fe as they play a variety of Ballroom Dance music.
September 6, 13, 20 & 27 – Bingo, 10:30 a.m.
Bingo is more than just an exciting activity. Researchers found that playing Bingo has multiple health benefits. It promotes socialization, strengthens hand-eye coordination which improves listening and short term memory skills.
Other events and presentations:
September 7 – “Armchair Travelogue Adventure to India: From Bombay to Mumbai”
with Gwen, 10:30 a.m.
India is a land of mystery and intrigue with so many sights, sounds and smells. Though poverty is extreme in some parts of the country, the people are amazing as they go about their daily lives. There is so much to find out about India’s history and culture. Join us as we travel, via PowerPoint presentation, to Mumbai. As we learn facts relating to India, we will discuss how they relate to our lives.
September 10, 17 & 24 – Matter of Balance Workshop, 1:00 -3:00 pm.
Chances are you know someone who has fallen or is afraid of falling. A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity through practical strategies. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is conducted in 8, two-hour sessions and uses group discussion, problem-solving, videos and gentle physical exercise. Older adults learn positive coping methods to reduce their fear of falling and remain active and independent. This is not an exercise class (although there is a small optional exercise component) it is a class designed to help you feel confident, strong and able to continue your favorite activities safely. **Preregistration is required by September 3rd. Please call (908) 753-9440 for more information**
September 11 – Warrenbrook Book Club, Second Tuesday of the Month, 1:30 p.m.
Featured historical fiction book to be discussed: “At The Water’s Edge” by Sara Gruen. New Members Welcome!
September 14 – “Cool Critters” by Rich Hoffman, Naturalist, Somerset County Park Commission, Environmental Center, 10:30 am.
Snakes, dragons and bugs, oh my! Let’s investigate things that slither, hiss and hop. We will meet some things live and some things dead, but all cool and very special.
September 20 – “How to Make Your Own Terrarium – Lunch & Learn Opportunity” by Tyler Gavett, Horticultural Specialist, Somerset County Park Commission, 1:00 p.m.
Terrariums are a beautiful addition to desks, dining room tables and other well-lit spots. Join us as we learn how to add a little green to an indoor space by creating an eye-catching terrarium. Tyler will show some examples of working terrariums he has created and provide step-by-step instructions. Participants will need to provide their own medium-sized container with an air tight lid and any novelty item(s) you wish. Plants, soil, charcoal, stones, moss and sand will be provided. **Space is limited. Advanced registration is required by Friday, September 14th**
September 21 – “Standing Tall Against Falls”
by Caitlin Witucki, MS, Health Promotion Specialist, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m.
Don’t assume that a fall can happen to you. During this presentation participants will learn how to determine the risk factors associated with falls, realize how common falls are in older adults, understand the consequences that can’t occur from a fall, maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of falls and identify what you should do if you fall. Literature will be available.
September 24 – “In Case of Emergency: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and Their Families” by Laurie Roome, Community Educator, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m.
When an emergency or disaster happens, being prepared can be the difference between life and death. This is even more true if you are vulnerable due to chronic disease or impairment. This is essential information for seniors and for caregivers.
September 28 – Mind Your Mind Brain Workout, 10:30 a.m.
Just as you do physical exercise to tone up the muscles throughout your body, doing word games and puzzles will stimulate different parts of your brain. As a group, we will do several “mind-stimulating” exercise workouts.
September 28 – State Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
A counselor will be available to provide FREE help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about their health insurance benefits. SHIP is a statewide program by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. **Services are available by advanced appointment only and will be available the last Friday of the month**
