Classes

Ballroom Dance

Instructor: Galina Nikitina

Thursdays 1:00 to 2:00 PM in Room A.

Ballroom Dancing – Stretching and strengthening physical exercise. Mostly Ballroom Dancing which includes memorization, coordination and social interaction. Just have fun as you learn different forms of dance.

Bocce

Instructor: Louise Platt

Mondays [April to October] 9:30 AM in Outdoor Bocce Court.

A game of Italian origin similar to lawn bowling that is played with wooden balls on a long narrow court covered with fine gravel. This is played Monday mornings at 9:30 a.m. from April to October yearly.

Chair Chi

Instructor: Chor Lee

Fridays 10:00 to 11:00 AM in Room A.

Chair Chi class is part of “Enrich Tai Chi Program” offered at Piscataway Senior Center. The “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is designed to meet all older adults’ fitness, health and wellness needs. The five classes in the “Enrich Tai Chi Program” are: Chair Chi, Contemporary Tai Chi, Tai Chi Lesson, Tai Chi Wellness, and Traditional Tai Chi. This “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive classes that offers seniors a flexible choice of various types of Tai Chi exercises and workouts.

In Chair Chi class, older adults perform Tai Chi in the comfort and safety of your chair, walker or wheelchair. You practice gentle Tai Chi movements to receive these benefits: balance, flexibility, range of motion, strength, energy, pain relief, tranquility, stress reduction, and peace of mind. Cool down with meditation and messages. Workouts are non-strenuous and performed in slow movements. It is non-invasive exercise designed for seniors especially those having problem with standing.

Chor Lee is a certified Chair Chi instructor with many years of Tai Chi training and teaching experiences.

Contemporary Tai Chi

Instructors: Daisy Guo (Monday to Friday 7 to 8 AM & Saturday 8 to 9 AM)

Guifang Zhang & Terry Yason (Monday to Friday 8 to 9 AM)

Meet in Room D.

Contemporary Tai Chi class is part of “Enrich Tai Chi Program” offered at Piscataway Senior Center. The “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is designed to meet all older adults’ fitness, health and wellness needs. The five classes in the “Enrich Tai Chi Program” are: Chair Chi, Contemporary Tai Chi, Tai Chi Lesson, Tai Chi Wellness, and Traditional Tai Chi. This “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive classes that offers seniors a flexible choice of various types of Tai Chi exercises and workouts.

Contemporary Tai Chi exercises are designed for seniors to achieve healthier body, mind and longevity. Participants will follow Tai Chi leaders in doing current version of Tai Chi Chuan forms as practice in today’s modern China for general health and wellness enhancements. Gain benefits of Tai Chi exercises to improve your balance and stability in your daily life activities. You will perform “Yang Shen Ji Zhang (Nurturing Health Palm)” to strengthen heart, lung, esophagus, and joints functions as well as to prevent bronchitis and inflamed arthritis. Also, follow your instructors to do “Wu Qin Xi (Five Animals Frolics)” exercise for high energy, vitality and well-being.

Zhang Guifang was born in China to a family with a long history of practicing herbal medicine under a grandfather who was a Chinese medical doctor.  All her life, master Zhang has been teaching and training in Tai Chi and Chinese martial art. For many years, she has been an active volunteer in leading the Contemporary Tai Chi 8 AM morning class at the Piscataway Senior Center. Master Zhang is certified by the Chinese Wushu Association as fifth-level in martial arts. She has served as a judge for the National Tai Chi Tournament in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Zhang Guifang experiences in teaching Tai Chi and other Wushu forms are:

  • 2009 – Present at Monmouth Chinese School
  • 2009 – Present (Summer school) at Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy
  • 2012 – Present at Huaxia Bridgewater Chinese School
  • 2016 – Present at SYK Korean American Community Center

Creative Crafts

Instructor: Barbara Sullivan

Thursdays at 10:00 to 11:30 AM in Card Room.

We all learned some craft over the years that we can share with each other.  We try to keep our crafts affordable, doable and exciting. 

The main materials are paper, up-cycleables and creativity.  Examples of some of the crafts they have created eyeglass cases, greeting cards, quilling, quilting macramé, and card making. 

Barbara Sullivan found crafting a way to create beauty with simple tools at the age of 11.  Barbara was a Manhattan secretary and party planner for many years. 

She has been a Piscataway Township resident for 45 years.

English Second Language (ESL)

Instructor: Dr. Aroon Patel

Mondays at 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Conference Room.

Join the group to learn how to speak, read and write English.

Exercise with Greg

Instructor: Greg Schomps

Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:15 to 1:15 PM in Room D.

Exercise with Greg class is a combination of cardio, aerobics, strength training, resistance with stretch bands, balance activities, and eye & hand coordination.

The exercises involve standing and sitting in a chair. 

Greg Schomps has been teaching senior citizen exercise classes for over 15 years.  He believes that group exercise should be fun and each participant is a valuable part of the experience.

Gentle Joints

Instructor: Pratibha Jani

Tuesdays 10:00 to 11:00 AM in Room A and Fridays 10:00 to 11:00 AM in Room D.

Pratibha Jani is a Certified Yoga Therapist (IAYT) and an experienced E-RYT Yoga Teacher and Certified Meditation Instructor. She is a resident of NJ for over 30 years. She earned her BS in Ancient Indian history and Culture from the University of Bombay, India. Born and brought up in Mumbai-India, the practice of yoga was instilled in her at the age of nine by her parents. She has over 1400 hours of teaching experience. She has been practicing and teaching Yoga for over 25 years. Her love for Yoga only grew stronger with time.  She has extensive experience in Therapeutic yoga at the senior centers, behavioral health care centers and hospitals as well as personal and small group therapy yoga and meditation.  

Her style of teaching is authentic, traditional (From India) and in the true sense YOGA for mind, body and intellect. She has been a freelance - Cultural /Educational tour Guide in India for over 6 years before moving to the US and enjoyed every minute of it. She also teaches at the Olli RU in New Brunswick and Parker Home in Highland Park NJ. She also runs her own sessions on Stelton road in Piscataway NJ. More information at http://aatmayog.com/AboutUs.html

Group Computer Technology Lecture

Instructors: Jim Bullard, Steve Damiani & Chor Lee

Check newsletter calendar for classes offered. Meet in Computer Room.

Free classes designed for seniors. You will learn new technology usage on computer, laptop, tablet and smartphone devices. No experience needed because instructors will guide you step-by-step on how to use these new devices. Classes range from simple basic beginner level to intermediate and advance level. Surprise your grandkids on how much you know. This instructor led class is free because of volunteers.

Jim Bullard, Steve Damiani and Chor Lee have over ¾ century of technology experiences to share with Piscataway’s older adults.

Healthy Bones

Instructor: Joan Mitchell

Thursdays 10:00 to 11:30 AM in Room A.

Healthy Bones is a medically acknowledged program for seniors designed to help develop and maintain strength balance and flexibility. The class helps to increase bone density and to prevent osteoporosis by increasing muscle strength and decreasing bone fractures.  It also helps to improve balance and posture.

Joan Mitchell brought the healthy bones program to the Piscataway Township Senior Center in 2001, after attending 1.5 years in a local class and completing the training needed to become a peer leader. She continues to update the program regularly.

Inner Essence

Instructor: Guifang Zhang

Wednesdays 10:00 to 11:00 AM in Room D.

Simple and easy workout for older adults with a few movements so you can practice in your own home. Exercises designed to increase your body functions, to enhance your energy level, and to strengthen your well-being.

Zhang Guifang was born in China to a family with a long history of practicing herbal medicine under a grandfather who was a Chinese medical doctor.

 All her life, master Zhang has been teaching and training in Tai Chi and Chinese martial art. For many years, she has been an active volunteer in leading the Contemporary Tai Chi 8 AM morning class at the Piscataway Senior Center. Master Zhang is certified by the Chinese Wushu Association as fifth-level in martial arts. She has served as a judge for the National Tai Chi Tournament in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Zhang Guifang experiences in teaching Tai Chi and other Wushu forms are:

  • 2009 – Present at Monmouth Chinese School
  • 2009 – Present (Summer school) at Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy
  • 2012 – Present at Huaxia Bridgewater Chinese School
  • 2016 – Present at SYK Korean American Community Center

Integral Yoga

Instructor: Theresa Jefferson

Wednesdays 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in Room A.

Yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation to enhance your physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being. Learn to focus your mind, strengthen your body, increase your flexibility, and improve your sleep.

Theresa Jefferson has been practicing hatha yoga since the 1970's. She was taught Integral Yoga by students of Swami Satchidananda and has practiced it for over 20 years. In 2010 she became a certified Integral yoga teacher, and recently opened a certified yoga school.
Theresa is also a Reiki Master and teacher, holds a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and a Masters Certification in project management.

In 2006 she completed the post Baccalaureate pre-medical school program at Rutgers University with a 4.0 course average and was admitted to medical school but opted out because she found it at odds with her desire to practice holistic health care.

Recently, she closed her health and fitness business where she provided Fitness Training, Massage Therapy , Reiki, and Holistic Health Care counseling.

When teaching classes she uses her varied experiences and skills to help assess the needs of her students and create classes that will best address their needs.

Knitting Class

Instructor: Marilyn Higgins

Mondays 10:00 to 11:30 AM in Card Room.

Learn basics of knitting, get some refresher help, or learn something new and start an interesting project. A great way to meet others who share an enthusiasm for knitting. No experience necessary!

The Knitting Class activity is led by Instructor Marilyn Higgins. Beginners as well as experienced knitters are welcome. The Knitting Class shares all kinds of ideas for projects and techniques, as well as favorite patterns, yarns, needles, stitches, etc. The class has participated in a couple of charity projects: purple hats for babies with Shaken Syndrome and welcome Blankets for new immigrants in the U.S. This fall we will be working in cooperation with JFK Hospital to provide "Knitted Knockers" for women who have had breast cancer surgery

I have been knitting since I was a child, and started teaching knitting when I retired from my career as a high school English teacher and Librarian. I have taught a variety of knitting classes, everything from beginner classes to classes for specific projects, such as socks, hats, mittens, etc. I have done both large group and individual instruction at the Brass Lantern in Metuchen and the Piscataway Adult School. I have also taught mother/daughter combination classes. I am also a quilter. Again, my mother taught me to sew as a child, and I am as passionate about fabric as I am about yarn!

Painting Class

Instructor: Sylvia Abaquita

Friday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Room A.

One Stroke Painting is taught. You create pictures with acrylic paint. Projects are centered around the season of the year.   It is recommended that students buy their own supplies, which are a painting brush and paint. Paper and other project specific materials will be given to the student.  The goal of this Painting is to paint, socialize and have fun. 

Sylvia is a Piscataway Resident and she has always been interested in painting and crafts since she was a small child.  She started out as a student at the Piscataway Township Senior Center painting class.  Sylvia taught herself to paint by watching painting shows and practicing at home. After the teacher resigned in 2005, she became the instructor.

Private Computer, Internet & Technology Personal Tutor

Instructors: Steve Damiani & Chor Lee

By appointment only with instructor of your choice. Meet in Computer Room.

Everyone learn at a different pace and some will need more personal hands-on instructions. This program offers seniors the opportunity to learn new technology (computer, laptop, tablet and smartphone devices) in a one-on-one environment. Seniors signing up with an instructor have the freedom to make appointments to meet their personal schedule and to define what they want to learn rather than learn what others in a group want to learn. Don’t be afraid to sign-up because this program is designed for all level of knowledge from beginner to intermediate to advance training.

This is a free program run by volunteers for Piscataway Senior Center members.

Steve Damiani and Chor Lee have over half a century of technology experiences to share with Piscataway’s older adults.

Qi Gong

Instructor: Marsha Nolan

Mondays 8:00 to 10:00 AM and Wednesdays 8:00 to 9 AM in Room A.

Qi Gong is taught by Marsha Nolan where you learn to Control the “Qi” life energy through postures, movements, breathing and meditation.

Senior+Computer Buddy

Instructors: Local High School & College Volunteers

Interested seniors must complete request form with Senior Center receptionist when program is advertised in newsletter. Meet in Computer Room.
Our younger generation grew up with technology like smartphone, tablet, laptop and computer. To older adults at Piscataway Senior Center, these are “new” technology because it was not available during their adult lifetime.

In order to tap into the younger generation’s knowledge, the “Senior+Computer Buddy” program was created. This program offers seniors the choice of learning from young kids. Older adults wishing to participate in this one-on-one private lesson with the young kids must complete a request form with Senior Center’s receptionist. The request form will ask “what you want to learn” & “day & time you are available”. Times & dates will depend on the kids school schedules and how well they match your request information.

This computer program is free because of local kids’ volunteering.

Somatic Exercise

Instructor: Marsha Nolan

Wednesdays 9:00 to 10:00 AM in Room A.

The definition of Somatic is the discipline of movement reeducation---or somatic education—, which seeks to foster internal awareness of one’s body. 

Thomas Hanna shows that much of the physical decline associated with aging is not inevitable but avoidable. Building on the work of Mosha Feldenskrais, Hanna’s practical program for the mind and the body proves once and for all that problems you have always had of the symptoms of age—Stiffness, bad back, chronic pain, fatigue and at times even high blood pressure—need to never office if you maintain constant control of your nerves and muscles. 

Marsha Nolan has been teaching Somatics for the past 8 years at the Piscataway Township Senior Center. She learned from a Tai Chi Master therefore Somatics and Tai chi go hand in hand.  Marsha has been completing bodywork for 40 years. She learned proper body structure and alignment through Tai Chi and Qi Gong. She started to include somatic education to round out her bodywork curriculum.  She continues to be open to include new methods to enhance her goal.

Strong Bones

Instructors: Andrea Michalsky (Saturdays)

Mondays 1:30 to 3:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 to 11:30 AM in Room A.

Exercises designed to prevent or improve osteoporosis by doing resistance exercises in a group. You will need weights and bands.

Tai Chi Lesson

Instructor: Frank Eng

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 to 10:00 AM in Room A.

Tai Chi Lesson class is part of “Enrich Tai Chi Program” offered at Piscataway Senior Center. The “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is designed to meet all older adults’ fitness, health and wellness needs. The five classes in the “Enrich Tai Chi Program” are: Chair Chi, Contemporary Tai Chi, Tai Chi Lesson, Tai Chi Wellness, and Traditional Tai Chi. This “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive classes that offers seniors a flexible choice of various types of Tai Chi exercises and workouts.

Seniors are taught various Tai Chi movements from beginner to intermediate levels.

Tai Chi Wellness

Instructor: Chor Lee

Wednesdays 10:00 to 11:00 AM and Fridays 9:00 to 10:00 AM in Room A.

Tai Chi Wellness class is part of “Enrich Tai Chi Program” offered at Piscataway Senior Center. The “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is designed to meet all older adults’ fitness, health and wellness needs. The five classes in the “Enrich Tai Chi Program” are: Chair Chi, Contemporary Tai Chi, Tai Chi Lesson, Tai Chi Wellness, and Traditional Tai Chi. This “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive classes that offers seniors a flexible choice of various types of Tai Chi exercises and workouts.

Tai Chi Wellness is comprehensive “health and wellness” Tai Chi exercises for all levels of older adults’ physical ability and/or limitations. Seniors are taught the Tai Chi 24 in parts. You start with learning the hands and arm movements, then follow with body and hip movements, and finally you are taught the leg and foot movements. Lastly, seniors learn to integrate these movements with proper breathing techniques and applications.

Traditional Tai Chi

Instructors:

  • Paul Chin (Monday to Friday 7 to 8 AM)
  • Annie Lee (Fridays 7 to 8:30 AM & Saturdays 8 to 9:30 AM)

Meet in Room A.

Traditional Tai Chi class is part of “Enrich Tai Chi Program” offered at Piscataway Senior Center. The “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is designed to meet all older adults’ fitness, health and wellness needs. The five classes in the “Enrich Tai Chi Program” are: Chair Chi, Contemporary Tai Chi, Tai Chi Lesson, Tai Chi Wellness, and Traditional Tai Chi. This “Enrich Tai Chi Program” is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive classes that offers seniors a flexible choice of various types of Tai Chi exercises and workouts.

Traditional Tai Chi focus on self-enhancement & self-improvement by doing selected slow, meditative physical exercises designed for relaxation, balance, and joint mobility. You will follow Tai Chi leaders in doing original version of Tai Chi 103 moves from the Yang Family as practice in olden day China. In addition, other routines includes “Mini-Qi Gong (deep breathing exercise)”, “Tai Chi 8 Forms (beginner basic moves)”, “Tai Chi 13 Forms”, “Tai Chi 24 Forms (beginner moves)”, and “Tai Chi 32 Forms (intermediate basic moves)”.

Medical Qi Gong exercises: “Baduan Jin (8 Pieces of Brocade)” and “Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa (18 Therapies Part 1)” to improve one’s health are performed on Fridays at 8 a.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Video Fitness

Instructors: Joan Martin

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:00 to 10:00 AM.

Thursdays 10:00 to 11:00 AM in Room D.

All seniors follow a fitness video in this low impact exercise. This gives a total body workout with exercises standing up and sitting down. After retiring from Telcordia in 2000, I joined the Senior Center to make new friends by meeting people who lived in my hometown.  My husband and I began going to the Senior Center for breakfast each morning.  This led to being asked to join a group of canasta playing ladies on Monday and Thursday evenings.  I also began exercising in the Strong Bones class.  Soon after, I joined the Video Fitness class.  I have been responsible for the class DVDs for about 15 years.

Zumba Gold

Instructor: Nona Iannotta

Mondays 10:00 to 11:00 AM and Thursdays 9:00 to 10:00 AM in Room D.

Easy to follow Zumba Choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination.  Zumba Gold is especially created for older adults.
Originally from Brooklyn, Nona has lived in NJ for 43 years. Nona fell in love with the program after she started taking Zumba classes for fun and exercise. When she retired, Nona trained for Zumba Gold and got a Fitness Certification. She teaches Zumba Gold as well as Water Fitness and Low Impact Cardio.