Education for Older Adults

SCOSA offers educational, socialization, and recreation programs for older adults (60 and over) that encourage vitality through physical, social, mental and spiritual engagement.

COVID-19 Precautions: SCOSA's programs are being offered in-person (masks recommended, and Stockton Health Pledge required), and/or online via Zoom. SCOSA complies with Stockton guidelines. CLICK HERE for the latest from Stockton. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) provides useful information for everyone. (CLICK HERE)

SCOSA programs are partially funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, through grants from the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services, Cape May County Department of Aging And Disability Services, and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. Each funding source requires us to collect basic demographic information from our participants. The NJ Division of Aging Services also compels us to inform participants about their Privacy and Non-Discrimination policies, available for review by Clicking Here.

SCOSA gladly accepts voluntary donations. Such donations are not a fee and are not required. Donations are used to develop and operate future programs. To donate directly to SCOSA please make checks payable to SCOSA and send them to: SCOSA/SOBL, Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205-9441. Please indicate if you need your donation to potentially be tax deductible. If so, we will put it into one of our Foundation funds; if not, we will deposit into a revenue account that directly supports our operating expenses.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Celebrates 50 Years of Service

Since 1973, Area Agencies on Aging has provided a platform of services that helps older adults, and individuals with disabilities age well in their homes and communities. The agency provides support for older adults by providing meals, health and wellness programs, transportation, social engagement activities, health insurance, counseling, and other services. The USAging video (https://youtu.be/_iemam2c6tY) (takes less than two-minutes to watch), which highlights the work of the department and AAA throughout the country. More information about AAA is found at www.usaging.org.

Upcoming Older Adult Education, Socialization and Recreation Events

* We also encourage you to visit our Stockton Institute for Lifelong Learning listing by Clicking Here.

Time to Tell Memoir Writing

February 06 - December 04

Time to Tell Memoir Writing First Monday of each Month, 10-11am, Online via Zoom | Personalized instruction with monthly meetings to help you chronicle the stories of your life. Creative writing styles, including poetry and photographs, can also be used to tell your story.

Players and Playwrights Meeting

February 18 - December 16

Players and Playwrights Meeting Third Saturdays each Month, 1-4pm, John F Scarpa Academic Center, Room 311 | Players and Playwrights (P&P) is a collective of playwrights and readers (aka players) who meet monthly to read original plays. Performances are organized several times a year. Interested players and playwrights are invited to attend a meeting once before committing to join.

Perspectives on Aging in Film: Part 2

September 12 - October 24

Perspectives on Aging in Film: Part 2 Tuesdays, 9/12- 10/24/2023, 1-2pm, Online via Zoom | This course will introduce films that challenge stereotypes of aging. We will see seniors who are role models that offer wisdom and years of life experiences. We will meet characters that are witty, active, smart, kind, generous, caring, and talented. Please watch the assigned film prior to the meeting when possible. Film discussion schedule: 9/12 Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2 (2015), 9/19 Downton Abbey (2019), 9/26 Downton Abbey : A New Era (2022), 10/3 Quartet (2012), 10/10: Book Club (2018), 10/17 Golden Years (2016), & 10/24 A Walk in the Woods (2015).

The Japanese Shinrin-yoku: "Forest Bathing" for Unity and Harmony

September 15 - October 06

The Japanese Shinrin-yoku: "Forest Bathing" for Unity and Harmony Fridays, 9/15, 22, 29, & 10/6/23, 9;30-10:30am, Stockton University Galloway Campus | The purpose of Shinrin-yoku or taking in the forest atmosphere, literally "forest" and "bath", is to reflect and inspire the participants to walk in a natural environment and mindfully connect with the Pinelands. By opening the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, the participants will be able to ease the stress of life and refresh and recharge their weary minds. This is a 45-minute walk through the forest around Lake Fred and Pomona Road. Our walks are considered easy and leisurely.

Knitting & Crocheting: Fall Session 1

September 18 - November 06

Knitting & Crocheting: Fall Session 1 Mondays, 9/18- 11/6/2023, 9-11am, Stockton at Manahawkin | This six-week class will teach you to knit and/ or crochet like you are a pro! You will learn to read patterns and make something for yourself, or as a gift.

One Stroke Painting: Fall Session 1

September 18 - November 06

One Stroke Painting: Fall Session 1 Mondays, 9/18- 11/6/2023, 11am-1pm, Stockton at Manahawkin | One Stroke Painting is sweeping the decorative painting world. It's fun! It's easy! It's quick! One Stroke is a multi-loading style of acrylic decorative painting that is very friendly to novice painters. It is equally usable on metal, plaster, glass, wood, fabric and ceramic surfaces. You will be excited too, when you find out for yourself how easy One Stroke is. Imagine, blending, shading, and highlighting all in One Stroke! Classes teach you to freehand various strokes and to build your own unique pattern.

Chair Yoga

September 22 - November 10

Chair Yoga Fridays, 9-10am, Stockton at Manahawkin | Join Lois for Chair Yoga, for modified poses that can be done while seated, which makes the poses accessible to more people.

Adult Tap Dance

September 22 - November 10

Adult Tap Dance Fridays, 9/22 - 11/10/2023, 10-11am, Stockton at Manahawkin | Join Lois Allen of Lois Allen's School of Dance to learn adult tap dancing, an exciting and social activity.

Adult Belly Dancing

September 22 - November 10

Adult Belly Dancing Fridays, 9/22- 11/10/2023, 11am-12pm, Stockton at Manahawkin | Join Lois Allen of Lois Allen's School of Dance to learn belly dancing!

SILL: New Jersey Women during World War II

October 03 - 24

SILL: New Jersey Women during World War II Tuesdays, 10/3, 10, 17, &24/2023, 11am-12pm, Stockton at Hammonton, 30 Front Street | During World War II, the need for the women to step into roles long closed off to them set off an unprecedented wave of participation. Women joined the defense industry, welding and riveting alongside men. They volunteered for the Red Cross, setting up field hospitals and aiding the injured. They joined the military in women's branches of the Navy, Coast Guard, Army, and Marines and flew as civilian pilots working with the Army Air Forces This course will focus on the unique challenges New Jersey women faced as they navigated both the home front and abroad during WWII.

SILL: American History: Korea and the Cold War

October 04 - 25

SILL: American History: Korea and the Cold War Wednesdays, 10/4-25/2023, Stockton at Manahawkin | The Korean conflict (1950-53) ended in an armistice which continues to this day. Fought by armies as diverse as China, North Korea, South Korea, the United States, Britain, and many others, it set the template for multiple conflicts-large and small-which raged throughout the Cold War period. The conflict was fought in the hills and valleys of the Korean peninsula, but its lessons set the tone for confrontations in Africa, Central Europe, Vietnam, South America and western Europe. This course examines the relationship between the west and the communist nations of China, Russia and other communist movements as the world attempted to reorganize itself at the end of World War II. Why did it start, who were the major players, what did they want, and how has this conflict's legacy influenced the contemporary world order?

Orchestra of Exiles: Film & Discussion

October 04

Orchestra of Exiles: Film & Discussion Wednesday, 10/4/2023, 1-3pm, Stockton at Hammonton or Online via Zoom (your choice) | Join SCOSA at Stockton at Hammonton (or online, your choice) for Orchestra of Exiles film and discussion. "The suspenseful chronicle of how one man helped save Europe's premier Jewish musicians from obliteration by the Nazis during World War II. In three years, Bronislaw Huberman transformed from a world renowned violinist to a humanitarian racing against time. "

Tour of Poetry

October 14

Tour of Poetry Saturday, 10/14/2023, 12-2pm, Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield, 241 W Mill Rd | During each session of this monthly program, an established poet will read original work, present an engaging lecture, and encourage participants to write & share something of their own. Participants will have an opportunity to have their poetry included in the Tour of Poetry Anthology.

SILL: New Jersey Women's Activism: From Suffrage to the Progressive Era

October 31 - November 28

SILL: New Jersey Women's Activism: From Suffrage to the Progressive Era Tuesdays 10/31, 11/7, 14, & 28/2023 (skip Thanksgiving week), 11am-12pm, Stockton at Hammonton, 30 Front Street | This course will detail the ways in which women's civic engagement in NJ ushered in new legislation and regulations that helped workers, curbed child labor, created safety regulations for factory work, gained compensation for occupational diseases, and much more. We will focus on the campaigns of the League of Women Voters and the Consumers League.

Macabrét - The Monster Musical!- A Film

November 03

Macabrét - The Monster Musical!- A Film Friday, 11/3/2023, 1-3pm, Stockton at Manahawkin | It's that time again for the big gala, the annual "Monster's Ball!" The invitations have been delivered, and the guests are all busy working on entertaining routines to compete with their fellow monsters. But in the little town of Romania, New Jersey, the angry townsfolk are up in arms and protesting. Will they derail the event, or will it be the smashing success the old gypsy fortune teller has predicted? Well, to find out, you'll just have to come and see... Macabrét - The Monster Musical!