AC RNSWeather Delays

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s mostfragile things but look what they can dowhen they stick together!”

Listen to voice message warnings andcall the office as early as 7:30 am to findout about church bus, shopping, meal oractivity cancellations. Information willbe left with the answering service.

Treasured Tables Stop by Felmeth Hall lobby and look atthe beautiful handcrafted side tablesthat were made by Ridge Oak Board

member, Vincent Baker. Theyhave been beautifully craftedto highlight limb rings fromthe Oak Tree that stood inBasking Ridge PresbyterianChurch graveyard for over 600

years. Vince counted 206 ringson the limb inserts. These

Office Closed The office will be closed for New Yearholiday on January 1st.

Should old acquaintance be forgot?And never brought to mind?Should all acquaintance be forgotAnd days of auld lang syne.For auld lang syne, my dear,For auld lang syne.We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,For auld lang syne

What does Auld Lang Syne mean? The short answer: “Auld Lang Syne”is the title and key phrase of a 1788Scots poem by RobertBurns, typically sung onNew Year’s Eve around theworld. The phrase “auldlang syne” literallytranslates to “old longsince,” and basically means,“days gone by.”

V O L U M E 4 3 , I S S U E 1 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

RIDGE OAK, INC. 150 MANCHESTER DRIVE, BASKING RIDGE, NJ 07920908/221-0266

FAX: 908/221-0042www.ridgeoak.org

Tax Preparation at Ridge Oak 2019 Income Tax

Friday March 6th the VITA team(Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) fromBernards Township Library will scheduleappointments at Ridge Oak to helpresidents who need to file income tax.

Let’s answer the big question; “Do I ordo I not have to file?” If you are over 65and single you do not need to file incometax forms unless:• Your income in 2019 from sourcesother than Social Security was greaterthan $13,850.• One half (50%) of your Social Securityplus all your other income was greaterthan $25,000.• You had taxes withheld from yourpension or earnings and wish to file for a refund.

If you have a question for our volunteer,Joe Ryder, leave a message at BernardsTownship Library, 204-3031 ext 2, and hewill get back to you. Appoint ments can bemade starting January 15th by calling theLibrary.

Calling 911? When you call 911 please be sure toclearly state your address. If you say “I amat Ridge Oak” or “I am in village 9” the

new treasures are another memento ofour special relationship with BaskingRidge Presbyterian Church whosemembers (starting in 1967) envisionedand passionately advocated for RidgeOak Senior Housing to be built. We aregrateful beyond words!

Last Chance GiftsIf you forgot to put a holiday “something”in the boxes for the bus drivers, house -keepers, maintenance menand/or meal deliveryperson, the gift will be leftout in Felmeth Hall lobbyuntil the end of the day on Monday, January 6th.Cash only please.

Warning We recently had a cleaning person getstuck by a hypodermic needle that wasnot properly disposed of or stored. This isVERY dangerous. If you use hypodermic

needles for any reason they MUSTbe properly disposed of in aclosed sealed container.Unused needles need to be

properly stored in a closedcontainer. Needles shouldNEVER be put into householdtrash. If you need help with thisplease contact Laura Cummings,

VNA Nurse at 908-221-0266.

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operator will NOT knowwhere you are. Theoperators sit in acommand center inSomerville. They arenot at the local policedepartment.

Clearly state your building/apt. numberand/or apartment letter. For example,“168 Manchester Drive, Apartment A”in Basking Ridge or “35 Lindbergh Lane,Apartment 101 in Basking Ridge”. Neverassume the operator who answers canpinpoint your exact location. TheyMUST have a clear and specific address.

Retirement Best Wishes Both Elaine Kilcullen and Karen Ellishave retired their “shared job” as SocialServices Coordinators at the end of2019. We say “best of health and goodwishes” to Elaine as she enjoys retirementwith her horses, donkeys, dog and catand the same to Karen Ellis as she enjoysher grandchildren. Thank you both for a job well done.

Rabies ClinicBernards Township Health Departmentprovides a Free Rabies Clinic for dogsand cats on Saturday, January 11th from10 am to Noon at Bernards TownshipPublic Works Garage, 277 South MapleAvenue, Basking Ridge.

AARP Smart Driver CourseIf you still drive, you may want to takethe AARP Safety course online or inperson.

Why Take the AARP Smart DriverCourse for Seniors?

The AARP Smart Driver course is thenation’s first refresher course specificallydesigned for drivers age 50 and older. Inmany states, drivers may benefit from adiscount on their auto insurance premiumupon completing the course. You willlearn something new along the way. Anevaluation of the course found that 97%of participants changed at least one driv -ing habit as a result of what they learned.

Go online to AARP Smart DriverCourse, enter the code SMARTand receive a 25% discounton the cost of thecourse. Takingthe courseonline will costonly $14.97.

Capital Projects Continue

All apartments in Villages 1-11 will getnew white storm doors over the winter.Village 1 installations were just started.

Village 8 & 9 laundry rooms will berenovated in the spring.

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Computer Room ClassesLearn a new skill

Sign up for acomputer classwith Russ.Learn some -thing new orbrush up on what youknow. See how easy it is to connect tofamily via computer or to play games onthe computer when you’re stuck inside.

Russ Archer will have computer class on Tuesday, January 7th & 21st between2:30 pm – 4 pm. Sign-up is required. The computer room will be CLOSED toother computer users during class times.

From the Executive DirectorBonnie

Happy New Year! Wishing all ourresidents good health and happiness in2020! Starting December 22nd the daysare getting longer. Spring is coming!

Village 12 community room still needsnew heating and cooling units installed.

Student Assistant Danielle will now work on Thursdaymornings from 9 am to 12 pm beginningThursday, January 23rd. Danielle, whospeaks Mandarin, is here for residentswho would like to ask a question aboutan activity or meal or would like todiscuss a specific concern with a RidgeOak staff member.

Magical Happenings Magic Shop, a full-service hair salon formen and women, located on the lowerlevel of Felmeth Hall, is open on Fridays.Call our stylist Sabrina for an appoint -ment at 908-221-1222. Tell Sabrina ifyou need a ride on the transporter.Residents are billed for salon services bythe Ridge Oak officeat the end of eachmonth. Please tip the stylist after eachservice.

One coupon per customer/per month. Must be

turned in at time of service. Cannot be combined

with any other coupon offer.

Name_____________________________

January Special$5 off any haircut

從1月23日開始，楊德妮將在星期四下午

9-12點在辦公室為您們服務。如果有關

於報名活動或餐飲的問題，或是要跟工

作人員討論某些事項，請到辦公室找德

妮。謝謝！

Meal Highlights for December

Tuesday, January 14th –Beginning at 4:30 pm, joinus for the Pet Parade. Thiswill be followed by dinner.Tossed Salad, Pizza and IceCream will be served.Thursday, January 16th – We will servedinner in the Village 12 community room!Crunchy Vegetable Salad, Turkey Burgers,Pickles, Chips and Lemon Cookies.Tuesday, January 21st – Birthday Dinner!Cole Slaw, Pork Spare Ribs, CreamedSpinach, Corn Muffins and BirthdayCake will be served.Thursday, January 30th- Join us for oneof our most popular meals. ShrimpCocktail, Italian Seasoned Flounder,Honey Glazed Carrots and Apple Pie.

HousekeepingIf you are interested in finding out moreabout our housekeeping services, pleasecall the office and speak to Corey.

Care FundCare Fund subsidizes meals,personal care, AdultDay Care services, andPersys Medical AlertSystems. Many thanksto the people who havemade recent donations tothe Care Fund.

Occupancy - Christine,Patrice & Helen

Security Deposit – Before January 31styou will receive a check from PeapackGladstone Bank which is the interestearned on your security deposit for theyear 2019. PLEASE CASH the check no matter how small it is! The currentinterest rate is .05%.

Blood pressures will betaken in Felmeth HallThursday, January 16that 1 pm. Stop by andmeet Laura our newWellness Nurse from theVNA of Somerset Hills.

From Supportive HousingCorey

If you receive a meal delivery, pleaseremember to turn your outside light onby 4:30 pm.

Meal orders or cancellations for thefollowing day need to be called in by 11 am the day before or you will becharged.

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From Wellness NurseLaura Cummings RNVNA of Somerset Hills

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Church Bus ScheduleOur Sunday bus driver, Chris, makesseveral runs on Sunday mornings toaccommodate local church services.Stand out on Manchester Drive and the bus will pick you up as it passes.Village 12 residents are picked up afterManchester Drive residents. • 8:30 am for the 9 am service at St. James Roman Catholic Church• 9:30 am for 10 am service at BaskingRidge Presbyterian Church Chapel

Bernards Township MallShopping Trips

Bernards Township Parks & RecreationDepartment runs a shopping bus weekly.There is no charge, but sign-up is re -quired by calling Ruth at 908-204-4616.

Tuesdays, Fridays - Better BalanceWednesdays - Tai Chi

Tuesday, January 7th - Say Thank YouThursday, January 9th - Pokeno at V12 Friday, January 10th - Dental Van

Tuesday, January 14th

Pets on Parade

Wednesday, January 15th

Pierogi HouseThursday, January 16th

RHS Dance ShowcaseSunday, January 19th

Pancake BreakfastWednesday, January 22nd

Brooklyn BridgeWednesday, January 29th

Manville ShoppingThursday, January 30th

Afternoon of Puzzles

Better BalanceMove with Balance

Balance classes continue Tuesdays & Fridays in V12. Check your calendarfor days and times. You can move a little and gain a lot! The transporter is available. Sign-up is required.

Tai Chi Tai Chi continues Wednesday morningsat 9:30 am. Wear comfortable clothes.Advance sign-up is required––this is nota “drop in” class

Say Thank YouLet’s start the year off right by saying“thank you” to three organizations thatplay an important part in our community,Tuesday, January 7th at 10:30 am. Wewill distribute raffle and bazaar proceeds

M A R K Y O U RC A L E N D A R

for Ridge Oak Activities

to Bernards Township Police, VNA ofSomerset Hills and Basking Ridge FirstAid Squad. Join your friends and neigh -bors for coffee and a sweet treat. Theshopping bus will not leave till 11:15 am.

PokenoThursday, January 9th join us forPokeno at 1:30 pm at Village 12. Bring100 pennies (2 rolls) with you. Noexperience required. A little bingo, alittle poker and lots of fun. A good wayto get out of your apartment this winter.Thr transporter will be available forrides. Sign-up is required.

Dental VanThe vanwill be here Friday, January 10that 9 am. Call the Ridge Oak office tomake an appointment and to pick up the forms needed for your first visit.

Zufall Mobile Dental Van services aresubsidized! At your first dental visit youwill receive a clinical exam, x-rays, andtreatment plan. Patients are thenscheduled for an appointment for acleaning or periodontal scalingbased on the condition of theirgums. All patients should bring acurrent list of medications,allergies, hospitaliza tions, andmedical problems for the first visitand inform the dentist of anychanges at future visits.

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Pets on ParadeTuesday, January 14th is National DressYour Pet Day. Join us at 4:30 pm for a PetParade of Fashion right before dinner. Weinvite our residents who have pets; dogs,

cats, birds etc., to dressthem for the parade. It is all for fun. If possible,

please give Connie severalpictures of your pet ahead of time. Sign-up is required.

Pierogi HouseWednesday, January 15th, the bus willleave at 12 noon for the Pierogi House in Morristown. A variety of pierogis andPolish food is on the menu. Bring moneyfor lunch. Sign-up is required.Pierogi House owner Evelina was bornand raised in Le�ajsk, a small city in theSubcarpathian region of Poland. Hergrandmother taught her how to cooktraditional Polish dishes like pierogi,bigos, stuffed cabbage and potato pan -cakes which are all on the menu atPierogi House today.

RHS Dance ShowcaseThursday, January 16th, the bus willleave at 3 pm for RHS. We have beeninvited to the Dance Departments’ dressrehearsal. Sign-up is required.

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Stretching across the East River, theiconic bridge opened in 1883 to carrytraffic (non-automotive at the time)between lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.One of the most recognizable parts of theNew York skyline, the bridge has beenfeatured on television and in movies. Amajor part of New York history.

Manville ShoppingWednesday, January 29th, the bus willleave at 11 am for the Manville area forshopping. Sign-up is required.

Afternoon of PuzzlesNational Puzzle Day in January,celebrates the creators of puzzles andgames. Join us on Thursday, January 30that 1:30 pm. Sign-up is required.

Looking AheadIn March we will celebrate our manycultures and traditions. Each society inthe world has its own cultural traditionsthat identify their heritage and makesthem uniquely different. America isconsidered a “tossed salad.” This meansthat components of our racial, religious,and cultural heritage remain intact. Wewould like residents to share somethingof their heritage with us, maybe clothes,music, dance, photos etc. There is plentyof time to think and prepare.

Ridge High School Dance Departmentpresents “Winter Dance Showcase 2020- Adventure Awaits”. Each dancerepresents either a destination, mode oftransportation or method of traveling.Faculty and studentdances will bepresented. Studentsfrom classes andextracurricular activitieswill perform. This is aprogram of dancenot to be missed!

Pancake BreakfastSunday, January 19th, members ofCongregation B’Nai Israel will serve apancake breakfast continuously from 9 am - 11 am in Felmeth Hall. There isno charge but sign-up is required so theycan prepare enough food.

Brooklyn BridgeWindows into Our World

Join us on Wednesday, January 22nd aswe travel to the Brooklyn Bridge via livevideo-conferencing at 2 pm. The cost ofthe program is $3. You need to cancel byMonday, January 20th or you will bebilled. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. You will be billed for this activityin February.

Foot Care Dr. Geller will visit on Tuesday,February 11th. Call his officedirectly at 908-281-9002 toschedule a visit. Dr. Brownwill also visit in February.Call the Ridge Oak office for a visit byDr. Brown. We do not endorse eitherphysician, nor do we resolve or mediatebilling and/or payment issues.

For Your Spiritual Wellness All residents regardless of their faith arewelcome to attend any religious serviceor activity held at Ridge Oak!

Episcopal Service

Father Rick Morley, of St Mark’s EpiscopalChurch, will hold a service on Thursday,January 2nd at 10 am. Call that morningif you need a ride.

Catholic Mass

A member of St. James Catholic Churchclergy will be here to celebrate Mass onTuesday, January 28th at 9 am in FelmethHall RB Boye Com munity Room. Call the day before if you need a ride.

Bible Study

Bible Study meets Friday, January 3rd &17th at 10 am in Felmeth Hall RB BoyeCommunity Room Annex. If you have abible, bring it with you as well as a padand pencil for notes.

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Games Anyone?Dominoes/Mexican Train, Scrabble,

Tiles, Phase 1

This month you will have an opportunity toplay on Saturday, January 11th & 25th at12:30 pm. Stop by and join your friends.

ACORN Collators & Distributors

Friday, January 31st, February Acornswill be collated at 9:30 am and ready for pick-up after 10 am.

Happy Hookers Knitting & crocheting group meets inFelmeth Hall RB Boye Community RoomAnnex, starting at 10:30 am on Mondays.If you would like to learn how to knit orcrochet or to refresh your skills, stop bythe group on any Monday. Always checkyour calendar for meeting dates. Open toall crafters.

Wii CompetitionWii Competition continues Mondaysstarting at 9:30 am. Stop by and cheer on your friends and neighbors.

Bingo Bingo is on Friday, January3rd, 10th, 17th & 28th at 1 pm in Felmeth Hall RBBoye Community Room.

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• Keep Less, Toss More & Tidy Up withJamie Novak - Tuesday, January 21st - 7 to 8 pm.• Five Centuries of New JerseyArchitecture - Thursday, January 30th –7 to 8 pm.

Notable NotesWe donated 8 boxes of food and twolarge containers of warm clothes forfamilies in need this holiday season.Thank you to the residents who gave.A check for $231 was sent to God’s Co-Op Food Pantry from the ThanksgivingBreakfast collection. Thanks to all whocame and gave! A check for $162 was sent to Feed theFlock Food Pantry in Babylon, NY.Thanks to those who contributed at ourholiday luncheon. This charity is afavorite of Santa Claus who visitedRidge Oak.

“Now is not the time to think of what youdo not have. Think of what you can do for others.”- Ernest Hemingway

Free Medical EquipmentAvailable through Pluckemin PresbyterianChurch Medical Equipment Ministry.The equipment is loaned out at no costfor as long as is necessary and returnedwhen no longer needed. They providehospital beds, walkers, canes, shower

Rosary

Rosary Prayer Group meets in FelmethHall RB Boye Community Room Annex,on Thursdays at 3 pm. Dates subject tochange based upon Ridge Oak’s scheduleor the group’s conscience. All faiths arewelcome!

The Library Corner Bernards Township Library on MapleAvenue offers many programs and a greatbook collection. The library has booksand magazines written in Chinese. Call908-204-3031 ext. 116 to register for aprogram. Some of the programs thismonth: • Evening Book Discussion - A Roomwith a View by E.M Forster, Tuesday,January 7th - 7:30 to 9 pm.• Master of the Louvre - Thursday,January 8th - 7 to 8 pm. • Daytime Book Discussion – Killer ofthe Flower Moon: The Osage Murdersand the Birth of theFBI by David Grann,Wednesday, January15th - 10 to 11 am.

O U RE X PA N D I N G

W O R L DActivities outside Ridge Oak

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chairs, wheelchairs, adult diapers andmany other healthcare items. Call 908-396-6057 for information. Regular hoursare Saturday, 10-12 noon.

Somerset CountyTransportation Services

Transportation is provided for medicalappointments, to senior centers and forgrocery shopping. Appointments must be arranged well in advance by calling908-231-7116.

Somerset Hills YMCARidge Oak residents can join the Y forjust $5 a month! Payment in full of $60for the year is required when you join.Call the Ridge Oak office for an applica -tion. If you have questions about member -ship, call Suzanne Fischl at 908-766-7898x 505. For financial assistance, contactBeatriz at 908-766-7898 x 346.

The Active Older Adults Program atSomerset Hills Y meets in Gagnon Teen/Community Center onthe lower leveleach Tuesday & Thursdayfrom 9 am to 2:30 pm.They offer social activities, lectures,aquatics and wellness activities includingcardio, strength and flexibility.