Personal Enrichment

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

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 and the Cape May County Department of Aging And Disability 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.

Players and Playwrights Meeting

January 20 - December 21

Players and Playwrights Meeting Third Saturdays, 1/20- 12/21/2024, 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.

Discover the Secrets of the Blue Zones

September 10 - December 17

Discover the Secrets of the Blue Zones Tuesdays, September 10-December 17, 11a.m.- Noon, Online via Zoom | Join Peppy and Gina as we creatively delve into Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, a Netflix documentary that chronicles the work of longevity researcher Dan Buettner. Buettner's documentary takes us on a journey to re-visit each of the original Blue Zones and be immersed in their culture and lifestyles. We will see how the Blue Zones research can be applied to create communities across the United States. Buettner's Blue Zones Project has cracked the secret code for longevity and transformed health outcomes for centenarians. As Dan Buettner said, "The only thing better than looking good as you age, is feeling good as you age."

Tour of Poetry

October 05 - December 14

Tour of Poetry Saturdays, October 5, November 9, December 14, 12-2pm, Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield | 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.

Knit & Crochet

November 04 - December 09

Knit & Crochet: Mondays, 11/4-12/09/2024, 9-11am, Stockton at Manahawkin, 712 E Bay Ave. 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. Supply list: 2 balls of light colored yarn, Weight 4 Knitting needles size 10 OR Crochet Hook size H. The class fee is $45.

One Stroke Painting

November 04 - December 09

One Stroke Painting: Mondays, 11/4 - 12/09/2024, 11am-1pm, Stockton at Manahawkin, 712 E Bay Ave.| 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. Imagine, blending, shading, and highlighting all in One Stroke! Classes teach you to freehand various strokes and to build your own unique pattern. Supplies needed: Apron, Set of multicolor acrylic paints, wax paper, paper plate, container for water, Book of watercolor paper, set of Donna Dewberry brushes. The class fee is $45.

Adult Ballet

November 08 - December 20

Adult Ballet: Fridays, 11/08- 12/20/2024, 12pm-1:00 pm , Stockton at Manahawkin,712 E Bay Ave. | Join Lois Allen of Lois Allen's School of Dance to learn ballet! The class fee is $45.

Chair Yoga

November 08 - December 20

Chair Yoga: Fridays 11/08- 12/20/2024, Stockton at Manahawkin, 712 E Bay Ave. | Join Lois for Chair Yoga, for modified poses that can be done while seated, which makes the poses accessible to more people. The class fee is $45.

Adult Tap Dance

November 08 - December 20

Adult Tap Dance: Fridays, 11/8 - 12/20/2024,10-11am, Stockton at Manahawkin,712 E Bay Ave.| Join Lois Allen of Lois Allen's School of Dance to learn adult tap dancing, an exciting and social activity. The class fee is $45.

Adult Belly Dance

November 08 - December 20

Adult Belly Dance: Fridays, 11/08- 12/20/2024,11am-12pm, Stockton at Manahawkin,712 E Bay Ave.| Join Lois Allen of Lois Allen's School of Dance to learn belly dancing! The class fee is $45.

A Maccabeats Hanukkah

December 08

Sunday, December 8 (2 p.m.) Stockton Performing Arts Center | Often travelling with little more than the shirts on their backs and the ties on their necks, the Maccabeats have entertained and inspired hundreds of audiences worldwide, from Alabama to (New) Zealand and everywhere in between. Using nothing more than the unadulterated human voice, a clean-cut presentation, and a little Jewish humor, this unique group of singers is able to connect with fans of all backgrounds and ages. SCOSA has partnered with the PAC to offer a very limited number of SCOSA sponsored tickets to the older adult community (age 60+).

SCOSA Arts Camp

December 11

Wednesday, December 11th (10 a.m. -12:30 p.m.), SCOSA Office F-227 | Join Fionna and Gina for crafting felt candles for your winter holidays. Limited to 10 participants; No art experience required.

Cookie Basket

December 14

A wooden bottom, braided seagrass and leather handles makes this a perfect container to gift Christmas cookies. Materials fee: $35.

The Nutcracker

December 14

Saturday, December 14 (3 p.m.), Stockton Performing Arts Center | Celebrate a long-cherished tradition of wondrous holiday performances from the Atlantic City Ballet's "The Nutcracker". This beloved ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wonderous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of the Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters. Young and old alike will experience the magic of this marvelous Christmas tale that will create a lifetime of memories. SCOSA has partnered with the PAC to offer a very limited number of SCOSA sponsored tickets to the older adult community (age 60+).

Winter 2025 Retirement Planning for Today

January 27 - March 03

Louis Barberio and Michael McClelland Learn how to manage investment risks, use new tax laws to your advantage, make informed decisions about your company's retirement plan, and adjust your estate plan to function properly under the new laws. This course will be given in two informative and entertaining sessions! The cost is $59, and you can bring one guest. One workbook per paid registration will be provided.

Winter 2025 Rejuvenate Your Retirement

January 27 - March 03

In this course, you will learn how to maintain and increase the benefits of your current retirement plan by discovering new ways to stay mentally, physically, and socially active, as well as learn about important financial topics such as reducing taxes, assessing investment risk, planning for health care needs, and planning your estate. This course will take place over 2, 2-hour long sessions.

36th Annual Pinelands Short Course

March 08

Saturday, March 8th, 2025 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Stockton Galloway Main Campus | The Pinelands Short Course is a daylong Pinelands-themed educational event that is held each March and features presentations that explore the unique culture, ecology, and history of the Pinelands. The event also includes an exhibit gallery. The participant cost for attending the Pinelands Short Course is $60.00. This fee entitles each participant to attend one class during each of the four sequential educational sessions offered throughout the day. Educators can earn 4 Professional Development Credits. Registration link coming soon!