Programs scheduled at Monroe Senior Center

A variety of upcoming activities will be offered at the Monroe Township Senior Center, 1 Municipal Plaza. For more information and to register for events, call the center at (732) 521-6111, unless otherwise indicated.

Marvin Fischer will bring “The Music of Gershwin” to life through narrative and music on the piano beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 18 at the center. Advance registration is requested.

Stan Lipson will offer a video presentation titled “Parade of Big Bands” at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 18. The video will feature Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Louis Armstrong and others. Advance registration is requested.

“In the Midst of Angels Along the Lewis and Clark Trail” is set for 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 19. Gordon Ward, author of “Life on the Shoulder,” will share stories and illustrative photos about how his travels on the Lewis and Clark Trail altered his life and made his faith a permanent reality. The expedition, an 1,800-mile journey by bike, foot and canoe, proved to be a journey of self-discovery and demonstrated how much energy is wasted on worry. Advance registration is requested.

“The Meaning of Food,” a three-part PBS Home Video presentation, is planned for 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. Part 1 of the video, which features award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson as he travels across America, examines the symbolic importance of food and eating. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Advance registration is requested.

“Wonders of the Century” a Reader’s Digest DVD program narrated by Charles Osgood, will be presented at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 26. The program will feature 100 years of accomplishments in America. Advance registration is requested.

The Middlesex County Department on Aging will offer “Aging Today: Coping with the Holiday Blues” at 11 a.m. on Dec. 27. Advance registration is requested.

Maurice Mahler will return to the center to honor Rembrandt’s 400th birthday with a screening of the 1936 film “Rembrandt” beginning at 1 p.m. on Dec. 27. The movie, which stars Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester, runs for an hour and a half. Call for space availability.

A video of Barry Manilow’s 1993 concert at Wimbley Arena, London, will be shown at 1 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the center. Advance registration is requested.

A Parkinson’s support group meets at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the center.

Free blood-pressure screenings are provided on a first-come basis from 1-3 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the center.

The Monroe Township Senior Center’s Green Thumbs, a group of houseplant enthusiasts who share their love of plants and discuss related issues, meets at 11 a.m. on the third Tuesday of every month.

Chess is played at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at the center.

Call the center for more information on all programs and groups.