August 2024 - Center for Modern Aging Princeton

GrandPal Student – Cameron

Posted on August 26, 2024February 19, 2026 by Ella Leving

Sweet Moment at Princeton Community Event

Cameron

We’re excited to share a sweet moment from our recent Princeton community event that truly captures the spirit of our GrandPals program. At our table, we displayed our new GrandPals flyer, featuring a photo of one of our cherished pairs.

During the event, a family stopped by, and the little boy’s mom pointed at the flyer with excitement. “Cameron, look, this is you!” she exclaimed. The look on Cameron’s face was unforgettable — his smile was pure joy! The family was so thrilled that they took the flyer with them to show all of Cameron’s friends. We were able to capture this touching moment on camera, and Cameron and his parents happily posed together.

It’s moments like these that remind us of the impact our GrandPals program has on both our young readers and their GrandPals. We’re delighted to share this story with our GrandPals community, and we can’t wait to see even more smiles as we continue our work together.

Thank you for being a part of this special journey.

Evergreen Forum: Registration

Posted on August 23, 2024February 19, 2026 by Krista McGoldrick

Evergreen Forum is known for its in-depth, six or eight-week courses. But we understand that life can get busy, and it can be hard to fit it all in. This fall, we’re excited to offer more than ever before a selection of shorter, three-to-four-week courses starting at different times throughout fall. Dive into a new topic without long-term commitment. Perfect for those seeking a quick intellectual fix or wanting to explore multiple subjects this fall.

Here are this semester’s short form courses:

American Impressionism: The Bucks County Painters with Christina Kales — Four Weeks

Journey through nineteenth century American Impressionism, focusing on Bucks County School painters reshaping French influence with a distinct American touch.

Fridays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for four weeks beginning October 11 through November 1.

Demystifying New Jersey: Geography, Demographics, and Heritage with Dave Saltzman — — Four Weeks

Discover the formation of New Jersey from its colonial roots through exploring the history of geography, labor, canals, railroads, and so much more.

Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for four weeks beginning October 10 through October 31.

Geology of the BC Coast Mountains with Lincoln Hollister — Four Weeks

Explore the geology of the British Columbia Coast Mountains in the 1960s, highlighting remarkable adventures from more than fifty years of study in this remote region.

Thursdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for four weeks beginning October 10 through October 31.

Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Naomi Browar — Three Weeks

Deep dive into the effective features of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression.

Mondays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for three weeks beginning September 30 through October 14.

Learn more about Evergreen Forum and the Fall 2024 course brochure here: https://cmaprinceton.org/evergreen-forum/

EmpowerHer Speaker Series: Michele Tuck-Ponder

Posted on August 21, 2024February 19, 2026 by Ana Carolina González-Peña

EmpowerHer Speaker Series: Michele Tuck-Ponder on Resilience, Authenticity, and Community

At the Center for Modern Aging Princeton, our EmpowerHer speaker series was created to highlight the transformative power of women’s voices. Every month, we welcome a woman who has made a significant impact in her field and who embodies the spirit of resilience, authenticity, and leadership. In June 2024, we were privileged to hear from Michele Tuck-Ponder, a woman whose journey is as inspiring as it is instructive.

Michele Tuck-Ponder is a woman of many talents and titles: lawyer, journalist, former mayor, author, CEO, and, perhaps most intriguingly, a passionate quilter. Her talk at the Center was a beautiful reflection of how these diverse roles have woven together into the rich tapestry of her life. Michele’s story is one of adaptability, resilience, and the constant pursuit of authenticity.

The Art of Adaptation: Lessons from Quilting

Michele began her talk by sharing her love for quilting, an art form that has become a metaphor for her life. In quilting, as in life, things don’t always go as planned — colors may clash, patterns might not align, and sometimes, the whole project needs to be set aside and revisited later. Michele emphasized that this process of adaptation is not just necessary but beautiful. It’s about finding new ways forward, whether in quilting or in facing the challenges of being a Black woman in America. For Michele, and for so many others, success has required innovation and improvisation.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

One of the most powerful themes of Michele’s talk was resilience. She shared personal stories of facing adversity — whether it was the loss of her hair due to an autoimmune condition, the challenges of navigating a career in a society steeped in racism, or the emotional toll of caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses. Michele’s message was clear: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about rising every time we fall, even when the path forward is uncertain.

Embracing Authenticity

Michele also spoke passionately about the importance of authenticity, especially for women of color. She recounted her own experiences of being judged and underestimated, and how she has learned that true success comes from embracing one’s identity fully and unapologetically. In a world that often tries to silence or diminish the voices of Black women, Michele’s journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself.

Community as a Source of Strength

Service to the community has been a cornerstone of Michele’s life and career. From leading nonprofits like the Girl Scouts and women’s advocacy organizations to serving in public office, Michele has dedicated herself to making a difference. She reminded us that true leadership is not about power, but about lifting others up and working together to overcome challenges.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation

Michele Tuck-Ponder’s visit to the Center for Modern Aging Princeton in June was not just a lecture; it was an invitation to reflect, to grow, and to continue building a community that values resilience, authenticity, and service. As we look forward to our next EmpowerHer event, we carry with us the lessons Michele shared, knowing that each of us has the power to create beauty and strength from the challenges we face.

We are excited to announce that our next guest in the EmpowerHer series will be Leticia Fraga, who will join us on Monday, September 23, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Leticia’s journey as a leader and advocate promises to be just as inspiring, and we look forward to welcoming you all to continue this important conversation.

GrandPal Student – Lily

Posted on August 19, 2024February 19, 2026 by Ella Leving

Sweet Moment at Princeton Community Event

Lily

We had a heartwarming experience at a recent Princeton community event that we just had to share with our GrandPals family. Our new GrandPals brochure, featuring a photo of one of our shining pairs, was on display at the event.

About an hour into the evening, a group of moms and their children passed by our table. One of the moms stopped, her face lighting up as she pointed at the flyer. “Lily, look, this is you! You’re the face of GrandPals!” she exclaimed. Lily’s reaction was priceless — her face lit up with pure joy, and her friend was so excited for her that she couldn’t help but give her a big hug. Lily was the star on the cover!

Lily’s mom was so proud that she asked to take a few brochures and flyers to share with their friends. We captured this sweet moment on camera, and Lily posed with a big smile. We’re thrilled to share this special moment with all of you.

We look forward to seeing many more moments like this as we continue to grow our GrandPals community. Stay tuned for more stories and updates!

Evergreen Forum: Hybrid Technology

Posted on August 16, 2024February 19, 2026 by Krista McGoldrick

Hybrid classrooms were born out of the pandemic as the world began to “open” back up but the comfort level of returning to said world varied. At CMAP, our rooms and buildings were specifically designed to allow for the hybrid classroom experience, allowing participants to attend in-person or virtually on Zoom depending on their comfort, ability, or just ease of travel. Since then, the staff has worked to optimize audio, visual, and classroom set up to make it the best possible experience for those in the classroom and at home.

So, what does it mean to sign up for a hybrid class?

Hybrid courses are held and taught in-person. While the course leader will typically be in-person teaching to a live class, there will also be participants who attend virtually on Zoom. This means there will be additional audio and visual equipment in the room to allow those on Zoom to clearly see and hear those attending or teaching in-person. There will also be screens for those attending in-person to see the participants attending virtually on Zoom.

If you register for a hybrid class this fall, you’ll be required to select either in-person or virtual attendance. We are unable to allow switching back and forth between attending in-person or virtually on Zoom from week to week as we must plan appropriately for seats in the room and, often time, in-person seats will sell out. If participants are unable to attend a session, they will be recorded!

By carefully planning and utilizing technology, we strive to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all participants in hybrid classes!

How does my role as a participant work in a hybrid class?

For those attending in-person, it’s good to remember there are virtual participants also joining. Questions and discussions may come from inside the classroom and virtually online. Make sure to speak loudly and clearly so the microphones in the room can pick you up.

For those attending virtually on Zoom, you can still play an active role in the classroom. We recommend keeping your video on so the course leader and classmates can see you. Depending on the set up, you can use the chat function or unmuting to pose questions and contribute to class.

So, which courses are hybrid for the fall 2024 semester?

2024 Elections: Democracy At Stake? with Elaine Jacoby

Dive into the tumultuous 2024 elections, dissecting democracy’s fate through Congressional races and ideological lenses.

Wednesdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for eight weeks beginning October 2 through November 20.

America During the Obama Years with Stan Katz

Delve into the transformative Obama era and post-2008 decade, exploring key events from elections to policy shifts through engaging video analysis and interactive discussions.

Fridays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for six weeks beginning October 11 through November 15.

American Impressionism: The Bucks County Painters with Christina Kales

Journey through nineteenth century American Impressionism, focusing on Bucks County School painters reshaping French influence with a distinct American touch.

Fridays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for four weeks beginning October 11 through November 1.

Antebellum America: It Still Matters with Walter Frank

Uncover the complexities of 1789–1861 Antebellum America, focusing on slavery, constitutional debates, wars, social movements, and technological shifts with a focus on pivotal presidential elections.

Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for six weeks beginning October 24 through December 5 (no class 11/29).

Demystifying New Jersey: Geography, Demographics, and Heritage with Dave Saltzman

Discover the formation of New Jersey from its colonial roots through exploring the history of geography, labor, canals, railroads, and so much more.

Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for four weeks beginning October 10 through October 31.

Explore, Engage, and Empower with the Princeton University Art Museum Docents

Discover “What was it like to be…” a conceptual artist, an Outsider artist, a Renaissance artist, a Woman artist, an Indigenous artist…all in this engaging art course.

Wednesdays from 1:30–3:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning October 16 through November 20.

Histories of Indigenous Peoples in America with Robert Nolan

Invigorate one’s knowledge of America by engaging with key dimensions of the histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples.

Thursdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for eight weeks beginning October 3 through November 21.

Science in the News with Harold Heft and additional panelists

Join “Science in the News” for weekly insights into the latest research and issues in science and medicine, with engaging lectures and discussions.

Fridays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for eight weeks beginning September 27 through November 22 (no Class 10/4).

Supreme Court -Greatest Hits of 2024 with Phil Carchman

Uncover key Supreme Court decisions from 2023–2024 on pressing issues impacting lives across the U.S. in this lecture course.

Mondays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for six weeks beginning September 30 through November 4.

Understanding Human Evolution with Peter Smith

Explore the branches of the human family tree spanning millions of years to uncover why Earth now hosts over eight billion humans.

Tuesdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for eight weeks beginning October 1 through November 19.

Learn more about Evergreen Forum and the Fall 2024 course brochure here: https://cmaprinceton.org/evergreen-forum/

Evergreen Forum: Participants

Posted on August 9, 2024February 19, 2026 by Krista McGoldrick

Did you know that around 500 participants enjoy Evergreen Forum courses each semester? From the arts to STEM, hundreds take part in courses in-person and online to explore a wide range of topics. Whether you’re diving deep into a specific field or simply seeking intellectual stimulation, Evergreen Forum offers something for everyone. But don’t take it from us, hear from two dedicated participants on why they continue to choose Evergreen Forum:

Behnaz Ahmadi has been a dedicated participant in Evergreen Forum courses at the Center for Modern Aging for more than seven years. Drawn to the program’s diverse offerings, including Science in the News, Introduction to Mindfulness Practices, and Elaine Jacoby’s annual election-based class, Behnaz consistently chooses Evergreen Forum for its unique courses, dedicated participants, and experienced instructors, typically attending in-person classes. “I truly enjoy the variety of subjects, the knowledgeable classmates, and the supportive staff,” she shares.

Velma Williams-Gates joined Evergreen Forum virtually after her museum volunteer position ended because of the pandemic. Having wanted to join an Evergreen Forum course in the past, Velma saw the switch to virtual courses as a safe opportunity to finally get involved with Evergreen Forum. She hasn’t gone back since. Velma especially appreciates the work and dedication of the course leaders saying, “The instructors with whom I have taken classes do a lot of in-depth research, usually on topics I know little or nothing about. I feel my instructors really want to pass on their knowledge of the topic(s) they teach. And the topics are about something they are passionate about.”

We hope you’ll consider joining Behnaz, Velma, and the hundreds of other participants who take part in Evergreen Forum each semester and discover your very own lifelong learning journey this fall.

Learn more about Evergreen Forum and the Fall 2024 course brochure here: https://cmaprinceton.org/evergreen-forum/

Meet Pushpa Kulkarni

Posted on August 8, 2024February 19, 2026 by Ana Carolina González-Peña

“I first came to Princeton in 2004 from South Africa, where I had been teaching mathematics. My journey began when my son, a professor at Princeton, needed help with his three young children. I packed up and left South Africa to take care of my great-grandchildren. My husband, who was a professor in upstate New York at SUNY, always encouraged me to pursue my education. After raising my children, I went back to school and earned my master’s degree in mathematics.

My life has taken me from India to South Africa, and even to Nepal, where I taught English and mathematics. The children there called me ‘American mom,’ and I helped finance their education. Seeing them succeed and become doctors and teachers is one of my greatest joys. When I arrived in Princeton, I lived with my son until his children went to college. Then, I bought my own apartment near the Suzanne Patterson Building.

I joined the Center for Modern Aging a year after moving here. The first program I participated in was ‘Let’s Talk,’ and I’ve been involved ever since. What I love most about the Center is its inclusivity. Unlike other senior centers that restrict membership based on residence, Princeton’s center welcomes everyone. It’s a place where I’ve found community and belonging. My only suggestion for improvement is to keep doing what they’re doing — creating an open and welcoming environment for all older adults.”

Rhythms and Roots – “What’s Going On”

Posted on August 5, 2024February 19, 2026 by Ana Carolina González-Peña

Rhythms and Roots: Reviving the Impact of “What’s Going On”

A Conversation with Nick

In the turbulent landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Marvin Gaye released “What’s Going On,” an album that has become both a musical and social landmark. We spoke with Nick, who provides deep insights into the creation and enduring impact of this iconic album.

Q: Nick, can you tell us about the context in which “What’s Going On” was created and how the social climate of the time influenced its production?

A: The context was highly volatile. Between the Watts riots of 1965, police brutality, and the Vietnam War, the nation was immersed in deep social discontent. Marvin Gaye, affected by these events and his personal life—including the illness and death of his partner Tammy Terrell and family issues—sought a way to express his disillusionment with the state of the world. Gaye had been working at Motown, making songs in the company’s style, but felt his previous work didn’t reflect his reality. He wanted to create something authentic and relevant, something that connected with people’s realities at the time.

Q: What was the recording process like and what challenges did Marvin Gaye face?

A: The recording process was challenging. Marvin faced resistance from Barry Gordy, the founder of Motown, who was initially unwilling to release the album due to its political content. Gaye even attempted to create a version of the song “What’s Going On” with double-tracked vocals — a mistake by the engineer that ended up being a distinctive feature of the album. Despite the opposition, the song became a resounding success. Gaye fought for full control of the album, and in the end, his vision remained intact, resulting in a work that addressed issues like police brutality and social justice with an authenticity that resonated with listeners.

Q: Why do you think “What’s Going On” remains relevant today and what can it teach us?

A: “What’s Going On” remains relevant because it addresses universal issues that persist, such as inequality and injustice. The album’s ability to capture the social struggles of its time and present them in an emotionally resonant way makes it a powerful tool for understanding others’ experiences. Today, as issues of racism and inequality continue to be prominent, the album acts as a mirror reflecting how, despite progress, many problems remain unresolved. It’s an opportunity for new generations to listen and reflect on what has changed and what still needs to be done.

“What’s Going On” is more than an album; it is a testament to the power of music to challenge, comfort, and inspire. It is a call to keep striving for a more just and equitable world.

For our audience at the Center for Modern Aging Princeton, “What’s Going On” offers a profound exploration of social justice and resilience, connecting generations and encouraging thoughtful reflection on ongoing challenges.

As we strive for a more inclusive community, how do you see the themes of this album resonating with your own experiences and current societal issues?

Listen here!

https://youtu.be/H-kA3UtBj4M?si=Th1zO8FnRTlOcziZ 🌍🎶