Rosetta Bruce: Embracing community and connection

“I’m Rosetta Bruce. For many years, I’ve been involved with the Center for Modern Aging Princeton. Hosting lunches and gathering wonderful women from all walks of life has always been a joy for me. The Center is more than just a place; it’s a space where diversity thrives, where people come together to share, connect, and celebrate life.

Attending events like Taste Around the World or Bingo always reminds me of the magic that happens when we gather. Meeting new faces — women I hadn’t known before — and making plans to reconnect is such a joy. The sense of fellowship here is unmatched, and it’s not just about the events, but about the lasting connections that grow from them. We remind each other to keep coming back, and we support one another outside of the Center, too.

For me, these social connections are essential for my mental and emotional well-being. Without them, I would be sitting in my apartment, alone and disconnected. But when I come here, I feel energized, happy, and surrounded by people who understand and lift me up. It’s a space where age, background, and experiences don’t matter. We are all here to enjoy life, learn from one another, and grow together.

Though I’ve moved to Plainsboro, Princeton will always be home to me. I lived there for sixty-five years, and the memories of raising my children in that house will forever be with me. But stepping into the Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning always brings back those warm feelings of belonging. This is a place for everyone — where we come together, regardless of where we’ve come from, to share in the joy of connection and community.”