Senior programs at NJMC

LYNDHURST – The Meadowlands Environment Center has released its summer 2008 Senior Program, a two-month series packed with free informative talks and captivating performances that represent the most extensive and diverse programming yet in the yearly series.
“The MEC has put together an exciting, eclectic program for seniors this year that surpasses anything we have done in the past,” Executive Director of the NJMCRobert Ceberio said. The Meadowland Commission oversees the Environment Center. “This is a great example of how the NJMC is always working to find ways to improve the quality of its programming to best serve residents of all ages in the Meadowlands.”
Events range from concerts and dance lessons to cooking and health programs to a NASA program and an antiques roadshow-style appraisal event.
The season kicks off on June 10 with prominent ethno botanist Dr. Michael Balick’s discussion of “Plants That Heal.”
Balick has traveled the globe studying the relationship between plants and people, having spent time in Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, South Asia and the Pacific Islands.
A highlight of the schedule comes on June 24, when participants are invited to bring their would-be treasures to “Antiques Treasure Hunt: A Roadshow with the Millea Bros. Auction.” Michael and Mark Millea will informally appraise visitors’ small antiques and share tips on what to look for when appraising your heirlooms. The Millea brothers have 15 years experience in the auction and appraisal business. Michael Millea has been a guest on the wildly popular PBS television series, “Antiques Roadshow,” and the Metro Channel program, “Antique Show & Sell.”
Music and dance programs, for both listeners and participants, are also on the agenda. The Champian Fulton Trio performs a tribute to jazz divas on June 19 while tenor Christopher Cantu and soprano Elizabeth Schmidt perform an “Evening at the Opera” on July 10. Dance aficionados can participate in workshops or just sit back and enjoy the music on June 12 (Brazilian), June 26 (polka), and July 31 (swing).
On July 17, NASA/JPL Ambassador and MEC educator Laura Venner will discuss technologies rooted in the space program that have become a part of everyday life, explaining how such breakthroughs as Lasik surgery and hip replacements originated from NASA.
The Meadowlands Environment Center is an NJMC facility operated by Ramapo College of New Jersey. Pre-registration is suggested for all programs; all programs are free. For more information or to register call 201-777-2431 or visit www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec.