Programs

Adulting is hard, so this group session provides an open forum for discussion of 'grown-up' stuff. Members present questions or topic suggestions through a suggestion box (so they can remain anonymous) and staff and members discuss and work through each topic (especially the stuff we don't want to deal with, like bills, budgets, hygiene, taxes, exercise, relationship issues, difficult co-workers, etc). Groups can be divided into, small focus-groups, or all-girl/all-guy, to discuss relevant issues (periods, etc) or offer those who don't need to discuss or want to experience these issues a different option. This is also the forum where we reflect on our responsibilities as members of STG, of the community, and of the world. 

Enter our Makerspace and choose from any of our current art challenges - learn about an artist, an art form, local art exhibits, emotional creativity, and more. Grab a packet or a program box and work with our Makerspace staff to explore, create, and express yourself! 

Let your creativity shine! In this workshop, you’ll get to make art using any supplies available — paint, paper, fabric, buttons, glitter, and more!

Each time we meet, you can try something new or work on your own idea. You can build, glue, draw, or design—there’s no wrong way to make art in our Makerspace!  Or, continue working on a project you started in another workshop, or help with creations for upcoming events or workshops.

This is your time to explore, have fun, and make something that’s all your own!

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." -- Frederick Douglass

Reading is a glorious pastime with multiple benefits. The ability to read and comprehend opens doors to the rest of the world. Taking time out of our busy days for reading can have a positive impact on our mental and emotional states. Readers get to read something that they have chosen (we have a library!). 

Bookshare is the second part of the workshop. Everyone is encouraged to share a quick, informal report on the book you chose based on these three questons - why you picked it, do you like it so far, thumbs up or thumbs down (would you recommend it). 

Creating Your Own Business: How to create non-traditional income 

Do you like to make art, take cool photos, or design things on the computer? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to turn your creativity into a small business. You can gain experience by helping to create the STG Etsy store, working with Love Your Neighbor Books, Ton of Bricks, Star Cafe, AllieCat Treasures, and more!

We’ll talk about how people make money online by selling things like drawings, photos, stickers, coloring pages, , toys, books, crafts, and more. You’ll learn how to come up with product ideas, take pictures of your work, and write about it so people want to buy it.

We’ll also explore what it’s like to be run a business, work on a business plan, discuss safety/security, learn about online platforms, budgets, marketing, inventory - everything a business owner needs to work on. We'll discuss pros/cons of running your own business against MLM sales, and in-person or online employment. Workshops are combinations of small group projects, asynchronous learning (learn at you own pace), and large group lessons and experiences. 

This is a fun and creative way to learn real-life skills—and maybe even start earning money doing what you love!

Learn the requirements and tasks associated with working in the STAR CAFE! Participate in training sessions on

• food safety

• barista skills

• cash register/POS system

• cleaning and inventory

• customer service and display

• efficient service systems

Baristas-in-training will wear a Blue hat/apron. Once trained, the apron will be personalized, and pins can be added to show ongoing training and excellence in skills!

This is a one-hour session to work on fitness and agility. Ryan joins us weekly to encourage and empower members through movement and exercise. His energy and skill encourages participants of all levels and abilities.  Members work on balance, flexibility, stamina, strength, reflexes and reaction time while enjoying fun exercises with friends. We ask that participants have shoes to move in (no heels or flip-flops) and bring a water bottle. This is a one-hour session and participants are expected to register for and attend the entire hour. 

Circles of Communication provides our weekly Chat Club. It is a wonderful way for our members to practice communication and social skills, learn more about each other, and build confidence. All members are encouraged to participate, and Peer mentors are encouraged to find a peer who may need additional support or just a friend to help them feel secure when starting this class (workshop can contribute to service hour requirement for Peer Mentor credentials). 

Do you enjoy being around little kids and helping out? In this fun and hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to take care of babies and toddlers safely and with confidence! We’ll practice how to change diapers, feed a baby with a bottle, and help them go to sleep the safe way.

You’ll also learn what to do in an emergency, like how to call for help or treat a small cut. We’ll play games that teach you how to keep kids happy, calm them when they’re upset, and talk with parents about how the day went.

If you want to be a babysitter or a childcare worker someday or just want to learn how to help with younger children, this workshop is a great place to start! Workshops are combinations of small group projects, asynchronous learning (learn at you own pace), and large group lessons and experiences. 

Crash Course is a free online learning platform available on YouTube. There are videos covering a variety of topics, and individual episodes in a series build off of each other.

A Crash Course workshop involves watching the episodes in a series, discussing different points in the videos, and finding connections to our lives.

Members are encouraged to stick with the entire series so they gain the information from each episode. Each member is given the opportunity to share their thoughts on things they learned.

Work with Raye to learn to use the Cricut machine. Find out about different projects and functions, accessories, and design and create your own works of art! 

This workshop works better as a 1:1 appointment, but certain projects that include iron-on or other multi-step projects can work with small groups (for example, making t-shirts or signs for an event). 

CrossFit is physical training for life! We work with our partners at ASDC CrossFit to improve physical fitness, pursue individual exercise goals, and to build community and camaraderie. It's hard work, but it's a lot of fun!

The certified coaches design workouts that improve gross motor skills, balance, strength, coordination, and confidence.

There is a world beyond New Jersey, and being aware of what's going on increases a person's ability to integrate in and navigate through society.

Participants are invited to research and share news stories and discuss what is going on in the world around us. We will review news sources, including how to determine credibility of a source, considering multiple perspectives and avoiding news bias, fact-checking, and more. We look at news both foreign and domestic. 

This session can be 1:1 or small group and can be scheduled upon request to help members learn about researching topics online and in the library. Will will look at major news sources including newspapers (online and physical, local/international/national), radio, podcasts, news shows, news networks, etc). The focus is internet safety (only click on sources you recognize/trust), online sources, subscriptions, how to find what you need in a physical newspaper, how to select the highlights or identify a summary of an article to share or give a quick description, details to look for (date, location, etc).

Anthony "Solo" Harris, of Solo Expressions (Easton), joins us weekly to encourage and empower personal expression through dance. His energy and skill immerses participants of all levels and abilities and allows each person to move and to shine! No one can resist moving to the music (not even the staff!). We ask that participants have shoes to dance in (no heels or flip-flops) and bring a water bottle. This is a one-hour session and participants are expected to register for and attend the entire hour. 

Learn the rules of the road - even if you are not a driver, it is important to understand the laws and rules for our roadways. We will also discuss what to do if you feel that a driver is not following the laws or practicing safe driving habits, how to stay safe when on/near busy roads or intersections, road rage and how it affects everyone, how to travel independently, safety with Uber/Lyft and public transportation (or getting into cars with co-workers or new friends). We will reference and study the NJ Driver Handbook and help with preparation for the driving test, and relate that experience and knowledge to all participants so they can be aware of the rules and help ensure drivers follow them. 

Individual sessions, [including behind the wheel training (coming soon!)], can be arranged by appointment. 

Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) that is much like a shared story, where each player is a main character in the collective tale.

Players can use the D&D Beyond app or traditional physical character sheets and dice, depending on preferences and needs. D&D encourages creativity, socialization, math, and problem solving.

There’s always something fun to plan at Star Thrower Group—like our spooky Halloween Haunted House, dances, dinners, movie nights, and other special events!

In this workshop, we brainstorm together to come up with cool ideas for events and help make the events happen.  We want to help get all our members involved in our events.  You might decorate, make signs, help plan games, or think about what food to serve. Everyone has something they can do to help!

It’s a great way to be creative, work as a team, and see your ideas come to life.

Fornever Role-Playing Game is a roleplaying game currently in development, and you can help test it out! Not only do participants get to play a game in its pre-release alpha state, but their feedback can help to shape the product.

Much like D&D, this workshop focuses on critical thinking, socialization, math, problem solving, and more.

This workshop meets daily from 10:30 - 11 and welcomes guest speakers and member-led discussions about recipes, cooking techniques, tools and appliances, ingredients, spices and herbs, food safety, nutrition and balance, allergens, and more! Learn new skills, taste new foods, explore careers and food around the world, and test hacks and tips seen on social media or passed down from grandma to see if they pass or fail. 

Have you ever wondered exactly how a game like Clue, Candyland, or Cards Against Humanity works?

This workshop takes a game from concept through multiple iterations of prototypes. The group has to consider factors such as the game's goal(s), win/loss conditions, balance, sequence of play, and more! And, of course, you get to playtest the game you're working on.

Pick a game - any game! Games are a great way to keep our brains strong and build relationships! Choose from Apples to Apples, Backgammon, Clue.... all the way to Yahtzee and Zork, and join the fun as we try new games and play our old favorites. Small group and 1:1 sessions can be scheduled by appointment. 

Spend time wit(h friends enjoying the outdoors. Shoot some hoops, try pickleball, cornhole, and other fun outdoor games, or come out to get some fresh air and cheer on the players! (Weather permitting. Consider appropriate outdoor needs: 

• deodorant and lighter shirt (sometimes it's hotter out or your outfit will make you hot when you are running around, so keeping a light t-shirt to change into is a good idea. We encourage refreshing deodorant before we go out!)

• Hat, jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen - to cover up and prevent sunburn (or for added warmth). Sunscreen requires and OTC form and we will keep it at the front desk for easy access on your way out. 

• Sneakers

if you are employed, or hope to be, this group meets weekly to discuss job situatioins and support each other through discussions and reflections.  Weekly reflections include: 

• What is something that challenged you this week on the job? (either difficult, frustrating, sad, or annoying, or something you had to - or want to - practice and work hard at to learn or overcome)

• What is something from work this week that you are proud of ?

• What is something new you learned this week at work?

• Is there a funny story or picture you can share from work? 

Sharing these topics and others help reinforce many skills and strengthen relationships as we learn we are all going through similar things and we can all help each other. Focused discussion topics might include time management, dealing with difficult people, communication skills, cashier practice, customer service, cleaning, safety... and can be scheduled as a 1:1 appointment as needed). 

Work on your Karaoke skills - practicing to find your perfect song - work on moves and grooves to help you feel confident and comfortable on stage. This workshop will help you LOOK good and SOUND better! Sessions can also be scheduled as a 1:1. 

Learn the requirements and tasks associated with working in the kitchen! Participate in training sessions on

• food safety

• knife skills

• food prep and storage

• cleaning and inventory

• mise en place and recipes

• cooking appliance skills (air fryer, crockpot, blender, griddle, folding grill, microwave, hotplate, indoor/outdoor grill, etc)

Sous Chef-in-training will wear a Purple hat/apron. Once trained, the apron will be personalized, and pins can be added to show ongoing training and excellence in skills!

This is the group for Lovers of all things LEGO. Display, collect, sort, organize, challenge, explore, learn, and plan visits to (or create our own) Lego-themed events.

For those who love LEGO - this is the chance to build. Whether it is for your own creative expression, or to display as an art piece, take this time to put those brains to work and BUILD! If you're not sure what to build, you can use one of our pre-made builder boxes. OR you can create your own builder box or sale or to add to the collection. 

Working on Social Skills is important. Let's work on making new friends and establishing connections! In this fun and friendly workshop, we’ll play games and ask questions that help us get to know each other better! 

Workshops are combinations of small group projects, asynchronous learning (learn at you own pace), and large group lessons and experiences. 

Small Group Projects could include: 

• As a team, create some decorations for entrance or desk to make a new member/guest feel welcomed

• Volunteer to help a new member work on their orientation packet

• Games, discussions based on common themes

Asynchronous learning could include: 

• practicing conversation starters

• welcoming new members to the group with a 'Get to know you Greeting'

• building confidence (where to look - what to do with your hands... )

• reading the signs activities - body language and expression cues (including wardrobe, desk accessories, etc)

Large Group activities/experiences could include: 

• discussions: emotions we all share in new environments, being brave, introductions, power your presence, public speaking, and more

• safety in internet groups - accepting friend requests, online is forever, privacy and sharing information (or NOT sharing), more.

This workshop helps you find people who like the same things as you, helps the STG staff get to know you too! Learn how to be a great listener, and feel more confident talking in a group.

If you want to have fun, make friends, and build strong connections with others at Star Throwers, this is the perfect place to start!

The Life is Strange video game series and related games (including Tell Me Why and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage) are narrative games where choices have consequences that affect how the story goes.

These games are rated Mature because deal with numerous real-world issues that are important for adults to understand. Making in-game choices allows members to practice decision making skills in a low-risk environment, and lively discussions spring up around these choices.  

Work with the group to tidy and organize our library, sort through new book donations, remove books that are damaged or outdated, enter books into our library database, label new books, and shelf books for everyone to enjoy. Create seasonal or topical book displays to highlight themes or topics and keep things interesting and current. Small group and 1:1 sessions can be scheduled by appointment. 

Experience tasks related to online book sales. Work with Amazon through the Love Your Neighbor Books program and sample tasks such as sorting and organizing books by genre or condition, scanning books and entering data, monitoring book sales, packaging and postage for sold books, and more. This opportunity involves computer skills and data entry, reading and sorting, and organizing and locating processed books for easy order retreival. This is typically a small group or 1:1 activity by appointment. See a staff member to schedule. 

Work with our machine embroidery expert to learn more about this skill. With the opportunity to have hands-on practice time, this program works for small groups but is best scheduled with Scott as a 1:1 appointment. 

Discuss and practice all things money. Discuss budgeting, sales and discounts, when a deal isn't reallly a deal, saving for big-ticket items, buying gifts, donations, taxes, protecting your cash/cards, online financial security, online banks, comparing banks, what is bitcoin, direct deposit and paycheck deductions, options for savings plans, investing your money, and more! 

1:1 sessions to work on specific budget or money practice can be made by appointment. 

Morning Movement is an inspirational, expressive, and feel-good exercise program designed to encourage members to get moving and feel their best.

With upbeat music and easy-to-follow movements, this program promotes:

• Physical activity in a fun and welcoming way

• Self-expression through movement

• A boost in mood, energy, and confidence

If you are a lover of Movies - this group is for you! Join discussions on upcoming releases, favorite films, comparing remakes and originals, and more! This group also plans movie nights and trips to local theaters.

Schedule a planning appointment with Alex 1:1 if there is a movie topic session or trip you want to lead! 

If you enjoy organization, you will love this club! The office team practices valuable skills such as filing, file security/shredding, copying, laminating, scanning, data entry, letter writing, calendar and scheduling, mail sorting and distribution, and more using both Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, along with other resources.

Group sessions are typically focused on specific projects. Participants are expected to complete tasks in each area, and then can select a task that they choose to advance in and even take ownership of as a Team Leader. 

1:1 sessions and asynchronus options are available by appointment. 

Spend time working on video or music projects. This session provides time to quiety work on active projects. Practice your work, provide feedback for others, brainstorm ideas, work on editing skills. 

This is NOT a quiet time for recording sessions -If you need a recording session, please schedule it separately - do not use Open Studio time. 

Work with Raye to create paracord bracelets. With the opportunity to have hands-on practice time, this program works for small groups (especially if you bring your own materials, (available here: https://a.co/d/aBYMvdv) or can be scheduled as 1:1 time. 

Peer Mentors meet weekly to work on leadership skills. Mentors train to be able to become Buddies for visiting or new members, to help peers in the community (walking, shopping, etc), leading workshops, or Ambassadors to the community- representing STG at community meetings, functions, and events. 

To request an applications for peer mentorship, email MIKIE at mcotignola@starthrowergroup.com

Once application is reviewed and accepted, member can participate in Peer Mentor training. 

By appointment only - contact Mikie at mcotignola@starthrowergroup.com

Learn skills to improve your photos. Practice digital editing, cropping and enhancing photos. Explore photo taking options and perspectives, working with different subjects, lighting, themes. Try photo aspects/tricks (reflections, tunnel, etc). Create a gallery piece to display (and possibly enter into local competition or feature at art shows and galleries). Learn how to monetize your photography projects (shutterstock, cafe press, etc). Explore careers that rely on photos/photography. Learn about famous photographers and what makes their works stand out. 

Editing work and independent projects can also be worked on during Open Studio or by appointment. 

Unlock your voice, boost your confidence, and strengthen your ability to self-advocate. Presence & Purpose is an interactive workshop designed to help participants develop stronger interpersonal communication skills that lead to greater confidence in both personal and professional settings.

• Through practical strategies, group activities, and real-world scenarios, participants will:

• Increase self-awareness and confidence in how they communicate

• Practice assertive communication and self-advocacy techniques

• Learn to build and maintain positive relationships

• Improve public speaking, job interview, and presentation skills

This workshop is ideal for individuals seeking to grow their communication toolkit and make a lasting impact in every conversation.

Learn the tasks and skills needed to work as a receptionist while helping members and staff in this important role. Small group sessions provide introductions to answering phones, first aid and resources, scheduling, sign in/out and attendance, forms and paperwork, taking messages, greeting guests, receiving packages, and more! 

1:1 sessions and asynchronus learning opportunities can be scheduled by appointment. 

Explore recipes from around the worlds. Choose recipes based on diet, favorites, meal, events, and more. Understand recipe terms and review steps, supplies, and ingredients. Discuss substitutions and variations, as well as increasing and decreasing the number of servings. Develop favorite recipes into your own creation and create a written recipe to publish in our annual cookbook. 

Choose a skill that you would like to focus on: improving your reading, writing, math, handwriting, vocabulary..... what do you need to move up in your career or just to be able to do the things you want to do on your own? Using online platforms (such as Duolingo, iXL) and available books and printed resources, we develop individual skill-building plans to help improve whatever skill you want to focus on. Sessions can be 1:1 by appointment.

This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of social media, focusing on how to safely and effectively use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more for communication, personal expression, and marketing.

• Understand the core features of popular social media platforms.

• Explore how social media can be used for marketing, self-advocacy, and storytelling.

• Learn how to create, post, and engage with content in a responsible way.

Many people find value in serving others. Providing service to the community, or a group, or a person or animal not only can bring meaning and purpose, but builds skills that transfer to many areas of our lives. Our Service Corps works with the Community Outreach Coordinator to develop relationships and opportunities for ongoing and one-time service tasks and opportunities. 

Some of the organizations and opportunities we partner with for service opporutnities include: 

UMC Cooking Club

Harvest Family Success Center (Veggiepalooza, Diaper Days)

Possabilities Thrift Store

Hunterdon Helpline (Shopping for Seniors)

Operation Jersey Cares

America's Grow-a-Row

United Way of Hunterdon County

Learn the many roles in video broadcasting! Join our studio team to develop, write, film, edit, and produce news segments for STGN. 

Weekly rehearsal and recording schedules will be posted for volunteer sign-up.

Learn the basics for creating visual media broadcasts. Sessions will provide training and hands-on practice for: 

• camera/videography

• lighting and staging

• digital editing (adding special effects, music, sound) and working with the green screen

• script writing and storyboarding

• managing the teleprompter

• sound/microphones

• recording music and sound effects

Individual skill training for any skill focus can be scheduled as 1:1 or asynchronus learning. 

Reserve the studio for a recording session - you (and your team) will need to compete the Studio Request Form, showing all pre-work is finished and approved. Studio can also be reserved for private recording for audition tapes or other personal platforms. 

Tad Cooper is our resident bearded dragon. This workshop involves the care, feeding, and socialization of the beloved lizard. We also check in on our fish friends. 

Members learn animal care and some basic herpetology as they spend time with this lovable lizard.

Come together with others who appreciate the glory of live theater to share the love of Broadway! Discuss scenery and set design, costuming and makeup, scripts, actors, shows, scores, and ALL THAT JAZZ!! Help populate our database of local theater venues and performances and plan theater trips and events! 

Do you love learning about new places? In Travel Club, we explore exciting places in the United States and all around the world!

As a group, we “visit” a new destination by learning about what it’s like to go there. We talk about how to get there (plane, train, car, or boat), what kinds of food people eat, cool things to see and do, and fun facts about the location. We might look at maps, photos, videos, or more from that country. You can even share a place you’ve been or want to go!

 Workshops can also be scheduled as small group projects or 1:1/asynchronous learning (learn at you own pace) by request. 

Asynchronus projects might include: 

• plan your own vacation

• plan a day in any town (food, travel, sightseeing, shops)

• map skills

• write a travel article about a trip you've taken or a location you love

Small Groups might work on: 

• planning a trip

• participating in a local walking tour or learning about a local town

• creating a travel video or podcast

• creating a game about a destination they enjoy

It’s a fun way to learn where  you want to travel in the world.

Come together with friends to create and play! Join us for Kahoot!, Jackbox, Trivia, and other fun online challenges. Or help us create our own themed games through these online platforms. 

Can be scheduled as a 1:1 session if you would like to develop your own game or online resource for a workshop.

Get out into the community and learn about our neighborhood while also practicing skills like map-reading, cardinal directions, finding landmarks, safety, and conversation skills. This feel-good group meets rain or shine (indoors we pick a walking video to follow along with or participate in a stair challenge, human board game, or obstacle course). Please plan for outdoor exercise - layers (jacket and light t-shirt), walking shoes, water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (applying sunscreen in-house requires indication on the OTC form and sunscreen will be stored at the front desk for easy access - or just apply it at home). 

StarThrower Group is creating a literary magazine, and we encourage writers at all levels to consider making time to work on writing skills. Workshops can be small group or large group and may focus on

• poetry

• letter writing (penpal, complaint, recommendation/references, letter of interest, cover letter, sympathy, etc)

• professional writing (cover letter, emails, press releases)

• writing careers (career exploration)

• script writing (also good for STG-News)

• write your own story

• writing a children's book

This workshop can also be scheduled by appointment to focus on individual editing and support.

Bring your stretchy workout clothes so you can move and flow. When weather permits, we love to move our sessions outside to enjoy the natural surroundings. Yoga mats are provided, or you can bring your own. We highly recommend water bottles and small towels. Clothing should be tight fitting or tucked in to allow for movement and modesty, and hair ties or hairbands help keep hair out of your face when bending over. We will allow time to change at the beginning and end of the session. 

We also recommend bug spray/sunscreen for outdoor yoga - please include this information on the OTC form and bring a small bottle to store at the front desk (near the exit so it's easy to find).