Senior Center offers a wide variety of classes, groups, friends and fun for all.
By: Joseph Harvie
Sports, arts and crafts, discussion groups, theater, music and much more. These are just some of the activities the township Senior Center offers.
This Saturday you’ll be able to find out about the inner workings of the Senior Center and some of the services the center offers township residents at the Senior Center open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christine Wildemuth, director of the Senior Center, said the open house will allow residents of all ages to see the wide variety of activities the center offers.
"There are people that feel we are just for old people with nothing to do," Ms. Wildemuth said. "We want them to understand we have programs for people 55 years old and for people in their 90s."
She said the day would feature different demonstrations on the various classes and groups the center offers. She said the Friends of the Senior Center are also setting up a flea market and hot dog stand.
Ms. Wildemuth said throughout the day, people will have the chance to sign up and have photo identification cards made for free. She said a jewelry-making demonstration is also planned.
There will also be aerobics, salsa dancing, tai chi and pingpong demonstrations throughout the day, as well as demonstrations related to the different art classes the center offers such as ceramics, drawing and painting.
The township Health Department will also be on hand to conduct free health and stroke-risk screenings, Ms. Wildemuth said.
Ms. Wildemuth said she hopes relatives and friends of senior citizens come to the event to get information on what the center offers so they can give the information to seniors who might not get out much.
"If you’re concerned about anyone, come and get information to get to them to come (to the center)," Ms. Wildemuth said.
Residents will also have the chance to meet the staff of the Senior Center such as program coordinator Susan Trilli, transportation and outreach worker Marie Brown, custodian Bill Kampe, secretary Jackie Johnson, and social worker Kathleen Ostertag.
Ms. Ostertag said one of the programs she started running on Thursday nights is a caregiver support group.
She said the group is for any resident who is in some way taking care of an elderly person who is either at home or in a care facility.
"It will make them aware of what resources are out there for them and give them information on the whole aging process," Ms. Ostertag said. "It is also good for them to be able to talk to other people going through a similar experience."
Ms. Ostertag also said the center plans to host psychiatrist Jeffery Apter from the Princeton Medical Institute. He will discuss advances in treating Alzheimer’s disease at 7 p.m. on May 26.
Since seating is limited, Ms. Ostertag said people who want to attend the Alzheimer’s discussion should call her at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7211 before attending.
For more information about these events and the open house, contact the Senior Center at (732) 329-4000, ext. 7670.