Luau sets a festive mood for folks at Cranbury Center
By: Stephanie Brown
MONROE Plastic parrots and palms trees hung from the ceiling of the Cranbury Center’s dining room.
Leila Fisher had never been to Hawaii, but with the help of some island music, a grass skirt, and a flower lei, she and other residents of the assisted living facility were transported to the tropical paradise.
"Imagination plays a little part," Ms. Fisher said jokingly before returning to the luau, which was organized by the center’s Recreation Department, Tuesday.
Located on Applegarth Road, the Cranbury Center offers rehabilitation services to those who have either been injured or underwent an operation, and also acts as a nursing home to those who require assisted living.
Recreation Director Vito Oliveri said events like the luau are beneficial to a resident’s health and well being.
"If we can encourage everyone to participate, it’s a hit," he said.
Fresh fruit and virgin pina coladas were the order of the day, and the Highland Park band, Eastern Times, got the crowd’s toes tapping.
"We want everybody swinging and swaying," said singer, George Manikis, in between songs. "Make some waves out there. Move something, anything."
Jackie Perman needed no convincing she shook her bright green maraca with the zest and fervor comparable to that of any mariachi.
Ms. Perman came to the center about four months ago after knee surgery.
"I love coming to these things," she said. "It makes everybody get up out of their rooms."
Her mother, Mildred, accompanied her to the luau.
"It’s good for her; it’s good for all of them," said Mildred Perman.
Other residents rocked their wheelchairs back and forth to the tunes of "Sweet Leilani" and "Blue Hawaii."
Pat Jedlowski, assistant director of the Recreation Department, has worked at the facility for nine-and-a-half years. Ms. Jedlowski said she does whatever it takes to make the residents enjoy themselves.
"Dance, hold their hand if you can put a smile on their face, it’s really the most rewarding thing," she said. "I love my job."
Recreation assistant Kim Ng bounced around the room, working the crowd, while co-worker Reva Karinsky passed out drinks in plastic coconut cups.
By the end of the hour, the residents’ spirits were high. The crowd sang along to classics, such as "When the saints go marching in," and "God Bless America."
"I wasn’t going to come, but I’m glad I did," said resident Betty Hotz. "I do enjoy listening to people sing and it’s not every day when they do something special like this."
For more information on the Cranbury Center call (609) 860-2500. For more information on the band, Eastern Times, call (732) 572-4077.