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April 15, 2005

Township Takes Active Role in Promoting Programs for Growing Over-60 Population

May is national “Senior Citizen Month”, and Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services will offer several special events incorporating this year’s theme of Celebrate Long-Term Living .

“Woodbridge has one of the largest and most active senior populations in New Jersey,” says Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. “The staff and volunteers at our Health Department, Division on Aging and Multi-Service Program on Aging do a terrific job year-round helping seniors maintain their independence and ability to contribute to the community.”

That contribution grows increasingly significant: Woodbridge Township is home to approximately 20,000 residents over age 60 – nearly one-fifth of the township’s population. “Our senior population is also very diverse,” says Mayor Pelzman. “To meet their needs we have developed a wide spectrum of services and programs.”

The township’s Division on Aging was established in 1992 and is a clearinghouse for information distribution, educational seminars and access to services that range from health screenings and transportation to help with taxes, estate planning and the needs of adult caregivers.

Throughout the year, Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services offers regular medical screenings, seminars and outreach efforts including the COPSA program (Comprehensive Services on Aging) specializing in assistance with mental health issues. These efforts are enhanced during Senior Citizen Month.

The township’s Multi-Service Program on Aging aids more than 500 frail and homebound seniors with a wide variety of services from grief and stress counseling to home visits and recreational activities.

Evergreen Senior Citizen Center in Colonia is a true “activity center”, with dozens of classes and organized events serving hundreds of seniors each week.

Woodbridge has a remarkable neighborhood-based network of 10 senior clubs embracing some 3,000 seniors. Aside from the usual run of recreation events, these senior clubs have taken a very active role in community projects, becoming involved in food bank drives, providing volunteers for innumerable events, helping disseminate information and offering feedback on issues that affect the entire township.

In addition, the township augments seniors’ quality of life with a “Safe and Sound” registry program, a free service that helps locate missing disabled persons, especially those seniors with Alzheimer’s. Other senior-oriented Woodbridge Police Department programs include the Blue Light Program, CAT Program and home security checks.

“Our Health and Human Services Department has put together a terrific mix of Senior Month events,” says Mayor Pelzman. “Having plenty of learning and recreational opportunities is essential for maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle into the senior years.”

May 2 — Attend a Senior Day of Beauty with Vito Mazza Salon presenting a skin care & styling demo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street. RSVP (732) 855-0600 ext. 5024 by April 28th.

May 6 — Colonia Kids for Kindness present a Senior Prom with dancing and giveaways from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Colonia Middle School, 100 Delaware Avenue RSVP (732) 382-4700 by April 25.

May 8 — The Evergreen Senior Art Show Opening takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. at Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Avenue. Closing reception takes place May 15. Call (732) 634-0413 for information.

May 13 — Dr. Clifton Lacy, President of Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center and past Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, will speak on "Celebrating Long-Term Life" at 10 a.m. at Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street. RSVP (732) 596-4179 by May 10.

May 14 — Join friends and neighbors for a Healthy Walk through Downtown Woodbridge. Meet at 9:30 a.m. in front of Town Hall, 1 Main Street. Call (732) 855-0600 ext. 5024 for information.

May 16 — Cooking demo by Chef Frank Mallak of Allen’s Ristorante, at Evergreen Senior Center, 400 Inman Avenue, at 11 a.m. RSVP (732) 382-5544.

May 25 — Take part in Senior Health & Fitness Day at The Club at Woodbridge, 585 Main Street, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Demos, tours, activities. RSVP (732) 634-4500 after May 1.

May 25 — Visit the Evergreen Senior Center Open House from 1 to 3 p.m. and learn of the many programs this center offers. The Center is located at 400 Inman Avenue. Call (732) 382- 5544 for information.

May 26 — The YMCA presents Active Older Adult Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street, featuring crafts, water aerobics and exercise class. Call (732) 596-4170 for information.

May 26 — Join radio-TV star Joe Franklin for a “Dance Down Memory Lane” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street. RSVP (732) 855-0600 ext. 5024 by May 20 for food, fun and dancing with keyboardist Steve Berger.