Mayor: Check Out Senior Services in Toms River

Column as submitted by Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher:

Toms River is certainly well-known for its outstanding programs and facilities for youth sports. (Remember defeated Japan and won the Little League World Series). But, less well-known are all the wonderful programs for our Senior Citizens who make up a large percentage of our residents.

These activities are centered around our on Garfield Avenue. The modern multiple-use facility features a large meeting area, a modern kitchen, card and billard rooms and an outdoor bocce-ball court. The center operates under the supervision of our Director of Senior and Human Services JoAnn Benson, who has overseen these activities for over 25 years. Throughout the year, JoAnn and her staff host an outstanding array of programs that cater to our Seniors.

The annual membership meeting was held on January 18 at the Senior Center and this year featured a guest speaker from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. 

With tax season approaching, AARP volunteers will assist with IRS forms starting on February 1 and continuing through to April 11, during the hours of 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This service is provided to seniors free of charge.

Good health is a primary concern of seniors and the Center addresses that concern with a variety of programs from blood pressure screenings, eye exams, hearings exams, and cholesterol screenings together with classes on health and nutrition.

Since exercise is a critical element of maintaining good health, the Center offers a variety of programs from Zumba, exercises, yoga, line dancing and a walking club.

More sedentary activities are available such as water color classes, a knitting/crocheting club, genealogy club, game day, cards and much more.  A wide variety of celebrations for special events are spread out across the calendar starting with a St. Patrick’s Day party in March, followed by the Art and Tea Party in April. One of the highlights of the celebrations in May is Cinco De Mayo followed by an International luncheon in September. A Halloween costume party is one of the most popular of the season which everybody has enjoyed for years and during November the Center hosts a Veterans Luncheon and ceremony in honor of the Senior Veterans who have participated in World War II, Korea and Vietnam Wars. 

Probably the most anticipated and welcome program is the HeadStart Intergenerational Christmas Party in December. This particular party allows the senior citizens, particularly those whose grandchildren do not live in the area, to interact with the pre-school and kindergarten children from the Ocean County HeadStart Program. 

As the Mayor, I have personally attended some of these parties on an annual basis and thesSeniors who participate in this program really are the beneficiaries because of their opportunity to interact with the youngsters.  All of the activities at the Center are free. The Center provides an opportunity to mingle and you are certainly welcome to visit the Center and see for yourself what an outstanding facility and great programs Toms River provides for the seniors.

Mayor Thomas Kelaher

Toms River Township