No. 16 Vol. 3
www.mypaperonline.com
March 2018
Hackettstown Senior Center Provides Nutritional Support, Needs Volunteers
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By Anya Bochman cott Burd, director of Warren County’s Division of Aging and Disability services, can give a run-down of all the intricate activities and organizations dedicated to assisting senior citizens in the county, including its four nutritional centers. The one located in Hackettstown is no exception, and Burd has no issue enumerating the services provided by the Community Senior Center. Located at 293 Main Street in Hackettstown, the site offers daily well-balanced meals developed by a Warren County registered dietitian, as well as providing social and recreational activities to keep senior citizens active, healthy and well-informed. The location is open to residents 60 years of age or older, regardless of income; the goal is to encourage ongoing health of aging members, as well as providing them with the company of contemporaries – an important aspect at a stage of life when loneli-
ness and isolation may become problems. Reservations are required for attendance, and transportation is available upon request. There is a suggested “meal donation” of $3 for those over 60, and $5.77 for residents that are younger. The center operates Monday through Friday from 10:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Burd estimates that some 20 seniors are attending the center daily. A detailed menu chart is available for perusal on the county website. According to the Center’s Activities Calendar, residents can enjoy several exercise classes a week; the yoga, Zumba and tai chi taught by center staff and community volunteers is designed to maintain mobility and address health concerns such as arthritis. In addition to physical activities, there are staples such as bingo and board games, as well as blood pressure readings and informative seminars from visiting doctors. A class titled “Five Secrets of Looking and Feeling
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Hackettstown Community Senior Center. Photo courtesy Warren County Division of Aging and Disability Services.
Younger with Dr. Carlock VFC” is offered in March, for example. On occasion, volunteer groups from the community provide entertainment, such as singing, and outside groups periodically visit the center to endorse products which may improve the seniors’ quality of life. Although the center employs staff, Burd points out that volunteer work goes a long way in helping run the senior center.
“Volunteers are always welcome,” said Burd. “Sometimes speakers come in to speak about services they can provide [to the seniors]. It’s usually local people who want to give back to the community.” It is the community volunteers that pick up packaged meals at the center and deliver them to homebound residents; they also comprise the Chore Corps Program, which performs small safety or health-recontinued on page 6
Sunday, March 25th, 10:30 a.m., Palm/Passion Sunday Choir Cantata: “The Last Seven Days” Thursday, March 29th, 7 p.m., Maundy Thursday Holy Communion (Stripping of the Altar) Friday, March 30th, 7 p.m., Good Friday Worship (Combined choirs from Gethsemane Lutheran and First Presbyterian Church of Hackettstown) Sunday, April 1st, 10:30 a.m., Easter Holy Communion Easter Egg Hunt (after service)
Gethsemane Lutheran Church • 409 East Baldwin Street • Hackettstown • (908) 852-2156 Interim Pastor Roy Minnix • gethsemanehtown@gmail.com • gethsemanehtown.com