Senior Services

Neptune Township Department of Senior Services and Senior Center
1607 Corlies Avenue, Neptune NJ 07753
732.988.8855

  Click here February Senior Center Newsletter

Click on the link for the calendars:

• Adult Enrichment
• Fitness and Dance
• Shopping

We Are Open at 1607...So Come On In!

Our long awaited new "state of the art" Senior Center is now "home" to hundreds of seniors who have started attending programs, classes and special events even before the official grand opening and dedication has taken place.

 Township seniors are enjoying many new programs offered at our new Neptune Township Department of Senior Services and Senior Center. A Silk Screen Holiday Card Workshop was offered with instructor Alison Bowie, Halloween Bingo, was presented by with NTEA (Neptune Township Education Association), a "Seven Bridge Conventions Class", was taught by instructor Paul Meglatherly, American Legion Grand Bingo, was presented by Tom and the gang, Physical & Emotional Benefits of Tai Chi Chih, was presented by instructor Dan Pienciak and Spanish Review Classes, with instructor Anthony Frinzi were just some of the great events that drew hundreds of seniors to the center.

 A great variety of fitness classes designed for active adults are now available at our center in our beautiful new fitness gym. The following new fitness classes have been introduced Chat 'n Chair and Move2love classes with instructor Elaine O'Brien, Country Line Dancing" and Zumba Gold classes with instructor, Carol Thornley and Golden Pilates classes with instructor, Maria McKeon.

 Anyone interested in learning more about programs at the Senior Center should call the Center at 732-988-8855, Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm for information.

Source: Gigi Johnson, Recreation Coordinator

Fitness instructor Carol Thornley and fitness participants are pictured trying out some of the new classes.
Pictured are members of the Neptune Township Education Association (NTEA) getting ready to enjoy the fun nd laughs at Halloween Bingo.
Pictured is Tom Donohue debuting a new bingo machine that was donated to the Sr Center by American Legion Post #346.
Tom Donohue and members of the American Legion Post #346 had a fun-filled afternoon with a packed house of hopeful bingo winners.

Source: Gigi Johnson, Recreation Coordinator

Senior Center Hosts First "Thanksgiving Feast at 1607"

Over 200 Township Seniors came together on Tuesday, November 22nd to enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner complete with turkey, stuffing and all the trimmins'at the Township's new Senior Center.

Seniors enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment provided by algia. Neptune Township Police Chief Bob Adams and police department members, Deputy Mayor Randy Bishop, the Mayor's Youth Advisory Cabinet and many volunteers partnered with the Senior Center to assist with making this year's Thanksgiving Feast a tremendous success.

Police Chief Bob Adams pose for the camera as the festivities begin.

Deputy Director Ellen Sanderson and members of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Cabinet enjoy a light hearted moment as they prepare to serve Thanksgiving dinner.

Algia performs before a packed house

Source: Gigi Johnson, Recreation Coordinator

DIVERSIFIED COUNSELING

S.H.I.P. (Senior Health Insurance Program)

 The "S.H.I.P." program offered at the Neptune Township Department of Senior Services, provides assistance with insurance forms and health coverage options for senior citizens. S.H.I.P counselors are available to assist with bills, claim forms or to simply answer any questions that seniors may have regarding health insurance. For more information or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact Ellen or Kris at the Senior Center.

Barbara Neuman, Township Senior and S.H.I.P. Counselor is pictured assisting a senior with health insurance questions.

 Legal Services

Attorneys from Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services provide legal counseling and assistance for eligible seniors 60 years of age or older. Eligibility for seniors is based on your household income and assets. However, any senior is entitled to advice from the attorney. If you need some assistance with family matters, consumer cases, etc., call Ellen or Kris for info or to schedule an appointment.

Attorneys with Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services, are shown assisting with a legal issue.

Source: Kristina Torres, Case Manager

Senior Center Offers Support for Caregivers

In conjunction with the Monmouth County Division on Aging, the Senior Center is now offering a monthly Caregivers Support Group which is facilitated by Monmouth County Caregiver Specialist, Colleen Smith and the Senior Center's Deputy Director and Social Worker, Ellen Sanderson.

The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 10:30am at the Senior Center. If you have an elderly person in your life that depends on you for care, this group is for you.

This support group will help you manage the demands of being a caregiver while still being able to care for yourself. Call Ellen at the Center for further information or to reserve your spot in the group.

The Affordable Care Act passed by Congress and signed by President Obama this year contains some important benefits for Medicare recipients.

If you have Medicare prescription drug coverage, and aren't already receiving Medicare Extra Help, Medicare will automatically send you a tax free, one time $250 rebate check after you reach the coverage gap (also called the 'donut hole') in 2010. This rebate is the first step toward closing the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap.

Medicare will automatically send a check that's made out to you. There are no forms to fill out.

You do not have to pay taxes on your $250 rebate check. It is tax free.

For a copy of the brochure, click here

Nutrition Counseling Available

Registered Dietician, Diane West, provides individual and/or group diet and nutrition sessions for Seniors. Diane holds educational forums on a variety of topics every other month at the Center to inform seniors of the importance of good nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She is also available to assist seniors on a one-on-one basis.

For more information regarding this essential program, or for an individual appointment, feel free to contact the Center at 732-988-8855.

Kristina Brown, Senior Center Case Manager

Neptune Township Department of Senior Services and Senior Center

1607Corlies Avenue
Neptune, New Jersey 07753
732-988-8855

Executive Director, Rosemary Gray
rgray@neptunetownship.org

Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Summer Hours)

Handicapped Accessible                            Funding Sources: Municipal and Federal Funds

Service Area: The Neptune Senior Citizens’ Center serves the residents of Neptune Township who are 60 years of age or older and their families. Limited services and many recreational and educational programs are also available to residents of surrounding towns. Information can be obtained from the Center regarding the availability of these services.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to maintain a premier facility, and resource center, for educational, recreational, wellness and nutritional programs as well as volunteer opportunities, transportation, reassuring telephone contacts, counseling, and support services, for seniors and their caregivers. Our goal is to meet the needs of all Seniors, homebound and independent, to ensure quality of life, to promote physical, emotional, and economic well-being and to encourage participation in all aspects of community life.

Information and Referral Services – The Center is a community focal point and resource center for seniors to receive information pertaining to senior related issues such as entitlement programs, home care assistance, family counseling, health insurance counseling, income tax, and legal assistance.

Recreational Programs – Activities such as arts and crafts, ceramics, parties, bingo, games, group meetings and monthly feature movies are available five days per week.

Educational Programs – Continuing education for seniors and their families is promoted through speakers, classes, and support groups.

Nutrition Programs – Continental breakfast is offered daily until 11:00am, free of charge. No reservation is required. Lunch is served daily at 12 noon. Donation of $2.50 requested. Reservations are required and requested by 11:30am the day before.

Outreach Services – Outreach services are designed to locate and service homebound seniors by providing home visits and information and referral services. Assistance is provided with entitlement programs, filing applications, etc. Caseworkers work in conjunction with families and other agencies to ensure safety, welfare and independence of the senior in the community.

Health and Wellness Clinics – Health clinics are provided monthly and include blood pressure screenings, nutrition programs, podiatry services, Flu and Pneumonia vaccines and more.

Physical Fitness Programs – Exercise classes, Tai Chi classes, yoga classes, tap dancing, zumba gold, line dancing and bowling are available.

Transportation – Transportation services to and from the Center as well as trips for medical appointments, food shopping and personal requests are also available. Reservations are required and are requested at least 24 hours in advance.

Senior Center Staff

• Rosemary Gray, Director
• Ellen Sanderson, Deputy Director
• Irene Paternostro, Secretary
•  Michelle Bivens, Adm Asst to Secretary
•  Ralph Parkman, Maintenance
•  Anna Anton, Transportation Coordinator
• Gigi Johnson, Recreation Coordinator
• Kristina Brown Torres, Outreach Coordinator
• Sharon Johnston, Kitchen Manager
• Jennifer Nurse, Kitchen Aide
• Teresa Richard, Kitchen Aide
• John Lalanas, Bus Driver
• Richard Brennan, Bus Driver
• Thomas Faust, Bus Driver
• Millie Gonzalez, Bus Driver