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Health Fair & Picnic Helps Seniors Live Happier, Healthier Lives
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo More than 300 gathered at the Toms River Township Senior Center last week for the 12th annual older Health Fair and Picnic. |
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TOMS RIVER - Good crowd, great people and beautiful weather brought out several hundred seniors for a fun day at the 12th annual older Health Fair and Picnic held at the Toms River Township Senior Center last week.
The sunny day brought visitors to the Garfield Avenue center early, said Jo Ann Benson, center director.
"By 10 this morning, we already had 300 people," said Benson as she directed visitors from a senior bus that arrived in front of the building.
"This is a happy crowd," said friends Alice Stutzke and Mary Turko, Toms River, heading toward the picnic area.
The event was co-sponsored by the township Municipal Alliance and senior center and featured information, programs and screenings from over 30 providers with advice on events and services available.
A variety of health screenings were performed by participants including hearing, glaucoma, skin cancer, glucose, cholesterol, carpel tunnel, blood pressure, osteoporosis and more.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River performed stroke assessment surveys. Joan Macrina of Holisticare Hospice gave a free hand massage with aromatherapy oils to senior Elizabeth Nasto, who called it "peaceful."
Ocean County Sheriff's Department issued free senior I.D. cards to health fair guests. Barbara Lanuto of the Department of Consumer Affairs warned against hiring a contractor who has not complied with the law and registered with the state under the Contractors' Registration Act. Lanuto said that registration forms are available by calling the Consumer Affairs Department and online at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov.
A variety of agencies offered free or low cost services and programs to the older adults.
"I am here to scare people," said Marge Koren, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society. She tested skin for early signs of melanoma, the most common form of cancer which affects more than one million Americans each year.
Koren recommended daily use of a sun block, "an SPF of 30 or over," she advised.
Family Friends Coordinator Marge Nikodem said she matches volunteers who are 55 and over with families that have children with disabilities. In the program, a volunteer visits the residence on a weekly basis, providing social and emotional support for the already overwrought families.
"The results are wonderful for both parties," said Nikodem, who asked that interested families and volunteers call the Family Friends Coordinator at 732-262- 8020.
"Events like this bring seniors together where they can learn about the premier senior services that Ocean County has to offer," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, chairman of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
D. Jane Maloney, executive director, pointed out the wealth of information available to older adults and the partnership between the senior services and the community "that help keep people in their homes and communities, living independently, for as long as possible."
Retirees Dolores and Bob Madden, Manchester, praised the rewards of volunteering. The couple, who said that they volunteer for everything they can, said it helps to keep them "alert and well informed."
After lunch, friends Pete Rosetti and Thomas Selby, Whiting, sat under a tree listening to the music. Selby's visit to the center was his first, he said. "The weather is excellent. The band is great. Next time, I'll bring my girlfriend."
Etta French of Toms River relaxed in her chair while Shirlee Berger proudly pointed out that she is a 57-year resident of Toms River and a frequent visitor to center events. "The picnic food was good," she said.
Senior and township Board of Adjustment member Peter Cassano was also on hand. "As usual," he said, "people are having a great time."
Township Councilman John Sevastakis, liaison to the Recreation Committee, agreed and said, "JoAnn Benson does a wonderful job."
Sevastakis said that a walking trail path would be a plus at the senior center, a project that Benson has lobbied for in the past. The councilman said that the center hasn't had much luck in getting grants for the project, a setback that he said the township would like to see remedied.
"A walking path would be good for all the seniors," Sevastakis said. "There is great potential for a walking trail here. The center gives the senior community a place to go and enjoy a great day. It's good stuff."
Local businesses that donated to the event include FirstEnergy and the Lakewood BlueClaws, Food Circus Foodtown, Norkus Foodtown, Shop Rite of Fischer Blvd., Office Restaurant and Lounge and Pathmark of Toms River.
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