By Amy Filippone, Parks & Recreation Dept.
The Parks and Recreation Department Senior Center on New Albany Road recently underwent revitalization with exterior cleanup and plantings and a top to bottom interior cleaning. This facility houses the senior women’s group that meets every Tuesday from noon to 3:30 p.m., a senior card group that meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Parks and Recreation Department funds all senior programs in terms of entertainment, art supplies, refreshments and bus trips.
The physical improvements were largely due to the initiative and generosity of Moorestown resident, Barbara May Jordan, who recently found out about the Tuesday women’s group. Her father passed away less than a year ago and subsequently her mother moved in with her. Theresa Miller of the Parks and Recreation Department told her about the group.
“I was looking for activities for her,” Jordan said. “There is something very special about any person of any age being with their peers. Sometimes we forget the value of peers who have lived through similar cultural and historical events. I’m so grateful she reached out to me and that I took mother. She has not missed one of their club meetings. She loves the companionship of these lovely women.”
The women’s Tuesday club also organizes special events throughout the year. Musicians come and perform, they plan lunches out at local restaurants and organize bus trips. Upcoming events include musical performances by Rob on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., and Carmine on two dates — Nov. 5 and Dec. 3 from 1 to 2 p.m. The Garden Club will be visiting on Dec. 17 to make holiday arrangements. Registration is required so supplies and volunteers can be secured.
The holiday bus trip on Dec. 2 will be going to the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pa. for a matinee of “Christmas Wonderland” and to the outlets at Sands for some holiday shopping. Contact Terry Kelly for details at (856)866–1869.
And it’s only the first chapter. Jordan has plans for more beautification projects.
“I’m not done,” Jordan said. “I want to replace the windows in the back because they have graffiti. The senior center has a heartbeat that’s beating beautifully. They don’t need anything else in that regard. I just want to make it more beautiful. Just all those things that enhance and elevate it even more.”
With holidays approaching, Jordan’s actions are an inspiration to give back to the community.
“The way they received my mother just filled me with gratefulness,” Jordan said. “From the first day they just embraced her. That of course was so great for her, but they gave me a beautiful gift. Because when mother is happy, I’m happy. It’s not only what it did for her. It did so much for me.”
