Celebrating seniors in Cherry Hill
Mayor’s Message: Chuck Cahn
It’s been said that the longer you live, the more beautiful life becomes — and in Cherry Hill, we strive to make that statement a reality. Cherry Hill Township offers numerous benefits for seniors and endless chances to be involved in the community. Whether it is financial benefits, senior activities or social clubs, there are countless opportunities for Cherry Hill’s seniors.
Several social clubs for residents 55 and older meet in the Carman Tilelli Community Center, adjacent to the municipal building, including:
- From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, the maturity club meets for bingo, cards, shuffleboard, refreshments, trips and business meetings with a speaker. For more information, contact President Frank Glaviano at 429–5402.
- The Super Seniors meet every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., for bingo, cards, a covered dish luncheon, refreshments and trips. For more information, contact president Janice Walker-White at 795–4515.
- The Retired Men’s Club meets every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for shuffleboard, cards, refreshments, speakers and luncheons. For more information, contact President Charlie Gold at 667–7332.
- The National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for business meetings with a speaker, refreshments, luncheons and day trips. For more information, contact Secretary Peg Kelleher at 874–0827.
- The Golden Seniors Racquet Ball Club meets each Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Cherry Hill Racquet and Tennis Club on Old Cuthbert Road. For more information, contact Jim Cuzzupe at 662–2094.
Along with social clubs, the recreation department offers free ceramics and line dancing classes year round. Additional courses such as aerobics, yoga and AARP driver safety are offered seasonally for a small fee. Non-residents may enroll in any recreation department program for an additional $10 fee per class, while residents 55 and older receive a $5 discount for classes listed in the adult section of the recreation program guide. Seniors can get more information by contacting the recreation department at (856) 488–7868.
The township’s senior bus program provides free transportation to and from events Monday through Friday, following a designated route. Arrangements can also be made for transportation to special appointments within the township. For more information, senior residents can call the clerk’s office at (856) 661–4711 or (856) 661–4802 between 8:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a schedule or more information.
There are also many financial benefits for seniors living in Cherry Hill, including the township’s Gold Card Program, sewer discount, real estate deduction and veterans benefits, which are highlighted below:
- All residents that are 55 or older can obtain a gold card from the recreation department in the municipal building, 820 Mercer St., Room 102) by showing proof of age and residency (i.e. a driver’s license). The card entitles the bearer to discounts on township events and at participating businesses. The Cherry Hill sewer discount enables senior citizen taxpayers who are income-eligible for the $250 real-estate tax deduction to automatically qualify to have the township sewer rental fee waived. In addition, all homeowners 60 or older, can receive a 10 percent discount on township sewer rental by showing proof of their age at the tax collector’s office. Seniors looking for more information can call (856) 488–7880.
- A $250 real-estate tax deduction is available to income-eligible property owners 66 years old and older or if disabled. Please call the assessor’s office at (856) 488–7899 or stop by Room 108 in the municipal building.
- A $250 veteran’s deduction from annual real estate taxes is available to qualified war veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses. Permanently disabled veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses may be entitled to a full exemption from property taxes. Please call the assessor’s office at (856) 488–7899 or stop by Room 108 in the municipal building.
In addition to direct financial benefits, income-qualified senior citizens can receive assistance for minor repairs to their homes, free of charge, through the township’s Handy Helper program. Seniors looking for more information about the program can receive an application by calling (856) 488–7855. Along with the Handy Helper program, assistance is available through the township’s owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program. Income-eligible residents, including senior citizens, may apply for substantial home rehabilitation through a no-interest deferred loan. Eligible improvements include renovation or replacement of any major mechanical system; structural repairs; insulation, weatherization, and other improvements designed to reduce energy expenses; and alterations to correct code enforcement violations.
For additional information, please contact the Cherry Hill Department of Community Development by calling (856) 488–7870 and reference the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program.
No matter the interest, Cherry Hill has opportunities and activities for all of our senior residents. We hope you will learn more and join your neighbors in participating throughout our community.
