Here in Cherry Hill, we like to say that you couldn’t pick a better place to live, work and play.
We strive to maintain that mission for all our residents, from our youngest children to seniors who’ve been here for decades.
With that said, I’m frequently approached by residents in their late 50s and beyond who want to know: Now that my children are grown, what is there for me in Cherry Hill?
The reality is that Cherry Hill offers a wealth of activities, programs, resources and other benefits for our residents 55 and up.
There are a handful of social clubs to join, and hundreds of classes, events and activities scheduled all year long that give our senior residents the chance to get involved in the community in brand new ways.
Cherry Hill has five senior social clubs that meet every week — most in the Carman Tilelli Community Center, adjacent to the Municipal Building on Mercer Street. Meetings typically include bingo, cards and other recreational activities, as well as special luncheons or light refreshments, and periodic guest speakers. Some organizations, such as the Maturity Club, plan daytime outings and longer trips, including visits to Pine Grove Ranch in the Catskills this October, and a cruise to Alaska’s Sawyer Glacier this August.
• The Maturity Club meets 10:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Mondays. For more information, contact President Connie Cramer at 414–0778.
• The Super Seniors meet from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, contact President Janice Walker-White at 795–4515.
• The Retired Men’s Club meets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact President Charlie Gold at 667–7332.
• The National Association of Retired Federal Employees meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Peg Kelleher at 874–0827.
• The Golden Seniors Racquet Ball Club meets at 9 a.m. every Tuesday 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 special classes, many free or low-cost to attend, for seniors.
They include ceramics and line dancing, Zumba and swimming, among others.
New this year are chair yoga classes, sponsored by the Camden County Board of Freeholders (two sessions remain: 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, and Wednesday, May 29), in Room 208 at Town Hall. And this Friday, May 17, the township will offer a free “Clear the Clutter” workshop with Kennedy Health System. That session will begin at 1 p.m. in Room 208, as well. And there are countless concerts throughout the year, including our Luncheon with the Arts programs and Music Under the Stars, that bring live art, music and culture to our residents at little to no cost.
Non-residents may enroll in any recreation department program for an additional fee per class, while many courses are discounted for residents 55 years old and older.
Seniors can get more information in the summer edition of the Community Magazine, on the township website (www.CherryHill-NJ.com), or 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, call the Municipal Clerk’s office at 661–4711 or 661–4802 between 8:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
No matter what your interests or age, Cherry Hill has opportunities and activities for all of our residents — and that is especially true for our seniors. This is just a brief snapshot of everything we have to offer.
For more information on any of these programs, please contact the recreation department at 488–7868, visit them at town hall, or email [email protected].
Contact me directly by phone at 488–7878, or e-mail me at [email protected]. I hope to see you around town!
