‘Older Americans’ Uplifted In West Orange At Community Events

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Department of Senior Services recently tipped their cap to “Older Americans Month” with a series of community events.

The annual observation – which takes place each May – recognizes the contributions, strengths, and vitality of older adults.

Here’s a recap of events, according to a news release from the department:

• This year the West Orange Department of Senior Services (Laura Van Dyke, Noelia Perez and Olive Ross) displayed posters and banners around town to support the 2025 theme "Flip the Script on Aging", which focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging.
• To kick off the month on May 1st, we concluded the winter session of the GrassRoots Gen-Lit intergenerational reading exchange with a thoughtful discussion based on themes from the book, “Kiyoshi’s Walk” by Mark Karlins — a delightful book about a young boy and his grandfather as they explore the world around them through poetry.
• Then on May 2nd we held a graduation ceremony for those older adults who successfully completed the West Orange Older Adult Police Academy, a 4-part series designed to educate and engage older adults on various aspects of law enforcement and personal safety, lead by WOPD Officer Karen Mango.

The following week was also jam-packed with special programs and events, the department reported:

• On May 5th and again on May 12th with the support of the Mental Health Association (MHA) we continued a 4-part wellness series entitled “Meaningful Conversations with MHA” – a peer support group which provided a safe space to engage in casual and informative discussions on aging.
• On May 6th we joined other older adults in neighboring communities for a leisurely walk and luncheon, at the annual Walk My Way event, held at the Essex County Wally Choice Community Center in Glenfield Park, Montclair.
• On May 7th, we enjoyed a thought-provoking play at the Luna Stage in West Orange “the ripple, the wave that carried me home” by Christian Anderson – a story of racial justice, political legacy and family forgiveness.
• On May 15th we joined in collaboration with the West Orange Arts Council and Pathways to Trust for a delicious luncheon, collage workshop and art exhibit. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with others while creating art and enjoying a delicious and nutritious lunch provided by local chef, Tsipi Kaplan. Artist, Carol Jenkins, provided the material and instruction on how to create a personal collage.
• This year the students of Hazel Avenue Elementary School joined us in celebrating Older Americans Month by creating heartwarming cards which expressed love and appreciation for older adults! The cards were then distributed to residents of West Orange’s five senior housing buildings.
• Our premier event “Salute to Seniors” was held on May 20th at the Highlawn Pavillion with its breath-taking views of the New York Skyline. Over one hundred Seniors enjoyed charcuterie board appetizers, a delicious buffet lunch, music, dancing and door prizes!
• We were extremely pleased that one our local businesses, A Beam of Light, LLC., honored our senior residents, by offering a complementary workshop on May 23rd, on how to care for the body, mind and spirit through 7 meaningful levels of self-care.
• On May 27th, as a part of our Spring Café series, chair yoga instructor, Pammi Anandani, provided an invigorating class that was adaptable to individual needs. This offering also celebrated National Senior Citizens Day.

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