In a world that often moves too fast, the East Greenwich Senior Citizens Committee is creating a space where older residents can slow down, connect, and rediscover the joy of community. With a mission rooted in fostering friendships, sharing laughter, and celebrating life’s moments together, the committee has become a heartwarming reminder of the power of human connection.
After years of social isolation and disruption brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the East Greenwich Senior Citizens Committee faced some challenges. However, over the last two years, the committee has been rebuilding and re-emerging as a vital force in helping the town’s senior residents connect.
With a mission to rebuild a sense of community, foster meaningful friendships, and provide engaging activities, the committee has quickly become a beacon of support and camaraderie for East Greenwich’s senior population. Under the leadership of dedicated members such as Christine Smith, Chair of East Greenwich Senior Citizen Committee, and Committeeman Robert Tice, the Senior Service team is working to restore and enhance the sense of belonging among older residents.
Their efforts span a wide range of initiatives, from lively game days and casual coffee meetups to educational workshops and plans for exciting group trips.
By creating opportunities for seniors to gather, learn, and share in new experiences, the committee is paving the way for individuals to rekindle old friendships and form new ones. With each event and program, they aim to help seniors not only reconnect with one another but also rediscover the vibrant community they call home.
“We’re just trying to have an avenue for people to get together and enjoy themselves,” explained Smith. One of the main initiatives launched by the committee was a game day held twice a month in the afternoon from 1:30 to 4 p.m. where seniors can play their favorite board or card games to play and socialize. “People come, bring the game of their choice, and spend a couple of hours in the afternoon enjoying good company and socializing,” Smith added.
Smith also shared that the committee has been getting feedback from their members and using it to implement some changes to make these gamedays more enjoyable. As it was noticed the game days were mainly only drawing in female members, and after some conversations with the male members, they plan to set up some games of pinochle and bridge, per the men’s request.
Another successful effort has been a monthly coffee meetup held at the local Death of the Fox Brewing Company in Clarksboro. The gatherings typically attract 15 to 20 participants and offer a relaxed environment for conversation, camaraderie, and a wide arrangement of gourmet coffee.
In addition, the committee has supported a “Men’s Breakfast,” initiated by a community member. This monthly event, which has been held at a few local diners like the Piston Diner in Westville and The Hollywood Diner in Woodbury Heights, has been popular among male residents, drawing 15 to 16 attendees per session.
One of the committee’s significant challenges has been finding suitable venues for their events. Without a dedicated senior center or community building, activities like game day have been hosted in the municipal courtroom. However, the courtroom’s primary function takes priority, leading to schedule disruptions.
To resolve this issue, the committee recently partnered with the local Evangelical Methodist Church on 14 W. Cohawkin Road, which has offered its newly renovated facilities for community use. Starting in January, game day will be held at the church, which boasts accessibility features such as an elevator for those with mobility challenges and tables that will be better suited for the preferred games the members like to play.
Smith emphasized immense gratitude as the Senior Committee heads into the new year with a partnership that will not only provide them with a consistent venue but also with the church’s connection to its own community, there is an opportunity for more members through the church’s own senior population
As the Senior Committee continues to combat its challenges, a large one still persists, with reaching all seniors in East Greenwich being a top priority and a persistent hurdle. Many older residents lack access to digital communication such as cell phones and computers, and with email and the township website being the source to learn about these events issues arise.
“A lot of our seniors don’t get the message because they don’t have the computer access. So that’s our main thrust of trying to figure out how do we get to involve everybody that may not have those lines of communication.”
The committee is actively exploring solutions to bridge this gap, and has found that some of the member’s children signing up for the emails and them reminding them has been successful. Although they are continuing to seek out ways to reach as many members of the community as possible.
Despite the challenges, The East Greenwich Senior Committee is filled with an abundance of hope and eagerness to serve its members. Heading into the new year the committee plans to continue to explore the possibility of being able to obtain passenger bus transportation for the senior group, with hopes of being able to host trips to different places in the area.
Some of the trip ideas being brainstormed are to Field and Flock Lavender Farm located at in Woodstown, and Dalton Farms located in Logan Township, and possibly a restaurant for lunch that may be a farther distance than members may be willing to drive.
The committee’s focus remains on fostering community and rekindling connections. “We hope our programs help people reconnect with old friends—maybe someone they remember from their kids’ school days or the local ball field,” Smith said. “It’s all about bringing back that sense of community.”
The East Greenwich Senior Citizens Committee warmly invites all interested residents to attend their meetings and events. Information about upcoming activities can be found on the township’s website, and the committee can be reached by email regarding any questions or suggestions. With the unwavering support of the community and local organizations, the committee is dedicated to creating a space where seniors feel valued, connected, and celebrated. Together, they are building a brighter, more vibrant future for East Greenwich’s senior community—one shared moment at a time.
Senior Citizen Clubs are also active in Swedesboro/Woolwich, Logan Township, and South Harrison Township. Here is their group and contact information.
AGED TO PERFECTION: If you are over 55 years of age and reside in Woolwich or Swedesboro, join our wait list to become a member. The group is capped at 100 members. We are an active senior group enjoying common interests, games and outings. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. at the Woolwich Township Municipal Building. For additional information or to join the wait list, please call Janet Richardson 856-467-0069.
LOGAN TOWNSHIP SENIORS CLUB: If you are over 50 and live in Logan Township, come join our seniors’ group! We meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 1 p.m. at the Logan Municipal Building, 125 Main Street, Bridgeport, NJ. Call 856-467-3424 for additional information.
SOUTH HARRISON SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB: If you are 60+ years old and reside in South Harrison Township, please join us for our meetings every third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. at the South Harrison Township Municipal Building. New members are welcome! We have speakers or activities and a free lunch each month. For additional information, please contact Terri Catalano at 856-981-3592 or email terricatalano@comcast.net.
By Asiya Robinson
