RIVER EDGE, N.J. — The JCC of Northern New Jersey’s Active Seniors program continues to grow rapidly, with organizers reporting attendance that has more than tripled over the past four years.
According to Jennifer Sauer, director of communications and active seniors, the program averaged about 19 people for lunch gatherings four years ago. This year, weekly lunches are averaging about 60 attendees, with participation in programs often even higher.
“We are excited to engage with you—physically, intellectually, and spiritually, as we continue to grow, thrive, and build community together,” Sauer wrote in a recent community update.
The Active Seniors program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays in River Edge and includes exercise classes, presentations and a kosher lunch. Organizers said advance registration has become increasingly important due to the growing attendance and the need to coordinate catering and seating.
Programs in recent weeks have included a screening of “Baseball Mensch: The Marty Lurie Story,” a documentary about the longtime Jewish sports broadcaster, and a presentation from the Adler Aphasia Center. During the latter program, two center members shared personal experiences living with aphasia and the challenges of adapting after neurological injury.
Upcoming events include “The Vessel with the Pestle: The Magic of Danny Kaye,” featuring entertainment historian John Kenrick, and the annual Kolot Zahav Singers performance, “Remember the ’50s,” scheduled for Tuesday, June 2 at 11 a.m.
Organizers said registration for a Shavuot baking program on May 21 reached capacity at 80 participants and now has a waitlist.
The Active Seniors program includes exercise classes at 10 a.m., followed by educational or entertainment programming at 11 a.m. and a kosher lunch at noon. Tuesday sessions feature Zumba Gold with instructor Leony, while Thursday mornings include chair yoga with Tanya.
The suggested donation is $5 per day. Meals are catered by Jerusalem Café/Mauzone.
The program is supported through partnerships with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey and the Bergen County Division of Senior Services.
For information or registration, visit jccnnj.org or call (201) 666-6610 ext. 2.