The township provided apple cider, donuts, fruit and coffee to older adults at its inaugural Senior Coffee and Connection event on Oct. 8, the first of its kind in Cherry Hill.

Participants at the Carmen Tilelli Community Center not only ate, but learned about available senior clubs and activities.

“This is one of the best events that we have for seniors,” said Councilman Daniel DiRenzo. “We were able to give them a lot of information that will be helpful to them.”

Every week, clubs for seniors meet to play Bingo; hear speakers on topics relevant to older adults; play cards; or line dance, among other activities. The Maturity, Retirees and Super Seniors clubs are also resources for the kind of community and social engagement that can lead to longer life spans.

Pat Kenny, president of the Super Seniors, set up a display at the Coffee and Connection event showcasing its activities.

“We try to involve our seniors in deciding what happens in our club,” she noted. “Our first meeting of the month is what we call a business meeting, and it’s usually based around the theme of the month.”

September’s theme coincided with Hispanic Heritage Month, so the club made burritos, read poetry in both English and Spanish and lunched on food from Spanish speaking countries. Kenny said that members without transportation can get help from others who drive, as well from the Cherry Hill bus service for residents 62 and older with a reservation.

Senior Coffee and Connection also provided dance lessons to attendees, led by Gene Naidas.

“I think dancing is one of the best things for seniors because you become physical,” Naidas explained. “So you move … you exercise your thinking, because you’ve got to remember the dances … The most important thing is like, when you make a mistake, there’s a smile on your face.”

The township conducted a survey at the end of the event on the needs of seniors and services that would most benefit them, and the Super Seniors Club held one of its meetings.