Since the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when senior citizens could not take a chance on getting sick at a public gathering, the Delran Seniors Club has bounced back well with theater trips, lively monthly meetings and the annual Christmas Party.
“COVID was our downtime. We didn’t meet for a couple of years,” said Betty Jewell, who joined the club 10 years ago and has been the president for the past five years.
“Our monthly meetings are well attended,” said Jewell, adding that an average of 60 to 70 senior citizens out of the 90 total members arrive early, enjoy a delicious lunch and have fun socializing with each other.
“I always try to tell a couple of jokes to start the meeting,” she said. “I love to see everyone talking to friends, laughing and having the chance to get out of the house for the afternoon.”
The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in the St. John Neumann Council #1436 Knights of Columbus hall, 939 Bridgeboro Road., except for July, August, and December, when the seniors have a gala Christmas Party.
“Twice a year the officers get together and talk about getting speakers for the meetings and planning trips,” said Jewell, adding that they try to have speakers at each meeting to bring information relevant to the lives and needs of seniors.
In September, officers from the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department will speak on crime prevention and how seniors can be proactive. In October, doctors from Jefferson Health will have a question and answer session, and in November, Michael Costigan of ComForCare based in Cinnaminson will discuss the services available to let seniors continue living in their homes.
This year’s Christmas Party will be on Dec. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. The buffet meal will be prepared by Cathy’s Catering, and Joey Vincent will provide the entertainment.
Trips to see shows are especially popular, said Jewell, who grew up in Riverton and Riverside, graduated from Riverside High School with the Class of 1962, and moved to Delran when she married her late husband, Ernie Jewell.
Recent trips, organized by Barbara Bautz, have been to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater and the American Music Theater in Lancaster, PA. This October, the club is sponsoring a day trip to the Surf Light Theater on Long Beach Island to see “Vanities,” with lunch at the Waterfront Café.
The cost for Delran resident members is $25 and others will pay the full cost of about $120, which include transportation from Delran, a complete meal, as well as gratuities – except for the bus driver.
Other officers who keep the club alive and active include Vice President Joanna Smyth, Corresponding Secretary Mary Barth, Recording Secretary Maria Barrett, Treasurer Carmen Popick, and Membership chairpersons Elaine Keller and Stella Crawford, who sign in the guests at each meeting.
“We couldn’t do all this without the team,” said Jewell, who praised their hard work and dedication to the club. “Another fun event is the annual picnic in June, which this year featured a group of banjo musicians leading a sing-along and everyone brought a dish for lunch.”
The Delran Seniors Club is a social club open to anyone 55 plus from Delran and neighboring towns. Membership is $10 annually and a complete lunch at the meetings is available for $10.
“We welcome everyone to join us for a meeting to give us a try and bring a friend,” said Barth, adding that those interested can get more information about the club by calling President Betty Jewell at 609-713-4440.
