The Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Senior Services partnered with the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners to host an ice cream social for seniors at the Pfeiffer Community Center on July 16.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Eric M. Fisher, the division has established six nutrition sites throughout the county strictly for its residents 60 and older. The community center is among participating locations; in addition to Pfeiffer, they are the Mantua Township Community Center, the Glassboro Senior Center, Greenfields Volunteer Fire Company, First Baptist Church of Jericho and Second Baptist Church.
The annual ice cream social gives seniors an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones while they enjoy frozen treats in a welcoming atmosphere. Beyond bringing older adults together, it also raises awareness about the county’s nutrition efforts. Meals are available through the nutrition program, with a suggested donation of $1.25.
Seniors in need of a meal may visit any nutrition site Monday through Friday. A home-delivery option is also available for residents who are unable to travel.
During the social, the board of commissioners and the Department of Health and Human Services staffed an information table featuring brochures and pamphlets about programs and services. County Commissioner Matthew Weng said the ice cream event has become a popular tradition.
“This is the fourth out of the six of these ice cream socials that we do,” he noted. “We do all kinds of things like this for seniors. We do Halloween parties, spring flings, summer parties, Christmas parties and things like that.”
“Any Gloucester County resident 60 or up can come and socialize, get some ice cream and have fun,” Weng added. “People really do seem to enjoy the events. People thank us so much when they leave, because it’s important that we do things like this for our seniors.”
Resident Anna Carpenter, who frequently visits the Pfeiffer Community Center, said she appreciated the event.
“I just want to say that the event was well organized,” she stated. “The ice cream was good; the service was fantastic. “It was nice to see that the seniors came out and enjoyed themselves. That’s the bottom line. We just truly enjoyed it.”
For more information about Gloucester County’s nutrition programs for seniors, visit the county website or call (856) 384-6900.
County Commissioner Matt Weng (left) and Eric Fisher, executive director of the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Senior Services, helped organize the senior ice cream social on July 16.
