West Windsor is home to about 27,000 people. They live in almost 8,000 residential properties, of which 1,600 — 20 percent — are believed to be occupied by seniors aged 55 or older. Each of those senior homes receives by mail a bi-monthly bulletin identifying programs and activities available at the recently expanded and enhanced Senior Center in the municipal complex on Clarksville Road.
In recent months, the average daily attendance at the center has been 112, with an average “participation rate” by West Windsor seniors to 141. (A year ago, average daily attendance was 105 with the participation rate at 114.)
During the month of June, for example, senior participation totaled 3099 in programs ranging from fitness and exercise, education, recreation, and social events. Special activities include health screenings, AARP tax services, and AARP safe driving classes. Portable medical assistance equipment is also available on loan.
Attendance has been boosted in recent months by the availability, by request for a nominal fee, of a 20-passenger bus, donated to the township by Princeton University and driven by a part-time township employee. In June this bus took an average of 28 seniors per day to and from the Senior Center and local shopping centers. Volunteer drivers provide medical and social rides for residents ages 55 and up. This program is offered through the center Monday through Friday. Mercer County’s TRADE, a county-wide bus transportation program, is also available.
The Senior Center also provides a “service delivery network” for residents in need of information, referral services, or assistance from county, state or federal agencies.
Those West Windsor seniors who have not taken full advantage of the valuable community resources available through the Senior Center are urged to do so. They only need to call 609-799-9068 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to have the friendly and welcoming staff put them on the mailing list for the bimonthly bulletin and become active participants in a range of rewarding and health-related programs.
Ronald Slinn
Leader, West Windsor Retirees’ Group
Member, Senior Center Advisory Council, Trustee, Friends of West Windsor Senior Citizens
