“Bringing seniors, their families and caregivers in our communities together for physical activity, mental stimulation, camaraderie, and fun, while providing timely and important information related to issues surrounding aging.”

Lisa S, Program Director

Programdirector@srcnj.org

908-879-2202

MARCH 2026

NEWSLETTER

To help us continue offering all of these exercise and enrichment programs, we gratefully accept donations of any size, with a suggested amount of between $3 & $5. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a real difference and is truly appreciated. Classses are subject to change - please watch this space for cancellations.

Happy Birthday to All Who Celebrate

during the Month of MARCH


Sue C. Deborah W. Karen A.

Rich S. Carolyn B. Clara M.

Elaine M. Ro P. Dolores Y.

Christine M. Mauricette M.


We would like to recognize you during your birthday month!! If you haven't sent in your birthday yet, please email Lisa at programdirector@srcnj.org and she’ll make note of it.

Deborah W.One in Four Seniors Falls Each Year —

 Winter Raises the Risk

This has already been a hard winter in Northern New Jersey, with slippery ice and snow. Falls are very common among older adults, and winter further increases the risk of serious injuries, loss of independence, or even death. In fact, more than one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year in the U.S., and falling once doubles the risk of falling again.


Here are practical steps seniors and their caregivers can take to reduce the fall risk this winter:


Prep Before Going Outside

  • Schedule assisted transportation for outings.
  • Check to be sure footwear is sturdy and has a non-slip tread.
  • If unsteady, winter is an especially important time to use a non-slip cane or walker.
  • Assume walkways and stairs are icy, even if they do not appear to be.


Clear Ice and Snow Promptly

  • Arrange ahead for shoveling and plowing; use salt or sand where needed.
  • Keep paths well-lit both inside and outside your home.
  • Remove outdoor rugs or clutter that could be hidden in the snow and trip you.


Stay Strong & Balanced

  • Regular balance and strength exercises (like walking or chair-based stretches) help keep you steady on your feet.
  • Stay current with health, vision, and hearing checkups.


Have a Plan if You Do Fall

  • Carry a cellphone or medical alert device so you can call for help if needed.
  • During bad weather, check in with friends or family several times per day.

Intergenerational Celebration:

Members of the Senior Resource Center,

Church of the Messiah,

and the students from Mendham High School

On the first of February, we held the inaugural Intergenerational Project, involving participants from the Senior Resource Center, the Church of the Messiah, and three students from Mendham High School. The project spanned several months, culminating in an event where we recognized eight seniors. If you're open to being interviewed by next year's students, please reach out, and I'll get in touch when the new program begins. Thank you to everyone who participated and we look forward to the next program, Lisa programdirector@srcnj.org

THERE'S STILL ROOM! SIGN UP TODAY

WELLNESS DAY

AT THE

SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER

MARCH 11, 2026 AT 12:30

WITH DON MACGOWAN,

SEEING EYE FOUNDATION, MORRISTOWN

Attending a presentation on The Seeing Eye® dog foundation offers significant benefits, ranging from educational insights into specialized training to fostering community engagement and disability awareness. Attendees typically learn about the rigorous process of breeding, raising, and training guide dogs, while also learning essential etiquette for interacting with these working teams. Any questions please email Lisa at programdirector@srcnj.org


A light lunch will be served

Lunch & Learn at Mountaintop Church

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 @ 12 Noon


“Caring for the Caregiver”

with Robin Ennis,

Caregiver Resource & Information Specialist

 

Are you a caregiver? Do you provide care for an aging parent, spouse, sibling, friend, neighbor, or a child with special needs? - Do you care for anyone with a mental illness, physical, or developmental disability? - Do you run errands such as picking up medication or groceries? Make meals or provide help with daily care or paying bills? Drive to or assist with scheduling doctor’s appointments? If so, you are a caregiver and may benefit from this free program.

 

Unpaid caregivers need assistance in finding information, education, resources, services, and support to help them sustain in their caregiving role. Caregiver burnout is real, and Robin is here to help mitigate some of the caregiver stressors by identifying needs and offering starting points. Too often caregivers know what they need, but don’t know where to start. You may need more education around a particular topic, or resources to assist you in caring for your loved one, or information and guidance on what services are available to you, or you may simply just need support and validation. You are not alone. Robin will provide you with resources and connect you to provider agencies.

You can read Robin's Ramblings below.

 

To Register please email Lisa at programdirector@srcnj.org

Community News!

Keep up with all of the great events

in Chester and surrounding communities.

Watch future emails for events

WE'RE STILL COLLECTING

Emergency Food Drive to Benefit the Chester/Mendham Food Pantry

(All SRC & Messiah Members are welcome to participate)



The Chester/Mendham Food Pantry is in urgent need the following items, but please feel free to donate any other non-perishable food items:


ITEMS NEEDED:

Coffee, Tea, Salad Dressing, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Pancake Mix & Syrup, Deodorant , Dish Detergent, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Conditioner,

Toothpaste, Pump Soap, Body Soap, Large and Small Garbage Bags


Please do not drop off any open and/or expired items


A large plastic bin will be placed in the upstairs lobby at the Church of the Messiah where you can drop off your non-perishable items. We are grateful for his generous contribution of time.


Thank you in advance for your generosity especially during these difficult times for needy families in our community. - Lisa, Program Director SRC

MONTHLY RAMBLINGS BY ROBIN:

SCOOP FOR CAREGIVERS

Click on the

"Caring for the Caregiver" graphic for the MARCH Issue of Ramblings by Robin

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH?

We will be having a special $1 day & 50% off everything over $1 combined sale (excluding the display case and any marked items stating that they are excluded) this Thursday, March 5th and Saturday, March 7th.  


The following week will be our $1 day sale on any untagged clothing only, March 12th & 14th.  We will most likely be doing our change over to the spring items at the end of day March 14th.

Would you like to make

a donation to SRC? 


All donations are very much appreciated and are tax deductible. Please click on the purple button below if you would like to use our online payment option OR you can bring your donation to classes that you attend OR you can mail it to us at 50 Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930. Your donation (big or small) will enable us to bring more wonderful programs to the Senior Resource Center!

Thank you in advance for your generous donation

Welcome to the new Senior Resource Center of New Jersey Facebook Page. If you have a Facebook account, please like us and follow our new page to stay up to date with our many activities. Click on the blue circle below.

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The Senior Resource Center would like to thank Jeff Scotti from Scottidesign of Long Valley for his generosity in hosting and maintaining the SRC website. Visit the Scottidesign Website