The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County, in collaboration with local nonprofit partners, has announced the Summer Connections program. This series of free events is designed to bring seniors together throughout the summer. The Summer Connections program is part of The Community Chest’s broader Connections Initiative, created in response to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s declaration that loneliness is the most significant public health issue of our time, leading to severe health problems for those who are isolated or lonely. According to the Surgeon General’s report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, published in 2023, a near epidemic of social isolation exists in the United States.
Summer Connections Events: Pre-registration is required for each event.
- Englewood Health Department Summer Steppers Plus: Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 23 through August 29 in MacKay Park, 130 West Englewood Avenue in Englewood, New Jersey. Tuesdays at 5:30 pm – Stretching and Walking and Thursdays at 10:00 am – Water Aerobics and Summer Safety. Register: Contact Julie Green, 201-568-3450 at ext. 508.
- Englewood Health Department with Flat Rock Nature Center Walk and Talk With Health Providers: Second and fourth Saturdays from June 8 through August 2 at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Flat Rock Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Avenue in Englewood, New Jersey. Register: Contact the Englewood Health Department at 201-568-3450 at ext. 508.
- Tenafly Nature Center Bird Watching/”Natural Connections:” Bi-weekly on Wednesdays from June 26 through August 21 from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m at Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Avenue in Tenafly, New Jersey. The program is held outdoors. In case of rain, the program is canceled for that week. Register: Go to www.tenaflynaturecenter.org/ and scroll to UPCOMING EVENTS, Natural Connections and proceed to follow the sign-up information. Registrants may also call Tenafly Nature Center at 201-568-6093 or complete the online form at https://forms.gle/8GnB639ZxxmqXofA .
- Southeast Senior Center for Independent Living (SESCIL) Boost Brain Power, an Afternoon of Gaming and Healthy Snacks on Mondays, July 15 and August 12 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at 228 Grand Avenue in Englewood, New Jersey. Register: Contact 201-567-1495 and ask for Maria or Preston.
- Age-Friendly Englewood Ice Cream Social featuring free ice cream, coffee, tea, and soda on Sunday, August 4 frin 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Southeast Senior Center for Independent Living (SESCIL) located at 228 Grand Avenue in Englewood, New Jersey. Register: Contact The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County at 201-568-7474.
- Vantage Health Movie Special: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on Thursday, August 15 at 4:00 pm held at 2 Park Avenue in Dumont, New Jersey. Register: Call The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County at 201-568-7474.
Learn more about the Connections Initiative on The Community Chest’s website, https://thecommunitychestebc.org/connections-program. For further information, contact Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer at 201-568-7474 or at [email protected]. Contributions to support the program may be sent by check made out to The Community Chest, located at 122 South Van Brunt Street, 2nd Floor, Englewood, NJ 07631. Donations are tax-deductible, as permitted by law.
Founded in 1933, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Englewood, New Jersey, has supported local not-for-profit agencies for 91 years. The Chest leads initiatives and supports nonprofits that make our communities stronger and benefit people in need in eastern Bergen County. Each year, The Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to local citizens. The organization also provides coordinating and planning services in its communities, serving as a bridge between agencies and organizations and investing in the stability and quality of the service network.
The Community Chest’s Board of Managers is comprised of community leaders dedicated to improving the lives of neighbors in need. People interested in being considered for board membership may contact Executive Director Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer at (201) 568-7474.
For further information about The Chest, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org/ or contact 201-568-7474. Stay updated about the organization’s activities on Facebook and Instagram, and YouTube.
