At Senior Picnic Mayor Hawkins Highlights Orange Health and Wellness Alliance, Farmers Market Vouchers for Seniors, Senior Volunteer Program and Upcoming Senior Events

At the annual Orange Senior Picnic at the Orange Reservoir on Northfield Road in West Orange, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. used the occasion to discuss some of the activities and programs available to Orange Seniors.

Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides locally grown unprepared fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to eligible seniors 60 years of age and older. The program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Essex County Division on Aging and City of Orange. Local farmers are recruited and trained to be Certified Farmer Vendors. These farmers benefit from the programs by direct marketing their locally grown fresh produce to eligible participants at farmers market across the state.
Orange will shortly be announcing the date, time, and location of a Farmers Market for all residents which will include the use of senior nutrition vouchers. Each eligible Senior participant receives four $5 checks/vouchers that can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at the farmers market.

Orange Health and Wellness Alliance
Orange provides health education services, preventative health care and primary medical care for senior citizens. In cooperation with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the Saint Barnabas Healthcare system, Orange conducts a once weekly Mini Health Clinic in Oakwood towers, the largest senior citizen complex in Orange. It also provides in-home visits by a Nurse Practitioner for home-bound patients.
The clinic is staffed with physicians, nurses, pharmaceutical support, physical therapists, social workers and other medical specialists on a rotating basis. Services such as MRIs and X-rays that are not available at the clinic are provided at Beth Israel. A Senior Wellness Action Team (SWAT) provides an exercise program.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. has partnered to create a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, designed to connect volunteers over 55 years old to service opportunities in Orange that match their skills and ability.  Volunteers share the experience of a lifetime. They utilize their talents and share their skills and knowledge with others in the community.  RSVP is for anyone age 55 and over who wants to get involved in rewarding and important volunteer work in Orange. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Office of the Mayor (973) 266-4005.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“Orange has an Office of Older Adults that provides Orange seniors with daily office assistance as well as a wide variety of social activities to enjoy throughout the year.  Over the past three years, we have expanded services for seniors to include the Health and Wellness Alliance, Low Cost Prescription Drugs, and now, a new farmers market voucher program. A program of films for seniors is being launched at the Orange Public Library this month. We also provide a schedule of recreation, education, and health programs throughout the year. I invite seniors who wish to participate to call my office at (973) 266-4005”

September Senior Events Calendar Attached