Eastern Bergen County, NJ -- The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County in conjunction with nonprofit partners in the area announces the Summer Connections program, featuring free events to bring seniors together throughout the season. The program is part of The Community Chest’s Connections Initiative created in response to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s declaration of loneliness, as the greatest public issue of our time, resulting in serious health conditions among people who are isolated and 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

The Summer Connections events for seniors include the following activities. 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 p.m. – Stretching and Walking. Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. – 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. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 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” for adult nature lovers and birders. Bi-weekly on Wednesdays from June 26 through August 21. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 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. Mondays, July 15 and August 12 both from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 228 Grand Avenue in Englewood, New Jersey. Register: Contact 201-567-1495 and ask for Maria or Preston.

-- Shirvan Family Live Well Center. Refresh & Re-Connect: Social Activities, Conversations & Refreshments. Wednesday, July 24. 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Discussion about stroke prevention and identification. Lunch will be served. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join folks for a fun, engaging time filled with fun social activities, exciting games, and refreshing conversations, while enjoying some light tasty bites. 59 West Palisade Avenue in Englewood, New Jersey. Register: Participants are encouraged to sign up for both events. Call 551-285-0800 or send an email to [email protected].

-- Age-Friendly Englewood. Ice Cream Social. Free ice cream, coffee, tea, and soda. Sunday, August 4. 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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. Thursday, August 15 at 4:00 p.m. 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.