Hopewell Valley Senior Services offers much more than social events and exercise classes.
During a presentation to Pennington Borough Council on Aug. 3, Senior Services Coordinator Randi Malkiewicz outlined the organization’s wide range of programs and services available to older adults throughout Hopewell Valley. In addition to classes and activities, the department provides information and assistance with low-cost transportation, home and travel safety, meals and food assistance, technology classes and other resources.
Malkiewicz described her role as Senior Services coordinator as “an opportunity to pursue a role that truly aligned with my passion.”
“Helping others has always been important to me, and becoming the Senior Services Coordinator has allowed me to combine that passion with meaningful work … and make a positive difference in our community,” she said.
Malkiewicz said the most rewarding aspect of her work is helping older adults enrich their lives and discover new possibilities.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing the smiles on their faces when they try a new activity, build new friendships, or realize they are capable of something they never imagined they would enjoy.
“It is especially rewarding when they are so excited about a program that they encourage their friends to join or proudly spread the word to others in the community. Seeing their enthusiasm, confidence and connections grow — and knowing I played a small part in making that happen — makes this work incredibly meaningful.”
Senior Services Offerings
Health and Well-being classes
Project Healthy Bones: A free program aimed at developing muscle strength, improving posture, balance, strength and flexibility. The current class is full, but openings could be available in the future.
Creative Well-Being: The class includes a variety of practices that engage students socially, cognitively, creatively and physically while having fun.
Active Aging: This program highlights functional fitness needed for daily living. The exercises support balance, mobility, strength and more.
Chair Yoga: The practice involves simple and effective Hatha Yoga postures, both seated and standing. The class also includes yogic breathing, mudras and meditation.
T’ai Chi for Arthritis: The class involves gentle exercises to help maintain mobility. Students may remain seated if needed.
To learn more about these classes and registration details, visit the Exercise Classes webpage.
Computer and Technology Classes
Classes take place at the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library System. Classes cover working with Google apps; building Microsoft Office skills; creating with Canva; internet basics and more. To view the schedule, visit the library computer classes page.
Activities and Interests
Artists’ Choice: The session includes a free art lesson offered by Eva Kaplan. Participants create their original works with friends and receive suggestions from others.
Social Bridge: An opportunity to socialize while playing bridge. All experience levels are welcome.
Mahjongg: A setting for Mahjong players to come together and enjoy the game. Beginners are welcome to attend and learn by shadowing experienced players. Game sets are provided. Players bring their own Mahjong Card.
See the Activities page for more information.
Special Events
Ice Cream Social: Celebrate National Senior Citizen’s Day: August 21, 1-2:30 pm, Hopewell Township Municipal Building. Register by calling 609-537-0236 or email [email protected].
Senior Picnic: September 10, 12 noon-2 pm, Washington Crossing State Park, Sullivan’s Grove, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville. Enjoy delicious food, friends, live music, door prizes and a community resource table. To register, contact Senior Services by August 24: 609-537-0236 or email: [email protected].
Birthday Breakfasts: April and October at Amalfi’s, Lawrenceville.
AARP Safe Driver Program: Spring and Fall. Next event to be announced.
Senior Fair: January/February, Hopewell Township building. To sign up call, 609-537-0236 or email [email protected].
Meals and Food Assistance
Hopewell Valley Senior Center Lunch Program: Participants are eligible to receive lunch at the Hopewell Valley Senior Center on weekdays. To register, call the Mercer County Senior Board at 609-989-6650.
The Food Assistance web page includes information on several programs including the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry, The Chubby’s Project and more.
Low-Cost Transportation
Hopewell Valley Rides: For an $8 fee, participants can receive transportation to anywhere in Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough and Pennington. Participants are allowed 10 one-way rides or five round-trip rides per month. The Transportation web page also has links to other local, county, state and private options.
Operation Blue Angel
This program allows a police officer to gain entry to a senior’s home in an emergency without breaking the door. The program consists of a lockbox, requested by the resident, which will be owned and maintained by the Hopewell Police Department. The lockbox will contain a key to the residence (which the resident supplies) and will be placed on the participant’s door by Police personnel. The key will only be accessed by responding police officers in an emergency when they cannot otherwise access the residence. The program lockbox will not be accessed by anyone for any other means.
To learn more: email [email protected] or call 609-737 3100 x 5560. Visit the Blue Angel web page.
GrandPals: Malkiewicz briefly mentioned GrandPals, a program in which seniors read to children within the Hopewell Valley Regional School District. Call Senior Services for more information: 609-537-0236.
Senior Spirit Newsletter: The letter is published monthly. You can subscribe or access the newsletter online.
Borough Business
Zoning rules amended to accommodate Master Plan: Mayor James Davy introduced an ordinance amending zoning rules (Chapter 215 of Borough codes) to allow recommendations of the updated master plan to be fulfilled. The Land Use Plan Element of the Master Plan, updated May 13 of this year, was completed through a public process to conform with requirements of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law. The zoning changes include several sections within the Borough’s zoning chapter, including the Route 31 corridor, which has been the subject of various development proposals.
Water health and safety: Council adopted a bond ordinance for $8 million to improve and redress PFAS (toxic chemicals) contamination in the Borough’s water/sewer utility system. Councilwoman Kit Chandler said the Borough is getting very favorable rates from I Bank (New Jersey Infrastructure Bank). The project includes design, permitting, construction, installation and implementation of PFAS treatment improvements, including Ion Exchange treatment units, at Borough wells.
Addressing another issue related to water health and safety, Council adopted an ordinance to issue a bond or notes for $3.5 million to fund lead service line replacements through its water/sewer utility. The project will replace about 160 lead or galvanized lines.
Environmental Updates
Councilman Dan Rubenstein shared the environmental commission’s current projects:
- Environmental Checklist review. The list includes land and water protection, based on the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions guidelines, but personalized for Pennington.
- Lighting improvements: Based on conversations with Hopewell Township, the commission will work with PSEG to install softer and warmer streetlights.
- Regional Resiliency Grant: A state program offering rebates to residents for replacing lawns with native plants.
- Municipal Greenhouse Gas Report: This ongoing project focuses on local emissions and carbon neutrality.
- Communications and Outreach: Rubenstein highlighted the commission’s Community Conversation webinars on the Borough website including energy conservation, greenscaping and stormwater control.
- The Shade Tree committee’s current initiatives: Educating residents on the best way to plant trees that will thrive, and working with Mercer County to preserve and maintain trees along South Main Street, which is a County road.
Wildlife certification: Councilwoman Amy Kassler Taub said that Pennington could be eligible for new grants because of its National Wildlife Certification status.
Health survey: Councilman Dan Rubenstein said that the Board of Health will be issuing a public health survey with an expected publication date of September 14.
The next Borough Council meeting takes place Tuesday, September 8, 7 pm. See the Zoom meeting link page to join.
