THE TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE

A COMMUNITY AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE

33 WASHINGTON STREET

TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY 08753

J. Masterson                                                                                                                         Chuck Bodo

Chairperson                                                                                                                          Coordinator

May 3, 2007

TO:  ALL MEDIA

FROM:  Helen McGovern, Deputy Coordinator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP STAGES 12^th ANNUAL OLDER ADULT HEALTH FAIR

Toms River Township’s much anticipated 12^th Annual Older Adult Health Fair and Picnic promises to be an even bigger event than it has in years past.  Approximately 40 agencies have registered to participate in this year’s fair which will take place Wednesday, May 16^th from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Toms River Township Senior Center, 652 Garfield Avenue.  Most are non profit or government agencies offering free or low cost services and programs to the area’s older adults.  A variety of free health screenings will be performed by several participants, including hearing, glaucoma, skin cancer, glucose, cholesterol, carpal tunnel, blood pressure, osteoporosis, and more.  HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River will be performing stroke assessment surveys.  Holisticare Hospice will be offering free hand massages with aromatherapy oils, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department will be issuing free Senior I.D. cards for health fair guests. 

“The Older Adult Health Fair and Picnic has become more widely known and increasingly popular each year it is staged,” according to Helen McGovern, Deputy Coordinator for the Toms River Township Municipal Alliance.  “The Alliance sponsors this annual event with funding that comes through the Ocean County Board of Health and the NJ Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.  Our budget for extras is tight, though.”  McGovern notes that local businesses have supported the Older Adult Health Fair and Picnic by donating merchandise and gift certificates.  This, in turn, attracts a larger audience.  The items are raffled off for free to seniors who attend the event and register at the door.  “Over the years, community awareness and support for this Health Fair has increased greatly.  Providers call us year-round to pre-register, seniors continually ask when we are doing the next fair, and businesses are extremely supportive when they learn how many older adults and agencies attend this free event.”  McGovern added that this year, additional funding came through the Toms River Senior Center.”

            Municipal Alliance Coordinator Chuck Bodo stated, “Each year we look to attract new agencies and providers to the Health Fair.  Our goal is to bring new, useful information, health screenings, and  services to our audience in a cost-effective manner.  Sometimes attendance at this health fair is the only way some older adults and networking professionals discover new programs and services.”  Bodo added, “This is a day when older adults can learn how to get what they need.  They can socialize with friends, enjoy singing and dancing with the live band, visit with our providers, and have several free health screenings.  The day is devoted to the health, safety, and education of our senior population, but promises to be entertaining and enjoyable for all.

            The 12^th Annual Older Adult Health Fair and Picnic will begin at 10 AM at the Senior Center on Garfield Avenue.  Admission is free but all guests must register at the door.  Additional parking will be available nearby, in the lot across from the Little League field on Windsor Avenue.  Shuttle busses will transport guests from this area to the Senior Center.  For more information, call the Toms River Township Senior Center Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at (732) 341-1000 x 8460.