Senior club like an extended family to its membership

BRICK — The Senior Happenings Club is a group of senior citizens who meet for the sole purpose of having fun.

The club meets the first Monday of each month, from September through May, at noon in the recreation room of the Brick Township Civic Plaza, near the corner of Sprucewood Drive and Chambers Bridge Road. The club is open to residents age 55 and older, and the membership fee is only $4 per year.

At its monthly meeting, the group discusses plans for luncheons and bus trips and enjoys the music of Tad Jendy’s one man band. Jendy plays the accordion while many of the members dance the fox trot and Lindy. Coffee and cake are also served.

Paulina Tuozzo, who has served as vice president of the club for the past eight years, said that there is a wonderful feeling of camaraderie between the members.

"The club serves the members by opening the door for lasting friendships," she said.

Every year the club hosts Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day parties. They also have an Oktoberfest luncheon at Doolan’s restaurant and a Christmas luncheon at the Old Mill Inn, both located in Spring Lake Heights. The cost of these luncheons is $15 for members as the club subsidizes the cost.

In the spring, the club also holds an indoor picnic.

The club often hosts speakers who talk to the members about issues important to seniors at their monthly meeting. Past seminars have covered topics such as scams and long-term health care.

The group also sponsors bus trips to theaters in Atlantic City and throughout the state.

Dottie and Al Schaufler, of Brick, have been members of the club for the past 14 years. Since their children live in northern New Jersey and Louisiana, they said that the club offers them a network of support like an extended family.

"We come every month," Al said. "We wouldn’t miss it for the world."

Further information about the club can be obtained by calling the Brick Township Recreation Department at (732) 262-1075.