Senior Wellness System Unveiled In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — Senior citizens have a new place to gather and socialize while at the same time getting in a workout after the new Senior Motion Wellness System was christened at Harry Wright Lake Wednesday.

The motion wellness system was donated to Manchester by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and ShopRite, and was chosen as the first site to receive one due to Manchester's sizable senior citizen population, officials said.

The unique system, by Xccent Fitness of Wyoming, Minn., is designed to help older adults exercise to improve balance and coordination. The outdoor fitness equipment features more than a dozen activities – including a rope bridge, stair walk, rope course and balance beam, a news release from Pfizer and ShopRite said.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous donation at Harry Wright Lake Park, where our seniors can now meet and socialize while also working on staying fit," said Manchester Mayor Kenneth Palmer, who attended the ribbon-cutting along with residents and several other township officials. Councilman Craig Wallis, Business Administrator Donna Markulic, Public Works Director Al Yodakis and Police Chief Lisa Parker were among those in attendance.

“When this idea was presented to our administrators, it was a no-brainer," Palmer said. "There was no question that we wanted to build this beautiful facility for our senior residents. This was a tremendous idea that certainly suits our needs and suits our residents.”

Chris Skyers, vice president of Health & Beauty Care at Wakefern, the parent company of ShopRite, was among the guest speakers, who also included Joel Perlmutter, owner of the ShopRite of Manchester.

Skyers emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, which is why Manchester Township was chosen for this donation, he said.

“Our core purpose is not selling food, it’s caring for our communities,” he said. “You’re the reason that we do what we do. We’re here to serve the community first.”

“This wellness system is a wonderful benefit to our community and a welcome addition to Harry Wright Lake,” Wallis said following the ribbon cutting as he surveyed the equipment, located beyond the band shell and adjacent to the outdoor fitness center and walking trail.

“ ShopRite is proud to be part of this collaboration to help our customers and the residents of this community live fuller, more active lives,” Perlmutter said.

“Approximately 10,000 people in the U.S. turn 65 each day,” said Lisa Paley, chief customer officer at Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. “The World Health Organization says that one-third of those over age 65 suffer falls at least once a year. We believe adult fitness systems like this one can help seniors stay physically active and maintain their balance and coordination skills.”

Manchester Township Mayor Kenneth Palmer, left, is joined by representatives from ShopRite, including owner Joel Perlmutter, and Pfizer Consumer Healthcare at the ribbon cutting. Greg Kyriakakis photos