Caldwell LIVE (Lifelong Involvement for Vital Elders) sponsored a Taste of Wellness program hosted at Congregation Agudath Israel, 20 Academy Road, Caldwell. Over seventy older adults enjoyed a sampling of ways to feel healthier.

The program opened with a guided meditation session led by Karen Frank, RN, Congregational Nurse for Agudath Israel. This was followed by break-out sessions featuring Sister Elsie Bernauer,OP,MA, leading chair massage, Holly Evans of St. Peter’s Church discussing aromatherapy, Sister Carol Jaruszewski,R.S.M., demonstrating healing touch, and Shop-Rite dietician, Evelyn Minolfo, R.D., speaking on good nutrition. The workshop concluded with chair yoga led by Reverend Anthony Randazzo from Notre Dame Church.

The program was planned by the Spiritual Caring Committee of the Caldwell LIVE Partners group. Sister Justine Pinto of St. Aloysius Church, Sally Munson from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Randi Brokman and Karen Frank from Congregation Agudath Israel, and Rev. Mara Joy Norden from Crane’s Mill Continuing Care Retirement Community worked with LIVE site coordinator, Roberta Schoenberg of JFS MetroWest, to design a workshop that would be inter-active, fun and educational. Their goal was achieved as Ms. Schoenberg commented, “Taste of Wellness was an ecumenical event supported by many congregations in the community to educate older adults on how to better take care of themselves. Taste of Wellness shows that seniors are open to new ideas and want to pursue ways to maintain and improve their health” Following the program George Green , the designer of the stained glass windows in the congregation’s sanctuary, led people on a tour of the facility.

Caldwell LIVE is a federally funded program to develop programs and services to enable Caldwell residents age 60 and older to remain in the community. Among the services LIVE provides to older adults who reside in Caldwell are home repair and maintenance, employment counseling, limited transportation to non-emergency medical appointments, social work counseling, and educational and wellness programs. United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ serves as lead agency for Caldwell LIVE, and Jewish Family Service and Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest collaboratively implement the project. LIVE programs and services are delivered in partnership with communal agencies, the Borough and Public Library, civic groups, and other providers. Caldwell LIVE is supported by the U.S. Administration on Aging, and funded in part by a grant from Partners for Health. For more information about Caldwell LIVE or to receive the free monthly calendar of events, call 973 403-0972 or email .

Captions for attached photos

001-Holly Evans from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s Health and Healing Committee explains the benefits of Aromatherapy to a group at the Caldwell LIVE Taste of Wellness event at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell.

003-Evelyn Minolfo, RD, a registered dietician at the Shop-Rite of West Caldwell and Parsippany discusses important nutritional tips for older adults at the Caldwell LIVE Taste of Wellness event at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell

004-Sister Carol Jaruszewski explains the benefits of Healing Touch to a group at the Caldwell LIVE Taste of Wellness event at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell.

005-Sister Elsie Bernauer discusses and has people experience some chair massage techniques at the Caldwell LIVE Taste of Wellness event at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell.

United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ raises funds through its United Jewish Appeal campaign, provides resources and coordinates programs and services for the Jewish community in Essex, Morris, and Sussex counties, as well as part of Union county. As the key Jewish philanthropic organization, the federation and its 18 local beneficiary agencies strive to fulfill the communal and social service needs of the MetroWest community. It also works to maintain the integrity and dignity of Jewish life through its national and international fundraising efforts.