Anneliese Kuemmerle, FCHS program associate, teaches the classes at the senior centers in Cape May County.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) program offers a variety of presentations on living a healthy, active lifestyle for overall wellness virtually and at other locations in the county. FCHS partners with organizations to bring classes such as the Lunch and Learn Series offered online and at the Ocean City Free Public Library to a variety of locations.
In 2025, FCHS expanded its community outreach by offering free monthly wellness programs at the county’s senior centers in Lower Township, North Wildwood and Upper Township.
Anneliese Kuemmerle, FCHS program associate, teaches the classes at the senior centers. This year, topics included physical activity guidelines, eating more fruits and vegetables, ways to eat healthy on a budget and most recently plating up pumpkins, part of the eating seasonally easily series.
The October 29 program, which focused on the health benefits of the orange gourds, was attended by about 35 seniors.
Kuemmerle is excited about the programs at the senior centers.
“We bring information to senior residents to help them stay healthy as they age, focusing on things that are easy and accessible,” she said. “The seniors participating are also encouraged to share ideas as the program works to foster socialization — an important component of overall wellness.”
The program also teaches the importance of self-care and provides food safety tips, importance of maintaining bone health and more.
Chris Zellers, FCHS educator, oversees FCHS programs in the county. Zellers and Kuemmerle work together to educate the community on wellness, nutrition and fitness. Zellers has extensive experience collaborating with partners to create healthy food environments in the areas of policy, systems and environmental change.
In addition to community health policies, FCHS educates residents on topics to improve their overall health and prevent chronic diseases with a holistic approach to a well-lived quality lifestyle that includes physical activity, a nutrient-dense diet and restful sleep. For more information. call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3609 or visit capemaynjaes.rutgers.edu.
This article first appeared in the Cape May Star and Wave.
