This SOS is a good thing for town's older adults
Goal of new program is to inform seniors about many services
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

PLUMSTED - In an effort to inform residents about what is available and to provide services to Plumsted's senior citizens, Mayor Ron Dancer and resident Leighann Vinciguerra have formed a Senior Outreach Search (SOS) program.

"There is a need to heighten the public awareness with respect to the many senior services available," Dancer said.

He said that while Plumsted's senior citizen population may be fewer than 800 people, officials want the SOS to function as an ombudsman "where we expedite and facilitate programs to all the seniors in our community."

The SOS program has been in place since September. Under Vinciguerra's direction, the program has distributed literature at locations frequented by seniors, such as pharmacies and doctor's offices, according to Dancer.

In addition to support, the township is providing office space to the SOS committee at the Welcome Center, 31 Main St., New Egypt. The office was scheduled to open on Dec. 20.

Dancer said he has seen the quality of life for seniors enhanced in Plumsted. He credits that improvement through the connection of programs that SOS has provided.

Vinciguerra, 38, the mother of four children, is a student at Ocean County College, Toms River, studying to become a paramedic. She said she has taken on the responsibility of leading the SOS program because she wanted to give something back to the community in which she and her family reside.

In addition, Vinciguerra said she has learned through her college studies that paramedics and first responders receive the majority of their calls from senior citizens. She said the SOS committee is a way for the seniors in Plumsted to "interact, socialize, and most importantly, stay informed" about the many programs that are available to them.

At present there are eight active volunteers on the committee, including 18- year-old New Egypt High School student Krystal Palmieri.

Palmieri, the youngest member of the panel, said she joined the group because it would give her experience and insight into working with elderly individuals. Palmieri said she will use the knowledge she gains to pursue a career in nursing.

She said she enjoys interacting with senior citizens and hopes to see other young people join the effort. She said there is a lot to be learned by discussing things with older individuals.

Even though the SOS program is still in its infancy, Vinciguerra has set goals to be pursued. She said the committee is working on a budget for 2008. After finishing that task, she would like the committee to be able to sponsor trips and dinners for the community's senior citizens.

Vinciguerra said the committee members are learning what needs to be done as they set about doing it. Her ultimate goal is to see more socialization among Plumsted's seniors and most importantly a heightened awareness of the services that are available to those individuals.

The SOS committee meets every month at Jensen's retirement community. For more information about the program, call (609) 758-4004.