Manchester Township officials and their community partners at ShopRite and Pfizer Consumer Healthcare celebrated the opening of a Senior Motion Wellness System at Harry Wright Lake on Wednesday, October 19, 2016.

Because of Manchester Township’s sizeable senior citizen population, our municipality is the first site selected by Pfizer and Shoprite to receive a donation of this Wellness System. A crowd of residents joined Mayor Kenneth Palmer, Councilman Craig Wallis, Business Administrator Donna Markulic and Public Works Director Al Yodakis for the public unveiling of this equipment.

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

Chris Skyers, vice president of Health & Beauty Care at Wakefern, was among the guest speakers, which also included ShopRite owner Joel Perlmutter. Mr. Skyers emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, which is why Manchester Township was chosen for this donation.

“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.”

The equipment will serve as a neighborhood destination where senior residents can meet, exercise, and connect with one another. Pfizer and Shoprite representatives said that the equipment ties into their initiative encouraging seniors to eat well, socialize, and challenge their minds.

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