West Milford’s little-known secret for seniors

WEST MILFORD — Shhh! West Milford has a secret that not everyone knows about. On Tuesdays, Camp Hope hosts its Tuesday Supper Club. Any Passaic County senior is welcome to stop by for a day of fun, good food and friendship.

Indoors, at the dining hall, the day starts with coffee at 10 a.m. — the best in town, after Dunkin' Donuts, according to patron Avonne Cassella, or tea and muffins, followed by a variety of games. Pokeno, dominoes and card games are favorites, and the Michigan rummy group is looking for a few more players. At 12:30 p.m., snacks are served, along with lively conversation. These seniors are well-read and well informed. You’re much more likely to have a conversation about current events than current ailments here.

At 1:30 p.m., bingo begins. They don't play for money, but for donated, small prizes. Carol Suhey, senior program coordinator, is the caller and she does a fine job. They even have large print bingo cards. They play for just an hour - perfect. Then, at 2:30, an early supper (or late lunch, depending on how you look at it) is served. This past Tuesday, they had perfectly prepared grilled cheese, a savory tomato soup, French fries and ice cream for dessert. The day ends around 3:30 p.m. after the leisurely meal, served up by an amiable crew in the huge kitchen. And all this for only $3 per person.

At this time of year, the camp is incredibly beautiful with the fall foliage. There are paved paths winding through the lovely wooded grounds, for those who’d like a stroll. Regular Don Schweitzer, of West Milford, expressed his appreciation for the Tuesday Supper Club.

“I come because my wife (Elsie) comes, but I enjoy the women’s company, too," said Schweitzer.

“I love the club and all the girls here and I look forward to coming every week on a Tuesday,” said Daphne Patricia Halliwwell, also of West Milford.

Doris Gillow comes to the Tuesday Supper Club from Wanaque. She loves the food and the company.

“I like coming — I like all the people here; they’re very friendly and the help is very good — and good food,” said Gillow.

There are so many things to do at the center. It's handicap accessible. In addition to the great food and games, there are books and magazines to borrow and no reservations are necessary. And there's plenty of room for more seniors to come and participate.

If you’re looking for a good time with a convivial group, please come, say the regulars. Come by yourself and make new friends or bring a friend. And, it's a real bargain. Transportation by the camp is not available on Tuesdays, so come by car.

Some history
In 1938, Passaic County founded Camp Hope for underprivileged kids. In the early 1990s large, new buildings were erected, including the dining hall. Programs for seniors were started in 1992.

The rest of the week
Tuesdays aren't the only days to gather at Camp Hope for seniors. There are also programs throughout the week. On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the center is booked ahead of time by any of the 125 senior groups in the county. The camp’s bus will pick up the group, at the group’s own center or meeting place, and transport them round trip. Two full meals are available, accompanied by live music, for $10 per person.

On those other four days of the week (except Tuesday), guests are served coffee, tea, a drink and breakfast, like French toast. Then they’re free to socialize or walk some of the paths through 32 woodsy acres; another 30 acres are deciduous forest. They play bingo in the morning for small prizes like shampoo, cookies, or household items.

If bingo isn't your thing, the camp offers a ride, especially beautiful this time of year, to Pennings Orchard in Warwick, N.Y. Lunch is served at 12:15 p.m. Live music is played from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. Some guests dance and enjoy the music, while others take advantage of the big screen TV or a library nook. Some play cards or pool, or enjoy the Bocce court outside. Each month, a different theme is celebrated. March is booked a year in advance because of the tasty corned beef and cabbage served the whole month. Senior groups may call to reserve their day.

Summer fun for kids
During the summer months of July and August, Camp Hope reverts back to a free summer camp for children. They enjoy swimming in the Olympic-size swimming pool, paddle boating, creating arts and crafts projects, playing ball games and miniature golf, dancing, nature hikes and more. But when summer is over, Camp Hope is open to the seniors, September through June.

Camp Hope, located at 1792 Union Valley Road, is run jointly by The Camp Hope Commission, the Freeholder Board and Camp Hope’s professional staff. Karen Cisco is the executive director.

For more information, call Camp Hope at 973-728-8166 or 973-728-3556 or visit the Web site http://www.camphopenj.com.