(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has launched a second Creative Aging Arts program at Cornerstone Social Adult Day Center in Morristown that will run through the end of May.

This arts engagement program has been made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2023, MPAC piloted the Creative Aging program with Cornerstone as participants contributed to creating a mural that now hangs at Cornerstone.

In this year’s Creative Aging project, MPAC teaching artists Dan Fenelon and Susan Faiola will work with senior citizens on a Creative Memory Bookmaking project. The plan is for them to create their own books and preserve as many memories as possible. In these personal books, they can record something as simple as their daily activities, or they can tell a story from their childhood. The goal is to make participants engaged and absorbed, and to feel connected to their pasts. At the end of the residency, they can share their creations with their families and friends for all to enjoy and admire.

“MPAC thanks the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for once again providing the funding to continue this innovative and exciting new program in partnership with Cornerstone Social Adult Day Center to engage our senior population in activities that stimulate memory, storytelling and self expression,” said Allison Larena, President and CEO, MPAC.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to once again partner with MPAC in such a meaningful and creative experience,” said Cornerstone CEO Patrice Picard. “Our clients will enjoy this guided walk down memory lane and the unique keepsake that will result!”

Cornerstone Social Adult Day Center is funded in part by the County of Morris and was established to provide a safe, upbeat, and welcoming environment for aging adults who could benefit from social interaction and some assistance weekdays between 8:00am – 6:00pm.  Sliding fee scales, attendance flexibility, exceptional staff and door-to-door transportation make the program a hit for clients and caregivers alike. The Center is managed by Cornerstone Family Programs & Morristown Neighborhood House, a nonprofit organization with a mission of strengthening communities by helping people build better lives. The 200-plus year organization educates children and youth, empowers teens, and provides families, the aging and their caregivers with specialized support. For more information on the Cornerstone Social Adult Day Center, contact the Center directly at 973-326-7288.

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2023-2024 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.