By Sunayana Prabhu
MONMOUTH BEACH – After 37 years serving seniors from the lower level of the Monmouth Mall, Senior Citizens Activities Network (SCAN), the nonprofit organization serving seniors, will relocate to the Church of the Precious Blood Parish Center in Monmouth Beach.
The move comes after SCAN was informed by Kushner Cos., redevelopers of the Monmouth Mall, that the nonprofit must vacate its Eatontown space by the end of 2025 due to the large-scale redevelopment project.
The mall, which is being transformed into an open-air, mixed-use complex rebranded as Monmouth Square, is undergoing major renovations that include demolishing roughly 40% of its existing retail space.
The nearly $415 million redevelopment plan, backed by financing from Fortress Investment Group and Rithm Capital, will convert the aging enclosed mall into a modern town center featuring retail, dining and residential spaces.
As a result of the construction and repurposing of space, SCAN was notified to vacate. The nonprofit organization, established in 1988, has served seniors from the basement of the mall since its inception and the move has not been very smooth so far.
“We were originally told that we would be able to remain during the construction/demolition phase by Kushner & Co. However, they changed their minds in March of this year and informed us that our space would be sealed off and we must vacate by the end of the year,” said Michael Ciavolino, executive director of SCAN, in an email about the move.
In the meantime, SCAN members have had to deal with “constant interruptions,” Ciavolino said, including gas leaks, loss of power and a flood caused by the demolition crew. “We’ve lost countless members due to the horrific conditions,” he said.
Membership Initiatives
Although the relocation has impacted the membership, Ciavolino said the nonprofit is working to make a smooth transition to the new place while maintaining a small satellite operation in the former mall. “We’ve lost a lot of members and it will take considerable work to cultivate new ones, particularly in a new location.”
According to Ciavolino, SCAN currently has 500 members who are 55 and older. The members primarily come from Monmouth and Ocean counties. While the transition has been rough, Ciavolino is optimistic about the new location in Monmouth Beach.
“We’re thrilled to bring our vibrant community of older adults and enriching programs to Monmouth Beach,” he said in a statement posted online June 23. “This move not only gives us a beautiful new home, it opens the doors for even more residents to discover what SCAN has to offer.”
Although the Monmouth Beach site will serve as SCAN’s main hub, the organization will retain a satellite location at Monmouth Square. Select classes will continue to be offered in the third-floor Community Room at Boscov’s, providing continued access for members in the Eatontown area.
Beginning this September, SCAN will operate out of the Church of the Precious Blood Parish Center at 72 Riverdale Ave., offering its free and low-cost classes, work- shops and events from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Membership is open to anyone 55 and older for an annual fee of $25. As part of their special welcome initiative, Monmouth Beach residents will receive their first year of membership free with valid ID. Class fees are separate and can be found on the organization’s website.
SCAN offers more than 40 classes each semester across a range of interests. Members can choose from a variety of courses, including drawing, painting, dance, literature, language lessons at multiple levels, as well as computer training and a variety of fitness classes. Social activities such as mahjongg, backgammon and cornhole are also part of the offerings.
The organization also hosts 13 “Lunch & Learn” events each year featuring guest speakers, complimentary meals and networking opportunities. Other major events include two annual Brain Health Fairs and the popular Senior Expo & Fashion Show, where seniors model clothing provided by Macy’s.
A Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) operated by SCAN connects low-income Medicare recipients and adults with disabilities to financial assistance programs. According to the nonprofit’s statement, these benefits can save qualifying individuals hundreds of dollars per month.
“We are delighted to welcome SCAN to the Parish Center,” said Jim Cantelmo, parish administrator at the Church of the Precious Blood, in the statement. “Their mission aligns beautifully with our values of community, compassion and service. We look forward to having their members bring even more life, joy, and connection to Monmouth Beach.”
With its new location and continued presence in Eatontown, SCAN hopes to further its mission to keep seniors connected, active and engaged, while combating isolation among older adults.
The article originally appeared in the July 3 – July 9, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
