Lights! Camera! Action!
Approximately 200 Secaucus seniors attended the town’s monthly Movie Theater Program last week and saw free first-run films.
The program, which is sponsored by the mayor and Town Council and is administered by the Department of Social Services, is designed for Secaucus residents who are 60 years old or older.
Those attending the event get transportation to the Lowes Theatre 8 located in Harmon Meadow, a free movie pass, and free popcorn.
“[Seniors] are enthusiastic about the program and they look forward to it each month,” said Karyn Urtnowski, director of the Secaucus Department of Social Services.
Urtnowski said the program is two years old. It is held monthly with the exception of November and December, when everyone is busy with the holidays.
Some seniors are so excited about this program that they call Urtnowski one week early to ensure they do not miss it.
At this past Wednesday’s event, seniors could choose between two movies: “Benji: Off the Leash!” and “Little Black Book.” In the past, they have seen blockbusters such as “The Whole Ten Yards” and “Shrek 2.”
Robert and Carol Pietz drove to the theater and watched “Benji.” They planned to go out afterwards and make a day of it. Robert said he chose to watch “Benji” because it’s “something you don’t have to think about.”
The two are regulars at the movie theater program. Their favorite movie was the drama “Secret Window” starring Johnnie Depp. They were disappointed that they missed “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” for which Depp received his first Academy Award nomination, though.
Vera Quina, Dixie Pizzuto and Alice Matheussen were the first to arrive to the big event. They were so excited that they arrived at least 15 minutes before the buses did. “Everything that Secaucus does for seniors is fantastic,” Quina said.
“It’s the best in the world as far as we’re concerned,” Matheussen said.
Quina has lived in town for 60 years. Pizzuto was born in Secaucus and also lives in town. Matheussen lives in Kroll Heights.
Lorraine Just has been living in town for 71 years. Unlike the others, she took the bus to the program. She saw “Little Black Book.”
Just said, “The seniors get treated very good.”
Mary and Patrick Kennedy also decided to watch “Little Black Book.” They just moved to town a month ago and live at the Impreveduto Towers.
One third of those attending usually take the bus to the theater and the other two-thirds usually drive by car, according to Urtnowski. Those who drive should register beforehand.
The program was originally Town Administrator Anthony Iacono’s idea, according to Urtnowski.
The Secaucus Senior Center has a full calendar of events. Rich Curtis will be impersonating Al Jolson this Monday, Aug. 30 at 1:00 p.m.