Some seniors wore fancy hats with wigs while others had on funny T-shirts for a special gathering to celebrate Leap Year held at the Secaucus senior center on Feb. 29.
Dozens came out to enjoy the extra day, which happens only once every four years. Seniors socialized, played games, ate food, and guessed who was who in childhood photos.
Growing up together
Secaucus is filled with families who have been in town for generations. Among the seniors, many grew up together and recall shared childhood memories, according to Judy Kennelly, who organized the event. She said the inspiration to have seniors bring in photos of themselves when they were children was driven by the fact that so many of them actually spent time together in that earlier part of their lives.
“Because we are such a small town, it brings out a bit of history,” said Kennelly. “We are just one big country family.”
While some have been here for ages, others who just arrived have been welcomed into the family. Annette Briggs Shao moved to Secaucus in August. She designs hats, clothing, and makes dolls.
“I love it here,” said Briggs Shao.
“I could have kissed all the men I wanted to.” – Maryann Formisano
__________
Starting out as a couple in Secaucus
For other seniors, Secaucus was the town they settled in shortly after meeting and falling in love or getting married. Couple Donna and Al O’Krinsky met while bowling during a leap year on Feb. 29 in 1964, and three years later became Secaucus residents. The two wore funny t-shirts that said, “I’m with grumpy,” and “Grumpy” – with Al being Mr. Grumpy himself. Donna wore a bright blue angry bird hat.
“He’s a great guy,” said Donna in regard to what keeps their relationship strong after so many years.
They also maintain a good sense of humor, like another couple, Elaine and Frank DeGilio. The couple sent their nephew, whose birthday was Feb. 29, a card that read “Happy 14th” – and he is 56.
The DeGilios arrived in Secaucus in 1961. The couple married Sept. 7, 1957. Frank carried a black and white wedding photo in his wallet, which he brought for the “Who am I” game.
Sadie Hawkins, Italian Scots, and Swedish meatballs
“I’m all Italian,” said Gerard Marra, when asked about the Scottish hat he wore that draped his head in red locks of hair. He said that his daughter brought the hat for him as a gift from Scotland. He said he enjoyed participating in the leap year activities.
“It is wonderful to celebrate,” he noted.
Maryann Formisano works at the administrative level for the town and was responsible for coordinating the food, which included Swedish meatballs, carrots, noodles, bread, milk, and juice.
She wore her own special hat and said that she enjoyed the fact that they were also celebrating Sadie Hawkins Day. On that day, women often ask men out on a date. But for Formisano, it was much more than that.
“It is Sadie Hawkins Day. I could have kissed all the men I wanted to,” said Formisano wistfully.
To comment on this story online visit www.hudsonreporter.com. Adriana Rambay Fernández can be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.