Miriam Corrales, a resident of the Guttenberg senior building on Boulevard East, celebrated her actual birthday on Aug. 10, but she enjoyed cake and good cheer with a handful of other seniors who had August birthdays on Saturday, Aug. 20 in the community room.
The new monthly celebrations for residents of the town’s senior housing were created by Councilman Wayne Zitt and Senior Citizen Coordinator Marisol Montanez. They take place once a month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“We have to keep smiling year after year, and birthday parties help.” — Cesar Perez
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“Everyone can come to celebrate their birthday or the birthday or their friend,” Montanez said.
Each senior received a rose and got to enjoy cake, dancing, and dominoes.
“We sang happy birthday to everyone. It was amazing, and a good turn out,” Montanez said.
Resident of the building Cesar Perez said, “I want to thank all the visitors and the ladies in the building for making us smile. We have to keep smiling year after year, and birthday parties help.” Perez said he has something to look forward to for his birthday next March 23.
Corrales said, “The cake was delicious, and the decorations were beautiful. It was something out of this world.”
Corrales also thanked council members for coming out on a Saturday morning. “All council members came and prepared this early this morning.”
Zitt brought his daughter Isabella, 3, to help with handing out the cake and taking photos. Zitt said, “We’re trying to do more for the seniors. Last month we had free Bingo. We’re working on trips to the beach and Atlantic City. We also have trips to the Yankee games in the works.”
Zitt added, “We’re also trying to have monthly meetings with the cops, like North Bergen has Coffee with a Cop. Some seniors have asked about meeting with the police.”
Now Zitt and Montanez are planning to hold monthly meetings with the seniors to find out what else they can do for them.
If seniors would like more information they can call Montanez at 201-868-2315 ext. 152. The next birthday party is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17 at the senior building on 7005 Boulevard East from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.