The town of North Bergen held its annual free picnic for seniors of North Bergen at Schuetzen Park this past Wednesday. Some seniors have been coming to the picnic for years, and others made it out for their first time this year.
“I like to dance, and they play my favorite music that reminds me of when I was young.” — Ana Arocho.
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Couple Ana and Radames Arocho said they’ve been coming for years while living in North Bergen for 14 years. “We always come, and I enjoy myself,” Ana said. “I’m 72 and consider myself a senior. I like to dance, and they play my favorite music that reminds me of when I was young.”
Ana and Radames were raised together and fell in love with one another when they were both around 16. Both were excited to say they’re celebrating 55 years of marriage this coming January.
“I love it here,” Ana said. “We have 15 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, and that’s what makes me live.” Last weekend the couple organized of one of their granddaughters’ sweet 16’s, because her mother had passed away from cancer. “Her father is a great man, and it’s a wonderful family,” Ana said. “I love them.”
Resident Doris Meza said she’s lived in North Bergen for 30 years. “I received an invitation in the mail,” she said. “This is my first time participating.”
First-timer Josefa Paide brought a table full of friends who all live in Terrace Towers. “I’m enjoying myself very much, and I came with my favorite girls from the same building.” She said.
Seniors munched on hot dogs, sandwiches, coffee cake, rice pudding, and corn on the cob. Thirty volunteers handed out pitchers of soda or beer for the tables. Music, coffee, and tea were available throughout the whole party from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Residents Elsa and Roberto Nazar have been coming to the picnic for years. Elsa said, “It’s a really nice environment.”
Resident Jose Charry said this year was his first time at the picnic. He left his wife at home on 39th Street because she wasn’t feeling well from her arthritis, but “She told me to go, but not to be gone all day,” he said. Charry has been retired since 1999, and goes to other community events like English classes at the library. “The classes are wonderful,” he said. “I took them for three years, and I still go.”
The dance floor was filled with seniors until the picnic ended, and everyone got to take home extra food on their way out the doors.