With more than 1,500 seniors in attendance, West New York was able to turn its annual Senior Citizens’ Mother’s Day Picnic into a celebration for all senior citizens. This year, the event took place on May 9 at the Joseph Coviello Recreation Center on 57th Street and Broadway.
“We started out with a couple of hundred seniors,” said West New York Mayor Albio Sires, who started this event when he was elected to the office six years ago. “Today, we have almost 1,500 people here. It has turned out as a recognition for all the senior citizens in town.”
“Every year it gets bigger,” said the town’s Director of Senior Citizens Victor Barrera. “I think this might be the biggest year.”
Many seniors who attended the picnic have been coming since the first one was held six years ago.
“There is a very good bilingual atmosphere here,” said June Penn-Dear, who has been to the last five picnics. “We all can get along here. [Mayor Sires] sets a good example for the camaraderie we have here.”
Although it is called the Mother’s Day picnic, this picnic is not just for mothers or women.
“I am here to support my friends, who are mothers,” said Arthur Groves, who has been to several of these events. Sires was pleased that the event was a recognition of sorts.
“I always had a good relationship with the seniors in West New York,” said Albio Sires. “Many of these people watched me grow up. Some of them used to watch me play basketball.”
Pastor John H. Sharpe from Trinity Reformed Church was invited to the picnic by one of the members of his parish.
“Just being able to serve 99 tables. That in itself is an incredible feat,” said Sharpe, who attended the picnic for the first time.
At the picnic seniors were able to enjoy food from the Outback Steakhouse, dancing and raffle prizes.
“We have been able to bring many outside groups into the event,” said Sires.
The steakhouse, the original sponsor of the Mother’s Day Picnic, was joined this year by Coca-Cola, Communities Against Tobacco and other local groups.
Students from Memorial High School’s Service Learning organization also attended the picnic. The 50 students helped serve the food, clear tables and joined the seniors on the dance floor.
Seniors also left the picnic with a plant given to them by the mayor and Board of Commissioners.