A great gift was given to four senior citizen centers for the year 2012. The seniors must be enjoying their life in many ways, but due to aging and health, they do not get the opportunity to ring in the New Year with a party, and are often alone while the rest of the world celebrates.
This year, 150 seniors celebrated at noon on January 6, 2012 at the South Ward Senior Center, located at 731 Clinton Street in Newark. Four senior centers gathered and celebrated the New Year countdown, which brought a smile on everyone’s face.
L’Tanya L. Williamson, Acting Director of the Department of Child and Family Well-Being, said that this was the first time they arranged a New Year’s celebration to let the seniors celebrate the New Year. She added that they transported and gathered seniors from the South Ward Senior Center, Baxter Senior Center, Ironbound Senior Center, and Nellie Grier Senior Center.
Williamson said, “We coordinate the programs with the holidays and try to organize one program each quarter. We transport the seniors to many places like doctor’s offices, post offices, grocery shopping, banks, and many other activities. We transport them for cultural and educational activities.”
She also said that in the case of health emergencies, they send a health department nurse or take the seniors to the nearest emergency room, or provide transportation to take them to the Newark Health Department as necessary.
Connie Garcia is 92 years old and a member of the Ironbound Senior Center. She attended with her husband, 89 year old Ramiro Garcia. Connie said, “I enjoyed the New Year’s celebration. If I’m alive, I’ll be there next year.”
The Ironbound Senior Center was on 138 Clifford Street, but due to flooding, the center has been relocated to 156 Rome Street.
“I wish Chrill (Care) can deliver the food to the new center, so we don’t have to have transportation every day for our food.”
Right before noon, they started counting 10, 9, 8…3, 2, 1 and “Happy New Year.” All of the seniors were making noise with noise makers and hugging each other, making the environment that of a big giant family.
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