ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—On Dec. 20, the Bergen Family Center (BFC) in Englewood held a spectacular holiday party. Over 50 seniors from the center’s Adult Day Care Program as well as Children’s Day Care classes of 3- and 4-year-olds joined teachers and staff in sharing the Christmas spirit. There was fun for everyone, even 99-year-old Sarah Anderson.
Colorful attire was worn by young and old, and smiling faces were everywhere. Many people were decked out in party hats and bright red apparel. Staff member Margaret King lit up the seniors’ meeting room with her necklace of flashing colored lights.
At 9:30, Santa began his day upstairs in the classrooms giving the children gifts (books) and hugs.
Afterwards, several classes were escorted downstairs to the senior center where Mitch Schonfeld’s Rotary Club musical ensemble performed a medley of Christmas and Chanukah songs with great verve. Schonfeld and Judy Chang played violin, Jennie Katsaros played piano, Vicky Brown played trumpet and David Maron played bass clarinet. Accompanying them for “Jingle Bells” was Jackie Guttman shaking traditional rings of bells. Guttman is also the group’s coach and mentor.
Schonfeld remarked, “My musical friends and I really love to put a smile on the faces of all the seniors and children at the Bergen Family Center.”
And smile they did. The children watched the musicians with fascination and delight, and the seniors applauded gleefully after each song.
The fest was directed by Holly Scipio and Margaret King along with assistance from a seasoned master level intern from Ramapo College.
The seniors were treated to a delicious lunch, and at noon, Scott Reddin performed another of his famous DJ gigs. Reddin’s wild electric light red and green jacket and lively personality raised everyone’s spirits and got them up and dancing.
In the afternoon, Santa arrived downstairs in the senior center.
“He is one of our dearest seniors and has been at the center over 10 years,” said Scipio.
She continued, “Sharing the holidays with the seniors at the Bergen Family Center Adult Day Program makes the season special and so joyous for all of us—both kids and seniors alike!”
A highlight of the day for the seniors was the presentation of gifts. An array of gift bags was spread out under a large Christmas tree and each bag had a label with the name of one of the seniors.
Scipio explained, “Every member of the Adult Day Program was asked in October what they would buy if they had $50 to spend, and those wishes were granted.”
As such, the seniors received wonderful presents that had been donated by Heart to Heart. There was a television, a juicer, a trench coat, a pea coat with matching fur hat and gloves, and lots more. Each senior also got a ShopRite gift card.
In addition to the holiday party, BFC has activities for all age groups all year long.
Sixty-eight-year-old Lula Britton comes to the center every day.
“I love this place! I do so many things here and the staff is so nice. I feel like the Bergen Family Center is my home.”
Al Trumpet, another veteran of the center, agreed.
“I’ve been coming here for many years. Everyone here is so cordial and caring!”
The Bergen Family Center is one of the few places where 90-year-olds and 3-year-olds party together. Throughout the year, these groups have a great time with each other during numerous themed events, such as Valentine’s Day, Flag Day, St. Patrick Day, President’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo.
In addition to these holiday celebrations, BFC holds many regular programs and special events. Since 1898, Bergen Family Center has been a recognized leader in helping families and people in need from all age groups, from infants to seniors, in Bergen County. It currently serves nearly 5,000 people from close to 60 towns.