I was quite puzzled and so was Councilman Joel Pabon (whom I knew would be) when a resident came to a Council Meeting to talk about the lack of activities for Senior Citizens.
Fortunately, Perth Amboy has a ton of activities for ages 2 to 92. As a matter of fact, if I had a child, I would probably be exhausted taking them to all the activities that the City offers, many of whom are free for a nominal fee.
Some people and some Council Members have complained about the maintenance cost associated with the YMCA.
According to YMCA CEO and President Steve Jobin, the Y provides free memberships for 7th Graders, free swimming lessons for 2nd Graders, discounted memberships for all Perth Amboy Residents. Free Teen night for high school students. This is in conjunction with the Office of Recreation and is open to any high school student in the City – public or private. For Seniors, there is Silver Sneakers Program which is an insurance based health and wellness program. There are also programs for people that have physical disabilities or limitations. This year there will be $75,000 worth of scholarships for people who can’t afford memberships and go through the Y-Cares Program. All city employees have a significantly reduced Y membership and a free membership for police.
There are a ton of other programs associated with the Y and we suggest you go to their website or drop by to see which ones are of interest to you or your family.
The Department of Recreation under the guidance of Ken Ortiz not only does a wonderful job keeping our youth occupied with various activities, but they also run various trips in the summertime which is open to all age groups. We particularly looking forward their trips to the Bronx Zoo.
As an aside, when we pick up flyers from other towns, they made have trips listed to the theater or baseball games which cost from $50 and up per person and once pay your money, it is nonrefundable.
On the other hand, I have seen on Perth Amboy Council Agendas where people have been refunded for trips they couldn’t go to.
We also have the Boys and Girls Club which services the youth.
Deputy Director of Human Services, Office of Aging, Lissette Martinez was invited by the Council to talk about the services her office provides. They are too numerous to list here and we suggest you contact them in person. The Senior Services start at the age of 60+. Why they call it Senior Services is beyond me because some of those activities that those Seniors do could exhaust some people of younger age.
Last year at a Council Meeting, Dianne Roman of the same department was there along with a representative from the Bergen PAC (Performing Arts Center) who was there to talk about free tickets for performances for the Perth Amboy Seniors. There are so many organizations intertwined that provide services for all age groups and a lot of these agencies work together.
We suggest you also contact the JRF and PRAHD for services for all ages and income brackets.
The Gallery on the corner of Reade and Fayette Streets is an outlet for artists to exhibit their works plus classes are offered for the public.
RBMC offers many health and wellness programs either free or at a minimal fee.
There are organizations hold heath fairs throughout the year with local businesses participating.
Everyone looks forward to Family Day, car shows and the many festivals held throughout the City.
There are a ton of musical performances at the Waterfront through various organizations in the late spring to early fall. The City prints a 4 page newsletter periodically to showcase seasonal events throughout the City. Besides being printed in our publication, the newsletter is available on the City Website, posted throughout the City on bulletin boards, in City Hall and sometimes on business windows and billboards.
It’s up to you to take advantage of the many programs offered or sit at home. C.M. & K.M.
