It was a big step toward normalcy on Thursday as senior citizens celebrated the grand reopening of the Hoboken Senior Center which was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were hugs, waves and even some fist-bumping as the seniors returned to the place many said was like home.

The center shut down on March 10, 2020 – one of the first facilities of any kind to do so as COVID-19 began to ravage New Jersey. The seniors were isolated for their safety, but it also kept many of them from an important source of socialization and activity.

“Some of the seniors, they live by themselves and they don’t have anyone to help them out or give them a hug,” says Norma Lazzu of Hoboken. “But we are here and we know everybody and we share everything together.”

The city hosted a spring barbecue to celebrate not just the reopening, but also the effort that allowed 95% of the city’s seniors to get at least one COVID-19 vaccine. Former Hoboken Fire Chief Richard Tremitiedi was the first senior to get the shot in town. He was at the celebration.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla says that the senior community is leading the way into the next phase of normalcy in Hoboken.

“You should all be proud of that – for being responsible for protecting yourself, protecting your neighbors, for protecting your family and for protecting your community,” Bhalla says.

The Senior Center will slowly start to roll out programs. The senior HOP bus has resumed and bingo will return on June 1.