Make a craft, sing a song or have a laugh at Bangor senior center

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There has never been a better time to be a senior citizen. Well, at least not in the Bangor area.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Bangor, in the old Merrill Trust bank, is the Hammond Street Senior Center. While the building was completely renovated and redecorated for the 1999 opening, its architectural integrity remains intact.

The first floor sports a highly polished grand piano, wingback and overstuffed chairs with color-coordinated sofas, game tables, a dining area, a gift shop and administrative offices.

The three old bank vaults, their open doors steely and thick, are still in place. But now, one vault houses the lending library, keeping the books, games and movies secure, while the others are used as craft rooms.

There is also a media room filled with neat rows of maroon fabric-covered chairs, and a wide movie screen hanging on one wall.

The second floor boasts a computer lab, an art studio for classes and more game rooms, including one with a pool table.

“This is the best place I have ever seen in my whole life,” said Kathryn Bernier, who, after working at HSSC for a year, became administrator in January. “It’s a great place for seniors to gather, swap stories and do a variety of other things.”

And what a variety it is.

There are classes on subjects such as oil painting, drawing, pottery, ceramics, sewing, quilting, needlework, crocheting, knitting, yoga and crafts. Qi Gong, the ancient Chinese art of channeling the flow of energy, is also offered.

“It is very relaxing,” said Bernier.

There are tournaments of cards, Scrabble, and pool with the winners receiving gold medals dangling from a red, white and blue ribbon. It seems that Utah isn’t the only place for champions.

Close to a dozen members sit in a comfortable and secluded alcove every second and fourth Friday of the month to converse in French.

If you like to read, there is a book chat, and if you were born with a song in your heart, the glee club rehearses every second and fourth Monday. Should you be stricken with a case of the giggles, the Laughing Ladies Club is the perfect outlet.

“Some members get together and tell funny stories and jokes,” said Bernier. “You always know when they are meeting because uproarious laughter can be heard throughout the center.” Not to be left out, the gentlemen have the Laughing Men’s Club.

The HSSC is very proud of its new addition, the fitness center. Located across the street at Norumbega Hall, the center offers aerobics and weight training.

“About 70 to 90 members go through the fitness center per day,” said Bernier. “Healthy recipes are exchanged and we offer tips and information on nutrition.”

While staff or volunteers facilitate most of the activities, some outside instructors are brought in for the Hammond Street Senior Center University. These are generally 10- week sessions with class topics ranging from computers to designing an English tea garden.

“As time goes on, we are becoming more experienced in what seniors want,” said Bernier. “We are working to supply that.”

Deborah Rand, 78, has been coming since the doors opened.

“It is a wonderful place to do art,” she said, carefully placing a tiny mosaic tile on a small jar. “I also love the watercolor classes.”

Sylvia Hessler, 69, agrees.

“I moved up here from New York State three years ago and joined immediately,” she said, arranging her own small tiles. “I go to the fitness center, and attend the lectures series. I just love everything here and I really liked meeting all the people.”

The center employs a handful of staff and has approximately 70 volunteers, one of whom, Ruth Barker, 80, a retired registered nurse, does blood pressure checks for an hour each week.

Aside from volunteering, Barker participates in the craft classes and donates her creations to the center’s gift shop.

The Couri Foundation, which established and continues to support the Hammond Street Senior Center, was formed by John and Elaine Couri in 1989. Though based in Connecticut, the Couris have ties in Maine and always wanted to open a senior center here. On one of their numerous trips through Bangor, they spied the “for sale” sign on the bank at 2 Hammond Street. It didn’t take them long to decide that this would be a perfect senior center.

And right they were.

“There is something here for everyone,” said Bernier. “In fact, some of our members bring their lunch and stay all day socializing and taking classes.”

The center is equipped to handle 1,500 active members, those who have come at least once in the last year. The only eligibility requirements for membership are that seniors be at least 60 years of age, and live within a 25 mile radius of Bangor. There is no annual membership fee and no charge for activities, with the exception of the HSSC University classes.

There is a set time and day each month for prospective members to attend a short orientation about HSSC, and take a tour of the facility. Doing so is a requirement of membership and space is limited, Bernier said. For information on signing up for the orientation and tour, contact the center at 262-5532.

“This is a place where people who want to be active and do things can come and be with their peers,” said Bernier. “Our goal is to contribute to their physical, intellectual and emotional well-being.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information about EAA, log on the Web site at www.eaaa.org or call 941-2865 and ask for Chuck or Marilyn.