Volunteers prove to be the finest treasure at The Attic

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I’ve always thought of attics as special, wondrous places that harbor long forgotten, untold treasures. The All Saints Catholic School thrift shop – known as the Attic – is a perfect example. Nestled unassumingly at 170 Center St., Bangor, the small store is brimming with a variety of new and used items just waiting to be snatched up by eager bargain hunters.

Racks of clothes, shelves of books, a display of glassware, a jewelry counter and even an occasional piece of furniture are available for a price that is decades out of date.

“The prices are the same as they were 22 years ago when we opened,” said Pilar Thibodeau, manager of the Attic. “I was on the original committee that started the shop.”

The store began as a way to raise funds for St. John’s Catholic School – St. John’s has since combined with St. Mary’s to become All Saints Catholic School. A woman returning from a period of time in Alaska told of a shop there called the Bishop’s Attic.

“We thought that was a little grandiose for us, so we just called it the Attic,” Pilar said, with a laugh.

Everything at the Attic is donated, including the time of all the workers, 98 percent of whom are seniors. There is no paid staff. A call for volunteers in St. John’s Catholic Church bulletin piqued the interest of a couple looking for something they could do together.

“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” said Norman Stetson, 70, who has been volunteering two years with his wife Anna, 69. “A couple was going to Florida and we took their place.”

Anna nods in agreement and confides that the shop holds an extra special meaning for her.

“I like that business – thrift shops,” said Anna, with a light brogue. “In Scotland, my family was in that kind of business. And we meet the nicest people at the Attic, volunteers and customers alike.”

Her sentiment is returned.

“They are a great couple, really lovely people,” said Pilar, of the Stetsons.

Married 43 years, it’s obvious the spark still burns bright.

“I came to America for my sister’s wedding and married the usher,” said Anna, with a wide smile.

“I invited her to go the movies and the next thing you know I was married,” Norman retorted, with a grin of his own. “I can’t remember when I wasn’t married.”

Norman, in addition to being a devoted husband, is also Anna’s chauffeur. Due to a medical condition she can no longer drive.

“I take her anywhere she wants to go,” he said. “You’ve heard of the movie ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ well I’m driving Miss Anna.”

Anna is thoughtful of the privilege.

“I used to go twice a week but now I only go once,” she said of her yoga class. “Since I don’t drive anymore, I don’t want to commit Norman to too much. He has things to do, too.”

Clearly, amid other activities, the Attic is a favorite for the couple.

“We are really glad we found this and I’ll do it as long as I can,” said Anna. “Once we had a month off, and I really missed it.” She works sorting donations and putting things out on the floor while Norman has the “exalted” position of cashier, she said.

“If anyone is looking for no stress and no pressure,” the Attic is the place to volunteer, she added.

“Maybe on your end,” Norman laughed. “It can get busy cashiering.”

Their favorite part of the job?

“Oh, the people, the bargains and it’s fun because every once in a while someone comes in that you may not have seen for a while,” Anna said, slightly gushing.

And they are spending time together.

“If anyone asked me how this [the marriage] has lasted, I’d say it’s compromise,” Norman laughed. “I do exactly what she tells me.”

It seems a couple of the Attic’s finest treasures are priceless.

The Attic’s hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA services or programs, call the resource and referral department at 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.