The smell of fresh popcorn, French fries, onion rings and sausage with green peppers and onions recently filled the air in the atrium at Freeses Assisted Living, a program of Eastern Agency on Aging, in downtown Bangor.

The residents were treated to a fair right in their own building. The atrium was transformed into simulated fairgrounds with balloons, a ring toss, putting green and a “duck pluck” where blindfolded residents plucked a rubber duck out of a washtub of water. The point value written on the bottom of the duck indicated the level of the prize to be won.

These coveted prizes were suspended by string between two columns for easy picking. From colorful visors to cuddly stuffed animals, the residents were delighted with their choices.

Some residents sat at the craft table doing artwork while drinking in the atmosphere along with lemonade. The creative and healthful dessert was chocolate-dipped frozen bananas rolled in nuts, coconut or sprinkles.

“This was such an exciting event for the residents and everyone had a great time,” said Julia Friend, director of Freeses. “We wanted them to be transported back in time to when they attended community fairs and to relive some of the memories. We also are grateful to area business that donated the popcorn machine and hot dog steamer. The support was terrific and helped make the day special.”

The smiles and laughter from the residents was proof the day was a success. Such is the life at Freeses Assisted Living.

Mark your calendars. The new Bangor police chief, Ron Gastia, will address the AARP Penobscot Chapter 374, at noon Tuesday, May 29, at the Elks Club, Odlin Road, Bangor.

Chief Gastia has been with the Bangor Police Department for 24 years, beginning his career as a patrol officer in 1982.

This presentation is free and open to the public. Lunch is brown bag, but dessert is provided. I have had the pleasure of speaking to this group and frankly, they are a hoot. It is certainly worth the effort to go and get to know them. They are an active group in the community. They hold fundraisers and then donate the money to community organizations.

So pack a lunch and head over to the Elks Club to meet new friends and hear Chief Gastia speak.

If you haven’t tried Meals for ME yet, now is the time. A new community dining room opened about a month ago at the First Methodist Church on South Main Street in Brewer. This is a lovely location with very enthusiastic and friendly volunteers who would love to have new patrons. This location is Friday only.

Here is a sampling of what could be on the menu: cheeseburger deluxe, potato salad, three bean salad, watermelon; or stuffed shells with Alfredo sauce, peas, fresh spinach salad, wheat roll, frosted cake; or hot turkey sandwich, green beans, cucumber and onion salad, apple pie.

“I want this dining room to be a really fun place, upbeat, where people can come and talk and enjoy each other’s company,” said Jean Beers, volunteer dining room coordinator.

And it’s the place to be if you’re feeling lucky.

“We have a gift table with door prizes,” said Beers. “We put colored dots under the chairs. After the meal, people look under their chairs for a specific dot. If they have it, they can pick a prize from the table.”

Also, a crafty patron makes centerpieces every month that also can be won.

It’s great just greeting the people, giving them a hug and making them feel special,” said Beers. “We have really been enjoying this. It’s like a little party.”

For reservations to this dining room or for more information, call 989-3667.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.