By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer
MARGATE – With a fresh coat of paint, a slate of new programs and a new program director, the Martin Bloom Community Pavilion is poised to become the newest “in” spot in town.
The city turned over the operation of the 1960s era building to the recreation department as of Feb. 1, and according to director Marianne Christian, the department is poised to breathe some life into the building.
“We have great plans to make this place come alive again,” said Christian. She did not need to say much, but slid the blinds on the second-floor window aside to reveal the balcony and a snowy-day view that was something special.
“Maybe people would like to just sit out here, read a book and enjoy the view,” Christian said.
“We will have programs during the day and the evening for our seniors as well as for teens. When we have a Pilates class upstairs, we could have an open mike night or arts and crafts projects downstairs. We have this great space here, and we are able to really make it a place where our residents want to come and spend some time.”
In the summer months the bocce and shuffleboard courts will be open in the evenings and there will be a grill available for barbecues. Windows that have been covered will be open to let in the view of the beach and the dunes.
There are plans for cooperative events between the Margate Library and the Bloom Pavilion. And it will remain the hub for the senior bus service. Bingo will begin 11 a.m. Wednesday and run every week.
The second floor is used primarily for Pilates class, senior bridge and Mother’s League meetings. But Christian said there is no reason it could not be used for other events such as movie night and mah-jongg.
“In the past, each group that used the building had to bring everything in themselves. I will have everything set up here for them, a coffee pot, and some refreshments. We have a full kitchen in here, an elevator, and a handicap-accessible bathroom, which means all our residents should be able to enjoy it here,” the director said.
“This is their building, and we would like them to be able to enjoy it to its fullest extent,” Christian added.
In an open letter sent to the senior residents of Longport and Margate, Christian invited them to a luncheon meeting March 1 to talk about what they would like to see at the pavilion and to explain that senior programs will be offered 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The AARP began providing free tax service at the pavilion Feb. 8 and will continue the offering every Thursday through April 14. Call Terry for an appointment at (609)-823-5877.
Christian said line dancing was something people told her they want to see, so starting Friday, March 9 line dancing with Darryl will be offered. Cost is $6 at the door. Many more events are planned for March.
To comment on this story e-mail Marino@catamaranmedia.com.
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