Bloom Pavilion puts seniors where the action is
Nov, 03-2009 12:12 pm
By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer
MARGATE – A building does not a home make; it is the people who fill it that make a place a home.
Such is the case in Margate, where an underutilized building across the parking lot from the library evolved into the heart of the town for seniors.
In 2005 the City Commission, at the urging of then-Commissioner Sigmund Rimm, began renovations to the Martin Bloom Senior Center. Some paint, lights and a new door were the beginning, and bringing in program director Maryann Christian was the last piece that brought the building to life.
It was renamed the Martin Bloom Community Pavilion to reflect the expanded use of the building, which ranges from 4-year-olds doing arts and crafts to seniors taking tai chi classes. The building is alive with activities seven days a week, with seniors making the most use of the facility Monday through Friday.
Monday, Nov. 2 was the twice-yearly progressive mahjong potluck luncheon. There were 12 tables with four players at each – all chatting, moving tiles and enjoying a morning of socializing. With each player bringing in a dish to share, the potluck turned into a feast that could have fed dozens more.
Some of the women have played mahjong for years, like Freda Strickler of Margate. Others have learned to play at the Bloom Pavilion, like Phyllis Moss of Longport, who also has a home in Philadelphia.
“I just love it here. I enjoy playing mahjong so much with these ladies, they are like family,” she said on a recent visit.
“We really enjoy our time together. Now I find myself spending more time here than in Philly. I really do love coming here with all of my new friends.” said Moss.
There are 98 men and women in the Wii bowling class, 20 or so in the Margate Soul Line Dancers, and a dozen in the tai chi class. A bridge group meets daily; canasta and mahjong groups play several times a week. A bocce tournament finished off last week with more than a dozen teams competing. In addition, there is a knitting group, movies, lunches and days with something to look forward to.
“We have all worked hard, and now as seniors we are enjoying some time to play and relax,” said Carol Rimm of Margate.
Rimm said the friendships forged around the card table have carried over to playing at their homes as well.
“What has started here has given so many of the seniors a new place to call their own. We called it the clubhouse for a bit, but really, having the Bloom Pavilion has been such a positive change for many seniors. It gives them a place to be active and to meet friends,” Rimm said.
She relayed a story about former Assemblyman Frank Blee, who came to speak to the group one afternoon over lunch.
“Frank said that he tells anyone coming here to speak, ‘Don’t come to speak to these seniors about wills or estate planning. Come to speak to them about an exercise program or an activity. This group wants to hear about what they are able to do. This group is active and alive and that is what they want to hear about,’” Rimm said.
The Bloom Pavilion is also the hub for the city’s senior bus, which provides seniors with free rides to go shopping, to the doctor, the library or the Bloom Pavilion.
The city received a new bus from the county in 2008.
As far as what constitutes a senior, Christian said if the AARP admits someone, they classify as a senior in her book. The AARP accepts members at 52 years of age.
To comment on this story email marino@catamaranmedia.com.
