Senior Beat
by Carol Higgins Taylor
Special to The Weekly
Mark your calendars so you don’t miss the Open House for Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s new annex space at the Airport Mall, Union St., Bangor.
The Provider Preview is 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20. It is a chance to sip sparkling cider and enjoy hors d’oeuvres while learning about the 18 programs and services that EAAA provides. Then, Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will be
The ribbon cutting to open officially the space will take place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. The public is invited to attend to meet EAAA staff, enjoy delicious refreshments, watch class demonstrations and gather useful information. There will be giveaways and door prizes.
While the main offices are still on Essex Street in Bangor, in order to fulfill the goal of providing
new and growing all the services that EAAA deems important for seniors, the agency had to open a large, second location. After many months of research and lots of planning, the Airport Mall proved to be the perfect location for the new EAAA Annex. This expansion will allow EAAA to better serve you.
For more than 40 years, EAAA has been in the business to help you live well and age well. That
goal includes optimal nutrition and physical activity. In recent years, the nutrition program has grown by leaps and bounds, bursting at the seams.
“This new location will house Meals on Wheels, 3D Catering, Community Cafe Support, Furry
Friends Food Bank, Commodity Supplemental Food Program (senior food bank), Pantry Partners, Emergency Food Kits, Farms to Seniors program, Nutrition Education, Elizabeth West Medical Transportation and Elder Buddies, a program that offers assistance to seniors in a variety of ways,” said Rob Crone, director of nutrition and auxiliary services for EAAA. “The annex at the Airport Mall is not only a great location for this, but it also fosters a partnership with EAAA’s Health and Wellness programs.”
EAAA has always relied on the kindness of the community with regard to finding space for its
fitness and balance classes, among others. Dyan Walsh, director of community and family caregiver services, is elated to have a space to call home.
“To have dedicated space to offer health programs is crucial,” she said. “We appreciate the
generosity of our community partners in the Bangor area who have donated space to us when we needed it to offer classes. However, we are excited to have a space of our own where we can format consistent programming to offer a myriad of exercise, nutrition and wellness activities. There is a huge room that is perfect for everything we want to offer.”
The annex provides the opportunity for many more options that prior to the expansion were only
dreamed of.
For example, classes will include nutrition education and healthy cooking to help you make good
food choices and eat a better diet. Also offered will be tai chi, an ancient practice proven to reduce pain and improve your mental and physical well-being, and increase balance and flexibility. The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease Program, which helps reduce arthritis pain through walking, will be available, as will senior strength training, and Living Well, a chronic disease management course.
The location couldn’t be better, said Crone.
“It’s just a great space,” he said. “There is ample convenient parking with easy access to our
space and the distribution area. The city buses make frequent stops in front of the building and the well maintained walkways, low thresholds and availability of carts make it easy for clients to access our services. We also have a private, handicapped accessible restroom.”
Check out the annex at the Airport Mall and let EAAA help you live well and age well. For
information, call EAAA at 800-432-7812.
Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns a public relations firm in Bangor. Email her at 4chtaylor@gmail.com.