NSB Team Members Helping “The Center” Thrive in Kennebunk
KENNEBUNK—The idea sprang from Annie and Hank Spaulding’s shared and painful experience of watching their parents age and become isolated from the community. Just over 34 years later, that idea has turned into one of the most impactful and revered organizations in southern Maine.
Located on 175 Port Road in Kennebunk, The Center is a non-profit organization that serves over 500 adults, ages 50 and over, by offering a wide variety of community outreach programs that provide support, sensitivity, and smiles to residents in Kennebunk and beyond.
“The Center remains the focal point for seniors in the Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport communities. Members come together on a daily basis for interaction, health and fitness, education, and the opportunity to meet new people,” said Jason Fitzgerald. “It’s an organization with a sole mission of togetherness.”
Jason is the Market & Indirect Relationship Manager RVP for Norway Savings Bank and served on The Center’s Board of Trustees for nearly a decade. He is one of many NSB team members who have offered their time, knowledge, and expertise to the organization over the years, including as volunteers and two current board members Amanda Drouin (NSB Branch Manager and Retail Lender in Saco) and Julie Richardson (NSB Personal Banker in Kennebunk).
In addition, NSB has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to The Center, including a $2,500 donation last month.
“Norway Savings Bank has been a generous sponsor for years,” said Bridget Dempsey, Executive Director of The Center. “The NSB team members who have volunteered are highly skilled and community minded. They have strengthened our operations with their active support. We truly appreciate the Bank’s community involvement and their commitment to caring for the area’s seniors.”
The Center is a vision that was brought to life in 1990 by the Spauldings, who decided to turn their antique and interior accessories shop, Annie’s Apple, into the Senior Center at Lower Village (now just The Center), a place for the community’s seniors to gather, meet new friends, and enjoy a variety of activities.
Today, the list of activities and offerings stretches page after page, including games, a walking group, crochet classes, wellness workshops, luncheons, crafting, book clubs, movies, art sessions, yoga, and dancing. The Center also offers the chance for seniors to add skills and knowledge through specialized gatherings like a French Club, finance workshops, a mindfulness course, a ukulele group, technology seminars, and the opportunity to schedule free and private meetings with a lawyer to ask legal questions. A caregiver support group provides solace for those caring for seniors as they navigate their journey.
“I think The Center’s mission to provide support and companionship for the community’s seniors is important to the wellbeing of our community as a whole,” said Julie. “Volunteering for The Center inspires me to find ways to build connections with the people around me.”
The Center continues to flourish in the middle, standing as a source of support and community for people of all ages.
“During our walks in life, friendship and socialization is a huge part of what makes us the way we are. As we get older, sometimes our friendships and ability to socialize gets interrupted due to various reasons. To be able to have a place where you can meet with friends, enjoy similar hobbies together and even be able to share life stories, the good and the bad, is like a diamond in the rough,” said Amanda. “The Center is not just a ‘55+ community center’ to our members, but a beacon of hope. Our community wouldn’t be able to have this amazing place to be if it wasn’t for the dedicated staff, board members and volunteers who truly believe in this mission.”
To learn more about The Center, its mission, or to discover ways in which you can help, click here.
