The Pines Community at Ocean Park recently hosted a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the 111-apartment units designed as affordable senior living. Among those joining in, left to right, were Old Orchard Beach Town Manager Diana Asanza, OOB Town Councilors V. Louise Reid and Larry Mead and residents Deborah Dougal and Susan Pelletier. Tammy Wells Photo

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — It was a perfect day to mark a 50-year milestone outside, in the sunshine. The temperature was warm, the fall foliage color was just emerging, the mood was light and fun, there was music, and the food was a big hit.

The Pines Community, which includes 61 garden apartments like these ones and a multi story building with 50 apartments, is affordable senior living for those 62 and older or have a documented disability. The community marked its 50th birthday earlier this month. Tammy Wells Photo

The Pines Community, in the Ocean Park section of Old Orchard Beach, is made up of 61 apartment units called the Pines at Ocean Park LP — a series of ground floor apartment buildings each with four or six units — and Pinewood Manor, a multi-story building which sports 50 apartments.

Those who live there, the Board of Trustees, municipal officials, legislators, and others, gathered on Thursday, Oct. 6, to celebrate 50 years of the safe, affordable community that feels like its own village.

Deborah Dougal and Susan Pelletier both say they enjoy life there.

“I absolutely love it,” said Dougal, who was on a waiting list for four years before getting that important call that said there was an apartment available. She made the move with no regrets. One of the residents favorite amenities is that staff move and return cars to their spots when the parking area is plowed after snowfalls.

“I couldn’t be happier,” said Dougal as she tucked into a buffet meal provided to residents and guests by Sharri MacDonald and OOB 365.

“I like the community” said Pelletier, who enjoys the camaraderie between neighbors, and she said, she too enjoys the fact that the properties are maintenance free — no lawn mowing, and the like.

The Old Orchard Beach Town Council issued a proclamation marking the 50th anniversary of The Pines affordable living community at Ocean Park. Tammy Wells Photo

Barbara Mason said she used to live in Old Orchard Beach and had attended a few meetings in the community.

“I said, ‘it’s where I want to move,'” Mason recalled.

Most apartments throughout the community are designated as affordable; there are five priced at the market rate. All dwelling units are designed for people 62 and older or those with a documented disability.

The Pines Community opened its doors in 1972 and traces its roots to 1969, when six teens at the New England Baptist Youth Conference camp took on a mission involving the area’s elderly.

“Among their findings was the alarming fact that scores of senior citizens, living on fixed incomes, were paying as much as 65-70 percent of their total income on housing,” according to The Pines website. The NEBC and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development got together and on Sunday, July 23, 1972, the complex of 61 garden apartments was formally dedicated. Later, in 1981, Pinewood Manor opened with 50 additional affordable apartments.

Board President Kevin Porter noted the property had undergone a $10 million renovation.

Maine House Rep. Lori Gramlich and Sen. Donna Bailey presented a Legislative Sentiment to the Pines Community board president Kevin Porter and director Elisabeth Herold on the occasion of the affordable living community’s 50th birthday. Courtesy Photo

The complex has evolved and grown over the years, he said, but its original intent, supporting the community, remains.

Former board President Bethany Nichols outlined the history and how people feel about the property.

“The Pines is a very supportive place,” she said. “It really is a village.”

The Pines employs a staff of six, headed by Director Elisabeth Herold

“This is a hidden gem for Old Orchard Beach … and I can see why,” said Town Manager Diana Asanza. “I can see a lot of happiness here.”

State Sen. Donna Bailey and State Rep. Lori Gramlich delivered a Legislative Sentiment, commemorating the 50-year anniversary.

Town Councilor Larry Mead presented a proclamation on behalf of the council.

Residents sat back and enjoyed the afternoon, with music by Peter and the Ukuladies.

Dot Gerry said she has been a resident for 13 years.

“I love it here,” she said. “It’s peaceful and the people are friendly.”