At the gala, the center was meticulously set up like a New York City nightclub — dimly lit, with a number of small, circular tables filling out the rooms, and a three-piece jazz band performing while cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served.

“Tonight is all about celebrating the amazing individuals — our sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff and members — who made everything possible,” explained Todd W. Fliedner, executive director of the Bay Ridge Center (BRC). “We are so blessed to have so many people get behind us to accomplish our goal.”

“Business has been great; we are doing phenomenal numbers,” Fliedner continued, adding that the facility now has close to 1,500 members and is attracting more late middle-aged adults (60 to 70).

“We wanted this place to look like anything but an older adult center,” he said.  “We’d hoped for a welcoming, fun space where life happens. It really should not be not about aging, but about living.”

The BRC features — among other things — specially-designed activity rooms, including a strength training gym with equipment from Germany and software from Singapore, a technology learning lab equipped with computers and tablets, an art room for classes and art therapy, a music appreciation studio, and a health and wellness room, which will feature members of Maimonides hospital coming and working with older adults on their specific needs.

John Abi-Habib, chair of the BRC Building Campaign Committee, pointed out that, “It took a lot, a lot of time to find the right place, and of course, acquire the funds — a few years in the making, in fact. But finally, we are here, showcasing at this inaugural gala and what it is that we’ve accomplished.”

Brian Chin, BRC Committee Advisory Board member, acknowledged that today is a phenomenal day and a wonderful occasion.

“Seniors don’t really want to stay at home,” Chin said. “They want to go to a facility like the Bay Ridge Center. This is so very dynamic and unique for Bay Ridge. I really think it’s the coolest center in Brooklyn.”

Dan Texeira, Merchants of Third Avenue president, said that his organization is a staunch supporter of the center.

“We think it’s important to give back to the community,” Texeira noted. “And this facility seems to be bringing the whole neighborhood together. This is a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, even though we do have a surge of younger people coming in — and a lot of older people need places to go to.”  

Joseph Riley, executive director and CEO of the Guild for Exceptional Children, pointed out that “Bay Ridge is a hub for senior citizens — folks that are above 60 — and this gives them an oasis of sorts, where they can come and get in shape physically and mentally.”

New York City Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez referred to the BRC as “not only a super place for this community but also a model place for the city and the state.”