Empty-nester finds home at Bungalow

Store’s proceeds go to Fort Hamilton Hospital

Ann Bressler is a volunteer with Fort Hamilton Hospital and she also runs the Bargain Bungalow, where proceeds are donated to the hospital. Here she puts red dresses on display for Valentine's Day. Staff photo by Samantha Grier.

Samantha Grier Ann Bressler is a volunteer with Fort Hamilton Hospital and she also runs the Bargain Bungalow, where proceeds are donated to the hospital. Here she puts red dresses on display for Valentine's Day. Staff photo by Samantha Grier.

ENLARGE PHOTO

By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 1:38 AM Monday, February 8, 2010

HAMILTON — Secondhand clothes gave Ann Bressler a second chance at life.

Born in a small town in Georgia, she learned the importance of volunteering and being a part of the community at an early age from her grandmother.

Bressler remembers picking beans and strawberries from her grandmother’s garden for people who needed food, and cutting flowers for those who needed cheering up.

“Everyone knew her, and she just helped everybody,” Bressler said.

Shy by nature, Bressler said that when she found herself an empty-nester 15 years ago, she thought a little work at the Bargain Bungalow might be fun. The secondhand shop is run by volunteers known as The Colleagues, and sale proceeds go to The Fort Hamilton Hospital for emergency equipment and other needs.

“I’ll never forget my first day. Someone from the Journal was there, and they wanted me in the pictures,” Bressler said, her coral painted lips tightening in a thin line at the memory. “I felt so awkward because I didn’t know anybody and I barely knew the business.”

But back in the stock room, where the Bungalow’s piles of shoes, clothing and knickknacks are sorted, Bressler found her talent. Trained as an interior decorator, she was encouraged by her co-workers to design store displays.

Talking about it now, Bressler’s blue eyes light up. She happily shows off special items, such as a pair of pink sequined pants and a fluffy white teddy bear, which she has set aside in an overflowing corner of the stock room for future displays in the store and at the hospital.

“Ann just does so much work. She makes the store look great. People always talk about it,” said Maria Oakes, co-chairwoman of the Bungalow.

Through her displays and work as the head chairwoman of the Bargain Bungalow, Bressler “has come out of her shell,” said Peggy Turner, director of volunteer services at Fort Hamilton.

“She is the face of the Bargain Bungalow,” she said. “And I keep thinking that she is such a treasure we found there.”

Talents emerge

Clothes may be a form of covering up, but for Bressler, they have been a way out of her shell.

While taking care of the store, Bressler has slowly shed her shy exterior and emerged as a talented leader and decorator.

Working with the community and other volunteers, about whom she said “are so wonderful and I never could do this without,” has helped her to open up to help others.

“It changed my life. I used to be so shy I wouldn’t talk to anybody, and I can’t believe I am doing what I am doing now,” she said.

One of Bressler’s fondest memories is of a young church secretary who came in looking for a wedding dress two weeks before the ceremony.

“I said I knew just the thing, and I took the first dress I thought she might like and would fit her,” Bressler said.

The simple ivory gown with the scoop neck was simple, but was the perfect complement to the slim woman’s frame, Bressler said.

“She had said they had prayed that morning that they would come here and find the dress,” Bressler said. “It was perfect for the occasion. I don’t think it was even $20.”

Moments like that make her job worthwhile, Bressler said.

Passion for fashion

Bressler’s passion for her work is evident by the glittering displays in the store windows. Decked out for Valentine’s Day, the window twinkles with festive dresses, skirts and blazers. If the striking red and pink colors aren’t enough to beckon customers inside, then maybe the signs declaring “50 percent off” will do the trick.

A corner in the Bungalow’s back room is completely devoted to Bressler’s display ideas. At least six months of plans are jammed into the space. Stacks of clothing, knick-knacks, stuffed animals and purses spill out of a two-rack closet. A grinning purple and olive green-clad jester peers over the pile, staring down his long nose at the organized chaos below. He’s a favorite item Bressler has hung onto for several years now.

“He’ll make his next appearance at Mardi Gras I think,” Bressler said, gazing back at the doll.

Mixed in with some of the items are apparel chosen for the upcoming Berkeley Square Fashion Show.

Since Bressler took over as chair, she has spearheaded such events for Berkeley and Westover retirement communities. The volunteers at the Bungalow help the communities’ residents select items to model at special events several times a year.

“Oh they love it; it’s so cute,” Bressler said. “Right now I’m pulling 1930s vintage pieces for the next show.”

In the spring, the Colleagues will host their annual fundraising fashion show and auction with another volunteer group, the Auxiliary of Fort Hamilton Hospital. It’s one of volunteer Nancy Hamilton’s favorite events.

“There is a lot on (Bressler’s) shoulders, particularly for someone who doesn’t get paid,” Hamilton said. “It’s all a lot of work, but I think Ann deserves ‘Woman of the Year.’ She is at least woman of the year to us.”

Audrey Hilsmier said that for the 13 years she has worked with her, Bressler has turned the Bargain Bungalow into a “high-end shop,” and the work she completes “does not get her the glory she deserves.

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