For some, retirement brings a sense of relaxation, of not having as much responsibility. Gone are the days of deciding what to wear, how to manage many tasks in never enough time. Even though many of us work part time and some may even have a full-time job, there probably is more “spare” time than before, although it sometimes doesn’t seem that way!
That extra time realized by retirement is a wonderful thing, an opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do, a chance to spend a few hours on a frivolous activity, or try out a new adventure.
Some of the Lakes Region towns have established programs just for senior citizens. Partially funded by taxes and partially paid for by seniors themselves, these programs and the personnel who manage them, seek out events or activities of interest to seniors. Getting the word out is via word of mouth, news articles and in some cases, newsletters.
For example, in Windham, this program is run by the Parks and Recreation Department. A part-time employee in that department puts together a list of trips and other events. And twice a year, a brochure which includes activities for all other age groups as well, is mailed to all residents. Windham also has a newsletter available free to any senior. For more information, call 892-1905.
Standish also has a Parks and Recreation Department, and a very active group of seniors who work on plans for a wide variety of “things to do” for area folks. An extensive Web site that makes folks aware of the many activities and opportunities is available. They also have a newsletter, which is available free of charge. The Seniors meet for lunch on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Steep Falls Fire Barn on Boundary Road. For more information or lunch reservations, contact Alvida Fogg, 642-4929 or June Frost, 727-6215.
Windham’s summer line-up of trips includes theatre, history centers, whale watching and antique shopping, among many others. In Windham, Southern Maine Agency on Aging hosts a daily luncheon at Unity Gardens, which is also the site for regular appearances of health professionals and a senior advocate.
Standish’s Web site lists many opportunities for improving health, safety tips and various clubs which meet regularly. For information on how to receive newsletters from Windham or Standish, please contact me at this newspaper.
Other towns no doubt have similar opportunities and/or programs. For example, we note that in Bridgton “extensive senior programs now run through the Community Center, call 647-3116” is information we found posted on the Internet.
We would like to receive more information from towns, so it can be shared on these pages. Remember, Current Publishing has six weekly papers which are distributed to towns and cities from the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard area all the way to the Sacopee Valley and everywhere in between, so send us your senior program news to Kay Soldier, c/o this paper, or email: kaylrw@adelphia.net, or by FAX to 892-1171, or call 892-1166.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
