Shortly after my husband’s death I started receiving “helpful” suggestions on how to “get on with my life.” Among the most popular were “Make new friends, get a hobby and maybe you could volunteer somewhere or take a class.”

At Senior Series we meet people who are in the process of doing just that. As a result, the Senior Series Board is committed to enriching the lives of seniors and offering them quality programming, activities and seminars and supporting their independence. We regularly refer seniors to the Southern Maine Agency on Aging and Partnership for Healthy Aging for information to help them meet their needs. But, unfortunately, due to limited time and space we are only beginning to scratch the surface.

The solution is a home base – somewhere that seniors can meet to network with other seniors on a more regular basis – to take classes which can possibly lead to volunteer opportunities or perhaps even a second career. Some widows/widowers are in the process of beginning their lives all over again and need a place to connect with other seniors for support and encouragement.

The Senior Community Center Steering Committee has taken all of these concerns and more into consideration in planning a building and programming that will include group activities as well as one-on-one interaction. A Senior Series survey taken in May revealed that seniors are looking for both. tai-chi, line dancing, digital photography, computer and art classes and grief counseling were requested as well as a drop-in center to stop by when the days just seem too long.

While it is obviously premature to set up actual schedules, this center can also be home to Scarborough’s many community groups, both adult and children, as well as intergenerational programming such as mentoring our youth and an Adoptive Grandparenting Program. The Steering Committee and Community Services will be involved in the scheduling as we assess the community’s needs and requests for time and space when the center is not being used for senior activities. We need to work together to make it work.

A mailing has gone out to all the homes in Scarborough with more detailed information regarding the Senior Community Center. The members of the Steering Committee can answer any questions you or your group may have. We can be reached through Community Services.

Linda Bidler

President, Senior Series

Member, Senior Community Center Steering Committee

Scarborough