Last week, I was at the library in Windham and overheard a new patron remarking about how she was looking for something to do. She had moved into town recently, lived alone and wondered what people did around here. How could she get involved and meet new people?

This reminded me of a column I had written in the early summer and so for those, like her who are new to the area, here are some ideas.

At this time of the year, as we get near the holiday season, there are quite a few part-time jobs available, if one has a desire to work in the retail line. I see jobs advertised in the several newspapers serving this area.

Extra time realized by retirement can be a wonderful thing, for the retiree and for their community. Volunteer opportunities are many. Southern Maine Agency on Aging has a program just for volunteers called RSVP and there is a wide range of tasks to be done.

Schools almost always can use volunteers (call the school administration office), and some libraries need help shelving books, waiting on patrons and other chores. In Windham there are many churches and generally, these churches have several committees to each, which work on a variety of tasks.

Windham Public Library has a “support group” called Friends of the Library. They meet monthly and serve to provide support and help to the library in areas outside the regular budget.

There are historical societies in many small towns and if they are like the one in my town, they’re always seeking new members and offer a variety of programs of interest to many.

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 trips and other events and twice a year, a brochure that includes activities for all other age groups as well, is mailed to all residents. 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 second and fourth 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 included theater, history centers, whale watching and antique shopping, among many others.

Also in Windham, Southern Maine Agency on Aging hosts a daily luncheon at Unity Gardens on Route 115 in North Windham, which is also the site for regular appearances of health professionals and a senior advocate. For more information, call 892-3891.

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.

Send us the senior news

We would like to receive more information from towns, so it can be shared on these pages. Remember, Current Publishing has eight weekly papers that are distributed to towns and cities from the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard area all the way to the Sacopee Valley and everywhere in between.

Send your senior program news to Kay Soldier, c/o this paper, or email: [email protected], fax 892-1171, or call 892-1166.