The Legislature has been busy and for those who may be renewing their driver’s license, or obtaining a state identification card, there are a couple of new laws that have changed the requirement.

These rules apply to new licenses and renewals and also apply to state-issued identification.

If you are applying for a driver’s license, you are now required to show proof of state residency by providing a tax return, paycheck stub, utility bill or other documentation.

Also, U.S. citizens and foreigners must show proof of legal presence by providing documentation, including a certified birth certificate, permanent resident card, passport, certificate of naturalization, work visa and others.

For more information, call 211 for a referral to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicle office or visit www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/renewal.htm.

Nearly every town and city now has established a municipal organization to help provide emergency help, especially to elderly residents. One new help for the cold you might be aware of is the Coats for Seniors program. Triad and Agency on Agency volunteers collected more than 1,500 coats for seniors during the weekend of November 21-23 at L.L. Bean’s Flagship Store in Freeport. L.L. Bean will contribute $10 for each coat to the Keep ME Warm Fund.

Local area Agencies on Aging are distributing the coats to older Mainers in need. Gently used, cleaned coats are available to seniors who need a warm winter coat. Please call 211 or Elders1 at 1-877-353-3771 to be directed to the nearest distribution center.

If it’s too cold for you to get out and go to the store, or if you live alone and are not able to cook, Meals on Wheels is the answer – even if it’s for a short period of time. Hot food is prepared from scratch and delivered Monday through Friday throughout Cumberland and York counties. Volunteers deliver meals directly to the doors of homebound seniors. Family and friends can rest assured that their loved one will have a friendly visitor.

Sometimes, a temporary health problem is all it takes to disrupt the normal cooking routine – just when good nutrition is necessary to heal and recover from surgery or illness. It is OK to get Meals on Wheels on a short-term basis.

To refer someone or ask about getting Meals on Wheels, call 1-800-400-6325.

If you are able to get out, Senior Dining Centers are available, where you can shake off the confinement of winter and visit with others over a hot, nutritious lunch. According to the Southern Maine Agency on Aging Web site, the sites are as follows. For more information about reservations and costs, please call 1-800-400-6325.

• South Portland, People’s Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, Every Thursday

• Westbrook, Pride’s Corner Congregational Church, 235 Pride St., every Monday

• Windham, Unity Gardens, Route 115, Monday through Friday

• Biddeford, J. R. Martin Community Center, 189 Alfred St., Monday through Thursday

• Buxton/Hollis, Groveville Fire Barn, 38 Turkey Lane, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

• Sanford, National Guard Armory, William Oscar Emery Drive, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

• Portland, Salvation Army, 297 Cumberland Ave., Monday through Friday

Your town or City Hall is an excellent resource if you want to locate a food pantry or other group that can provide you with information about receiving fuel assistance or other help. Don’t hesitate to give them a call. We aren’t alone and this winter. The economy is tough, but we’ll make it!

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