It’s almost time for Cumberland Fair – one of the best and oldest traditions we have – and a reminder of where we came from. The fair runs from Sept. 22-28, and there are two Senior Citizen Days when those of us 65 and older pay only $3 admission. Check your calendar now if you’re available Tuesday and/or Thursday, Sept. 24 and 26, perhaps you can round up a few friends and go to the fair. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to see old friends, be tempted by the good food and appreciate what an agricultural fair is all about.

Also coming is the Senior Expo on Tuesday, Oct. 1 in Freeport, hosted by Maine Senior Guide and Beach Glass Transitions. Sponsors are Advantage Home Care, Avita of Stroudwater and Current Publishing. The popular event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park St., from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be dozens of booths and demonstrations. You’ll be able to get a free flu shot, and learn a lot about the senior options available in southern Maine. Get antiques appraised from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for a $5 donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Listen to the Big Band sounds of Frankie & Johnnie from 1-3 in the afternoon and more surprises. Plus, you can register to enter many exhibitor raffles and a grand prize, a weekend in Freeport that includes a hotel room at the Hilton and gift certificates for dining and the movies.

Meanwhile, seniors are always looking for a place to sit down and talk with friends – sometimes a restaurant is just not the right setting and there aren’t many corner stores left where a short visit can catch you up on what’s really going on. It took much hard work for the group known as Lakes Region Senior Center to get organized.

Finding a place to gather was the next obstacle and now they announce a new location – temporarily. If you live or have friends in the area, take note: Lakes Region Senior Center has a new location until construction at the former Little Falls School has been completed – perhaps spring of 2014.

The doors opened Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Sunset Ridge Golf Links, 771 Cumberland St. (River Road), Westbrook. This is just about on the boundary of Windham and Westbrook. There will be plenty of room for parking and the space is big enough for activities. Members are working to organize everything. The center will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Pickleball will be available on the outdoor court. Coffee, tea, socializing and the puzzle table will be active every day. Cribbage and independent activities will be held on Monday; needlework and crafts on Tuesday , as well as poker at 10 a.m. Tuesday or other card games. Wednesday will include weight support group at 10 a.m. and chair yoga at 10:45. Watch for schedule of luncheons and bingo soon. For more information, call Blanche Alexander 892-5604, or email bwa31@maine.rr.com.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.

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