Some years back, a friend and I went on a “senior trip” to the Isles of Shoals, one of the very first places where Europeans came to fish in the 1600s. The group of ledgy islands is partly in Maine, partly in New Hampshire.

The history of this part of New England is fascinating and whether you like history or travel, this is a great cruise trip into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portsmouth.

On Tuesday, June 28, you can board the Victorian-style M/V Thomas Laighton and discover fascinating legends of the renowned New Hampshire and Maine seacoast. The trip is co-sponsored with the recreation departments from Falmouth, Gorham, Cape Elizabeth and Standish. Those who attend will be served a deli-style luncheon, have guided tours of the grounds, lighthouses and Gosford Harbor and get time to explore the Oceanic Hotel. From experience, I’d recommend you bring a warm jacket – really warm, as the ocean breeze is still cold at this time of year, no matter how bright the sun is.

The departing and returning locations are yet to be determined, but departure will be around 7:45 a.m., returning around 5:30 p.m. The fee is $64 for residents, $69 for non-residents. Cost includes transportation, cruise and lunch. The deadline to register is Thursday, May 26. Anyone who is interested should call the Windham Parks and Recreation Department, 892-1905, for information and registration.

At the Lakes Region Senior Center, a drop-in site for seniors at Little Falls Activity Center, 40 Acorn St., Gorham, all seniors are welcome Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. On May 30, Memorial Day, the center will be closed.

A program about the Maine gunpowder mills will be presented at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 23.

Pickle Ball is starting up again and games will be played at 9:30 a.m. on Monday and Friday. Beginners always welcome

Seniors can stop in daily for coffee, tea, socializing, puzzle table or activity like Mahjong on Mondays; crafts, quilting and card games on Tuesdays; table games on Thursdays; and art workshop at 9 a.m. on Fridays. A memoir-writing group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays each month.

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.

Copy the Story Link