Many (more than 10) years ago, I served on a town committee whose job it was to “make contact” or communicate with the senior citizens – a large part of the total citizenry. We once had a senior citizen group that had more than 200 members (back in the mid-1970s) but through time, membership dwindled. Yet, there was still a high percentage of seniors in town.

This search committee did its best, but could not get enough senior citizens to participate – it was very frustrating – and finally, we committee members moved on to other volunteer tasks that were more successful. From time to time, someone – usually someone new to town – would ask about senior activities and where they met. This last question has now been answered.

It’s so satisfying to see the Lakes Region Senior Center holding regular meetings with events of interest to older residents. It seems a short time ago – but it was a few years – that a handful of folks were trying to organize a group and establish a place where one could go and just relax, perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and visit with others. The “comfy” thing about visiting with others in the same age range is that we all are familiar with the same events. While today’s news is sometimes a real shocker and the electronic media buzzes with alarming pronouncements, there are some of us (of a certain age) who have heard it all before. We like to visit with others who share our history.

Now, seniors in this area have a drop-in center called Lakes Region Senior Center. Located in the former Little Falls School, it’s called Little Falls Activity Center at 40 Acorn St. in Gorham. It’s open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are activities that are held on certain days and from time to time, special events are held. Anyone is welcome to drop in and find out more about the group, how to join and what’s going on.

On Wednesday, June 29, at 10 a.m., at a Coffee Social, Don Drew of Standish Kiwanis will speak to the group. Refreshments will be served. This event is open to the public.

The annual catered picnic will be held at noon on Monday, July 11. Entertainment will be provided. It’s $5 for members and $8 for non-members.

Cooking/nutrition classes will start Monday, July 18, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. These classes, sponsored by SNAPED, will be held on Mondays for six weeks. Classes are geared toward making nutritious, economical meals for seniors. There will be no charge for these classes, and it is open to members. Call Blanche at 892-5604 to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Daily activities include mah jong on Mondays, pickleball at 9:30 a.m. on Monday; crafts, quilting and card games on Tuesday; a memoir writing group meets the second and fourth Wednesdays; table games are held Thursdays and an art workshop on Fridays. Pickleball is also held on Fridays.

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.