Someone who spent 38 years teaching French to middle school students, a group a friend once called “hormonal milkshakes,” might want to spend retirement getting some well-earned rest. But Brunswick resident Edie Kilgour just keeps on going … and going.

Edie and her husband David retired, er, moved to Brunswick from Connecticut in 2002, and she’s been on the go ever since. Here’s a recap of her current activities, and I probably forgot to mention something. We’re both the same age (75), but Edie still moves at warp speed, unlike yours truly.

She’s one of three prime movers and shakers for the Brunswick Democratic Town Committee headquarters.That role, which requires at least 10-15 hours a week, includes scheduling volunteers, canvassing homes, making calls and keeping the office open to all Democrat candidates.  In explaining her devotion to the Democratic Party, Edie says, “The Democratic Party tries to take care of the neediest among us. I’m pro-choice and I’m for reasonable gun control. And I’m for authentic values, not false religious piety.”

For the last 10 years, Edie has served as a volunteer “Angel” for the Maine State Music Theater. The duties of MSMT’s angels range from transporting actors and crew to serving as community connections for MSMT interns to distributing publicity materials to ushering. “I admire the strong reciprocal relationship between MSMT and Brunswick,” explains Edie, “and I love all the productions.” Edie was recently selected by her 50 fellow Angels as head Angel, thanks to her enthusiasm and leadership skills.

Every Wednesday afternoon, Edie joins the Knit Wits on Bailey Island for two hours of knitting and conversations, all dedicated to good causes. The group knits prayer shawls, for example, to give to people in emotional or physical stress. They also sell their wares to raise funds for people in financial need, and collect coats for Preble Street in Portland and sweatshirts for Sexual Assault Support Services for Midcoast Maine.

She currently serves as captain of the Maine Pines “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” team. That event will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 28 at the Brunswick Town Mall.

But wait…there’s more. Edie and her husband David, a retired high school physics teacher, have served as “host parents” to several Bowdoin College students over the years as part of the Host Family program. Students don’t live at their house, but they get support, attention and often a meal. David also grows food to give to local food pantries

And still more. Edie organizes an MSMT play group, consisting of about 40 local senior citizens who get together for appetizers and fellowship before every MSMT production.

I asked this whirlwind what advice she might give to young people in terms of serving the community. “Don’t just ask what you can do to help. Get involved. Do something within your comfort zone. The opportunities are unlimited.”

What about us older people?  “You’re never too old to get involved,” she said, “so do it.”

Edie Kilgour serves as an inspiration to us all, young or old. That said, countless other citizens share her passionate commitment to lifting the lives of the people of Brunswick and surrounding areas. And for that we are indeed most grateful.

David Treadwell, a Brunswick writer, welcomes commentary and suggestions for future “Just a Little Old” columns. [email protected].