The other day, a friend parked her car right near the entrance to the grocery store,  and as I reminded her she was parking in a handicap zone and could get a ticket, she calmly took out a piece of cardboard and hung it on her mirror. She isn’t as spry as she once was (who is?) and she has a “Parking Placard” – which piqued my curiosity. Here’s what I found out from the state’s website – hopefully this information may help someone else who doesn’t want to walk a mile for a loaf of bread.

Disabled person parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical professional certifies the condition. The placards and plates are also available for those who:

• cannot walk 200 feet without resting

• cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assisting device

• are restricted by lung disease

• use portable oxygen

• have a severe cardiac condition

• are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.

To obtain a disabled placard or plate you must complete and sign an Application for Disability Plates/Placard and have a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse complete the Medical Provider’s Statement portion of the application.

Take the complete application to the nearest Motor Vehicle Office branch, fax it to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9204 or mail it to: Disability Clerk, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 29 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.

A summary of Maine’s legal requirements for drivers with disabilities is available online at “Disability Plates, Disability Placards and Disability Parking.”

In other news, a catered pot roast dinner will be served at Unity Gardens on Route 115 in Windham on Thursday, Dec. 8, at noon. If you or someone you know is 60 or over, this delicious meal is available for $5 – plus, Bob Gendreau will provide music following the luncheon. If you are interested, call 892-3891 ASAP and make your reservation. You might see a neighbor, friend or someone new.

Visit the Lakes Region Senior Center, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Little Falls Activity Center, 40 Acorn St. in Gorham, where something is always happening. Activities, special events and informative programs are all designed with seniors in mind.