The annual Lincoln County TRIAD Senior Appreciation Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17. This year the event will take place at the Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta. As usual there will be a lot of displays, information, entertainment and food. Of course, all of that will be free.

At the last TRIAD planning meeting for Senior Appreciation Day, we discussed the possibility of having a program focusing on transportation, especially on the problems surrounding “Giving Up the Keys.” Older drivers with diminished capabilities become a problem to themselves and others. Most problems are minor such as slow driving and fender benders but there is always the possibility of severe or fatal injuries to the driver and/or others. We hope to have a couple of police officers talk about this problem.

This discussion got me thinking about the effect on a single individual faced with having to stop driving. It can be a very frustrating and life changing situation leading to feelings of irritation and negativism directed at everything and everybody.

This can happen whenever aging and diminishing capabilities make it necessary to stop doing what you like to do. This can involve giving up driving or golf or gardening or walking or whatever. There are solutions to all these problems but they all involve change. This makes it necessary for the individual to adjust and accept the change. However, that is a difficult to do, and most people will tell that individual, “You’re not the only one” or “It will work out.” That can be perceived as a bit patronizing and can be more detrimental than helpful to the individual affected.

The individual has to take action on his/her own. In many ways, places like senior centers can help. The members of this Senior Center have probably dealt with some kind of problem with aging and can be sympathetic and understanding. Many times it isn’t about saying the right thing but just listening to someone rant and rave about “these golden years ain’t golden.” I think we all have found how helpful it is to just complain without expecting an answer or solution.

Senior centers can be places to get answers and help with problems. However, many senior centers can only offer the chance to get out and do something different. There is the chance to talk with one’s peers about life; both the good and difficult times.

Sometimes it isn’t obvious how much good senior centers can do. What do you think are some of the good things the Wiscasset Senior Center has done? What can it do in the future?

Remember that the prime rib dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12. Reservations are necessary and must be made by Monday, Aug. 10. Reservations can be made by calling the front desk at the Community Center. The price is $12 for all attendees and the public is invited to make reservations.

The cribbage tournament winners on July 21 were Ken Colby first, Della Hilton and Stuart Wyman tied for second, Keith Bridgham low score and Sally Sherman had the high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on July 23 were Blanche Johnson first, Keith Bridgham second, Jeannette Albright third, Robbie Greenleaf low score and Blanche Johnson had the high hand.

The next Public Supper, Wednesday, Aug. 5, will feature Chicken Salad. Please call 207-882-8230 at least two days in advance for meal reservations.