The second in a series of Round Table discussions focusing on the topic of aging and the challenges it brings to each one of us was held last Wednesday following the Public Supper at the Senior Center.

Lindsay J. Laxon, an investor education manager from the Maine Office of Securities in Augusta, talked about scams and frauds and how to keep your investments and identity safe.

Lindsay pointed out that 70 percent of the nation’s individual wealth is in the hands of people 50 and older. Also that Maine has the oldest median age population in the nation. These facts are not lost on the thieves. If you say “I don’t have any investments worth stealing” don’t be so sure. Fifty dollars or $100 here and there adds up for the thieves. Then there is your identity. You might not have big bank accounts but you probably have a good credit rating and that is an opportunity for a thief to take out new credit cards in your name.

Lindsay said that one warning sign are letters from banks or credit card companies saying they need more information in order to open the account you requested. That means that some thief has some but not all of your personal data and is trying to open new accounts. They may succeed with some companies.

Lindsay asked the audience what the average victim of a scam looks like. Did we think it was a little old lady with a trusting motherly attitude? No, it is a male, 55 to 65 years old, college educated and a bit worried that he has not accumulated enough funds in order to retire. The investment scammers know this and know how to play to these concerns.

Thieves don’t wear black hats and look like gangsters. They are normal looking, friendly people and on the outside seem very likable. They also know you will not fall for buying an interest in the Brooklyn Bridge. One line they do use is to let it slip that they do investments and have been successful for themselves and friends. This makes you want to get into this exclusive group and once you are in they have your money. How do you think Bernie Madoff worked his scheme?

The bottom line is to be skeptical and slow down. Ask a lot of questions. Thieves hate people who ask many questions. Call Lindsay at the Maine Office of Securities before signing on with an “investment advisor” and find out if there are any complaints etc out on this person. Be safe.

Next week, the third and final Round Table discussion will be held. John Bottero, of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, will present his “Downsizing Guide, Strategies & Steps for Success.” Sooner or later, all of us will find ourselves in one or more situations requiring the dispersal of personal possessions. These may include relocating to a smaller home, a need to reduce collections, clearing the estate of a family member who has passed away, or planning for the future handling of your own estate items. John will present some guidelines to help in these situations.

Remember that time changes Sunday, March 9. Time changes, the first day of spring is later this month but March is starting out cold. Will spring ever get here? Well a “famous” selectman from a neighboring town told me this: “Spring will be here when it gets here.”

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, Feb. 25 were Betty Sawyer first, Della Hilton second, Ann Merry third, Leol Corson low score and Larry Clark, Reid Hodgdon, Duane Lewis and Marlene Rines tied for the high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on Thursday, Feb. 27 were Duane Lewis first, Doc Schilke second, Patty Bridgham third, Ken Colby low score and Della Hilton and Reid Hodgdon tied for the high hand.

Meals for next week:

(Reservations, please! Call 207-882-8230 at least two days in advance for meal reservations.)

Wednesday, March 12: Dinner, St. Patrick’s Day traditional corned beef dinner

Thursday, March 13: Lunch, Chef’s Special Entrée