The last eight weeks at People Plus have reminded me of renovating the kitchen a few years ago in my old farmhouse in Tophsam.

Despite the Pepto pink decor, leaky sink and faulty electrical, it was not a terrible kitchen and I had gotten used to all the imperfections that drove me crazy about the place. I was feeding my family and “dealing with” the little problems that cropped up here and there.

That was until my girlfriend came to visit and pointed out several ways I could make small changes and things would work much better. I’m sure I was resistant at first, but after trying out a few of her ideas, I became a renovation junkie.

It took my friend’s fresh set of eyes to see what I had been overlooking for all those years and it was time for a change: Time to capitalize on what was working and make over the rest.

I’ve found in taking a fresh look at People Plus, the senior center on the corner of Union and Cumberland streets in Brunswick, that the same thing is happening.

I’ve begun seeing the things about the place that make it so valuable to the hundreds of members who use the center for programs, social interaction and outreach, while starting to make inroads on the inefficiencies that everyone has gotten used to.

It’s the little things …

We started with a water cooler in the lobby. It seems like such a simple item but since the move to Union Street a year ago, members have been asking for a water fountain. Now they have it.

Ping Pong players (oops, I mean table tennis players) get a refreshing glug after a heated match, and the others can have an alternative to coffee by making hot tea.

And it’s the big things…

Core programming like ballet, crafting, the artists group, the writers group, yoga, Tai Chi, bridge, Lunch Connections, The Good Morning Call, the VTN drive program and Men’s Breakfast are some of the fundamentals that will never change about People Plus.

However we are “renovating” our program lineup with some great new stuff like “The Week in Review,” a current events magazine series (think book club for newspaper addicts), a crosswords group, monthly book club, gluten-free cooking class, non-lethal birdhouse workshop (who knew that birdhouses could be lethal!?), and laughter yoga along with classes on eBooks, eReaders and email.

December holds many new programs, such as “Holiday Stress Busters,” “Holiday Eating Without Weight Gain,” a holiday Lunch Connections, $5 Yankee Swap, Holiday Cheer reception and much more.

January is looking chock full of ways to survive the cold days with game night, Facebook sessions, line dancing, cellphone class, herb garden planting, as well as a few programs geared toward the hearing impaired.

None of these programs would be possible if it weren’t for our faithful volunteers and supporters. I doubt I will ever be able to thank them all enough for their time and dedication, but in the spirit of the season, I will give it a try and start with the ladies who work the front desk.

Those front desk gals are really the first point of contact for anyone coming to People Plus, and they can’t be thanked enough for their service and time. Doling out program information, tracking attendees and reminding everyone to check in are a few of their areas of expertise.

They are managed by Gladys Szabo and Judy Krok, and we couldn’t get by without them. We are always looking for a few more.

Another People Plus program that is completely volunteer manned (or should I say wo-manned), is the Good Morning Call Program, run by Madeleine Ashe.

This program provides a voice mailbox for homebound elder seniors to call every morning and check in that they are OK. If they don’t check in, a volunteer calls them.

If they don’t answer, a referral goes to the Brunswick Police dispatch group. The Good Morning Call volunteers each work about an hour, twice a month.

After sitting in last week, I can’t think of a more rewarding 60 minutes.

I also need to mention the Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN). This program provides rides to people who would otherwise not have a way to get to the doctor, grocery store or the center. Simply call People Plus and ask for Dottie Moody. She will register you to be either a driver or a rider, and drivers are very much needed.

If you’ve ever eaten a meal at the center, you might already know that there are more than a dozen ladies who do the lunches and help around the place on a regular basis. They bake and peel and slice and dice and set tables and wash dishes — all to the sound of appreciative chewing.

Lastly, there is a group of dedicated volunteers who cannot be forgotten, as their job is one of the most thankless. I refer to the People Plus board of trustees.

This group of hardworking residents and business owners from Brunswick, Topsham and Harpswell supports the organization both financially through the annual fund and with manpower hours.

Taking on the task of running the organization, the People Plus trustees work harder than most boards I’ve encountered and they do it with a cheery attitude and open mind. We would not exist without them.

It is for our 800-strong member base, diehard volunteers and faithful supporters that we at People Plus have begun a “renovation” and we are making great progress.

Check our new website and online calendar at peopleplusmaine.org for a complete listing of the programs and events. It is packed with things to do and ways to help others.

Peopleplusmaine.org is your direct link to a healthy mind and a healthy body and ways to help others in your community.

As we wish all you and your loved ones a joyous season of giving, we invite you to stop in at the Union Street School and see us at People Plus, the center that builds community.