EDITOR’S NOTE: Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD, a consortium of local elder service, health care, community and law enforcement agencies, will offer periodic “Catch Your Eye” columns in this space. The columns aim to educate readers about TRIAD initiatives and services.
It’s hard to believe that the scams we hear and read about in the news almost daily really happen in Maine — no less in our neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, they do, as reported in the Feb. 16 edition of The Times Record (“Arundel pair indicted for local scams”). They happen in our backyard, front yard, and all around town.
Who’s that knocking at your door offering to trim trees, clean your chimney or do home repair?
To find out, Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD offers three easy steps:
— Never give a stranger who solicits business at your door a down payment for work before work is done.
— Always check it out. Ask to see a seller’s license (required by the state). Check with the local police or sheriff ’s department about “transient solicitors” in the area.
— Attend a TRIAD- sponsored fraud prevention program given by law enforcement officials to learn about unlawful activity occurring in your area. For information, call 725- 0757 and leave a message for TRIAD.
Here’s some doggerel to help remind you to be safe when it comes to solicitation:
March is neigh and so is spring!
Visions of outdoors doeth it bring,
Cleaning, raking, and home repair
Is fodder for scammers, so beware!
Medication disposal
Now, here’s some good news: You can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without waiting for the biannual local medication collection events.
Medication disposal boxes have been installed at the Brunswick, Topsham, Richmond and Bath police departments, as well as at the Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Office.
Please also bring unused medications (especially large quantities) to the next local collection on April 28. Stay tuned for details.
Road rules refresher
TRIAD will hold an AARP Safe Driving class from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19 at the Bath Senior Center, 45 Floral St.
AARP membership is not required to take the course, and there are no tests to pass.
Upon completion, you will be eligible for an auto insurance discount just by brushing up on your driving skills.
For more information, please call the Bath Senior Center at 443-4937 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
— Submitted by Connie Lewis,
TRIAD
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