One of the best project/programs to be developed recently is called the Vet to Vet Project. We know one person who is involved as a volunteer and he has reported it is “just wonderful,” so we encourage any interested readers to find out more.

The Vet to Vet Project, a program developed by Southern Maine Agency on Aging, matches volunteers who are veterans themselves with veterans in York and Cumberland counties who are aging or have disabilities. The volunteer visits the veteran in his or her home, chats and swaps stories, and provides much-needed companionship.

The vet volunteers attend a three-day, nine-hour course to train them in effective listening and other skills. They also learn about programs and services available to veterans from the Veterans Administration, Southern Maine Agency on Aging, and other social service agencies and are taught how to assess whether a referral to other services is warranted.

Volunteers commit to one year of service and visit the vet client at least twice a month and call during off-weeks.

What they do during their visits is up to the volunteers and their veterans. Some sit and chat, others visit sites of interest to both, such as a military museum or war memorial and others go out for coffee or grab a bite to eat at a local diner. The most valuable gift volunteers bring to the veterans is their time. The most valuable gift they receive in return is a sense that they have made a difference in the lives of other veterans.

To participate, either as a volunteer or as a veteran receiving visits, call Southern Maine Agency on Aging at 396-6525 and leave a message or email volunteer@smaaa.org or sign up online at www.smaaa.org.

Two other topics of interest:

• We haven’t seen any information about heating assistance for the coming winter. Several readers have contacted us to find out the latest – and so we tried to contact a couple of agencies about LIHEAP so we could report. Sorry to say, not much response has been received. Since this is working toward a “political atmosphere,” we are sure to start getting announcements soon and will keep you informed.

• Maine Senior Guide is planning two Senior Expos this fall, according to their website. One will be at the York Legion Hall in September and the other in Freeport in October. These are always exciting and informative for those who may be so busy they can’t keep up with the news, and you can get a free flu shot at either one.

The Senior Expo last May saw a record crowd attending. There’s always lots to learn at these events.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.