The Opportunity Alliance has openings in its Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs with placements in York, Cumberland and southern Oxford counties. Adults 55 and older can make a difference in someone’s life, while having a great time and earning a little extra money.

The mission of Foster Grandparents is to support academic achievement of children in schools and child development centers.

The mission of Senior Companions is to provide companionship, transportation and respite to elders and their families seeking to remain living independently.

Volunteers who commit to a minimum of 15 hours a week and meet income guidelines receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement and other benefits that do not affect Social Security, food stamps, LIHEAP, or subsidized housing eligibility. Non-stipended opportunities are available for those interested in fewer hours.

To learn how you can help your community by joining either the Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion programs, call 773-0202 or email at susan.lavigne@opportunityalliance.org.

Meanwhile, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging will offer Medicare seminars and counseling at several locations in September. They include:

Scarborough – Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 136 US Route 1, Mondays and Thursdays. Call for days and times including evening, 396-6500 in Greater Portland or 800-427-7411 toll free.

Sanford – Goodall Hospital, 25 June St., first Tuesday, 2-4 p.m.

Windham – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail, first and third Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon.

Bridgton – Reach Stan Cohen through the Bridgton Community Center at 647-3116 for an appointment.

In addition to the Medicare seminar, there is also one-on-one counseling with volunteer Medicare advocates. The seminar and counseling are intended to help you sort through your Medicare options, answer questions and to help you enroll. In addition to Medicare assistance, counseling on tax and rent rebate, food stamps, and fuel assistance can be arranged.

Call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to register for an upcoming seminar or to make a one-on-one appointment with a Medicare advocate at 396-6500 or 800-427-7411. Seminar walk-ins can usually be accommodated. Visit www.smaaa.org to learn more about the many other services that are available.

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.