The season of winter has a way of bringing hearts together in reflection. Winter can be a season of serenity covered in a blanket of warmth and embers of the past. Many times in life we are able to slip into and live for a brief moment in memories.

Now, there is an idealism of winter that I hold before me; I love and enjoy the cold snowy weather ”“ I just can’t help it. I think of winter as another playground and long for the bygone days to be a child frolicking in the season. I especially enjoyed skimming over the ice with the wind blowing in my face. As children we don’t see winter as a hardship.

So, watching a show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access about the history of the West Brook Skating Rink, I was fascinated and interested. I had friends, who are now long gone, who skated there years ago. I had the privilege of hearing childhood memories of the fun they had. On my way into the studio I always stop and watch the skaters. The rink abuts the studio and as the sun pours through branches of the trees it seems like another lens through which to see nature.

I had a wonderful discussion with ice rink President Dave Gagnon and volunteer Ronald Beaulieu. The facility is a safe, healthy place for public skating, playing hockey, exercise and most importantly keeping youngsters busy and out of trouble. There is a canteen selling hotdogs, popcorn, candy and

more.

On weekend nights organizations can use the rink for fundraisers, keeping the profits. The rink is a nonprofit, keeping only enough money to start up in the fall. However, they do have expenses, such as patching the ice, snow removal, getting better equipment, heat, water, telephone, roofing and keeping the grounds.

Volunteers are needed and appreciated; not much can be done without them.

Now, to leave the ice and dive into some water. I will never forget the very first winter I went swimming. Cold snow and blistering winds blew bold and free. Icicles hanging on the windows symbolized deep winter’s freeze, and there I was swimming at the YMCA in 82-degree water. I thought that was the best. Can you imagine it?

For all of the fun winter has to offer, we must also consider more serious things this time of year, such as our aging population.

Our state is aimed at improving the quality of life for older people. Never before have so many people lived for so long. The aging of Americans moves us into a new phase of our national and state life with profound implications for individuals, families and society.

A portrait of an older America is emerging, and this is a good time for retirees and people over the age of 55 to attend a free asset preservation workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Saint Louis Alumni Hall, at 649 Elm St. in Biddeford. A team of professionals with their expertise will ensure that every issue and option will be given thorough consideration: tax laws, medical issues, social security, market risks and many other rules and regulations.

The workshop will be hosted by Peter Hanson and Derek Huot, licensed producers specializing in retirement solutions. Lisa Roche, a local estate planning attorney, will also speak, as well as Thomas Wright, a national speaker on retirement issues.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at zhadiaris@hotmail.com.