This year, the formation of the Lakes Region Seniors organization recognized seniors as an important segment of the community. I hope this continues for the future.

Quite a few years ago, my hometown formed a Senior Needs Committee. One of its goals was to improve communication with senior citizens. Town management was concerned that seniors were unaware of the resources available to them.

To address this concern, a monthly newsletter was started to help “spread the news,” along with regular press releases, information on the local cable network and flyers posted on bulletin boards and corner stores. I was on that committee and produced the newsletter for quite a while, until the decision was made that it was too expensive. Town budgets often need to be tweaked. If I recall correctly, we had about 220 on the mailing list – all of whom requested it.

Some younger folks have suggested that the use of social media could help solve the communication problem, but I am not aware of a large number of seniors who spend time on Facebook. I could be very wrong, but have no statistics or studies to back this up. It would be helpful to have accurate numbers.

From time to time, in this weekly column, we address programs that may be available in my hometown or yours, but not necessarily in both. It isn’t perfect, but we’re working toward that. Many readers call or write with questions – here are a few recent inquiries. Maybe there’s some news for you here.

We’ve had a couple of calls on weekends asking if the post office was open or if we knew the best time to go and not have to wait in line – this was around Christmas time. We suggested they purchase a book of stamps at their grocery store. Maybe not all stores offer this service, but mine does. Ask at the service desk about just what is available.

We are asked about whether a barber or stylist makes home visits, but have no idea unless someone has shared that information. Sometimes a local business group (like a Chamber of Commerce) may provide this information.

Most often, the calls are from someone looking for a care facility – be it long-term or even day care. I usually forward these calls to Southern Maine Agency on Aging, as they will be able to help the quickest. And most usually, time is truly of the essence.

Sen. Susan Collins sends out a free Senior Source newsletter quarterly, via email and perhaps regular mail. She chairs the Senate Special Committee on Aging. The December issue covers the price increase (sometimes 90 percent) in prescription drugs and subsequent increases in their generic brands; a new Family Caregivers Act; and other important issues.

To get a copy of the newsletter, contact Senior_Source@collins.senate.gov.

To send an email message to the senator, go to her website, www.collins.senate.gov.

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.