The AARP Driver Safety Program has announced classes in Maine for drivers 50 years of age and older at the following locations: (See below list of dates and locations of classes in Maine).

Insurance companies in Maine are required by law to give discounts to drivers 55 years of age and older who complete this course at least once every three years. For more information visit the website at www.home.earthlink.net/~drivesafe-me/ .

The registration fee is $12 per person for AARP members, $14 per person for non-members, and advance registration is required. Class size is limited and registrations will be accepted first-come, first-served while space is available.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom refresher course designed to meet the safety needs of mature and experienced drivers. It is a four-hour class that helps drivers learn about defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws, rules of the road and much more. It helps older drivers learn how to adjust their driving to age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time.

Insurance companies in Maine are required by law to give discounts to drivers 55 years of age and older who complete this course at least once every three years.

Are you worried about getting your folks back from Florida, or concerned about navigating the airports when you travel by yourself?  Could you use an extra pair of hands traveling with your loved one?

Consider hiring a travel companion.  Travel companions offer services ranging from pick-up, delivery and check-in assistance to actually traveling with you or your loved one and ensuring a smooth flight and a safe and secure arrival at the final destination. Other services might range from someone willing to drive your car back while you fly home, to RN-level assistance.

One example of a travel companion is Sonja Burns of Warrenm, who has started Air Companions ,  a service to offer assistance to travelers who shouldn’t – or don’t want to – travel solo. She’ll travel with the elderly, the disabled or impaired, people with a fear of flying, or those needing limited medical attention. She provides escort service to the final destination, helps with airport check-in and luggage, and assists with connecting flights. Since Sonja is an LPN and a direct support professional, she’s comfortable overseeing dietary and medical needs. And of course she’d handle any travel changes that are necessary if flights are delayed or canceled.

As our Snow Birds fly back south and we enter the travel season associated with changing residences and holiday visits, it’s good to have travel options. Consider a travel companion if it makes the journey easier, safer or more enjoyable.