I am long on information and short on space so let’s get to it.

For the fifth straight year, Meals for Me, a program of Eastern Agency on Aging, is taking the Feinstein Challenge.

Alan Shawn Feinstein, a millionaire from Cranston, R.I., donates $1 million dollars of his own money every year to nutrition programs across the country, his goal being to end hunger. And he challenges other people to donate their money to the cause as well.

The dollar amount that agencies receive from the Feinstein Foundation depends on how much money they raise in their communities. The more money we raise, the more we receive from Feinstein.

The challenge runs until April 30, and only money raised by that date may be counted in the report to Feinstein. If you would like to take the Feinstein Challenge with us, simply make out a check to Meals for Me Challenge and mail to Meals for Me, 450 Essex St., Bangor 04401, or deliver your donation to EAA or your local Meals for Me dining room.

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If you like people, are organized and are looking for a volunteer opportunity where you can really make a difference, I have good news. Eastern Agency on Aging needs a volunteer to coordinate the Matter of Balance program, which is “designed to reduce the fear of falling in seniors while increasing their activity levels,” said Roberta Macko, director of volunteer services at EAA. “This is a volunteer position which would require eight to 10 hours a week. But the rewards would be great in terms of helping older persons improve their quality of life.”

The volunteer coordinator would do just that – coordinate the volunteers who are specially trained as instructors in the Matter of Balance program, and coordinate sites where classes will be held. Other duties include monitoring classes occasionally and managing the program’s library of resources.

“This program acknowledges seniors’ fear of falling but uses practical, everyday solutions to help them overcome it,” said Macko. “Some of the aspects of the program are, along with increased activity, reducing risk factors and tripping hazards at home, ways to gain strength and viewing falls differently, as a controllable thing.”

The volunteer who takes on the coordinator role will see first hand how seniors who may have stopped some favorite activities due to their fears, come alive again and resume an active lifestyle.

Call EAA if you have would like to help. Some of the work may be done from home or may be split between a couple of friends volunteering together.

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The weather is getting better. Warmer days are the perfect time to get out of the house after being cooped up all winter and take a nice drive. Just make sure you are as safe as you can be.

Sylvia Smith, AARP Driver Safety Program instructor, is revved up and raring to go with her latest class, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, April 26-27, at Eastern Agency on Aging. Call us to register.

Classes are limited to about 25 participants and there is a $10 fee for materials including a user-friendly workbook. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate which will entitle them to a discount on their insurance rates.

The classes are fun, informative and a great way to cruise into spring.

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A very special thank you goes out the Central Maine Street Rods Club for their generous donation of beautiful and festive Easter baskets for some of Eastern Agency on Aging’s homebound clients. Their thoughtfulness is truly appreciated.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.