Warm weather takes him to the Presidential mountain ranges, where he and a friend hike each year, and on an annual bike trip through various Maine regions. Though tiring, the bike trips still offer some of the perks of a more luxuriant vacation, Thorne says says. Patty Renaud, spokeswoman for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland Inc., says senior involvement in the organization is significant. Whether serving as office volunteers or banging nails on a house project, their role is valuable, Renaud says. They find it uplifting and energizing to be committed to a community,'' Renaud says.
Seniors also spend time working with the families preparing to move into their Habitat-built homes.
In addition, volunteers who travel from other areas to work in Portland often include seniors, Renaud says. Kristine Millard is a free-lance writer who lives in Portland.