Damariscotta’s Inn Along the Way has been quietly developing a collaborative community of people interested in interdependent living for older adults, for travelers and respite care for caregivers and for those for whom they are caring. The first guest rooms for residents are to be available later this year, and the upgrading of the old Chapman Farm is underway.
The Inn Along the Way in Damariscotta plans to host conversation circles this summer. Contributed photo
This summer, as part of its emerging project, Inn Along the Way is undertaking a free community initiative, a series of conversations on challenging topics. The gatherings are to take place on Sunday afternoons at the barn on the inn’s Chapman Farm Campus, 741 Main St.
The conversation circles will include a facilitator or a group of panelists addressing a different theme on the last Sunday of the month. The range of topics is broad, from “Grieving Losses Other Than Death” to attitudes toward aging, including in Wabanaki culture.
The first session, scheduled for 3 p.m. June 27, will focus on “Transitions in Life” — with children, graduation, moving, a loss, retirement, aging, and the four seasons, led by Jody Telfair. There will also be the opportunity to continue the day’s conversations in greater depth with light refreshments as the day’s program draw to a close.
Follow-on dates for the conversation circles are July 25, “Losses Other Than Death,” and Aug. 29, “Aging in Different Cultures,” with other topics to follow in subsequent months.
A family day is also scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, outdoors on the Chapman Farm Campus. Each session will comply with Maine CDC recommendations for COVID-19 safety as the guidelines change from month to month.
Each program is meant to provoke interesting conversations among the diversity of attendees and not follow the model of an expert lecturing to a passive audience. These are grassroots conversations on topics that can entertain, challenge and educate.
The Inn Along the Way is incorporated as a nonprofit and in time will maintain hospitality cottages, housing for independent living, a farm stand, tea room and cafe, guest rooms and a small inn, all at 741 Main St. The inn’s mission is to create a collaborative community offering older adults — and those seeking temporary relief from the responsibilities of caregiving — an environment of support, purpose, and sustainability in a multigenerational and mutually-interdependent setting.
For more information about the Inn Along the Way, including volunteer opportunities, contact President of the Board Sherry Flint at 207-751-6261 or sherry@innalongtheway.org. Online donations can be made at innalongtheway.org/contribute or mail a check to IAW, P.O. Box 1133, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Donations will be matched by an anonymous donor.
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