Can you name a program that was pioneered right here on the Lower Shore, that has been duplicated throughout the country, that improves the lives of countless people, and that saves taxpayers a significant amount of money?

The answer is MAC, Inc. MAC, by the way, stands for Maintenance of the Aged in the Community. People also refer to it as the Area Agency on Aging.

Today, throughout the United States, we take it for granted that there are area-wide coordinated efforts to serve the elderly. But before 1972, this wasn't the case.

Back then a group of far-sighted and caring people realized that too many of the elderly were being shunted off to nursing homes when, with a little assistance, they could still live at home. Helping the elderly live at home seemed like the right thing to do on several counts.

On the human side, most elderly people are happier when they can maintain their independence, and when they can live in familiar surroundings. On the economic side, the cost of making this possible is often vastly less expensive than nursing home care.

As an example of the economics, take the case of an elderly housebound person who is too frail to cook. With home-delivered meals that person could keep on living at home.

What are the costs of home-delivered meals versus nursing home care? Using today's prices, a month of Meals on Wheels is $150. A month in a nursing home is $4000.

The men and women who pioneered the MAC concept would be proud if they could see what became of their idea. Today, the idea has not only spread throughout the country, it's also grown in the range of services it provides.

In our Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester area, Peggy Bradford, who heads MAC and who's worked there for 22 years, supervises a staff of 26, along with many hundreds of volunteers.

If you were to visit her at the MAC center at 1504 Riverside Drive in Salisbury, she'd probably begin your tour with a visit to a program called Riverside Place.

Riverside Place provides respite care for people with memory impairment. Three days a week, their families or care givers can bring them there for a safe and enjoyable day filled with activities.

The room is bright with silk flowers and drawings. However, one thing you might notice right off is that once you're in the room, you don't see any doors. They're disguised behind paintings or posters. Memory-impaired individuals sometimes wander off, so not having obvious doors is a sensible safety precaution.

Other programs that Bradford would talk about include the cooperative effort with the Maryland Food Bank to provide a Food Pantry for the Elderly. There's also a program to provide transportation to senior centers, doctor's offices, and other facilities important for independent living.

MAC coordinates more than 20 other programs that help the elderly. If you're looking for a rewarding volunteer experience, Bradford invites you to be part of their Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

If you join RSVP, Bradford and her staff will try to see that your assignment is enjoyable and fulfilling. Some of the volunteers visit people in nursing homes. Others mentor and teach school children.

Still others teach computer skills. One of the volunteers gives manicures to some of the MAC clients.

To volunteer or to make a donation, or for further information, contact MAC, Inc. at 410-742-0505.

Bradford's wish list includes: :

· Money
· Canned goods
· Arts and crafts supplies such as paints, brushes, crayons, clay, and fabric
· Computers with Windows 95 or higher
· Sheets, blankets, towels
· A passenger van

Caption for photograph: Becky Delfonso, Renée Parisano, unload 300 pounds of canned goods collected by the Communications Workers of America. Peggy Bradford and Larry Robinson from MAC, Inc. lend a hand.