Sometimes great things can come from a simple idea, which is how Boothbay Region High School science teacher Emily Higgins explained the origins of a new resource for grandparents.

"I noticed that some grandparents are involved in raising their grandchildren, some full time and some in multi-generational families," Higgins told the Register recently. "Different generations and different times of life can make raising a grandchild tricky," she added.

She wanted to offer a place where grandparents could come together to talk informally about the challenges of parenting a grandchild; the place would have useful information as well as the opportunity to network with others.

Higgins reached out to Bethany Schmidt, programs and technology manager at Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. The response was an enthusiastic "yes."  "Bethany is superb, an equal part of this," Higgins said.

Just that quickly, the group was created, becoming the only resource of its kind in the area where grandparents can gather informally to receive information and share experiences about the often rewarding but sometimes challenging job of raising your children's children.

The free group had its first official meeting Jan. 3 and meets at BHML on the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 7.

The group isn't limited to those who have grandchildren living with them; it includes extended family members who have an informal arrangement to help with grandchildren.

Anyone who acts in the role of a grandparent is also welcome and Higgins explained that the term for this is "fictive kin" which is defined in Maine law as those who are not related but have an "emotionally significant relationship" similar to family.

Higgins described the meetings as focusing on "connections and camaraderie," and useful information will be provided, too. At a previous meeting, attorney Bruce Harris spoke about legal issues including wills and legal guardianship for grandparents.  

Higgins sees future meetings offering help in a range of topics that address legal, educational and emotional issues that come with grandparenting; the group will meet monthly until June, take a break for a few months and then resume in October.

Free coffee and refreshments are provided by BHML and no reservations are required. Grandparents can drop in for a couple of minutes without having to stay for the entire meeting. For those with small grandchildren, free child care is provided.

Schmidt said BHML is looking forward to seeing the group grow. Those with questions can contact her at 633-3112.

"We also have parenting and grandparenting books and resources for free at the Library," she added, reminding grandparents there is a pre-K Story Time on Fridays and, starting in February, there will be an additional Story Time one Saturday each month.