Where do you want to live when you retire?

Pete and Charlene Rockett asked themselves that question 10 years ago.

They were tired of New Jersey winters at their home in Livingston, a growing town of 29,000 people.

They tried Florida but it was too hot and humid.

They tried Myrtle Beach but it was in Hurricane Alley and seemed limited to fishing and golf.

Then they discovered Lexington, a fast-growing town somewhat smaller than Livingston but 15 miles from the state capital and with a good quality of life.

They have bought a home here and want to become involved in the community.

That brought them to last week’s On the Table community discussion at the Lexington Library.

The library plans to conduct these community sessions here annually.

On the Table’s goal is to bring people together to discuss the future, solve problems and inspire action.

On the Table is hosted by Central Carolina Community Foundation with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Local residents, non-profits, places of worship, businesses and others are invited to participate.

More than 20 people gathered at the library to talk last week about whatever was on their minds.

The hot topic? Traffic congestion, over-burdened roads and need for public transportation.

Possible solutions: Buses, jitneys, light rail, Uber or Lyft driving services, a bypass around congested areas, wider roads and paving dirt roads.

“There are more unpaved than paved roads in the county,” someone said.

Other topics concerned meeting the needs of a growing, aging population, safe places to go and things to do for young people, rising health care costs and services for crime victims.

Suggestions for future discussions included:

• Participation by elected officials and their staffs.

• Evening sessions to allow wider participation.

After each conversation, participants were encouraged to complete a brief online survey.

Survey results will be compiled and the Community Foundation will release a report to the public. The results also will be shared with community leaders.

Central Carolina Community Foundation encourages other organizations to become involved with the annual On the Table.

They will provide hosting tips and suggested discussion questions.

For more information, go to www.onthetablecola.orgor call 803-254-5601.