Sounds to me like a golden opprtunity - a town without a folk club. All those people waiting for you to start one up so they have somewhere to go and sing. That's your best bet, and don't worry if its not an immediate success - you will learn as you go along and meet loads of interesting people..

I'm not too sure about singing for old folks. you really need to know what you're doing, if you don't want to end up slashing your wrists. Old folks don't mince their words when you're boring them. And they need to know ALL the songs you are about to honour them with. Gig for the professionals really - semi pros can't be bothered to learn that many old songs.

And as for hospitals - well they're the same folks who listen to Snoop Doggy Dog - only they're ill.

Schools are a better idea. You will be something new for the kids to look at. and something new for the teacher to talk about when you're gone. Make sure you know some songs that the kids are likely to know. Contrary to popular belief amongst folksingers and singer songwriters - people really do need one or two familiar items in a program - sustained concentration is for the experienced listener.
Always leave a picture behind , so they can draw you.

And finally remember theres only two kinds of people - those who have the bottle to get up and perform, and those who criticise.
the second one is the softer option, but its basically for degenerates.

all the best
big al whittle