This question prompted me to write:

“It takes a village” is more than a well-known phrase meant to inspire people to nurture the youngest in our midst. For me, it translates to taking care of the physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being of all our citizens, of all ages. Those few simple words urge us to action. Your Bethel Area Age-Friendly Initiative (AFCI) is in motion, taking actions daily, to improve our communities as we focus on serving our older population.

I often think of past generations and our present older folks. While some of us may harbor negative feelings from past experiences and relationships, I think everyone can recall at least one grandparent, parent, teacher, or “auntie” of whom they have fond memories. We benefited from their care as they dedicated themselves to us and our families, nurturing us through childhood and, often, far into adulthood. I reflect about these folks, the challenges they faced and overcame, sometimes against unimaginable odds. Surely their griefs and successes paved the way to now possessing the wisdom we seek. They are the keepers of tradition, advisors and mentors who teach younger generations. They certainly deserve our respect and care.

Yes, older folks move slower; sight and hearing may have diminished. Memory lapses are common. Frustration and worry over illnesses, injuries might show itself with impatience and irritability. Grief in the loss of a life partner manifests as withdrawal and depression. Not to mention the challenges of downsizing, living on a fixed income, forced driving cessation and the ever-changing technology. Phew! However, I remind myself that there is still a young man or woman living in that aging body. Hopes, dreams, and personal goals may have changed, but just as in youth, aspirations motivate people to fully engage, as much as possible, in life.

“Old Age is Not for Sissies” was printed on a plaque I would read when I was a young woman. I had no idea just what that meant. Now that I am in my mid-70s, I better understand the truth in that pithy statement.

I would encourage readers to look at their older neighbors differently. Get to know them. Help to break down stereotypes that plague our society. Do as I have tried to do, break old habits. I started with myself, learning about ageism. Ageism is so ingrained and accepted in our daily lives that someone must consciously strive to eliminate it. I try to be aware when my speech or attitude is detrimental to myself and my peers.

Get involved with AFCI. Volunteer. Would you like to be a volunteer driver; take someone to a doctor’s appointment, grocery store, library, hair appointment? You can sign up for either an occasional or regularly scheduled task. Or for just one function or event. We can help you find a “good fit.”

Be a part of “the village.” You are needed, welcomed and encouraged to make a difference, either through AFCI or independently. Spread good cheer and care. Show others by your example. Call an older person for a quick chat, stop in with a baked good or simple meal. Or sit and just listen. Offer to clear snow from steps. Local music programs and historical societies have free presentations; offer to take someone. The local movie theater has a great variety of movies, some matinees offering subtitles and lower volume. Be creative.

It Takes a Village!

Melinda Remington, wearing her “Melinda Hat,” will be greeting walkers each Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for an amble around this beautiful trail. People can drive up the road from the main parking lot and park in an upper parking lot. There are also two handicapped parking spaces at the outlook.

Hope to see some of your there next Tuesday morning!

Melinda Remington, wearing her “Melinda Hat,” will be greeting walkers each Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for an amble around this beautiful trail. People can drive up the road from the main parking lot and park in an upper parking lot. There are also two handicapped parking spaces at the outlook.

Hope to see some of your there next Tuesday morning!

MAY 2026 / Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families

Reminder: This season’s last session for Walk the Gym is Thursday April 30^th 1:00-2:00 P.M. Gould Academy Fieldhouse, (Free, Age 60+, sponsored by AFCI & Gould)

Games On! Thursdays (May 7,14,21,28) 12:00-2:00 P.M. Whitman Memorial Library, 28 S. Main St., Bryant Pond (Free, Age 60+, sponsored by AFCI & Library) Come and have a good time playing games, connecting puzzles, or just enjoy conversation and a snack.

Coffee and Conversation Thursdays (May 7,14,21,28) 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26, (Free, All Ages, sponsored by the church) Welcoming, supportive group, drop in for coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation.

Yarn Hub Tuesdays, 10:00A.M.-12:00 P.M., (May 5,12,19,26) Bethel Library (Free, All Ages) Bring your Knitting and crochet projects or just drop in to learn more about getting started. This creative and friendly group will assist you. Donated needles, hooks and yarns are available at no cost.

Village Makers Tuesdays, (May 5,12,19,26)5:30-7:30 P.M. (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Bring a friend. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond

Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (May 5,12,19,26) 12:00-1:00 P.M. (Free, 50+)

Tech Help at Bethel Library, May 4, 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00A.M.-1:00 P.M. (Free, All Ages)

May 2, Annual Green-Up Day Saturday, 9-11:30 Sponsored by Area Conservation Commissions. Bethel meet at Davis Park, Newry at Newry Town Office, Greenwood at Greenwood Town Office and Woodstock at the Bryant Pond Ballfield. (Clean-up materials and lunch provided.)

May 2, Jane’s Walk, Saturday, at Noon “Along the Andro: History and Habitat in Our Community.” Meet at Davis Park, Bethel with Will Chapman of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and an ecologist from the Mahoosuc Land Trust to explore the history and ecology of the Androscoggin River, including indigenous people, the importance of the river to agriculture and early industries, the pollution of the river and subsequent efforts to clean it up, river ferries, bridges, floods, and the flora and fauna of the riverside. This program is part of Jane’s Walk, a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks combine the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement.

May 10, The Mahoosuc Community Band Spring Concert, Sunday ,4:00 p.m. at Gould Academy’s Bingham Auditorium, Bethel. Ed Ryan is conducting the band, consisting of adults and Gould students. The concert is full of familiar favorites. Donations are welcome at the door to defray the cost of music.

May 12, Tuesday, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St. Bring a friend or the whole family. (Free, All Ages, Donation to Food Pantry welcomed)

May 13, Wednesday,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch Methodist Church, 75 Main St. Bethel. Delicious Meal prepared by Debbie St. Pierre. Program is ‘Meet and Greet of Newest Club Members’ (Meal $15 or donation, Annual Club Membership $10, Age50+)

May 17, Maine Country Music Hall of Fame 49^th Induction Ceremony and Show, Sunday, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Silver Spur in Mechanic Falls: Per Hanson and Robin Right will be inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame. Listen to a great variety of country music artists and bands! All Ages. Entry Fee charged. Food concession available.

May 19, Food is Medicine Program (This is a rescheduled start date.) Yearlong program starts April 21^st 12:00-1:00 P.M. Meets weekly at the same time and location for 4 months and then 2 X a month for the rest of the year. Support and activities for people at risk for Type-2 Diabetes and who have limited access to affordable, healthy foods (Free, All Ages) United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel. For more information contact: allison.kelly@mainehealth.org

May 27,4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Wednesday Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. (Free, All Ages, Donations) *Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available

May 30, Saturday 6:00-8: 00, The Fossils/ Music and Dance This is a fun intergenerational, 50’s-90’s rewind of your favorite songs. Local musicians and vocalists lead us down memory lane as we groove to the music. (Free, All Ages, donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills

___________________________________________________________________

Reminder: AFCI’s Neighbor2Neighbor volunteer program offers free rides within 30-mile radius of Bethel (ages 60+). We are always looking for volunteer drivers. Would you like to help your neighbors? This is an enjoyable service and a great way to meet folks. Call and leave a message to apply as a rider or a driver: 207-824-4444

***UPDATE: We are excited to share that the AFCI monthly list of events will now be available online in the Western Maine Neighborhood News (WMNN) publication. You may opt to buy a full subscription to receive news from all 7 area towns. However, you also have the option of receiving half the publication each week for free. (3 towns one week, 4 towns the next week)

Contact me at melindaremington@yahoo.com

What is the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI)???

AFCI is a non-profit that helps local older adults remain in their homes as they age. Programs help older citizens (age 60+) to thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.

FREE PROGRAMS_

Neighbor2Neighbor Rides (N2N rides within 30 miles of Bethel for medical, shopping, social engagements)

HandyNeighbor (Spring and Fall yard & garden chores completed by high school students & supervisors)

Walk the Gym (November through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays ,1:00-2:00 P.M at Gould Academy)

‘Games-On’ (Thursdays, Noon -2:00P.M., at Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond (Fun social time.)

Home Safety Assessment by certified O.T. (Personal safety & fall prevention)

Used Medical Equipment Lending Closet (Donations accepted. Canes, Walkers etc. (For All Ages.)

AFCI is supported by 6 towns: Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock

Board Members: President Julie Hart, Eileen Broderick, Katina Columbotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Wendy Hanscom, Tim LeConey, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler,

Community Connector, Melinda

Email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com

For current information visit our Facebook Page. Please click Favorites at the top of our page, comment or message us at: www.facebook.com/agefriendlybethel/

Western Maine Hikes for All Ages

Announcing Western Maine Hikes for All Ages, a new collaboration of several individuals from the region!

This intergenerational program is designed to encourage and support people to get outside and walk or hike on a regular basis.

There is a variety of times, locations, and skill levels offered Monday through Friday. We are looking for more volunteers to be Greeters for a walk/hike.

Note: Be prepared for walking/hiking conditions, including appropriate footwear, clothing, water, and a snack. Participants knowingly assume risks, both known and unknown, associated with hiking.

The schedule will be posted on The Bethel Outing Club (BOC) and Bethel Fun for Kids Facebook Pages.

(The BOC FB page will be the first place people should check for any updates and changes.)

I hope you have been enjoying the brighter days of some sunshine. As I mentioned last week, I love having my yard and gardens prepped so that I can relax and enjoy them through the summer and fall. I know many of you feel the same way; dreaming of the beauty and enjoyment of these milder seasons after this past long, cold winter.

I have been trying to get out and rake leaves. Even in the middle of some recent snow flurries! Loading the wheelbarrow and dumping the leaves in the woods involves lot of bending and stretching. Great exercise, but I will admit, I am feeling a little lame.

We have a big yard, and at 74 years old, I am pleased that I can still do these chores. However, I remind myself often that I might eventually need the help of our Handy Neighbor Program that I wrote about last week.

If you feel the burden of not being able to tackle some yard work, please consider asking for help. The students at Telstar team up with adult volunteers and spread out to our area towns to do the work for you. They are amazing willing workers and accomplish so much in two days. (Of course, we all remember when being outside with our friends was better than sitting in a classroom.)

Each day, AFCI is pleased to show appreciation to all these hard workers. Pizza, snacks and a BIG THANKS greet them when they return to school. They look tired, maybe a little dirty, but with wide smiles because they know they have accomplished so much for area folks.

Importantly, this Students’ Days of Service allows teens to earn school credits while also serving and getting to know their neighbors. Sometime the residents like to work alongside the students and volunteers.

This is a free service. You must contact me at melindaremington@yahoo.com or call the AFCI telephone 207-824-4444 in advance. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and your request. Someone will return your call. Do not delay in calling as the workdays are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, May 7 and 8. It takes a lot of work to coordinate this program. The sooner you call, the better.

Speaking of Tools and Help for our older citizens…...

I wanted to share with you that our Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI) is offering free technical tools that can assist you in everyday tasks. As the AFCI Community Connector, one of my goals in writing this column is to keep you informed of opportunities that can help you age in place, living comfortably in your own home, near family and friends. The University of Maine Center on Aging/Lifelong Maine provides Alexa-Echo-Dots and Smart Plugs, technological assistive devices for our older citizens. This outstanding U of M department, along with our local AFCI board, supports my work as the Community Connector.

Alexa-Echo-Dot and Smart Plugs are like having a virtual assistant to make life easier, safer and more enjoyable for you. A knowledgeable volunteer will set up the devices in your home.

You probably have already heard of, or used, the popular Alexa. With Alexa Dot you can easily speak to Alexa to call non-emergency medical services and offices, family members, and friends. You can request weather details or listen to your favorite music or literature. Or if you are feeling a little lonely, you can ask questions and start a conversation. The Echo Dot can also be programmed with a regular daily routine with reminders to take medications, attend appointments, add to your grocery shopping list.

Make sure to watch the video (link below) of how residents of Saco, Maine are helped by using their Alexa Echo Dot and Smart Plug.

The Smart Plug is placed in a regular outlet and programmed with the Alexa-Echo-Dot to turn on and off a light. You just speak to Alexa. ” Please turn on the light.” For example, if you must walk across a dark room to switch on your bedside light, asking Alexa to turn the light on first can help to prevent a fall. A simple solution to stay safe.

To request a free installation of this assistive technology for yourself, an older friend or relative, please reach out to me. melindaremington@yahoo.com

The person will need:

• Internet access

• Amazon account (and password). This will be done at time of installation, if needed.

• Alexa App--which is free on iOS and Android devices.

• Smart Phone or Notebook

Please watch this video produced by the Saco, Maine age friendly organization. Click here to watch the video (with the waking up or going to bed routines).

In recent years Age-Friendly Saco has distributed several hundred Alexa-Echo-Dots and Smart Plugs to older folks to help them stay safe, socially connected, and healthy.

I hope this column is helpful to you and your families. I will feature current information about our free local AFCI services.

Also, articles and information from Lifelong Maine. You will find many of the activities and supports available throughout our state very interesting. The monthly Lifelong Maine publication provides many human-interest stories; featuring examples of what age-friendly organizations are accomplishing. You will be delighted to learn that Maine is a leading model of how communities can provide support and help for their older citizens to thrive.

The Bethel AFCI Community Connector work was highlighted in the December 2025 edition—click here to read the article.

As I sit writing today and see the puddles of water, I am reminded that it was just last year when many of us experienced the effects of the drought in our area. At my home in Bethel we have a dug well and were forced to be mindful of taking short showers and limiting our clothes washing to one load a day. By the end of July, I had to give up on watering my lovely gardens. I had enough water stored in rain barrels to pour on the saddest of my plants. But alas, even that ran out. Poor plants, I felt very badly seeing how thirsty they were. Being a baby boomer, we may have had an abundance of resources and opportunities while growing up. But our parents and grandparents often reminded us that they lived through the depression and/or war years. They continued to demonstrate by example and to teach us how to be resourceful. (Just in case the need arose.) Some people call it “Yankee ingenuity” but I think it is practiced throughout the world. I try to apply these thrifty principles but am not always successful. Can you think of a few specific ways you practice resourcefulness that are unique to your family or living situation? So, while I am careful with my resources, I feel that I live each day with abundance. I hope you all experience the same, even if in different ways than me. I am very thankful for this sense of having plenty, and the life skills and values taught by my parents and grandparents.

Speaking of abundance, today 4/15/26 is the last day of our “Soup’s On for Seniors.”

This FREE lunch-time meal is held the 3^rd Wednesday of the month, November-April. Bonnie Pooley, a driving force in the Bethel Food Connection group, was inspired to collaborate with Linda Howe, a lay leader at the Bethel Methodist Church. The vision: seniors gathering for hearty, nutritious soups and breads while sharing conversations around long tables. Provide support to older people during the long and often dreary, isolating months of the winter.

What could be better than a shared meal, including hot drinks and desserts? It gets even better! Old acquaintances and friendships are renewed while new ones are forged. Locals and visitors are equally welcomed. Our community is strengthened—physically, mentally and socially. Just one example of “it takes a village” as all the food is donated by volunteer cooks. And we have the best cooks in Western Maine living amongst us! Thank you to the many volunteers and supporters. We see you!

Another demonstration of living in an age-friendly community is the upcoming AFCI Handy Neighbors program. Many of you have already benefited from this collaboration with SAD 44, the Northstar program, and AFCI. Telstar High School students and adult volunteers provide FREE yard clean up: leaf raking, removal of debris, stacking wood. Chores that are too much for us to handle alone. Each Fall and Spring students earn service credits while also getting to know their neighbors. To request this service please call the AFCI number 207-824-4444 and leave your name, telephone number, and request. Someone will return your call. The work dates are May 7 and 8, Thursday and Friday.

I hope everyone has a good week. Please contact me if you have any age-friendly news or comments.

Melinda Remington, AFCI Community connector

melindaremington@yahoo.com

We certainly appreciate Gould Academy for the use of the gym. Staying active and fit, getting outside for that needed fresh air and sunshine, is a challenge right now. But we need to stay optimistic as we know better weather is coming soon.

Many people who walk the gym have expressed a desire to keep the momentum going. They especially like staying fit and socializing at the same time. All are eager to be outside in our beautiful natural setting. I imagine many of you readers feel the same way!

If you do enjoy walking and being outside, please know that AFCI is partnering with other groups and making plans so that walking and hiking can be a regular feature of your healthy living. The planning committee’s consensus is that opportunities to walk or hike together should be intergenerational and accessible to all abilities. The details are being hammered out and there will be specific news in the next few weeks. If you would like to be involved or volunteer your services, we welcome your input.

Please email me at: melindaremington@yahoo.com

AFCI serves folks 60+. However, when we partner with other community groups, we can offer services to all ages. One of our newest partnerships is with the Bethel Rotary Club. Together, we maintain a Free Medical Equipment Lending Closet.

If you have an upcoming surgery or an unexpected medical need we offer crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, bath/shower stools etc. Call the AFCI telephone number: 207-824-4444.

Leave your name and a message. Someone will return your call and work with you to provide the equipment.

I hope everyone has a good week. Please look at the Schedule of Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families which was provided in last week’s edition of Western Maine Neighborhood News. If you would like a copy of that schedule, I would be pleased to send you one. melindaremington@yahoo.com

AFCI is a non-profit that helps local older adults remain in their homes as they age. Programs help older citizens (age 60+) to thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.

A BIG Thank You to our volunteers for donating their time & resources.

FREE PROGRAMS

Neighbor2Neighbor Rides (N2N rides within 30 miles of Bethel for medical, shopping, social engagements)

HandyNeighbor (Spring and Fall yard & garden chores completed by high school students & supervisors)

Walk the Gym (November through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays ,1:00-2:00 P.M at Gould Academy)

‘Games-On’ (Thursdays, Noon -2:00P.M., at Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond (Fun social time.)

Home Safety Assessment by certified O.T. (Personal safety & Fall prevention

Used Medical Equipment Lending Closet (Donations accepted. Canes, Walkers etc. (For All Ages.)

AFCI is supported by 6 towns: Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock

Board Members: President Julie Hart, Eileen Broderick, Katina Colombotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Wendy Hanscom, Tim LeConey, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler

Community Connector: Melinda Remington

For more information, to request a ride, or to volunteer call:

207-824-4444

Email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com

For current information visit our Facebook Page. Please click Favorites at the top of our page, comment or message us at: www.facebook.com/agefriendlybethel/

April 2026 / Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families

Walk the Gym. Tuesdays and Thursdays thru April. (April 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30)1:00-2:00 P.M. Gould Academy Fieldhouse, (Free, Age 60+, sponsored by AFCI & Gould)

Games On! Thursdays (April 2,9,16,23,30) 12:00-2:00 P.M. Whitman Memorial Library, 28 S. Main St., Bryant Pond (Free, Age 60+, sponsored by AFCI & Library) Come and have a good time playing games, connecting puzzles, or just enjoy conversation and a snack.

Coffee and Conversation Thursdays (April 2,9,16,23,30) 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26, (Free, All Ages, sponsored by the church) Welcoming, supportive group, drop in for coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation.

Yarn Hub Tuesdays, 10:00A.M.-12:00 P.M., (April 7,14,21,28) Bethel Library (Free, All Ages) Bring your Knitting and crochet projects or just drop in to learn more about getting started. This creative and friendly group will assist you. Donated needles, hooks and yarns are available at no cost.

Village Makers Tuesdays, (April 7,14,21,28)5:30-7:30 P.M. (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Bring a friend. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond

Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (April 7,14,21,28)12:00-1:00 P.M. (Free, 50+)

Tech Help at Bethel Library, April6th, 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00A.M.-1:00 P.M. (Free, All Ages)

Food is Medicine Program Yearlong program starts April 21^st 12:00-1:00 P.M. Meets weekly at the same time and location for 4 months and then 2 X a month for the rest of the year. Support and activities for people at risk for Type 2 Diabetes and who have limited access to affordable, healthy foods (Free, All Ages) United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel. For more information contact: allison.kelly@mainehealth.org

April 8, Wednesday,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch Methodist Church, 75 Main St. Bethel. Delicious Meal prepared and served by students of Region 9 Culinary Arts Program, Speaker is Lyndsey Smith /Director of Northstar Mentoring Program. Sign-Up available for Spring Yard Clean-up (Meal $15, Annual Club Membership $10, Age50+)

April 9, Thursday, 4:00-5:30 P.M. ‘To Your Health’ Meditation and Music Interactive program featuring Mindfulness Meditation by Will Chapman and Ukelele Sing-Along by OHUG/ the Oxford Hill Ukelele Group. West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church St. Bethel (Free, All Ages, Sponsored by SAD44 Adult Ed, Western Mountain Senior College, and Bethel Family Health Center)

April 14, Tuesday, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St. Bring a friend or the whole family. (Free, All Ages, Donation to Food Pantry welcomed)

April 15, Wednesday, 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Soups On- for Seniors! Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel (Free, Age 60+, Donations accepted,) Volunteer cooks provide a variety of delicious and hearty soups, breads and desserts. Bring a friend or make new friends.

April 25, Saturday, 9:00A.M.-12:00P.M. Smile Fund Indoor Yard Sale. Proceeds support the Smile Fund which has provided over 108 dentures to local folks. Donations for the Smile Fund may be brought to the basement of the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel between Friday, April 17 and Thursday, April 23. Accepting donations: toys, tools, books, knick-knacks, housewares, and gardening supplies. Please don’t bring: jewelry, clothing, shoes, electronics or stuffed animals. Thank you!

April 25, Saturday 6:00-8:00, The Fossils/ Music and Dance. This is a fun intergenerational, 50’s-90’s rewind of your favorite songs. Local musicians and vocalists lead us down memory lane as we groove to the music. (Free, All Ages, donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills

April 29, Wednesday, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. (Free, All Ages, Donations) *Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available

Reminder: AFCI’s Neighbor2Neighbor volunteer program offers free rides within 30-mile radius of Bethel (ages 60+). We are always looking for volunteer drivers. Would you like to help your neighbors? This is an enjoyable service and a great way to meet folks. Call and leave a message to apply as a rider or a driver: 207-824-4444

More AFCI News:

The Whitman Memorial Library recently made a generous donation to support the efforts of the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Initiative (AFCI) . We are very honored to partner with this wonderful library in serving the needs of the greater community.

The library graciously hosts a game time for older folks each Thursday afternoon 12:00-2:00 P.M. We play a variety of card and board games along with dominoes and puzzles. You will hear much laughter and gentle teasing as we learn new skills and strategies from each other. Everyone is a winner at Games on! (This is a free program and light snacks are provided.)