Today is feeling very “Springish.” April Showers are promised for the next week. However, we need to keep a spring in our steps as there are many wonderful things to look forward to in the next few months. I love to get out in my yard to rake and add to my gardens. I just know we will have family and friend gatherings and want everything spiffed up and welcoming. I always feel a sense of accomplishment after all the hard work and then feel that I can relax and enjoy company. We have two children, 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Those visits are what I am particularly envisioning. What are some things you are planning and dreaming about participating in during the Spring and Summer? I find that being a grandparent or grandfriend is an especially fun and rewarding relationship.
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 3rd 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
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