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.
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 21st 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.)
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