Hello Folks,
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.
 | A guest post by
|