Hello Folks,
It has been such a busy summer! Acting as your AFCI Community Connector I attend many community-wide events and small group gatherings. Sometimes I might visit one individual at a time. One of my missions is to become more aware of how local older citizens are faring and offer information and access to beneficial programs and services. I learn about many age-related concerns and supports by attending zoom meetings that feature agency specialists in many fields. These, along with Lifelong Maine publications and on-line courses, are very informative and provide answers to many questions you and I have. Besides this weekly column, the monthly “Events of Interest” handout (includes 2 back pages about AFCI services and contact info), the AFCI website, and Facebook are the main places to keep you informed. I do hope you use these to stay up to date.
While I love this area and would not trade it for any other place it is almost always beneficial to visit other places—a chance to move out of our comfort zones and see how others live and think. Often referred to as “culture.” My husband and I moved back to his hometown of Bethel in 1974 to raise our children. And what a wonderful place for a young family to find a great supportive community in which to thrive. As much as I love it here, I am always open to getting away.
Recently I was offered an unexpected opportunity to go with friends to Monhegan Island for a few days. The one hour ferry ride out of Port Clyde was the first step to relaxing; the briny sea air, cries of seagulls, vista of sea, sky, and islands transported us to a slower rhythm.
What a joy to spend time with friends, visiting art galleries, walking the woods and shoreline, eating fresh fish at the “Fish Shack,” preparing and sharing meals together, laughing and playing cards at night.
Not to mention the back deck of the rented old farmhouse where we sat to watch many birds across a wide expanse of meadow, the lighthouse sitting high on a hill. From the front we had a view of a small sand beach, boats bobbing on the water, and a near island.
