Dear Readers,
Looking at all the public events available to us, not mentioning our own personal family reunions, day trips and other “must do” commitments, I am sure we will all have fond memories of this summer. Take time to savor each small delight.
Melinda Remington
Your Community Connector
August 2026/Events of Interest to Older Folks & their Families
Recurring Weekly or Monthly Events:
Western Maine Hikes for All Ages (Free walks and hikes throughout our region, for a variety of ability levels, ages, a different trail- 5 days a week) Updated schedule is posted each week on the Bethel Outing Club Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/betheloutingclub/ Also look there for any weather updates or cancellations. Davis Park, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 am. ‘Buck’s Ledge Trail for All ‘ Tuesdays ,9:00-10:00 am. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. MLT Valentine Farm Thursdays,1:00-2: 00pm.Look at the Garden!
Games On! Thursdays (August 6,13,20,27) 12:00-2:00 P.M. Whitman Memorial Library, 28 S. Main St., Bryant Pond (Free, All Ages, sponsored by AFCI & Library) A good time playing games, puzzles, conversations, snacks.
Coffee and Conversation Thursdays (August 6,13,20,27) 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 group offers coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation
Village Makers Tuesdays, (August 4,11,18,25)5:30-7:30 P.M. (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond
Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (August 4,11,18,25)
12:00-1:00 pm (Free, 50+, sponsored by the library)
Rosie’s Boots & Beats Line Dance Classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Tuesdays at the Bethel United Methodist Church Community Annex, Main St., Bethel, Thursdays at the Locke Mills Union Church, Rt 26, Locke Mills, (All ages, $5 cash per session)
July 2-August 29. ‘Connected by a Thread:250 Years of Stitching Community’, Quilt Exhibit. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 1:00-4:00 P.M. Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Moses Mason House Howe Exhibit Hall, 14 Broad St., Bethel. (All Ages, donations, members free.) Read more about this outstanding exhibit at Museums of the Bethel Historical Society https://bethelhistorical.org/exhibits
Gilead Historical Society Buildings Tours, each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm. Coffee and snacks available. (All Ages Donations welcome,). Rt 2, Gilead
Tech Help at Bethel Library 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm, (All Ages, Free)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 31-August 1, Friday and Saturday, Andover’s 45 th Annual Olde Home Days Theme: ‘A River Valley Playground’ For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/andoveroldehomedays/
Includes:
July 31 Friday, 4:30-6:30 pm Andover Summer Concert Series, Rain or shine at the Gazebo on the Common, intersection of RT 5&120, Andover Free, Donations accepted). This concert is part of Andover Old Home Days and features Brad Hooper performing 4:30-6:30 pm and James Rice performing 7:00-9:00 pm. (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted)
August 1, Saturday10:00 am Parade
August 1 Saturday 6:30-9:30 pm Town Dance at the Lone Mountain Riverfront Campground -SR1 Pavilion Performers are inductees into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, Preston and Curry (AllAges$5 per person)
August 6-9, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Bethel Rotary Yard Sale, Starts Thursday 12:00-5:00 pm (No Early Birds, please! Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm. Lawn outside the Gem Theater and Bethel Chamber of Commerce, Cross St., Bethel (furniture, housewares, toys, athletic equipment, and collectables) Proceeds fund local scholarships, programs
August 8, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)
August 8, Saturday,10:30 am Molly Ockett Day, Festivities, Music, Food, Bethel Common, Broad St., Organizer: Bethel Area Business Association- BABA
Parade starts at 10:30 am. Route: Railroad St., up Main St.to the Common
For Schedule of Events:
https://www.facebook.com/bethelareabusinessassociation/posts/molly-ockett-day-event-schedule-if-you-would-like-to-sign-up-for-any-eventscompe/122157103244466894/
August 11, 2nd Tuesday of month, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel. Bring a friend or the family to share a meal (All Ages, Free, Donations of non-perishable food or $)
Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities on the front lawn.
August12, 2nd Wednesday of month,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at The Square, South Paris (aka Market Square Restaurant, (Age 50+, individuals order from menu and pay)
August 13-16, Friday-Sunday Annual New England Trappers Weekend, 760 East Bethel Rd., Bethel. Hunting and trapping demos, gear vendors, live music, public auction and camping (All Ages, $10 per person admission fee at the gate, Camping available for a fee.)
August 15, Saturday,9:00am-2:00pm, Locke Mills Union Church Annual Craft and Yard Sale, 286 N. Main St, Locke Mills
August 16, Sunday, 5:00pm Mahoosuc Community Band at the Gazebo on the Bethel Common. Bring a lawn chair. (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted)
August 26, Last Wednesday of month,4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. Menu: BBQ Baked Chicken Legs, Potato Salad, Broccoli, Desserts and Drinks (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted) *Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available.
August 29, Last Saturday of month,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. (All Ages, Free, Donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills
August 29&30, Saturday 6:00-7:00 pm at Telstar HS, Sunday ,12:00-4:00 pm Annual Habitat for All Monarch Festival at the Mahoosuc Land Trust Valentine Farm Conservation Center, 162 North Rd., Bethel (All Ages, Free) Please note: Keynote Address ‘What We Have learned from the Garden’ by Mike and Barbara Murphy at Telstar High School Auditorium, August 29, Saturday, 6:00-7:00 pm, MLT Annual Meeting August 30, Sunday,11:00am and Monarch Festival August 30, Sunday, 12:00-4:00 pm
For more info and schedule of events:
https://www.mahoosuc.org/monarch-festival
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, a driver, or for other questions and concerns: 207-824-4444
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/
***UPDATE: We are excited to share that the AFCI monthly list of events will now be available on-line in the Western Maine Neighborhood News (WMNN) publication. Each week go to the AFCI news to read more about healthy aging in our communities.
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)
Email Community Connector : melindaremington@yahoo.com
If you have missed reading your neighborhood news that used to be in the Bethel Citizen, then send me your email address and the free subscription will be sent to your mail inbox weekly from WMNN. (on Thursdays)
Your same neighbors/writers are now writing for WMNN. They are not limited by column length and can submit numerous photos.
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 socially.
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)
Alexa Echo Dot and Smart Plugs assistive technology to enhance safety in the home
AFCI receives support from Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock
AFCI serves these 6 towns and the residents of Albany and Mason Townships
Board Members: President Julie Hart, Eileen Broderick, Katina Columbotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Amy George, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler
Community Connector: Melinda Remington
Email: melindaremington@yahoo.com
