July 2026 Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families
Dear Readers,
Please consider joining in on any of these events and activities. Bring a friend or family member.
If you have any questions or suggestions please reach out to me at melindaremington@yahoo.com
Also, you may have a poem, story or pic you might like to share in this column.
Recurring Weekly or Monthly Events:
Western Maine Hikes for All Ages (walks and hikes throughout our region, for a variety of ability levels, ages, a different trail 5 days a week) An 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 walk is on Mondays 9:30-10:30 am.
Buck’s Ledge ‘Trail for All’ walk is Tuesdays 9:00-10:00 am. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. Valentine Park is an easy walk and is on Thursday afternoons 1:00-2:00pm. Be sure to check out the gardens!!! (Free, All ages)
Games On! Thursdays (July 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) A good time playing games, puzzles, conversations, snacks.
Coffee and Conversation, Thursdays (July2,9,16,23,30) 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 group, coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation
Village Makers Tuesdays (July 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. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond
Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (July 7,14,21,28)12:00-1:00 P.M. (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 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. (Donations welcome, All Ages). Rt 2, Gilead
Tech Help at Bethel Library 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm, (Free, All Ages)
July 7, Music Without Borders, International Piano Festival, 20th season. Opening recital is Tuesday July 7th, 7:00 P.M. Recitals are held every Tues., Wed., Fri., and Sat. July 7th through July 25 (Free) Performed in air-conditioned the McLaughlin Science Center Auditorium on the Gould Academy campus.
Public recitals of classical music spanning more than two centuries, performed by some of the most promising young pianists from U.S. and around the world. Instructed by distinguished pianist and master teacher, Tamara Poddubnaya. Free. No reservations needed, but seating is limited.
July 8, 2nd Wednesday of month,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at Morning Glory Farm 343 Flat Rd., W. Bethel. (Age 50+) Pizza, cake & ice cream, lemonade provided courtesy of the farm and club. Speaker is Will Chapman, Executive Director, Museums of the BHS.
Please Bring Lawn Chairs!!!!
July 10, Friday, 6:00-8:00pm Andover Summer Concert Series, featuring Barney Martin, popular master of fun sing-a-longs. Rain or shine in the Andover Congregational Church at intersection of RT 5&120, Andover (All Ages, Free, Donations accepted)
July 13, Monday, 1:30-3: 30P.M. Sharing Our Memories of Bryant Pond, Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond. Bring your pictures and stories as we have fun reminiscing about people, places and events. (All ages, free)
July 14, 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. Menu: ‘Burgers & Dogs’ and desserts (Free, donation to Food Pantry, All Ages)
Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities on the front lawn.
July 15, Public Spaghetti Supper, 4:30-6:30 Locke Mills Union Church, 286 Main St., (Rt 26) Greenwood. (All ages, Donations appreciated)
July 18, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and yard sale at Methodist Church Lawn, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)
July 25, 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. (Free, All Ages, donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills
July 29, Last Wednesday of month, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. (Free, All Ages, Donations) Menu: Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole, Garlic Bread, Green Tossed salad, Drinks & Desserts*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
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 Colombotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Amy George, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler
Community Connector: Melinda Remington
Email: melindaremington@yahoo.com
For more information call 207-824-4444.Leave name, phone number and a message. Someone will return your call.
Bethel Senior Citizens Club
More than 30 members of the Bethel Senior Citizens Club were hosted at their monthly meeting by the Morning Glory Farm in West Bethel.
After the meeting, and presentation of upcoming programs of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society by Will Chapman, we enjoyed a variety of freshly cooked pizzas.
This was followed by singing, birthday wishes, and ice cream and cake.
Many folks won raffled items. Thank you to the generous donors of these unique and delightful gifts. Christine Trefethen then offered a tour of the farm that she operates along with Eric List. All agreed it was a beautiful day to enjoy each other’s company while in the midst of beautiful scenery. Older folks in our community were truly honored. Thank you to Morning Glory Farm crew.
