Hello Folks.
This week I would like to thank Mariann Goff of East Bethel for her many years of service to the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative. In her volunteer roles as an AFCI Board member, a Driver, and Rides Coordinator she has dedicated herself to the well-being of our older citizens. You may know her through her active community involvement in the Bethel Rotary Club and WMSC Senior Players. She is the one that plays her characters so well and makes us all laugh out loud! She is certainly a local treasure, and we will miss her as she retires from serving as a Rides Coordinator.
You may have questions about the Neighbor2Neighbor Rides Program
People age 60+ can have free rides to neighboring towns such as: South Paris/Norway, Rumford/Mexico, and Gorham/Berlin, NH. Or they may request rides around the Bethel area and other places within a 30-mile radius.
Volunteer drivers can take you to a variety of places: medical appointments, stores, social events and engagements.
The steps to follow are:
1.If you are a first-time rider, you must first call the AFCI 824-4444 number and leave a name, phone number and message. Someone will call you back and provide an application.
2. At least 3 days before your ride is needed, call the 824-4444 number to leave your name, telephone number, and message requesting the ride. Someone will return your call.
All Rides are free and every effort will be made to fulfil your request. While priority is given to medical appointments, please note that no rides are guaranteed.
We need more volunteer Drivers and Rides Coordinators. Please spread the word to friends and family—this is a rewarding way to serve the community and get to know neighbors. If interested, call 824-4444.
Western Maine Weekly Hikes for All Ages
Hello—A look ahead to next week’s hiking calendar. It’s a busy time of year and greeters may also have other plans. Reach out to others at the trailhead to gather the group. This week at Buck’s Ledge our outreach had us, including visitors from York. They were visiting for the first time, as part of Downeast Magazine’s summer Great Maine Scavenger Hunt, featuring 28 excursions to explore across the state. Buck’s Ledge is one of this year’s excursions. The list changes every year; click this link to learn more: The Great Maine Scavenger Hunt | Down East Magazine
Happy hiking and exploring.
Sue Radway
