Hello Friends of the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative.
June is certainly flying by! Recently, the beginning of a poem I had to memorize for my 9th grade (1966) English class popped into my head. “What is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.” Now this is a long poem by American poet James Russell Lowell so I don’t believe we had to remember all of it, but I am sure we spent days analyzing it!
I am thankful for such an assortment of weather this June. Varying levels of sunshine and temperatures and enough rain that I do not have to hand water my gardens. They seem to be flourishing despite my neglect. Just yesterday I found the time and energy to weed my patio and bordering garden. Yes, even the stone patio is fertile ground for wild strawberries, violets and Big Bad Weeds. I feel very satisfied.
After spending quite a bit of time sitting on an old sheet so I would not have to bend so much I had to resort to the bending and stretching to really do the job properly. I am happy about the results but now must tackle the adjacent “woodland” perennial garden that is extremely overgrown with “Farmers Sunflowers.” If anyone would like some of these extras, please reach out to me. I will have lots to give away. This bright yellow, daisy-like plant likes lots of sunshine, easily spreads, and makes a nice tall hedge in August and September. The birds and bees love them!
As June ends, I want to remind everyone about two music programs you may enjoy. Both are free and open to all ages, from infants to very senior adults. I have attended both and can say they are equally enjoyable. You can sit quietly and listen, or you may feel inspired to get up and dance. On Friday, June 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Andover Summer Concert Series will feature Tim Dion with the Acoustapalians. The concert will be held rain or shine at the Andover Common Bandstand. Bring a chair and some friends for a fun evening. If you need dinner, you can order takeout from Mills’ Market. Arrive early because there is usually a line for Italian subs, fried clams, shrimp, chicken dinners, and other tempting foods (French fries and onion rings) that may not be the healthiest but are so hard to resist.
The last Saturday of each month you will find the popular Fossils playing and singing 50’s-90’s music at the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion Hall, 593 Gore Road, Locke Mills/Greenwood. These are local musicians who give of their time and talent to entertain the community. There is no cost but donations to support improvements to the Legion Hall are welcomed. Again, this is very much an intergenerational event where you will see 90-year-olds dancing alongside 5-year-olds. Often you will see groups line-dancing together or just free-spirited individuals displaying their own signature moves. I often hear people remarking how they had not seen their neighbors in a dog’s age; glad for the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and catch up with each other. So, if you like to dance or just “people watch,” please come out.
Another great way to stay physically active while finding peace and mental clarity is to enjoy a short walk or a longer hike. I appreciate both for different reasons. Western Maine Hikes for All Ages is a new effort that is thriving thanks to several dedicated individuals. Some walks are on flat, accessible surfaces for older adults, people using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, and families with strollers. Sarah Southam and Beth Hodgdon of the Bethel Outing Club greet walkers on the Davis Park Trail on Mondays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. I greet people on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the upper parking lot of the new Buck’s Ledge Trail for All. Bev Harris is your greeter at Valentine Farm Trails on Thursdays 1:00-2:00 p.m. Make sure to check out the Habitat for All Garden while there. All walks offer valuable time in nature. At Davis Park, I have seen and heard many songbirds, including my favorite red-winged blackbirds. At Buck’s Ledge, I was recently startled to see a turkey and then a rabbit within the same minute. To learn more about the walks and hikes, please come to a potluck this Friday at 5:00 p.m. in the basement dining hall of West Parish Congregational Church. Sue Radway, who leads a variety of longer hikes, will present. I am sure there will be delightful food and photos to enjoy. Weekly hikes are also posted on the Bethel Outing Club Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/betheloutingclub/
The last social event I must mention is the weekly Thursday Game’s On session 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond. All ages, abilities and cognitive levels are welcome. What a fun time! What started as just a few participants has grown so that we now need three tables to sit around. And an additional table to spread out our shared snacks! All are welcome and I hope to see you there sometime. Bring a friend.
