June 2026/ Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families
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!!!
Games On! Thursdays (June 4,11,18,25) 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 (June4,11,18,25 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, (June2,9,16,23,30)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 (June2,9,16,23,30)12:00-1:00 P.M. (Free, 50+, sponsored by the library)
Line Dance Classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays ,6:00-7:00 pm. Tuesdays at the Bethel United Methodist Church Community Annex, Main St., Bethel, Thursdays at the Locke Mills Union Church, Rt 26, Locke Mills, $5 cash per session, (All Ages)
Gilead Historical Society Buildings Tours, each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm. Coffee and snacks available. (Donations welcome, All Ages). Rt 2, Gilead
June 1, 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm Tech Help at Bethel Library, (Free, All Ages)
June 6, Saturday, 9:00-11:00am Bethel Library Annual Plant Sale, Rain or shine on library lawn on Broad St, Bethel, (All Ages)
June 6, Saturday, 9:00am, Rhubarb Festival & White Elephant Sale Annual Fundraiser First Universalist Church, 208 Main St., West Paris
June 9, 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: beef ribs, chicken, salads, and desserts (Free, donations, All Ages)
June10, 2nd Wednesday of month,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/Lunch This month arrive early at 10:30 to order from the menu at Kowloon Chinese Restaurant. Meeting 11:00 am, (Age 50+)
June 12, Friday, 6:00-8:00pm Andover Summer Concert Series, featuring ‘Drunk in Public’, free, donations welcomed. Rain or shine at Bandstand on Town Common, intersection of RT 5&120, Andover (All Ages)
June13, Saturday 2:00pm, MBHS’s presenter from Boston University, William Hunting Howell, will discuss ‘Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier: The Narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin’ at Moses Mason House, Broad St. Bethel (Free, Donation, All Ages)
June14, Sunday, 2:00-4:00pmMeetinghouse and Church in Early Oxford County, program presented by director, Randall H. Bennett, of the Hastings Homestead Museum. At Lower Meeting House,1797 Intervale Rd., Bethel(Free, donations welcome, All Ages)
June18, Thursday, 10:00am The Holocaust to Maine. Maine author Jack Montgomery will discuss his new book which includes the testimony of 20+ survivors who reside in Maine, Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond. (Free, All Ages)
June18, Thursday ,1:00-4:00 pm, Antiques Appraisals sponsored by the Hastings Homestead Museum (up to 3 items/Donations) At the Lower Meeting House,1797 Intervale Rd., Bethel. FMI Call 207-824-2291
June 20, 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)
June 24, 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) *Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available
June 26, Friday 6:00-8:00pm, Andover Summer Concert Series, featuring Tim Dion W/ Acoustipalians, (free, donations welcome, All Ages) Rain or shine at the Bandstand on the Town Common, Intersection of RT 5&120, Andover
June 27, 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., Locke Mills
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 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
For more information call 207-824-4444.Leave name, phone number and a message. Someone will return your call.
