Bethel Age-Friendly community initiative​​
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AFCI NEWSLETTERS


March 19, 2022

AFCI

Are you facing difficulties as an older adult in the Bethel Region community?  Or do you have an older family member or friend who needs help?  Or perhaps you’re not into those elder years yet, but you love this community and hate to think you’d ever have to move.  We hope AFCI can lead you to the services you need.  And maybe you’d find joy in helping others in our community – and paving the way for your own healthy, meaningful later years.  We’d love to hear from you – see contact information below.
 
Social isolation is the most serious challenge for older adults.  Increasingly, as I learn from other Maine communities, I realize how lucky we are to live in a community that affords plenty of opportunities for people of all ages.  Some are listed here, but remember to regularly check the Bethel Chamber of Commerce website (bethelmaine.com).  And all these interesting activities?  AFCI’s N2N Rides program can get you there.
 
COMMUNITY
The Gem Theater (thegemtheater.com): FREE Science on Screen Event, March 27th.  BAAM’s Comedy Night, Saturday, March 26 -7:00 door, 8:00 show; tickets are Pay As You Wish with proceeds benefiting the performers as well as future BAAM programming at The Gem.
 
At the Bethel Alliance Church: conversation, coffee and a bagel or doughnut, every Thursday, 9-1, come for one hour or all four.
 
Community Supper March 30th, 4:30-6:00 at the Bethel Alliance Church.  Eat-in or take-out. 
 
MSAD 44 Adult and Continuing Ed tech help on Tuesday evenings - free sessions, but call to reserve a time: 824-2136, x 1340.
 
Bethel Food Pantry, first and third Wednesday of each month, 9-2. 
 
Health Tips
Are you having problems with walking or balance?  AARP suggests five exercises: walking, calf raises, knee extensions, mini-squats, and hip abductions (https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2022/fix-gait-balance.html?).
 
Living Well for Better Health classes begin Thursday, March 24, 1:00-3:30.  Online classes are free and will focus on chronic conditions: frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments.  FMI and to register: Jen Paquet (JPaquet@HealthyLivingForME.org or 207-620-1642).
 
All AFCI services are free.  To request an N2N ride or a Handy Neighbor Household Chore: 207-824-4444. For information, inquiries and suggestions - email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.   And look for our flyers in public sites.
 
                           --------------------------

March 13, 2022
  


 AFCI
AFCI often gets requests for services that we are not equipped to fulfill, and It’s heartbreaking to have to tell people that it’s beyond our capacity to meet their need.  But we’ve received several inquiries recently that, happily, we are able to address.  Our Home Safety Assessment Program – free! – has helped many community members who have begun to worry about their safety within their home.  The AFCI program offers a licensed Occupational Therapist, Brie Weisman, to come into a home, work with the resident to assess their personal risk for falls, and tour the house to assess danger areas that could be improved with simple modifications.  The team can recommend local workers who can be contracted to provide the services.  If you’re interested, call Brie at 207-364-7056.

At our Board meeting last week were Meryl Kelly, our new AmeriCorps Vista worker, and administrators from our member towns.  We’re so grateful for their energetic, creative participation!  A primary topic was the “Our Towns” project funded by an AARP Community Challenge Grant.  Perhaps you’ve seen photos on our flyers in the community.  It’s been quite a collaboration of the Congo Craftsmen who built the benches and picnic tables, members of BAAM who painted them with local motifs, and Amanda Moran, who has crafted the plaques.  The project’s goals are to encourage people to sit and relax together, maybe even play a board game on the checker board embedded in the table top, and to thank Bethel, Gilead, Greenwood, Hanover, Newry and Woodstock for their continued support of the Bethel Region Age-Friendly Community Initiative.  Installation celebrations are planned around the June 14 primary elections in each town.

COMMUNITY
Remember that you may request an N2N (Neighbor to Neighbor) ride to any of these activities. 

The Bethel Senior Citizens Club will meet Wednesday, April 13th, 11am in the dining room of the Bethel Methodist Church - all are welcome.  Pot luck; please bring a casserole, salad or dessert to share.  
 
Spring term at the Western Mountains Senior College (http://wmscollege.blogspot.com)  

The Gem Theater (thegemtheater.com): FREE Science on Screen Event, March 27th.  4:00-4:45 - YaoLun Yang, research scientist at RIKEN Star and Planet Formation Laboratory: snow-covered baby stars and NASA’s next-generation space telescope.  4:45-5:00 - food and drink available.  5:00-6:45 The Dish.  Yao-Lun and his wife are spending the month of March in West Bethel WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) at Morning Glory Farm before he heads to Japan to work at RIKEN.  

At the Bethel Alliance Church: conversation, coffee and a bagel or doughnut, every Thursday, 9-1, come for one hour or all four. 

Community Supper March 30th, 4:30-6:00 at the Bethel Alliance Church.  Eat-in or take-out.  

MSAD 44 Adult and Continuing Ed tech help on Tuesday evenings - free sessions, but call to reserve a time: 824-2136, x 1340.

Food Pantry, first and third Wednesday of each month, 9-2.  

Aging and Living Well
UMaine's Aging Research and Education Update provides monthly publications, reports, current events, and funding opportunities related to aging and living well as an older adult - interesting articles in this month’s issue:
https://mailchi.mp/3e05471f60de/umaine-aging-research-emerging-area-updateoct-2019-volume-7-issue-1282464?e=f09ab629b2
All AFCI services are free.  To request an N2N ride or a Handy Neighbor Household Chore: 207-824-4444. For information, inquiries and suggestions - email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.   And look for our flyers in public sites.
 
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February 25, 2022
  Nancy Davis

 
AFCI
Call the AFCI Service number (207-824-4444) for an N2N ride or household help.  From our Handy Neighbor Program (in conjunction with NorthStar’s Telstar students), you may request a simple household chore (primarily outdoors).  We regret that we are unable to take care of snow removal.  AFCI member Charlie Raymond can deliver sand for your driveway. 
 
The Age-Friendly Community Initiative could provide more service if we knew of community members willing to help their neighbors. You could be a driver or Call Coordinator for our N2N Rides Program.  You could contribute to our communication and information programs (writing, graphics, digital technology, etc.).  And who knows what other terrific ideas you may have for us!  Let us know if you want to be involved.
 
COMMUNITY.
The Western Mountains Senior College resumes their regular programming.  You may begin/renew a membership for $25 – or take your first class without paying the registration fee.  Want to know what an WMSC class feels like?  A non-member may attend one class session free. 
 
Upcoming classes include “Conversations on Climate Change,” learning about a variety of related issues like international negotiations and technological solutions, with instructor John Reilly.  Also find the always-popular “Great Decisions” and “Drawing and Painting,” as well as a class on novels and a new class, “Play Reading.”  http://wmscollege.blogspot.com
 
Bethel Chamber of Commerce (www.bethelmaine.com) for community events.  See what’s on at The Gem Theater (thegemtheater.com).
 
Bring your own digital device and improve your skills through the MSAD 44 Adult and Continuing Ed tech help on Tuesday evenings, with Josh Morton.  Sessions are free, but you must call to reserve a time: 824-2136, x 1340.
 
Bethel Food Pantry, first and third Wednesday of each month, 9:00am- 2:00pm.  They are currently looking for volunteers.  FMI: Mary McVey at randmmcvey@roadrunner.com.
 
The RePant Project (find them on FaceBook): Want to become an “elf”?  Donate fabric?  Contact Sue Lowe at 603-534-9744.  
 
FROM AARP
Learn how to register for monthly discounts on your high-speed internet service:  https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2021/fcc-subsidy-helps-broadband-internet-access.html?
 
Learn how to switch music streaming services the right way: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2022/switching-streaming-services.html?
All AFCI services are free.  To request an N2N ride or a Handy Neighbor Household Chore: 207-824-4444. For more information or inquiries and suggestions - email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.   And look for our flyers in public sites.
 
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February 18, 2022
- Nancy Davis
                                                                                                                                                     
AFCI
The Age-Friendly Community Initiative is able to provide services thanks to collaboration with other groups in town.  The NorthStar Program (University of Maine/Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center) works with Telstar students.  As partners with AFCI in our Handy Neighbor Program, these students do simple household chores, primarily outdoors.
 
We regret that our capacity is limited – for instance, we are unable to take care of snow removal.  We’ve had lots of snow recently; our students are simply not available to get you out of your driveway in the morning! 
 
We do, however, have an AFCI member, Charlie Raymond, who can deliver sand for your driveway.  Be safe on all the ice!  When you call our service number (see below), which is an answering machine, you should indicate the kind of service you require and your contact information, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
 
AFCI is looking for drivers and Call Coordinators for our N2N Rides Program.
 
The 20-page AFCI Resource Directory contains a wealth of information about local and state services, under the topics of: Clothing and Thrift Shops, Education, Elder Services, Financial Assistance, Food, Fuel Assistance, Health Services, Housing, Legal Services, Libraries, Pet Services, Recreation and Fitness, Social Opportunities, Support Groups, Town Offices, Transportation.  It is on our website, and we can email you a pdf copy if you wish.
 
COMMUNITY.
Bethel Food Pantry, first and third Wednesday of each month, 9:00am- 2:00pm.  They are currently looking for volunteers to: unload the truck on the first Wednesday of the month (must be able to lift 25 lbs), pack food and load onto conveyor belt, check in clients, or deliver boxes to vehicles.  On other days, they can use help with cleaning, recycling, preparing boxes and computer entry.  For more information, contact Mary McVey at randmmcvey@roadrunner.com.
 
Do you have any interesting fabric to donate to the RePant Project – maybe a pair of men’s trousers? An interesting t-shirt or piece of fabric?  Contact Sue Lowe at 603-534-9744.  
 
Mclaughlin Garden’s Winter Lecture Series and Tea: https://www.mclaughlingarden.org/garden-events/
 
All AFCI services are free.  To request an N2N ride or a Handy Neighbor Household Chore: 207-824-4444. For more information or inquiries and suggestions - email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.   And look for our flyers in public sites.
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February 11, 2022 - Nancy Davis
                                                                                                                                                     
AFCI
The AFCI mission is “to explore ways to make the community more supportive of healthy aging and to enable people to stay in their homes and communities as they age.”  We wish we had the resources to fill more needs, but we do have some important services (request information below).
 
Perhaps you are a little insecure about falling in your home: AFCI can provide – FREE of charge – an Occupational Therapist to come and assess both your capacity for avoiding falls and the potential danger spots in your home. 
 
Perhaps you can no longer drive yourself to social, shopping, and medical engagements – or a family member is unable to help on a consistent basis.  AFCI’s Neighbor to Neighbor Rides program can help. 
 
Perhaps you could use some help with simple household chores.  Our Handy Neighbor Program with Telstar students may be able to help.  Give us a call!
 
COMMUNITY.
Bethel Food Pantry, first and third Wednesday of each month, 9:00am- 2:00pm.
 
Wednesday, February 23, 4:30-6:00pm: Community Supper (free) at the Bethel Alliance Church. Eat in or take out.
 
The 20 RePant “elves” thank the community for their support of the Bethel District Exchange programs.  You may buy their unique bags at a number of stores: The Gem Theater, Barking Dawg, True North, the Riverview Motel and the Bethel Inn Ski Center.  100% of the proceeds go toward the Bethel Area Food Pantry, Smile Fund/Assistance with Denture Expenses, the School Backpack Program/Food for Crescent Park Students, and the Telstar Resource Closet. If you’d like to volunteer with the group, you may contact Sue Lowe at 603-534-9744.
 
A Presidents’ Week special at The Gem Theater (thegemtheater.com): FREE Science on Screen Event, Tuesday, February 22nd, 1pm to 3:30pm.  1:00-1:30: Erika Rhile, Marine Ecologist and Marine Mammal Response Volunteer, “Responding to Stranded Marine Mammals on the Coast of Maine.” 
 
HEALTH AND OTHER TIPS.
Are you looking for flexible housing options for you or a loved one?  This seminar may offer some valuable ideas.  To participate:
https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=EE3F1FC8-5C7B-40CA-A06C-DBB6206E50E0&AffiliateData=livable_tp_thedaily_feb2022&cmp=EMC-DSO-NLC-RSS-HEALTHLIVABLETK--CTRL-020922-P8-6140522&ET_CID=6140522&ET_RID=24909649&encparam=FXhhSf0aqlCQAh68iEiiLsAVIRTaPOM1ppU%2b1ITso6Y%3d

For caregivers:   Understand What Home Care Medicare Covers
https://community.aarp.org/t5/Leave-a-Caregiving-Tip/10-Tips-on-the-Financial-Matters-of-Caregiving-TIP-2-Understand/m-p/2441865?cmp=EMC-DSO-NLC-RSS-COMM--CTRL-020822-P9-6138224&ET_CID=6138224&ET_RID=24909649&encparam=FXhhSf0aqlCQAh68iEiiLsAVIRTaPOM1ppU%2B1ITso6Y%3D.
 
To request N2N free rides, Handy Neighbor Household Chores, or free Home Assessments: 207-824-4444. For more information or inquiries and suggestions - email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.   And look for our flyers in public sites.

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© Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved.
Age-Friendly Community Initiative
PO Box 833, Bethel, ME 04217
207-824-4444


Photo credits: Craig Angevine, Eileen Broderick, Jane Chandler, Karen Reilly, Mac Davis. 
Website team: Cat Ingraham, Eileen Broderick, Mariann Goff, Nancy Davis, 

Picture
  • Home
  • About
    • AFCI Board of Directors
    • Our Communities >
      • Demographics Data
      • Bethel
      • Gilead
      • Greenwood
      • Hanover
      • Newry
      • Woodstock
    • Mission
    • History
    • Annual Reports
  • Projects
    • Survey October 2015
    • Current and Proposed Projects
  • Resources
    • Directory of Local Services >
      • Churches
      • Clothing and Thrift Shops
      • Education
      • Elder Services
      • Financial Assistance
      • Food
      • Fuel Assistance
      • Health Services
      • Legal Services
      • Libraries
      • Pet Services
      • Recreation and Fitness
      • Social Opportunities
      • Support Groups
      • Town Offices
      • Transportation
    • Current AFCI Flyer
    • AFCI NEWS
  • Contact
  • Donate