Bethel Age-Friendly community initiative​​
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AFCI NEWS


                                                       Bethel Citizen March 11, 2021
 
COVID-19. 
Isn’t it exciting to see how many Americans are being vaccinated and helping to bring all of us closer to that wonderful that day when COVID restrictions will be lifted?  For the latest on Maine’s current situation: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines and https://tinyurl.com/ycb5o2ux.
Great hope for those in our area who have been waiting. Eligibiity: over 60.y.o. To make an appointment: Bethel Walgreens
(https://www.walgreens.com/pharmacy/schedule-appointment.jsp?frm=pharmacy#/location or 207-8224-8085).
or Oxford Hannafords (www.hannaford.com/pharmacy/covid-19-vaccine).
 
OTHER HEALTH
Caring for friends and family members can be very satisfying, as well as stressful at times.  Help from Seniors Plus: Caregiver Support Groups (meeting either via phone or Zoom, Monday, March 8, 5:30-7:30 pm and Thursday, March 25, 8:00-10:00 am.  795-4010 to register for a Caregiver Support Group or to receive a Caregiver Support Newsletter.
 
 
ACTIVITIES
The Bethel Alliance Church’s Community Suppers have returned!  (free; donations accepted).  Due to COVID-19 precautions, the supper is not an in-person get-together; rather, you drive up, and supper is delivered to your car.  Can’t get there?  AFCI drivers can deliver a meal to your home.  Just call AFCI at 824-4444 and sign up for the service - two days before the supper, please.   Community Suppers are the last Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6:00.  The next supper is Wednesday, March 31.
 
The Gem Theater is now open – with strict COVID protocols.  “The Courier” (PG-13) opens Friday, March 19.”
 
Qi Gong for Health & Wellness in the Annex of the Methodist Church - Mondays, April 5-May24, 9:00-10:15 am, with Jen DeRaspe.  Covid-safe - socially distanced - space limited to 10 - pre-registration recommended.  FMI: holisticcoachjen@gmail.com or 207-595-8260.
 
Calling all amateur or professional photographers: the Maine Gerontological Society (MGS) has an opportunity for you to show off some of your work and perhaps win one of many prizes being offered.  They must be photos of REAL Maine older adults – that is, of all abilities, involved in any kind of activity.  FMI: MGS website (https://mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/maine-gerontological-society/) or the MGS Facebook page.
 
SPRING IS COMING!
The AFCI/Telstar/Rotary Interact Handy Neighbor Program will hold a Spring Outdoor Clean-up Day (date to be announced).  If you’re over 60, be thinking of those chores you’d like help with.
 
The programs of the Age-Friendly Community Initiative are listed on our current flyer, available in the Bethel Foodliner.  FMI: 207-824-4444, email infoagefriendlybethel@googlegroups.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                     Bethel
Citizen March 4, 2021

 
Where in the world are we now, at the end of a year we’d all like to forget?
 
Controlling the Virus
If you have not been vaccinated yet: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/public-faq
https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites.
 
Watch for news regarding the availability of vaccinations at the Bethel Family Health Center; when the vaccine is here, they will notify their high priority patients to make appointments.

AARP suggests that “many find relief and get a taste of pre-pandemic life after getting their shots.”  (https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2021/life-after-vaccination.html?)

Even after vaccinations, we are advised to continue following all the precautions of the past year, especially wearing masks and social distancing.  Doctors are now recommending that we wear double masks (https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/double-masking-against-covid.html?)
 
Keeping Going
AFCI can deliver groceries, Walmart orders, or other essential goods.  We can deliver sand to take care of slippery spots on your property. (see phone number below)
 
Has staying at home caused you to do more online shopping than ever before?  It has for me – and many others, according to a recent Sun Journal article.  It suggests that many older adults have enjoyed learning new skills in order to shop for items they need – or just want.  If you don’t have anyone to teach you those skills, visit SeniorsPlus to take a short class or engage a Cyber Mentor (edcenter@seniorsplus.org or 207-795-4010)
 
and Fighting Boredom
The Gem Theater has new movies (www.gem-theater.com).  “The Father (PG-13): A man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.  Opens Friday, March 12th.”
 
PortTix  is offering several Pay-What-You-Can Digital Events On Demand
(http://tracking.wordfly.com/view/?sid=MTQzMl8yMDY2XzU1OTc0XzY5NzQ&l=0e2c0232-0772eb11a82b0050569dd3d9&utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=February2021MonthlyEmail&utm_content=version_A&promo=3179)
 
Read some of the stories at the Maine Memory Network, Maine’s Statewide Digital Museum (https://www.mainememory.net/). 
 
Enter the photography contest sponsored by The Maine Gerontological Society (MGS), a part of the UM Center on Aging.  FMI: visit the MGS website (https://mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/maine-gerontological-society/) or the MGS Facebook page. 
 
Discover the fascinating back-stories about some of your favorite love songs (https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/music/info-2021/love-songs-backstories.html?)
 
The Age-Friendly Community Initiative has incorporated some specific COVID-related projects into our programming, which are listed on our current flyer, available in the Bethel Foodliner.
FMI: phone 207-824-4444, email infoagefriendlybethel@googlegroups.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                    Bethel Citizen February 25, 2021
 
VACCINATIONS.  Have you been vaccinated yet?  FMI: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/public-faq
https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites.
And watch for news regarding the availability of vaccinations at the Bethel Family Health Center; when the vaccine is here, they will notify their high priority patients to make appointments.
 
Or wondering what to expect with your second dose?  AARP offers good advice https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/what-to-know-before-second-vaccine-dose.html?
 
staying entertained when there are few places you can go.  The Gem Theater is open again!  Of course, you must follow COVID protocol; their guidelines are on their website (info@thegemtheater.com).  And so is the listing of their always-fresh movies.
 
Remember all the virtual opportunities through SeniorsPlus: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1121423523303&ca=85264c9c-43c3-4389-98a7-0df81f606da8.
 
Maine Memory Network is Maine’s Statewide Digital Museum (https://www.mainememory.net/).  Visit it to “Tell future generations about your experience during the Coronavirus pandemic” or to read any of an array of interesting stories from real Mainers.
 
And here’s an opportunity for you photographers! The Maine Gerontological Society (MGS), a part of the UM Center on Aging, is launching a state-wide photography contest, Focus on Real Aging in Maine (F.R.A.M.E.).  They are looking for realistic portrayals of aging in Maine, photographs that celebrate the diversity of older Maine residents’ lives and their contributions to Maine towns, economic vitality, and way of life.  Anyone may enter – amateur or professional, and on March 10 there will be two webinars – one for amateurs, one for professionals - with more guidelines and to offer photography tips.  And there are good prizes!  FMI: visit the MGS website (https://mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/maine-gerontological-society/) or the MGS Facebook page.  And watch for more details soon in this newspaper.
 
Do you like WWII novels?  AARP describes 18 new ones: https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/info-2021/world-war-ii-novels.html? 
 
CAREGIVERS.  AARP announces a nationwide Respite Program that offers free help to military caregivers.  AARP and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation have teamed up to assist those caring for injured veterans and service members.  FMI: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/respite-relief-military-caregivers.html?
 
LOCAL SERVICES.  Having trouble keeping those slippery spots at your home tended?  An AFCI team can deliver sand to your home.  (phone number below)
 
Need groceries, Walmart orders, or other essential goods delivered?  AFCI delivers (phone number below).
 
The Age-Friendly Community Initiative has incorporated some specific COVID-related projects into our programming, which are listed on our current flyer, available in the Bethel Foodliner.
FMI: phone 207-824-4444, email infoagefriendlybethel@googlegroups.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                              Bethel Citizen February 11, 2021
 
A recent Sun Journal article reported from the Maine DHHS that while COVID vaccine supply is still limited, the pace of vaccinations has been increased and now includes those over 70.  Some of our lucky community neighbors have already received theirs, and many more are watching for more information.  Here are some good websites that are kept very up-to-date. https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/public-faq
https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites
 
One particularly helpful site is https://www.mainehealth.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19/Vaccine/FAQs.  To register for a vaccination, call the Norway MaineHealth site (1-877-780-7545); you’ll be asked to enter a few pertinent pieces of information, and you’ll be called back.  It advises that calling that number “multiple times will not move you up on the list.  Once you have pre-registered, no further action is required. We have your information and we will contact you.  Please do not reach out to local MaineHealth practices, clinics or hospitals to request a vaccination.  Vaccinations are by appointment only. Please do not to arrive at a vaccination site without one.” 
 
It also answers many questions about the process, for instance: “I am unable to travel. How will I be able to get a vaccine? … We recognize that travel can create a challenge for some people. We are exploring travel options with several partners and hope to provide a solution in the future.“
 
Watch for news regarding the availability of vaccinations at the Bethel Family Health Center; when the vaccine is here, they will notify their high priority patients to make appointments.
 
News from SeniorsPlus: “Cyber-Senior Mentors are trained volunteers that provide technology training and support to older adults. They can connect with folks by the telephone as well as on-line webinars. Training sessions can be scheduled at each individual's convenience. Contact Seniors Plus at 795-4010 and ask for the Cyber-Senior Program.”
 
The monthly newsletter from SeniorsPlus can be linked through the AFCI FaceBook page; that link:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1121423523303&ca=85264c9c-43c3-4389-98a7-0df81f606da8.  There you’ll find news about their online workshops and more.
 
SeniorsPlus is also offering a new free opportunity.  CARES is a Dementia Care for Families program developed specifically for those caring for a loved one living at home. To receive four hours of CARES Dementia Care for Families at no cost, go to www.hcinteractive.com/login and enter the Product Key: YXT64. This free training is offered compliments of SeniorsPlus through September 25, 2021.
 
 
The Age-Friendly Community Initiative has incorporated some specific COVID-related projects into our programming, which are listed on our current flyer, available in the Bethel Foodliner.
FMI: phone 207-824-4444, email infoagefriendlybethel@googlegroups.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                    
                                                Bethel Citizen
February 4, 2021

 
A recent Sun Journal article reported from the Maine DHHS that while COVID vaccine supply is still limited, the pace of vaccinations has been increased and now includes those over 70.  Some of our lucky community neighbors have already received theirs, and many more of us are watching for more information.  Here are some good websites that are kept very up-to-date. https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/public-faq
https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites
 
One particularly helpful site is https://www.mainehealth.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19/Vaccine/FAQs.  To register for a vaccination, call the Norway MaineHealth site (1-877-780-7545); you’ll be asked to enter a few pertinent pieces of information, and you’ll be called back.  It advises that calling that number “multiple times will not move you up on the list.  Once you have pre-registered, no further action is required. We have your information and we will contact you.  Please do not reach out to local MaineHealth practices, clinics or hospitals to request a vaccination.  Vaccinations are by appointment only. Please do not to arrive at a vaccination site without one.” 
 
It also answers many questions about the process, for instance: “I am unable to travel. How will I be able to get a vaccine? … We recognize that travel can create a challenge for some people. We are exploring travel options with several partners and hope to provide a solution in the future.“
 
News from SeniorsPlus: “Cyber-Senior Mentors are trained volunteers that provide technology training and support to older adults. They can connect with folks by the telephone as well as on-line webinars. Training sessions can be scheduled at each individual's convenience. Contact Seniors Plus at 795-4010 and ask for the Cyber-Senior Program.”
 
The monthly newsletter from SeniorsPlus can be linked through the AFCI FaceBook page; that link:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1121423523303&ca=85264c9c-43c3-4389-98a7-0df81f606da8.  There you’ll find news about their online workshops and more.
 
SeniorsPlus is also offering a new free opportunity.  CARES is a Dementia Care for Families program developed specifically for those caring for a loved one living at home. To receive four hours of CARES Dementia Care for Families at no cost, go to www.hcinteractive.com/login and enter the Product Key: YXT64. This free training is offered compliments of SeniorsPlus through September 25, 2021.
 
The Age-Friendly Community Initiative has incorporated some specific COVID-related projects into our programming, which are listed on our current flyer, available in the Bethel Foodliner.
FMI: phone 207-824-4444, email infoagefriendlybethel@googlegroups.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.
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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, Ksren 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
    • AFCI NEWS
  • Contact
  • Donate