AFCI Newsleter

March 4, 2020

The flyer above is only a teaser; for the rest of the SeniorsPlus offerings: https://www.seniorsplus.org/assets/ed_center_march2020.pdf
 
KEEPING UP WITH AFCI – DID YOU KNOW?
We hope you’re familiar with AFCI programs, which are outlined in the 5x7 blue flyers that are on display in all our communities; please take one for future reference.  There is another category that is part of our mission but is pertinent to individual towns and does not receive as much attention: “Outdoor Spaces and Public Places.”  In fact, each of our six towns – Bethel, Gilead, Greenwood, Hanover, Newry, and Woodstock – has individually joined the national Age-Friendly Community Network. 

How age-friendly is your community?  Do you think there are projects that might make life easier for older adults in your community, beyond the more universal projects AFCI is already addressing?  Occasionally AFCI qualifies for grant money to execute such projects.  Your AFCI rep is a great place to start the conversation; they are: Bethel, Linda McDonough; Gilead (we’re still looking for a rep); Greenwood, Bob Oickle; Hanover, Shirley Powell; Newry, Anita Clark; and Woodstock, Charlie Reiss.

207-824-4444 – the AFCI Project Request number.  You may contact this one number for a variety of service requests: N2N rides, chores through the Handy Neighbor Program, applying to the free Home Assessment Program, or participation in the Morning Greeting Program.  It is an answering service, and you’ll be asked for your name and contact information, as well as the service you’re requesting.  The appropriate coordinator will get back to you soon to arrange next steps.
 

NEW AFCI SOCIAL AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES –
DID YOU KNOW?
(see flyer above) Have a cuppa coffee or tea with interesting conversation about handicrafts.  AFCI is sponsoring the first in “The Brew” series, this one called “Our Community’s Creative Crafters.”  You may bring a craft to show or to work on, and one of your community neighbors will be demonstrating rug hooking, quilting, spinning, or the Repants bag project.  Wednesday, March 11, 9:30-11:00 at the Bethel Historical Society’s Robinson House next to the Bethel Library.

The recent Telstar/4H Digital Team workshop at the Bethel Library was well-attended and very well received. We plan to follow up on the format at an upcoming “Brew” program; similar to last week’s workshop, the emphasis will be not on a real course, but an opportunity to ask questions and to engage with other people working on devices (computers, notebooks like iPads, and smart-phones).  If there is a desire, it will probably build into a full course around people’s needs.
 
​(see flyer below) A “Luck of the Seniors” lunch will be held at the Newry Grange, Tuesday, March 24, 11-2.
 
OTHER COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES – DID YOU KNOW?
Don’t forget these amazing resources for winter-time activity: the Gem Theater, the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum on Main St. Bethel, and many activities at the Methodist Church across from the FoodLiner on Main St. Bethel.
One of those at the church is line dancing.  Instructor Darlene Beck has announced that she will be starting beginner classes this month, probably mid March - a Saturday morning class, one evening class and possibly a mid-week morning class.  Watch for more news.  FMI: LineDancingWithDarlene@gmail.com.

The next Senior Citizens Club luncheon will be on Wednesday, March 11, 11am at the Sudbury Inn.  FMI: Donna Douglas (824-2591).

The next Community Supper will be on Wednesday, March 25, 4:30-6:00 pm at the Bethel Alliance Church.

Visit the blog site of the Western Mountains Senior College to find about the upcoming winter term options (http://wmscollege.blogspot.com).   One offering is the To Your Health program on Thursday, March 5 on “Tickborne Illness in Maine.”  And on March 26 the To Your Health presentation is “What’s New in Treating Heart Disease?”
 
And, don’t forget – you may request a ride to any of the programs listed above just by calling the AFCI Neighbor to Neighbor Transportation Program at 824-4444!
 
To contact the AFCI by email: info.agefriendly@gmail.com; our website: www.agefriendlybethel.org.  Visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/agefriendlybethel.
 
Editor: Nancy Davis