Bethel Age-Friendly community initiative​​
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History

AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY INITIATIVE HISTORY

  • Early spring, 2015: Inspired by Atul Gawande’s book, “Being Mortal,” a small group of volunteers begins conversations about implementing positive changes to benefit the elderly in our community.
  • May, 2015: the Western Mountains Senior College sponsors a well-attended program on end-of-life issues; Peter Morelli, from AARP Maine, was a featured presenter.
  • June, 2015: a group of nine volunteers forms a Project Team.  Members: Eliza Barnes, Bethel; Jane Chandler, Woodstock; Jim Chandler, Woodstock; Allen Cressy, Bethel; Jackie Cressy, Bethel; Nancy Davis, Bethel/Albany Twp; Kay Larson, Bethel; Linda McDonough, Bethel; Brooks Morton, Newry; Peter Musso, Jr., Greenwood; Jan Stowell, Bethel; Rosabelle Tifft, Bethel; Judy Whitman, Bethel.
  • October, 2015: Bethel joins the AARP Network of Age-friendly Communities.
  • Late fall, 2015: Bethel’s membership expands into a regional effort – the first in AARP’s network – to incorporate Greenwood, Newry and Woodstock.
  • The Town of Bethel becomes the fiscal agent, and the town managers and selectmen become part of the process: Christine Landes, Bethel Town Manager; Kimberly Sparks, Greenwood Town Manager; Amy Bernard, Newry Town Administrator; Vern Maxfield, Woodstock Town Manager.
  • October, 2015: a comprehensive survey is administered to residents 50 and over in the area.
  • January – March, 2016, a general public meeting and a Transportation-related public meeting yield widespread community buy-in, resulting, soon, in the formation of a Transportation Task Force – and later, in several additional task forces.
  • December, 2016:Initial Action Plan is issued.
  • January, 2017: AFCI Advisory Council is newly formed
  • February, 2017: The Town of Gilead becomes a member of the AARP Network of Age-friendly Communities and joins the AFCI.
  • April, 2017: Interim Action Plan is accepted by national AARP (the first in Maine).
  • May, 2017: Hanover joins the AFCI.
  • June 25, 2018: AFCI becomes a non-profit corporation.
  • August 8, 2018: The corporation's Board of Directors and new officers are elected:
Nancy Davis, President, Communications/Outreach Team Chair,
Jane Chandler, Secretary and Woodstock Rep
Bob Oikle, Treasurer, Recreation Team Chair, Greenwood Rep
Lucy Abbott, Co-Vice President, Housing Team Co-chair, Bethel Rep
Anita Clark, Social Chair, Newry Rep
Lise McLain, Gilead Rep
Shirley Powell, Co-Vice President, Transportation Chair, Hanover Rep
Charlie Reiss, Housing Team Co-chair
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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