COVID -19. How excited we all were to have easy access to COVID vaccinations and how hopeful about a return to some kind of “normal.” But … not so fast! Today’s Maine news is that Oxford County is now “in the high range, meaning that masks are recommended in public, indoor spaces for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.” Hopefully, that will improve before long; we must watch carefully for the latest science news.

AFCI CONNECTIONS. To people and social opportunities (such as they are in our COVID-restricted era): request a ride to a friend’s house, a church service or class, the grocery store, a movie or other fun event, the hairdresser, a medical or another appointment – or have a book delivered from the Bethel Library. Our N2N (Neighbor to Neighbor) Rides Program can help, depending on the availability of drivers (207-824-4444).
To information: Our Resource Directory includes valuable information about available services in our community and elsewhere in the state. We can email you the document if you contact us. Included in the document is a primary resource in Western Maine, Seniors Plus, with classes, counseling, support for caregivers, and connection to additional resources: https://www.seniorsplus.org/ or 1-800-427-1241.
AFCI has revived our monthly electronic newsletter, and you should have received one around September 9. Sometimes they get caught in email spam filters on computers, so check. If you’d like to be included in our mailing list, please contact us. Likewise, our post-mailed newsletter went out in May to community members over 70, and the next issue will be this fall. If you did not receive one and would like to, please notify us.

COMMUNITY. The Bethel Senior Citizens Club and I had a valuable conversation recently about the needs of older adults in our community and services that AFCI currently provides or might consider in the future. AFCI always welcomes suggestions from the community. Have an idea? Let us know about it.

Qi Gong for Health and Wellness, annex of the Bethel Methodist Church, Tuesdays, September 14-October 26, 9-10:15 a.m. (www.ntnretreats.com/reservations/holisticcoach or jen@gmail.com or 207-595-8260).

Free AFCI services include N2N rides with volunteer drivers, Home Safety Assessments and the Handy Neighbor chores program. To request a service: 207-824-4444. For general information or inquiries and suggestions: email infoagefriendlybethel@googlegroups.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org. And look for our fall/winter flyers in public sites.

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