Perhaps you have a friend or family member living with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia.
Angela Rippon, OBE, an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, suggests that “It is an all too familiar story that people with dementia and their carers [caregivers] feel isolated or cut off from their local community… Sadly, the truth at the moment is that many people feel unable to join in, demonstrate their skills, and make a real contribution to society. Building dementia-friendly communities: A priority for everyone shows that people with dementia can face significant barriers to engaging in the social life of their area.”
In answer to this reality, Livable Communities Maine has partnered with UNE’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement initiative to help communities across the state become more inclusive of people living with dementia. We are happy to announce that AFCI was chosen to receive a small grant to begin an awareness program, in collaboration with the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum in Bethel, Chrys Snogren, Executive Assistant / Meteorite Collections Manager. Part of the grant-funded project will involve the museum developing memory kits to include anything that leads to reminiscing and encourages simple activities that are MMGM-themed and are enjoyable and stimulating. Watch for more information in the future. Congratulations to the MMGM and AFCI.
Community
AFCI’s N2N (Neighbor to Neighbor) Rides Program can take you to all the activities noted below or to medical appointments or for shopping, educational or social outings. Call our service number (below).
Find upcoming community events: bethelmaine.com.
Every Saturday, 9-1 – Farmers Market at 1 Parkway Rd., Bethel.
Thursday, June 29, Gem Theater – the first Bethel Pride Day, sponsored by Telstar’s Civil Rights Team and BAAM. 3-5:30 – food, vendors, and fun, 5:30 G-Rated Drag Performance, 7:30 free movie (thegemtheater.com/)
Next Community Supper: Wednesday, June 28, 4:30-6 p.m., Bethel Alliance Church.
Bethel Food Pantry: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 9-11.
All AFCI services are free. To request an N2N ride or other service: 207-824-4444. For information, inquiries, and suggestions – email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com, visit our Facebook page or website, www.agefriendlybethel.org. We love to hear from you!
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