The AFCI Board has a wonderful set of new members. An organizational goal is to strengthen our effectiveness in connecting older adults with available resources and opportunities. We have some innovative ideas and would welcome additional thoughts and energy. Want to become involved? Call our service number to volunteer, and someone will return your call.

It’s November and getting cold outside. That means … the AFCI winter Walk the Gym program has started! Tuesday and Thursday, 1-2 p.m. at the Gould Academy Field House. Come and walk in a warm, safe environment – meet old friends and make new ones. Everyone walks (and rests) at their own pace. It’s free, and you can call for an N2N ride to the activity.

N2N, our Neighbor to Neighbor free rides program, helps many community members get to educational, spiritual, and healthy activities, as well as fun events – and even just visiting a friend. We can also deliver library books, food from the Food Pantry, and groceries from Mainely Provisions in Bethel. Call the service organization (library, etc.); then call our N2N service number (below) and leave a message with your ride request and contact information.

Our Handy Neighbor Program, in collaboration with Telstar sophomore and senior classes and the North Star Program, recently served 17 older clients to perform a variety of outdoor fall chores. Students, who received community service credit, were industrious, cheerful, and enthusiastic. Many thanks to them, to AFCI Board members Charlie Raymond and Charlie Reiss, to NorthStar’s Lyndsey Smith and Justin Bondeson, and to Telstar Principal John Eliot and a host of Telstar staff members! We are planning for a similar workday in the spring.

Have you been to the Bethel Library to see the sets of Dementia-Inclusive materials available for checking out? They are fascinating items designed to enhance the lives of people with dementia. In addition to the opportunity to check the kits out, you may also get information on how to order those and additional games and items for those with dementia.

Community
The Bethel Food Pantry and District Exchange are at 279 Walkers Mill Road, just across from Telstar. Open every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday 9-11. For more information on local events: bethelmaine.com and thegemtheater.com.

All AFCI services are free. To request an N2N ride or other service: 207-824-4444. For information, inquiries, and suggestions – email: [email protected], visit our Facebook page or website, www.agefriendlybethel.org. We love to hear from you!