COVID
As scientists have predicted, COVID-19 is still with us and constantly developing new variants, so it’s important to keep up with current wisdom and recommendations for dealing with the disease, especially for older adults and those with immunosuppressed systems. I bet you know someone who’s recently contracted the virus; maybe they’ve been lucky and had a mild case, which is generally true – but who wants to have to isolate even if they’re not really sick?

Scientific studies in the last few days suggest that the newest variant, Omicron BA.5, spreads more easily than earlier versions, tends to be less severe, and – perhaps most alarming – is more likely to evade existing immunizations. The best protection is still to be current on vaccinations and boosters and masking inside where there are many people. There will be news in the coming months of new vaccinations that are more protective of the newest variants. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/5-things-to-know-omicron. The CDC recommends that you monitor your health regularly and test if you feel sick or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. There are several kinds of tests: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html. For more information on quarantining and isolating: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html.

Community
July 16, Saturday, 10-4: Bethel’s Summerfest – craft & food vendors on the town common, parade, live music, kids’ activities, fireworks, and open houses all over town. Rain or shine. And watch for this! Kate Webb (BAAM coordinator) will be there all day with AFCI’s benches and tables. Want to give her a hand? By popular demand, “we” (that is, the Congo Craftsmen) have added more benches and
tables to the mix, and Kate is very busy trying to keep up with the decorating. Won’t you help her out? She will carefully supervise painters of all ages and abilities.

Farmers’ Markets! Bethel: Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Norway Savings Bank; Greenwood: Fridays 4-6 p.m., Greenwood Town Hall on Rt. 26; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the Saturday Market on Main Street (Methodist Church)

Bethel Food Pantry, first and third Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Community Suppers (free, open to all) – last Wednesday every month, 4:30-6 p.m. Bethel Alliance Church. Eat-in or take-out.

Conversation, coffee, and a bagel or doughnut, every Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Bethel Alliance Church; come for one hour or all four.

All AFCI services are free. To request an N2N ride: 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!