How happy the Age-Friendly Community Initiative is to be easing out of our COVID shutdown. As we move back into our traditional programs, we welcome volunteers to enable us to expand our services. Do you have a special interest in one of our livability areas? Maybe housing or social participation; maybe helping develop health, recreation and other services in the community. Maybe you like to write or have graphic or tech skills that could contribute to our information, publicity and promotion efforts. If so, please note our contact information below and let us know of your interest.
Our Handy Neighbor Program, on hiatus for the past year, had a healthy resurgence recently! A few weeks ago, Telstar students participated in the Handy Neighbor Days of Service, under the leadership of Telstar Interact Club’s co-presidents, Bailey Fraser and Megan Cox, and club advisor Tara Pocock.
In partnership with AFCI and the Bethel Rotary Club, community members and organizations in need of helping hands were matched with students who need community service hours, as required by the high school. A total of 30 collective hours were spent completing a variety of tasks in the SAD44 region.
Bailey Fraser, Megan Cox, Keaton Chapman, and Lindsy Stephenson organized books for the Bethel Library annual book and plant sale.  Azaria Alcide supported BAAM by helping to prime the wall for The Gem Theater mural. Matt Dillon, Lilly Johanson, Jakob Hooper, Bailey Fraser, Megan Cox, Azaria Alcide, Aaron Soto, Hunter Lake, Brandon Mclean, and Mia Johanson, as well as Scott Hyneck and other Bethel Rotarians, split and moved wood for Betsey Foster, Steve and Lee Smith, and Sara Wright.
Telstar Interact Club is looking forward to staying connected with the community through the Handy Neighbor Program.  During the coming school year residents of the SAD44 region can call AFCI (824-4444) and request support to complete outdoor tasks.  Interact will work with the resident and students to schedule the task to be completed under the supervision of the Interact Club advisor.
The AFCI N2N (Neighbor to Neighbor) Rides Program is also well underway. If you need transportation for almost any need, call 3 days ahead with your request; we travel to many local destinations.
All (FREE) AFCI services can be requested by phone, 207-824-4444. For general information or inquiries and suggestions: email infoagefriendlybethel@googlegroups.com, visit our FaceBook page or website www.agefriendlybethel.org.