AFCI rides program training Oct. 22

The Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI) is recruiting volunteer drivers for its local transportation program. A volunteer appreciation and training event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Parish Congregational Church at 32 Church St. in Bethel. We are hoping to recruit and train new volunteer drivers. Anyone interested in providing rides to members of the Bethel and the surrounding communities can complete an application and training offered on Oct. 22 from 1-2 p.m. at the WPCC. We encourage interested drivers to call 207-824-4444 and leave a message with their phone number to have an application mailed or emailed.

The AFCI Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer Driver Program provides free rides to medical and non-medical appointments to seniors 60 and over living in the AFCI communities (Albany Township; Bethel; Gilead; Greenwood; Hanover; Mason Township; Newry; Woodstock). Rides are for medical (including dental) and non-medical trips. While requests for medically related rides are given the highest priority, eligible clients may also request rides for errands, and religious and social events (church, exercise, educational, and entertainment programs). The rides program has benefits for both clients and drivers.

“The Neighbor to Neighbor program has been a godsend to me, as I no longer drive outside the immediate area and have called on this service for doctors’ appointments in Norway and Rumford,” said one client. “This year, I put my car up for the winter and found the service again invaluable for trips to the Health Center, Drug Store and Tai Chi. I have enjoyed my trips with the friendly, helpful drivers.”
One driver found that the world is a small place when she drove one client.
“Come to find out she lived in the same town that I taught in for many years,” the driver said. During their conversation the driver discovered that a fellow teacher was married to the client’s cousin. They reminisced about places in town and changes that had taken place. “You never know who you might meet. It can be a fun surprise,” the driver said.
For more information or to volunteer, please call (207) 824-4444 and leave a message.

Walking returns
In another AFCI program, walking in the Gould Academy Field House will be back soon for fall and winter on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first date is Thursday, Nov.5 from 1-2 p.m. at the Gould Academy Field House on Church St. in Bethel. Walk and talk with new and returning friends and community members. There is no registration or fee. The free program is a community collaboration between the Age Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI) and Gould Academy.

The AFCI rides program also offers free rides for shopping, appointments, and other outings. Just call  (207) 824-4444 and leave a message to sign up and check on volunteer driver availability (three days notice needed).
For more information on AFCI programs and resources, go to www.agefriendlybethel.org or visit the Facebook page.