09/09/2026
September 2026/ Events of Interest to Older Folks & their Families
Recurring Weekly or Monthly Events:
Western Maine Hikes for All Ages (Free walks and hikes throughout our region, for a variety of ability levels, ages, a different trail- 5 days a week) Updated schedule is posted each week on the Bethel Outing Club page https://www.facebook.com/betheloutingclub/ Also look there for any weather updates or cancellations. Davis Park, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 am. ‘Buck’s Ledge Trail for All ‘ Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 am. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. MLT Valentine Farm Thursdays,1:00-2: 00pm.Look at the Garden!
Games On! Thursdays (Sept. 3 & 24) Please note: No Games on 10th& 17 this month) 12:00-2:00 P.M. Whitman Memorial Library, 28 S. Main St., Bryant Pond (Free, All Ages, sponsored by AFCI & Library) A good time playing games, puzzles, conversations, snacks.
Coffee and Conversation Thursdays (Sept.3,10,17, 24) 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26, (Free, All Ages, sponsored by the church) Welcoming group offers coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation
Village Makers Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 P.M. (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond
Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (Sept.1,8,15,22,29)
12:00-1:00 pm (Free, sponsored by the library, bring snacks, crafts &games)
Rosie’s Boots & Beats Line Dance Classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Tuesdays at the Bethel United Methodist Church Community Annex, Main St., Bethel, Thursdays at the Locke Mills Union Church, Rt 26, Locke Mills, (All ages, $5 cash per session)
Gilead Historical Society Buildings Tours, each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm. Coffee and snacks available. (All Ages, Donations welcome,). Rt 2, Gilead
Tech Help at Bethel Library 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm, (All Ages, Free)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sept 2, Wednesday 7:00pm, Presentation by the Greenwood Historical Society: History of Howe Hill Neighborhood, Locke Mills Legion Hall, 595 Gore Rd, Greenwood
Sept. 3, Thursday ,5:30-7:30, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS)Annual Meeting and Potluck, Moses Mason Barn /Howe Exhibit Hall10 Broad St., Bethel. Meet John Adams: A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s 2nd President
Sept. 4 Friday, 4:30-6:30 pm. Accoustapalians play the last concert of the Andover Summer Concert Series, Rain or shine at the Gazebo on the Common, intersection of RT 5&120, Andover (Free, Donations accepted, Bring chair).
Sept 5, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)
Sept 8, 2nd Tuesday of month, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel. Bring a friend or the family to share a meal of Lasagna, salads, bread, and desserts (All Ages, Free, Donations of non-perishable food or $ for the food pantry)
Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities on the front lawn.
Sept 9, 2nd Wednesday of month,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at Kowloon Village Restaurant, 190 Main St., Mountain View Mall, Bethel (Age 50+, individuals order from menu and pay) Come early to order food at 10:30am!
Sept 16, Wednesday,4:30-6:30 Baked Bean Supper at Locke Mills Union Church. 286 N Main St, Locke Mills You may enter your homemade beans into a contest, for prizes! Dinner is free with donations appreciated. Menu: Beans, Cole slaw, Hot Dogs, Dinner Rolls, Corn Bread and Desserts.
Sept.19, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)
Sept 19, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm Bethel Area Chamber Harvestfest on The Town Common, 21 Broad St., Bethel. Crafts, Games, Festivities, Food, Wagon Rides, Pie Baking and Pie Eating Contests Live Music!
Sept. 21, Monday 12:30-2:30 pm, Tech Talk; Iphone/Ipad Playdate,
Adult Ed at Telstar HS on Monday, 9/21/26, 12:30-2:30. Reserve your seat in this FREE session to practice using your device with friends and a facilitator by calling Tel # 207-824-2136 Ext #1340 Limit 10, call soon.
Sept 26, Last Saturday of month,6:00-8: 00, The Fossils/ Music and Dance This is a fun intergenerational, 50’s-90’s rewind of your favorite songs. Local musicians and vocalists lead us down memory lane as we groove to the music. (All Ages, Free, Donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills
Sept.30, Last Wednesday of month, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. Menu: Pasta Bake (pasta, meat sauce & cheese) Garlic Bread, Desserts, Drinks (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted) Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available
In addition to these local events, explore SAD 44 Adult Education offerings, Western Mountains Senior College classes, and new creative opportunities at the West Bethel Makerspace.
http://maineadulted.org (or call 207-824-2136 ext.1340)
http://westbethelmakerspace.org
_______________________________________________________________*Resources Available for the Serious Challenges of Life or Aging*
If someone is in immediate physical danger call 911
National Su***de Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 (press1 for Veteran Crisis Line)
Maine Crisis Hotline 1-888-568-1112 available 24/7
http://namimaine.org
SeniorsPlus, designated Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Mission is to enrich lives of older adults, individuals with disabilities and their families by supporting independent living and proactive choice http://seniorsplus.org
Check out their many core services and specialties. A satellite office is located at 9 Marston St., Norway. Tel # 207-795-4010
A walk-in caregiver peer support group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month 2:30-4:00pm (no appointment required)
Adult Protective Services (APS) to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an incapacitated or dependent adult
24-hour hotline 1-800-624-8404 http://maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Legal Services for Maine Elders1-800-750-5353 http://mainelse.org
General Community Resources Dial 211or http://211maine.org
Bethel Area District Exchange(clothing) and Food Pantry, 281 Walkers Mills Rd., Bethel Open 9:00-11:00am every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Tel # 207-890-4022 email:[email protected]
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Reminder: AFCI’s Neighbor2Neighbor volunteer program offers free rides within 30-mile radius of Bethel (ages 60+). We are always looking for volunteer drivers. Would you like to help your neighbors? This is an enjoyable service and a great way to meet folks. Call and leave a message to apply as a rider, a driver, or for other questions and concerns: 207-824-4444
For current information visit our page. Please click Favorites at the top of our page, comment or message us at: www.facebook.com/agefriendlybethel/
Or Email Community Connector : [email protected]
What is the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI)???
AFCI is a non-profit that helps local older adults remain in their homes as they age. Programs help older citizens (age 60+) to thrive physically, mentally and socially.
FREE PROGRAMS_
Neighbor2Neighbor Rides (N2N rides within 30 miles of Bethel for medical, shopping, social engagements)
HandyNeighbor (Spring and Fall yard & garden chores completed by high school students & supervisors)
Walk the Gym (November through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays ,1:00-2:00 P.M at Gould Academy)
‘Games-On’ (Thursdays, Noon -2:00P.M., at Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond (Fun social time.)
Home Safety Assessment by certified O.T. (Personal safety & fall prevention)
Used Medical Equipment Lending Closet (Donations accepted. Canes, Walkers etc. (For All Ages)
Alexa Echo Dot and Smart Plugs assistive technology to enhance safety in the home
AFCI receives support from Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock
AFCI serves these 6 towns and the residents of Albany and Mason Townships
Board Members: President Julie Hart, Eileen Broderick, Katina Columbotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Amy George, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler
Community Connector: Melinda Re*****on
Email: [email protected]
Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI) is a grassroots volunteer organization serving Bethel, Greenwood, Woodstock, Hanover, Newry and Gilead that aims to support our aging population so they can remain at home and engaged in their communities
