BETHEL — Melinda Remington has been a “community connector” her whole life — and now it’s her title.

Approachable and kind, she brings energy and empathy to each interaction. From Bethel to Gilead, Greenwood to Newry, Remington is always on the move — meeting seniors where they live. She’s tireless in her mission to serve and welcomes those from outside these towns as well. She’s focused on reaching “pockets of older people” who want to age in place and stay in their homes.

Remington’s job, part of the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI), involves everything from attending senior lunches and “Game-On” days to helping individuals navigate Medicare, transportation and in-home care. With 32% of the population in Remington’s six towns age 60 or above and funded by a $25,000 grant from the Governor’s Cabinet on Aging and UMaine, the community connector position supports efforts to build a network of services for aging Mainers. Remington receives $20,000 in funding, with the remaining $5,000 allocated to supplies.

Helping seniors stay connected

Rarely at home, Remington travels from town to town, meeting seniors where they are. She even brings adaptive tools — like jar openers and sock aids — to events like the Fossils’ monthly Friday night dance in Greenwood.

She connects with people at Telstar’s National Honor Society Senior Citizen dinners, Hanover’s Little Library gatherings, or by chance — like when a man stopped by the Whitman Library in Bryant Pond after spotting a sign out front for Game Day.

“I use those opportunities to let people know what’s available. Sometimes people don’t even know who to ask,” Remington said. “I can point them to resources or connect them to someone at SeniorsPlus.”

SeniorsPlus, an area agency that provides help to aging people based in Lewiston, has a satellite office in Norway. They offer support groups for dementia and Parkinson’s disease, Medicare assistance, and referrals to vetted home aides.

For those overwhelmed after a hospital stay or rehab visit, Remington can help connect them with SeniorsPlus for in-home help.

“Sometimes people just need someone to go through their mail, or help with small tasks,” she said. “Together we can get them someone background-checked who can help.”

AFCI’s wide range of initiatives includes:

• Neighbor2Neighbor (N2N) Ride Share: Volunteer drivers provide rides to appointments, stores, and social events — though demand often outpaces availability. Remington is actively recruiting new volunteers. “Some drive in memory of a loved one,” she said.

• Winter Walk the Gym: In partnership with Gould Academy, this program offers seniors a safe indoor walking space during winter months. N2N drivers provide transportation.

• Handy Neighbor Program: Each spring and fall, high school students and adults help do yard work and household chores for area seniors. Over 100 students have participated. “At the end of the day, everyone’s tired, dirty, and proud,” said Remington.

• Games and Gatherings: Remington helped launch a Thursday game club at Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond and a “Cabin Fever Reliever” lunch at Bethel Methodist Church.

• Home Safety Inspections: Offered through AFCI’s Bri Wiseman, these free checks can prevent falls and injuries, though uptake has been slow. “Many older people are resistant to having someone come into their homes,” Remington said.

Upcoming projects include a Bethel Village information kiosk and a medical equipment loan program in partnership with Bethel Rotary.

Though Bethel serves as the hub, Remington hopes to expand services into more communities, especially during the winter.

“It’s crucial to provide opportunities in people’s hometowns,” she said. “Whether it’s walking groups or coffee hours, the goal is to get people out and connected.”

A personal mission

For Remington, the work is deeply personal.

“I know what it’s like not to have enough. As a child, we were hungry and poor,” she said. Her beloved grandmother would send leftovers home after Sunday dinners to help feed the family.

Making connections even as a child, Remington remembers asking her mother if she could give an unwanted dress to a neighbor.

Later, her mother became the family’s main provider, working for years as a school secretary in Portland — thanks in part to a woman who helped her find both a job and an apartment.

“She gave us a safety net,” Remington said. “She was an inspiration to all of us.”

Remington completed online training in October and officially stepped into her new role in November. She meets biweekly with community connectors from 11 other pilot sites across Maine.

“One of the trainings was about boundaries — like not hugging clients,” she laughed. “But these are my people. Many I’ve known for years. I’m a hugger.”

As AFCI celebrates its ten year anniversary, board President Julie Hart credits Remington with significantly raising awareness and participation.

“Our board remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of our aging population,” Hart said. “And Melinda’s work is a huge part of that.”