A resource fair this Friday in Fort Kent aims to show area residents the many services available for seniors.
The Age-Friendly Resource Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 30 at the Fort Kent Municipal Building.
The event will consolidate nearly 20 service providers under one roof so people can learn about numerous services for the older community, said Fort Kent Town Manager Suzie Paradis. Fort Kent is one of several County communities to achieve Age-Friendly status designated by AARP.
“Age-friendly basically means a healthy community where citizens feel like they can be a part of the community, interact with everyone, and be active and safe,” Paradis said.
Fort Kent became age-friendly in 2021. The designation refers to communities that make a commitment to being more livable with accessible services for people of all ages, and especially older adults, according to the AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
In Fort Kent, the focus is on helping people access civic participation, social connection, transportation and health services, Paradis said. One successful venture has been the town’s Kaffeeklatch, a regular community gathering at the library which includes a guest speaker and refreshments.
The fair is free to attend and is open to all Aroostook County residents, Paradis said. Sponsors are the Town of Fort Kent Age Friendly, Fort Kent Fireman’s Association, John’s Shurfine, Knights of Columbus, Paradis Shop ‘n Save and Hope & Justice Project.
Aroostook Regional Transportation will be on site and will give tours of its bus. Also on hand will be representatives from assisted living facilities throughout the St. John Valley, Aroostook Agency on Aging, the Fort Kent library, University of Maine at Fort Kent Senior College, Maine Veterans Homes, Red Cross, AARP, Meals on Wheels, Aroostook County Action Program, Hope & Justice Project, farm services and historical societies.
Visitors can qualify for a free hot dog lunch if they visit at least three booths, Paradis said. Each booth will have bracelets available, and participants can pick up bracelets as they circulate. Anyone who collects three or more will receive a free meal.
For more information, contact Paradis at 834-3090 or Tammy Albert from Hope & Justice Project at 834-7395.
“We want to make it easier for our seniors to come in and see what agencies around The County have to offer,” Paradis added.
