BIDDEFORD — Age Friendly Biddeford is looking for volunteers to take part in efforts to make Biddeford a lifelong home for all who wish to live there.
The city created an ad-hoc Age Friendly committee in 2016 and applied to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities that year. By 2019, the committee was operating as an independent group working in cooperation with Heart of Biddeford and released an action plan. However, said city spokeswoman Danica Lamontagne, challenges such as the pandemic paused the work of the group. Mayor Alan Casavant is now championing its revival.
“As the city continues its renaissance and makes improvements to infrastructure and amenities, it is critical that we consider how plans will meet the needs of people in all age demographics,” said Casavant. “Everyone can benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, improve transportation options, or provide opportunities to participate in community activities.”
Melanie Coombs, who currently serves on Age Friendly Biddeford, encourages people to attend the committee’s next meeting at 2 p.m. March 2 in the mayor’s office at Biddeford City Hall, 205 Main St. to learn more about their work.
“Age Friendly groups throughout the country are best able to advocate for their needs when they are led by the work of strong and capable volunteers,” Coombs said. “We are looking for participants of all ages who are passionate about making Biddeford a better place to live.”
The Age-Friendly movement is a national effort associated with AARP. The common thread among communities that participate in the initiative is the belief that when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for older adults, the places we call home are more livable and better able to support people of all ages.
For more information about Age Friendly Biddeford, contact Lamontagne, at 282-8423 or email contactus@biddefordmaine.org.
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