Mainers tell us "Why we do what we do"

The Lifelong Maine News asked age-friendly leaders in Maine what motivates them to stay engaged and keep giving to their communities. This is what we heard: 

To be part of the change that makes my town a better place to live as you age. Maureen Booth Age-Friendly Bowdoinham

It has provided me, and many others, an opportunity to meet and support a whole segment of our island's residents we previously had no connection with. Through that connection, it has given many residents, who had been out of the main flow of activity and communication, a chance to get reconnected and participate in events, activities, and resources they were not aware of. Jim Peavey Age-Friendly Georgetown

Love sharing great resources that make our life easier.  Linda Verville Age-Friendly Saco

I believe! Dot Grady Age-Friendly Chelsea

I am by no means a native Mainer, but from the moment we moved from Texas to Bethel, my husband and I knew this was home!  Two long careers later, we committed to staying in our home as we continue the aging journey, and the AFC movement presented itself as the best way for me to ensure that that could happen. Nancy Davis Age-Friendly Bethel

I remembered the Bible verse that guides me for serving others:"For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things that He planned for us long ago."  (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)I merely step into those opportunities that He has already set up. Randy Bliss  Living Well in Madison

I do this work because it becomes addicting!  You see the difference you can make for one person, then a second, then a third, and realize, like one step at a time, you can create change.  It is also teaching me patience - with other people, with the slow wheels of bureaucracy, and with myself. Tara Mozdziez Danforth Livable Communities