Freeport, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Activities that address social isolation and facilitate community connections

Description: Older adults can often feel underappreciated. The Town of Freeport wanted to change through a unique event designed to honor its older residents. The Town invited local families to go up in hot air balloons over the town -- something project organizers describe as an experience one will never forget. Thanks to donations from a local business, the Town was able to offset the cost of tickets, making this an activity in which everyone could participate, regardless of age, income or ability.

Yarmouth, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: Yarmouth sought to improve safety on fast-moving corridors where older adults struggled to cross and drivers often failed to yield. The town installed temporary speed tables and enhanced crosswalks at nine locations, making walking routes more visible and prompting more than 25 residents to voice support. These changes slowed vehicles and encouraged additional requests for safer crossings. Residents shared stories of safer stroller walks and an older adult noted it was the first time drivers had ever yielded to her. The pilot boosted community engagement and strengthened momentum for long-term policy updates and future investments in safer, more predictable streets.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.