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Library tax help, Mahjong and access‑center staffing discussed; Millinocket ADRC post remains uncertain
Summary
At the March 10 Age‑Friendly meeting, a library representative asked about local tax‑assistance programs and an Eastern Area representative reported ongoing funding work in Augusta and uncertainty about replacing a part‑time ADRC hire in Millinocket.
During a March 10 meeting of the Millinocket Age‑Friendly Work Group, a participant from the library raised concerns about tax assistance demand and local access to services; members identified two community tax sites and discussed access‑center staffing for Millinocket.
Renee interrupted the agenda to ask, "Are you having any type of tax programs?" She and others said two local providers are offering tax help: the Nazarene Church (134 Forest Avenue in Millinocket) with appointments on Wednesdays in March and a St. Peter's site in East Millinocket running through April; participants agreed to fax or email flyers and contact information to the group for distribution.
The group also confirmed social programming such as a MahJong group that meets Wednesdays from noon to 2:30 p.m., described as small and beginner‑friendly.
A representative speaking for the Eastern Area (EAA) described continuing funding work in Augusta and noted volunteer shortages in Medicare/SHIP work: "we fielded over 1,700 calls" and the volunteer pool for counseling has dropped from roughly 10–11 to about five or six. The representative said Millinocket had been intended to function as an ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) access site and that a part‑time ADRC hire had been placed there previously; that post is currently open again following staff reductions and replacement remains uncertain due to funding constraints.
Why it matters: Local tax‑assistance sites and ADRC access centers are critical points for older residents to get help with benefits and tax preparation; staffing and volunteer shortages limit capacity to meet demand.
What happens next: The meeting host agreed to collect and circulate contact information and flyers for tax‑assistance sites; the Age‑Friendly group will monitor ADRC staffing and access‑center developments in Millinocket.
