OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The town of Old Orchard Beach’s Age-Friendly program is planning a large community-wide celebration this summer. 

The town last year joined the nationwide network of AARP Age-Friendly Communities.  Communities involved in the program must go through a multi-step process to improve the community that includes putting together an action plan, assessing community needs and gathering and evaluating information, according to AARP.

Through the age-friendly initiative, the town has formed the OOB Community Friendly Connection, a committee with a mission to make the community a great place for people of all ages to live, work, play and do business.

“A core and support group, with over 50 individuals, are volunteering their help to see the mission succeed by involving residents of all ages within our community,” said Assistant Town Manager Louise Reid in a recent press release. 

The committee is planning a downtown community event titled “Imagine, Dream, Believe,” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 16, said Reid.

“The event is an all-inclusive celebration involving the Town Council, town administration, businesses and community groups,” said Reid.

She said the goal is to give residents the opportunity to visit various displays from the town officials and departments and local agencies. 

Live music is planned, and there will be police and fire equipment on display, food tastings, medical testing, a paper shredding station and Medicare information said Reid. 

Shuttlebus will provide transportation to and from the Old Orchard Beach High School and Milliken Street parking lots. 

Reid said the town is reaching out to local community groups to participate in the event. To get involved, contact Reid at 284-3652 or lreid@oobmaine.com.  

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.