Building Livability in New Gloucester

BLING Vision

BLING works to make New Gloucester “an age-friendly livable community that is a healthy, active and safe place to live, work, play and age” as established in the New Gloucester 2021 Comprehensive Plan.  We expand opportunities, remove barriers and deliver programs so people of all ages can live safely and comfortably, socialize with neighbors, enjoy recreational activities, get around easily and safely, engage in civic life, and enjoy a lifelong home in our community.

BLING Mission

We recognize, promote, support and build on our community’s existing resources to address residents’ needs.  We identify needs not being met by available resources, and we advocate for, find and implement no-cost or low-cost solutions.  We partner with community groups; businesses; municipal, state and federal government entities; and nonprofits to make our community age-friendly.

BLING Work

By the end of 2024, we had implemented many projects and programs:

  • Smoke Detectors Program with Red Cross and New Gloucester Fire Rescue

  • Pace Car Program – Drivers pledge to drive the posted speed limit and refrain from distractions while driving

  • Sand Buckets – Free winter sand buckets delivered to older adults and people with disabilities

  • Wednesday Walkers – ad hoc group exploring a new trail or byway every week

  • AARP’s Rural Lab program, joined and met online monthly with rural communities across the country

  • File of Life Kits – provided by Lifelong Maine and distributed by New Gloucester Fire Rescue at 2024 Town Meeting and ongoing

  • Hosted Informational Events – GPCOG Safe Streets for All, Casco Bay Trail Alliance, Vison Zero, Medicare Options, SMAAA Programs

  • Organized a flu and COVID vaccine clinic

  • Launched New Gloucester Rides, a Volunteer Transportation Program providing free rides to medical/dental appointments for residents 50+ or with disabilities

  • Launched GNG Community Connectors, together with Town of Gray, to bring people together in social gatherings and connect them with resources

  • Received a Community Connections Grant, together with Town of Gray, to provide emergency supply kits to over 200 residents in Gray and New Gloucester

BLING Plans

For 2025, we plan to:

  • Become a 501c3 nonprofit organization - DONE

  • Expand New Gloucester Rides to serve surrounding community residents and add rides for errands and social engagements

  • Apply for grants and launch new age-friendly initiatives

  • Partner with New Gloucester departments for community projects

  • Collaborate with surrounding age-friendly towns

  • Continue and enhance the GNG Connectors program

BLING is a member of the Lifelong Maine Network.

New Gloucester is a member of the AARP Age-Friendly network.