CCL Weekly Update – 2/5/2021
A good time to settle in
On this Friday evening of fresh snow and a weekend to enjoy, I send a short message of connection and collaboration. Re-reading the lengthy, but interesting and important messages that we’re sharing below from the CommunityCare of Lyme team, I am reminded … again … how blessed we all are to have the incredible resources of science, literature and nature available to us!
Be well in your ventures, be happy in your life, and keep strong in the push to get back to the place of good health and peace for everyone.
News and Notes:
Vaccination Update.
The Phase 1b vaccination scheduling process is well underway. Getting everyone vaccinated will take several weeks, and bumps in the road are still being smoothed out. All involved – state and federal leaders and department teams, system developers, workers at vaccination sites, local helpers, and individuals trying to navigate the process as independently as possible – are doing their best. It’s tricky to balance the “need for speed” to get vaccinations completed and the need for clear, broad communications while details are evolving. Patience will continue to be in order until all vaccination phases are complete. This week’s turmoil, for the lucky small group who got early first vaccinations, was around scheduling 2nd vaccinations. The good news announced today is that beginning on Sunday, those getting their first shots will be handed an appointment for the second right then and there. This is a big improvement!
If you are eligible and haven’t yet registered to get your first shot: To register online (encouraged), go to vaccines.nh.gov. If you don’t have internet access, call 211. Wait times on the phone are likely to be very long, but all callers will reach a live helper. Some have waited more than an hour, but the reward is the service of trained 211 staff, including members of the National Guard. They are working as quickly as they can to help callers with many different kinds of challenges. For more information: the Lyme Emergency Operations Center will continue to post details as they emerge at lymenh.gov (click on “Covid-19 Information” on the left.) There’s a very helpful FAQs list there now. CCL is here to help. Call 603-795-0603 or email help@cclyme.org with any questions about scheduling an appointment or if you’re stuck with the online registration process.
Join us for a Galentine’s Day “Roaring 20’s” Celebration on Saturday, February 13th.
The ‘20s have been roaring! Celebrate with wonderful women at our virtual Galentine’s Day gathering. Please consider this an opportunity to feel your best and look your best! Perhaps wear “roaring ‘20s” attire (1920’s fancy, 2020’s comfy, or anything that makes you feel good.) During our celebration, we invite you to share a poem, an image, a reflection, or song that celebrates sisterly love and female friendship.
And, if you like, join in the virtual chorus of women’s voices singing I am Woman (“hear me roar”). All are welcome to be a part! For those who enjoyed the Jingle All The Way! virtual variety show over the holidays, this will be the same process we used for the gorgeous Silent Night at the end of the show. Once again, Thomas Chapin will be helping us! He’ll create a video using recordings of all the voices, along with images you share by February 7th. Go to the event link or call 795-0603 for the simple instructions.
To RSVP, ask questions, share images, or send a voice recording, email shelby@cclyme.org or call 603-795-0603. CCL will provide Galentine’s Day treats for all who RSVP by February 7th. And all who participate will be eligible for “Zoom” (AKA “door) prizes of Peyton Place Restaurant gift certificates(!). Please share this event widely. We look forward to celebrating love and strength together as new and old friends.
Celebrate birds and birding!
This week, we are pleased to share a guest blog post from Dan Lambert, Associate Director at the Center for Northern Woodlands Education. He provides an overview of the Bird Count, the most frequently reported bird species of 2020, and local places to explore if you want to try birding beyond your own backyard. A huge thank you to Dan Lambert for his thought, care and consideration in putting this piece together for us.
To support the Great Backyard Bird Count and NH Winter Bird Survey (2/12-2/15), CCL is sharing instructions and kits for DIY pinecone bird feeders. If you would like to print directions, please click here. If you would like to request a kit please contact Shelby at shelby@cclyme.org by February 7th to allow enough time to make your kit, and display it so birds are at your feeder for the bird counts.
Stay tuned for another bird-themed announcement next week! Contact Shelby (shelby@cclyme.org) if you have questions or would like to contribute.
Black History Month continues
In the past week we have shared some programs lifting up Black voices and legacies this month. On Sunday, the Black Heritage Trail of NH’s series of Tea Talks on the theme Claiming Our Place: Blacks in “White Spaces” begins with a panel discussion of Racism, Land & The American Farming Landscape.
Have you been wondering how to more actively engage and support Black-owned businesses? We’ve put together a few links for you to consider the next time you’re online shopping:
Please watch for more activities; and continue to share your resources and ideas to honor Black History month with your listservs and social media connections, or with Shelby at shelby@cclyme.org.
“Random Acts of Lymeness” – This is the final week before the grand prize drawing
Dozens of neighbors of all ages have responded to The Lyme Foundation’s call to recognize kind acts in Lyme. It is inspiring to read what’s been noticed and submitted! People are kind. The fifth and final week of submissions ends on Sunday at noon. Everyone recognized is entered into a drawing to win “Lyme Bucks” to spend at the Lyme Business of their choice. Go to the Lyme Foundation website to recognize a kind act or read the growing list of Acts of Lymeness.
We are here. Every day.
Reach out when you or someone you care about needs a hand. If you could use information, help, a listening ear or ways to make someone else feel really good, contact us at 603-795-0603 or help@CCLyme.org. We partner with organizations and generous volunteers to connect you with just the right resources and opportunities to get involved: Deliveries or errands. Groceries or meals. Handy help around home. Ways to stay warm and connected. A little help problem-solving. Tech support. You name it.
Coming up:
You can find events and fun activities to enjoy virtually, outside, or following Covid-safe protocols. Check out the Lyme Events Calendar, the Valley News Calendar, or the Aging Resource Center for ideas. The calendars include free and by-donation food and meals throughout the season.
This week, don’t miss:
- Tuesday (2/9) at 10:30am: Our Hour friendly gathering by Zoom. This month, there’s a special treat for those who join! Contact Debbie Whitaker at debbie@cclyme.org to let her know you’ll be there.
- Tuesday (2/9) at 1pm: Lyme Food Pantry Fresh Produce and Staples Pick-up or Delivery. Now located at Lyme Congregational Church. All who ask can receive a box of non-perishable items and Willing Hands fresh produce. Gift cards for other groceries and prepared meals are available. Boxes of food may be ordered ahead, and if we’re asked for something special we’ll do our best to make it available. There is plenty. Contact us at 795-0603 or help@cclyme.org.
- Saturday (2/13) at 7pm: Galentine’s Day “Roaring 20’s” celebration by Zoom. Join us! More above and at the event link.
- Friday-Monday (2/12-15): Count the birds! You can be a citizen scientist for a long weekend, with two birdcounts underway. The International Great Backyard Bird Count runs 2/12-2/15. You can learn more about how to participate by clicking the link here. This link will also provide some suggested smartphone Apps for the novice birder, to help in identifying and participating in the bird count. You can also help support the NH Audubon’s Winter Bird Survey, 2/13 – 2/14. The NH Audubon defines ‘in your backyard’ as any bird you can see from your backyard. So you’re able to stay inside and look at your backyard bird feeders while participating! Please click here for more on how to participate.
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