CCL Weekly Update – 4/28/22

 

Reflecting on last evening’s Stress Reduction gathering …

As I get going this (another) dreary morning, I am reflecting on the “Stress Awareness Month” Zoom gathering last evening, featuring Dr. Samuel Standard, Ph.D.
Nineteen people attended this very informative and intuitive session, and I personally came away with hope and encouragement that stress may be managed and “put in its place” until it either resolves itself or I am ready to deal with it. Doesn’t that sound powerful?


Dr. Standard’s methods included various forms of breathing, mindful direction toward calm when things seem chaotic, and practical applications of control that only we can have for ourselves – both in our private world and our work environment.


One method of control which might help eliminate stressors is to simply step away from all external invasions to our peace of mind. Newspapers and TVs that are full of horror and happenings beyond our control. Computers, phones, screen time of any kind that may be distracting in the moment, but is otherwise simply an avoidance of being ourselves. He recommends time spent outside. Walking, gardening, sitting in peace and listening to something other than human voice, pings & dings, canned laughter, and fake news.


My interpretation of his ideas was to disconnect from the things from which we have no control to something that is within our control. I’m planning my disconnected day! I hope you will too.


A recording of Dr. Standard’s presentation and practice will soon be available please email shelby@cclyme.org if you would like the link. You may appreciate it, as I did, to help you get started creating some relaxation. Find yourself a comfortable seat to enjoy the session and practice some helpful techniques. On the new CCL website Self- Care page, there is a link to the printable book list suggested on stress management by Dr. Standard.

Create those boundaries, enjoy that peace, and spend the day breathing well and seeing beauty.

Wishing you lovely days minus the stress,
–  Patty

603-795-0603 (CCL office)
Patty@cclyme.org
www.cclyme.org

News and Notes:

Lyme’s Day of Service and Green Up Day – May 7th! SIGN UP NOW.

There are lots of great outdoor projects at neighbors’ homes and, together, we can clean-up every road in Lyme! CCL is partnering with the Lyme Conservation Commission for Lyme’s Day of Service and Green Up Day. We will feel the spirit of community! As always, we’re paying attention to everyone’s safety. Of course, there will be refreshments available at the Lyme School from 9am – 1pm!
Now is the time to sign up! 

Click here to help complete neighbors’ projects    Click here to help Green Up Lyme roads 

Can’t participate on May 7th? No problem! Let us know that as you sign up and we’ll be in touch to help coordinate a time when you can help complete a 2-3 hour project.
Do you have questions or suggestions? Please contact shelby@cclyme.org or 802-468-7776.

April is…

Stress Awareness Month. Throughout the month we offered resources, and opportunities to shed some stress together. In her note, Patty shared her experience with Wednesday’s special Zoom program with Samuel Standard, PhD. He described the impact of stress, as well as prevention and coping strategies. Visit our NEW Self-Care webpage at CCLyme.org, where you can explore resources, upcoming events, and programs related to self-care for your well-being. You’ll find a recording of Wednesday’s Zoom  program, along with links to a list of Dr. Standard’s recommended reading. Click here to check it out, and be in touch with suggestions as the page evolves.

Humor Month. Did you know that laughter is one way to reduce stress, and offers several other health benefits? You can watch a brief overview from the Mayo Clinic to learn more about the health benefits of laughter here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqGnsTK41-o. Turns out the phrase “laughter is the best medicine”  has some truth!

This week’s incredibly corny joke of the week comes from The Pioneer Woman.com :

What do you call a fake noodle? 

An Impasta!

If you have a joke to share, contact shelby@cclyme.org or 603-795-0603. We’d love to laugh with you!

National Garden Month. Consider engaging with Lyme Gardeners, an informal group of gardening enthusiasts from Lyme and surrounding communities. Lyme Gardeners was “born” in 2007, continuing all these years mainly for the pleasure of visiting gardens (Pardon My Garden, or PMG). PMGs are usually weekly, from May into the fall. Our Lyme Gardener listserv functions to ask questions, share information about gardens and plants, ask “what is this?”, and to schedule and remind subscribers of PMG visits. To subscribe to the Lyme Gardeners listserv, send a blank email to: Lyme-gardeners-subscribe@lists.vitalcommunities.org 

Pardon My Garden visits start next month. Everyone is always welcome.

Questions? Email anne.baird@gmail.com 

Weekly health and well-being tips, resources, and recipes …

Monday’s Menu. It’s approaching that time of year again when we enjoy the bounty of the first seasonal harvest in Northern New England. Asparagus is always one of the first crops ready to enjoy. To celebrate consider trying this recipe from Eating Well Test Kitchen, Creamy Asparagus-Potato Soup. Click here to view this week’s Monday’s Menu post.

If you have an original recipe OR a recipe you have adapted that you would love to share please email me at  shelby@cclyme.org  Click here to see all the Monday’s Menu recipes.

Wellness Wednesday. This week, Meggan Wehmeyer, Owner and Operator of Farmer’s Body, shares the ways that shopping small and local are beneficial to community health and wellness. Please read Meggan’s Wellness Wednesday post here.

If you have a wellness topic you would like to share about OR would love to learn more about, please contact shelby@cclyme.org. See all Wellness Wednesday posts here. 

Orford Senior Center May Newsletter 

Our partner organization, Orford Senior Center (serving Lyme), has shared their May Newsletter and Inserts here. They offer programs – now including on-site bingo! – weekly Grab ‘n Go meals, daily home delivered meals, and more.

Covid Update

Vaccination. The best protection for most of us continues to be vaccination.  Whether it’s your first or second dose or a booster, at Vaccines.gov you can search for vaccination locations and make an appointment. It’s quick and easy!

Testing. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 FREE  at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests (This is a 2nd offer!) Please use this link: https://www.covidtests.gov/ They’ll ship as supplies are available.

For up-to-date information on testing, vaccines, and more in New Hampshire, visit www.covid19.nh.gov. Note that Upper Valley locations in Vermont can also serve NH residents.

Stay safe: Let’s all do our best to stay safe and keep others safe. As mandates are lifted, keep your mask along to wear it inside when requested or when safe distancing isn’t possible.

Contact CCL if you would like help navigating the system or have questions, and we’ll do our best to get you the most up-to-date answers and help you may need. Email help@cclyme.org or call 603-795-0603.

Extending a Warm Upper Valley Welcome

Financial support is needed! Donations to the CCL Welcome Fund support Afghan evacuees and others displaced by challenging circumstances. Go to cclyme.org/donate or mail a check to CCL at PO Box 127 Lyme, NH 03768. Please note that your donation is for the Welcome Fund. 

Get involved! Our new neighbors appreciate help with rides, opportunities to practice English, occasional meals, and simple, warm connection with neighbors. Thanks to so many who have been a part of the welcome so far. If you would like to join in, please contact Martha Tecca (martha.tecca@gmail.com, 603-795-0603). She helps coordinate the Lyme/Upper Valley Neighborhood Support Team, partnering with Ascentria Care Services, a state resettlement office.

We are here. Every Day. 603-795-0603 or help@cclyme.org.

Reach out when you or someone you care about needs a hand. If you could use information, help, a listening ear or ways to bring someone else joy, contact us at 603-795-0603 or help@CCLyme.org.  Our phone is answered every day, usually in person. Our welcoming living room in the Lyme Center Academy is a terrific place to relax, read, visit with friends, or meet with a CCL team member. It is now open Monday through Thursday from 9am – 11am, and by appointment. Be in touch, any time. You’ll reach a friendly voice, a little (or a lot of) help, and creative, safe ways to be involved.

Coming up: 

Check out the Lyme Events Calendar, the Valley News Calendar, Lyme organizations (see several links at the end of this message) or the Aging Resource Center for more ideas. 

We are pleased to pass on news shared by Lyme organizations.

This Week

  • Tuesday, May 3rd at 1pm – Lyme Food Pantry CCL hosts the distribution every Tuesday at Lyme Congregational Church. Call ahead to order, or just stop by. DELIVERY AVAILABLE.
  • Wednesday, May 4th – FREE Reiki with Stephanie Carney at the CCL office. Weekly, starting at noon. To make an appointment contact carney.steph@gmail.com or call 603-795-2419.
  • Wednesday, May 4, 3-7pm May the Fourth Be With You Star Wars Celebration! Converse Free Library offers programs and a Star Wars movie. Cosponsored with CommunityCare of Lyme. More details to come! Visit the llibrary’s website for more info.
  • Saturday, May 7. Lyme’s Day of Service and Green Up Day  Could you use a hand this year for a Day of Service Project? Could you lend a hand this year to a neighbor? Might you help clean up a road in town? “Many hands make light work!” Contact us at info@cclyme.org or  603-795-0603. Or sign up now! Projects for neighbors, Road clean up. More info here. Brunch To Go will be available at the Lyme School Parking lot from 9am – 1pm. Can’t lend a hand on the actual day of service (5/7)? Not to worry! We can coordinate with you to find a time that works best for a 2-3 hour volunteer project.

Save the date! 

  • Our Hour. Tuesday, May 10th at 10:30am in the CCL Living Room. Join us for warm conversation with friends and neighbors new and old!
  • Bingo at the Orford Senior Center. Wednesday, May 11 th Please call to make your reservation: 603-353-9107 or email enickles@gcscc.org. All participants must sign in and sign out; masks optional. Contact CCL if you could use a ride. Also Wednesdays, 18,& 25.
  • May flowers and Mothers. Wednesday, May 18th at 4pm. Join CCL in our 2nd annual gathering on Kathy’s beautiful patio, adjacent to the Lyme Center Academy Building. If you have flowers from your garden that you can spare, we would love you to bring them. We’ll have the opportunity to do a flower swap so everyone leaves with a beautiful arrangement of flowers from friends and neighbors. No flowers? No worries! We’ll all share in whatever bounty is generously provided. At this gathering we’ll also celebrate Mothers in honor of Mother’s Day. We warmly welcome you to share stories, photos and poems – whatever might speak to you. We will offer light refreshments during this program.  All warmly welcome!
  • Mindful Photography Gathering. Sunday, May 22 4-5:30pm (Postponed from 4/14). The focus is on noticing the world around you by thoughtfully capturing a limited number of photos as opposed to a regular photo shoot where the objective might be to capture hundreds. Bring whatever camera you have- your smartphone, a point & shoot, a DSLR, or mirrorless. Shelby and Stephanie of CommunityCare of Lyme will be your hosts. Open to all levels. Meeting at the CommunityCare of Lyme Office. Email shelby@cclyme.org or call 603-795-0603 for more information. Registration required by Friday, May 20th at noon to help us plan.

*NOTE: For any event that’s not online, please be prepared with a mask and clean hands. Safety guidance, and hosts’ comfort continues to evolve.

Check out the Lyme Events Calendar for a full listing of upcoming events selected for Lyme and neighboring communities.

Calendar information is gathered from multiple sources, including:

Lyme and other local listservs
Lyme Library Calendar
Lyme Community and Church Newsletter
Lyme School Events Listing
Town of Lyme Website
Daybreak Upper Valley daily newsletter Click to subscribe
Valley News online calendar
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Aging Resource Center

Please share any additions or edits to calendar items, so that we can include them in the online calendar.

We are here for you.
When you seek information, help, or ways to help others, contact us.

The Lyme Community Help Line:
call 795-0603 or email Help@CCLyme.org

Connection to resources you need now to stay active, involved, and well.
Lyme Food Pantry or prepared meals. Deliveries or errands. Help around home.
Just a chat. You name it.