CCL Update – July 19, 2017
Whoa—What a start to the summer! Lots to share, but of great importance is the sincere thank you to all the Lyme Highway Department and Emergency Services teams who worked many, many wet & wild hours during the July 1st storm. Thanks also to Judy Russell at the Library and Jeff Valence at the school who made themselves and their facilities available as needed.
Goings-on since our last visit:
Independence Day Celebration.
Some of the fun before the storm.
The storm overwhelmed what was a spectacular showing of community teamwork and American spirit. I want to recognize the hard work and flexibility both in planning the parade, activities, and meal and in making sure a whole lot of that was enjoyed, despite the locations changing and events being cut short. I was proud to be a part of it on behalf of CCL and am so thankful for all of you who played a part.
“We Have Each Other”, a project designed to learn about people’s experience with life in Lyme – what’s good and you are grateful for and what are challenges you may be facing now or you may see coming — CCL intern Mariah Lang is helping to design and kick off the project. Her initial conversations are proving to be enlightening and fun! If chatting with Mariah or another “listener” interests you, please let us know. And if you are interested in being a listener, we welcome your participation.
“Our Hour” is an informal hour each month designed to be, simply put, just for you. Held in the Gathering Room in the Lyme Center Academy, a few folks visit, enjoy Abbe Murphy’s delicious treats, and relax. That’s it. Anyone who would like a little down time is warmly invited. Please call the office for the next scheduled date.
CCL Website new content.
The Davis Family had a big Prouty weekend
We are excited that this News and Events section on our website now includes more contributors!
Vicki, Chris, Lynn, Celeste enjoy a free dance concert (and dear grandbaby!) on the Green
Check out the posts in the categories “Life in and around Lyme”, by Nancy Copeland, “Summer Bucket List”, by Jay Davis, and see James Graham’s recent post. I’ve also used this space to share my enormous gratitude to all involved in the Independence Day Celebration and my memories of Marion and Ronnie Balch. I’ll continue to share this (long) monthly update here each month.
Upcoming:
Listener Training 101 on Friday, July 21st at 2:30-4:30pm at the CCL office
Cayla Dyer, Lead Organizer with United Valley Interfaith Project (UVIP), will lead an interactive training in Listening: the Art and Science of Interviewing. This training is helpful for those capturing stories for We Have Each Other and is broadly applicable to story capture and interviews of all kinds. We will be sharing experiences, tips and techniques. If you are an experienced interviewer, your participation is welcome and encouraged. Participants may also help with future Listening Training. Please contact me if you can join us OR If you cannot attend but are interested. Please just show-up if you find yourself available at the last minute.
Blood Pressure Checks
The Parish Nurses will take blood pressures in the CCL Gathering Room in August. Please watch for more information on dates and times. If you are interested, please let us know so we can contact you individually.
Third Thursday Lunch is at Stella’s on August 17th, 2017 at Noon.
(NOTE: It’s also tomorrow, July 20th, at Dowds’ Latham Tavern)
Please join us for conversation over lunch. Choose from their lunch menu, which includes a variety of foods and tastes. Anyone can come who lives in Lyme, is from Lyme, has friends here, or wants to learn about Lyme. Bring a guest! All are invited. Come and visit over lunch and make new friends. Please let me know that you are coming by contacting Kathy Larson before 10 a.m. on August 17th, at 795-2014 (leave a message if I am out) or landk.larson@gmail.com. If you decide at the last moment, come anyway. The more the merrier! I look forward to seeing you at Stella’s to hear about your summer adventures.
Kathy Larson for CommunityCare of Lyme
Save the Dates!
September 10th afternoon/evening – Back to School Bonanza
CCL will host a multi-generational community meal to wish the kids (and parents) well as they head back to school. Our hope is that the weather will allow a wonderful late afternoon outside barbecue (can you tell I’m “gun-shy” after the July 1st adventure?) Mark the date, watch for more details, and let us know if you’d like to help!
Dr. Atul Gawande
September 25th, 4:30-6:30pm – Atul Gawande Simulcast
The scheduled February event that got postponed due to a snowstorm is now on the calendar. Dr. Atul Gawande, author of Being Mortal, will be speaking on the topic “The Value of Community and Choice as We Grow Older” in Boston to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the founding of Beacon Hill Village. We will gather over refreshments at 4:30pm and simulcast the program 5-6pm. Conversation will follow, 6-6:30pm.
Grateful memories:
The Lyme community has lost many good friends over the past few weeks: Hank Swan, a steward of forest and fauna; his wife, Freda Swan, a dedicated servant to the town of Lyme, as a member of the planning board and select board among other things; Marion Balch, a mother, grandmother and friend to many, creative in her works, loving in her nature; Ronnie Balch, a long time fixture at the Dartmouth Skiway and teacher of all things hunting and fishing; and Mike Whitcomb, firefighter and EMT for Hanover and Lyme, and fixer of all things noisy with a motor.
To the families and friends of these good people, our appreciation for sharing them and our sympathy to you all.
Offers, asks, and thanks:
As support to the Independence Day festivities CCL purchased 3 5-gallon beverage containers, with the thought they could be handy for any number of functions in town. If you would like to borrow any or all for a function, please contact me.
CCL was gifted several boxes of items left over from the Prouty for use at community functions. Sincere appreciation for this thoughtful and supportive gesture by the Prouty organizers and to Kevin Peterson for transporting the boxes to Lyme.
What we do and how we do it:
CCL just wants to be helpful. Whether it’s arranging a ride, a meal, some financial help, some medical help or getting some housework done, we work in conjunction with all the agencies and organizations in town designed to provide these services. I am so happy to report that since April 2017, there have been 40+ instances where we have been able to make a difference in someone’s life. It doesn’t matter what the issue is, if it’s important to the person needing help, it’s important to us.
CCL is a growing group of volunteer leaders with a small paid staff, including me as Director. Our work includes individual service and activities that get the community involved, through coordination, communication, education, training, and opportunities to gather. Our annual operating budget is now funded by a small number of generous souls who support the mission of community caring and support. We will be seeking broader community support in the months and years to come.
Always, we aim to empower all contributors — of time, ideas, money, or just trust — to realize ownership. CCL is yours. Your voice is welcomed, your ideas critical.
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