CCL Weekly Update – 1/15/2021

“We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A reminder of Martin Luther King’s work and words couldn’t be more timely. We celebrate his life this weekend, with a government in turmoil, threats of violence in state capitols across the country, and a still-raging pandemic … but also with encouraging signs of progress, people extending hands of love all around us, and Covid-19 vaccines on their way. On this gray and slushy day, fellow community members are out making sure it is safe for us to travel if we must; and there is much going on behind the scenes to prepare for caring work ahead and to build programs supporting everyone’s health and happiness. 

There are a lot of complicated problems in front of us. Yet, whether it’s making peace among our people, ensuring that everyone can experience health and well-being, or protecting our earth from climate change, the power for real change is within communities. We can make important progress right here at home: listening to one another, sharing what we can, accepting help that’s offered, and, in small steps, walking on together. And, never forgetting:

“Love is the greatest force in the universe.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

With audacious faith in the future,

Martha

603-795-0603 (CCL main line)
martha@cclyme.org
www.cclyme.org

News and Notes: 

Vaccines are coming!

This is such encouraging news, after so many months of hoping for a safe and effective vaccine. Now, we are into the very complicated process of making sure that we are all vaccinated, phased so that those at highest risk of spreading the virus get top priority. Patience, once again, is in order, but the light at the end of the tunnel is much brighter!

This week, a very big group (Phase 1b) becomes eligible for vaccinations over the next couple of months, as doses are allocated to the state and made available at testing sites. Vaccine manufacturers are stepping up production, planning is still underway at the national and state levels, and we helpers in the community are working together toward a coordinated plan for communication and support to ensure access for all those who are eligible. If you are in a position to help someone who’s eligible understand the plan, register, and get to the vaccination site, please do so! You will be an important part of the coordinated plan. Call the Help Line at 603-795-0603 with questions about the process or requests for help. We are in close touch with the EOC, Parish Nurse, and Public Health Council, working hard to have the latest details.

Registration for Phase 1b will begin on Friday, January 22nd at vaccines.nh.gov or by calling 211. Testing begins on Tuesday, January 26th. In order to ensure equitable distribution, appointments will not be offered on a first-come first-served basis. As we write, there are lots of details outstanding. We will be back in touch. In the meantime, please watch for communications from EOC Lyme, the Emergency Operations Center, directed by Margaret Caudill-Slosberg.

Recycling is coming!

More news we’ve been waiting for: The Lyme Transfer Station will be again accepting recycling, using Casella’s zero-sort approach, very soon. Details about what will be accepted are here. Watch the Listserv and Town website for the start date.

Our Hour was fun by Zoom.

Several joined our friendly gathering for warm conversation. All shared hopes for this coming year and also their tips for staying positive and feeling well. Read about it here. You can participate by computer, iPad or other tablet, or smartphone — or you can just call in by telephone. For connection instructions or with questions, call 795-0603 or email debbie@cclyme.org, or go to the link on the Lyme Events Calendar. 

CommunityCare of Lyme has new team members!

We have welcomed Debbie Whitaker as Manager of Outreach in December and Shelby Wood as Manager of Program Development, expanding our ability to involve everyone and to make the most helpful connections to opportunities and services. We are excited for you to meet them both. They look forward to getting to know you.

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. You name it.

Coming up: 

Please be extra-careful about keeping yourself and others safe and healthy. ❤️? And please be kind, as you encourage others to practice safe behaviors. 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:

Monday (1/18): Martin Luther King Day. 

Tuesday (1/19) at 1pm: Lyme Food Pantry Fresh Produce and Staples Pick-up or Delivery. NEW Located at Lyme Congregational Church. All who ask can receive a box of non-perishable items and Willing Hands fresh produce. Credits 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.

Save the date:

Saturday (2/13) at 7pm: Galentine’s Day toast by Zoom. More information coming soon!

 

Go to the Lyme Events Calendar to see selections for the week and a growing list for future weeks.

Information is gathered from multiple sources including Lyme and other local listservs, the town, library, local bulletins and businesses. Here are a few direct links to organizations’ full schedules:

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

Lyme Food Pantry or prepared meals. Deliveries or errands. Help around home. You name it.

Click here to check out the Lyme Events Calendar
Things are happening!