CCL Weekly Update – 10/22/2021
The harvest table …
Our gratitude overflows after Sunday’s Blue Jeans & Bluegrass celebration! Like the harvest table sharing the season’s bounty, the whole gathering of 200 friends and neighbors of all ages reflected the spirit of the Lyme community. While CommunityCare of Lyme has hosted and facilitated many gatherings over its seven years, there was something extra-special about this one. It was our inaugural community appreciation event – a celebration of YOU, of US – inspired especially by the extraordinary way we made it together through the last two years. As a new member of the Lyme community, in my first year with the CCL team, I was honored to help coordinate the gathering and thankful for all the people who came and shared in various ways to enrich the evening.
We were delighted by grand and visible gifts – the venue! … the band! … the food (and cider)! … the weather! – and warmed by the significant efforts of each person who made their way to Breck Hill. Of course, there was a lot of work behind the scenes which made it all possible. It would be impossible to name every one and every way they helped, but we must lift up a few people. First and foremost, our gratitude goes to the Ramsden family, who shared and prepared such a beautiful space, and warmly welcomed us to gather there in community. Truly epic! Thanks to Dan Freihofer and the Dinosaurs (David Gibson, Steve Hennig, Gary Hubbard, Andy Tuthill, Craig Lewis, and special guest Jakob Breitbach), who played really special bluegrass music throughout this event. The feast was a joint effort involving many neighbor chefs, with especially big contributions from Jeff Snelling, who roasted the pig and chicken, and those who prepared side dishes for 200(!): Patty Jenks, Pat Pippin, Lara Dwyer, Joan Barthold, Cammie Wheeler, Keisa Lopez, and Martha Tecca. At 10am on Sunday, Joan and Scott Barthold were inspired to round up some apples and press cider during the party. I personally have not had that before and it was a real treat!
We are grateful, again, to our partners in community, Those Guys of Lyme, who provided the tent (#4 this season!); the Orford-Fairlee Lions who shared their tables and chairs; Matt Brown Fine Arts, who offered display boards; and the Lyme Country Store, who lent catering equipment and helped with provisions. I personally must thank the CCL team: our board, staff, planning committee, decorators, set up, and clean up crews. A lot of hours, expertise, and heart were shared in celebration of our community.
And, finally, thanks to all who attended … and to all who weren’t able to be with us in person, but who are integral to the spirit of Lyme. Like the harvest table, Lyme’s bounty is abundant. Click here for photos and a more detailed expression of our gratitude!
Thank you for coming as you are to share in CommunityCare of Lyme’s mission – uplifting a warm, welcoming, and healthy community.
News and Notes:
It’s time for a flu shot
It’s expected to be a particularly bad flu year, so it’s very important to get your shot. Remember that Covid mitigation practices (hand washing, distancing, and masking) help stop the spread of the flu virus, as well.
Flu shots are being offered throughout the Upper Valley. The Public Health Council of the Upper Valley offers updated details about flu shot types, locations, and times here. The next free flu vaccine clinic is: Friday, October 29 from 4 to 7 pm at the Mascoma Community Health Center, 18 Roberts Road, Canaan, NH. The clinic is walk-in, no reservation required, and free. Please visit their website (above) for more information on vaccine guidance.
Read more from the CDC on Flu Vaccines here.
Halloween Fun in Lyme
The Great Pumpkin Festival – Saturday, October 30 at 10am on the Lyme Green.
Costumes, pumpkin contest, bake sale, goodie bags, and more! Read more here.
Trick or Treating – Sunday, October 31st from 5-7pm around the Lyme Common neighborhood.
From Chief O’Keefe: Please remember to park in appropriate places, parents should wear bright colored clothing, and children should have a light or glow item so that they are visible.
October is Arts and Humanities Month
Throughout the month, we are sharing information and local resources for engaging in events and programs that lift up the arts and culture.
During the Our Hour gathering on Wednesday, October 20th, we shared “Fall Fun” themed poems, handcrafts, and New England cultural food delights. As always, the conversation was lively and uplifting. Read more about it here. We hope you’ll join us next month! Contact debbie@cclyme.org to learn more.
Here are just a few upcoming for your consideration:
- The Dartmouth Aging Resource Center extensive list of programs includes drawing, singing, and poetry readings. Read the latest ARC weekly update to learn more about the offerings.
- NH Humanities supports programming and events throughout our state. Learn more about their upcoming events here. Many are virtual too!
- Halloween Themed Humanities Programs:
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- NH Humanities – The Capital Crime of Witchcraft: What the Primary Sources Tell Us. Monday 10/25 at 6:30pm hosted by Exeter Public Library. Learn more here.
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- HOP – Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster. Sunday 10/31 at 4:00pm hosted by the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth. Learn more here.
Do you have an Arts or Humanities program you would like us to share? Email shelby@cclyme.org
Weekly health and well-being tips, resources, and recipes …
Monday’s Menu. This week’s Monday’s Menu is from Martha: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup (vegan adaptation). A tasty vegan take on a hearty fall soup! It was a crowd pleaser at Sunday’s Blue Jeans and Bluegrass event!
We would LOVE to learn your favorite recipe(s). Please send your recipes to shelby@cclyme.org
Click here to see all the Monday’s Menu recipes.
Wellness Wednesday. Aging in America: Justice For All? – UNH 2021-2022 Sidore Lecture Series. This virtual series explores changing demographics in the US and how long-standing age-related biases in our society affect our health and well-being with the aim to broaden our understanding and awareness of ageism as it intersects with racism, gender, sexuality, and class. It also celebrates the diversity of older adults and how attention to aging and disability can innovate and improve how we design, inhabit, and grow more sustainable communities.
Here’s information about the full series, including a link to watch the first session, “Aging in America: We are All in this Together”, held on October 6, 2021. Engaging and informative, the first session set the context of aging in the US by framing changing demographics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized groups, and the role we all play in shaping our own future as aging adults.
We’ll share reminders about upcoming sessions. Next up: “Caregiving: Honor and Burden, Contributions , and Impact”. November 9, 4-5:30pm by Zoom.
See all Wellness Wednesday posts here.
If you have a wellness tip or a healthy recipe you would like to share, please contact shelby@cclyme.org.
Extending our Warm Lyme Welcome
You may be aware of the energy and excitement building, and you may have already offered to be a part, as Lyme and the whole region prepare to welcome displaced Afghan families and to strengthen our community of support for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers. CommunityCare of Lyme is helping to coordinate this effort, in partnership with KJ Dell’Antonia, Kate Semple Barta, Bill Ploog, and a growing team in Lyme, and in collaboration with organizations and individuals at Dartmouth, Hanover High School, and across the Upper Valley.
New Hampshire has committed to welcoming at least 200 Afghans, a complicated and evolving process. In cooperation with Ascentria Care Alliance in Concord, we are creating the Lyme Neighborhood Support Team, helping to build a sustainable, community-based model for resettlement, that allows us to share the abundance of the Upper Valley. There will be lots more to come. If you would like to help, please email KJ or or contact Martha by email or phone at 603-795-0603. If you missed it, take a look at KJ’s listserv post on Wednesday evening (10/20), with the subject “Help resettle an Afghan family?”, for some of the specific help needed.
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 often during the week and by appointment. Give us a call to confirm times. 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:
There is a LOT going on out there! Check out the Lyme Events Calendar (a selection of events from lots of calendars), the Valley News Calendar (especially for all kinds of arts in the area, but lots more), Lyme organizations (see several links at the end of this message) or the Aging Resource Center for ideas.
Lyme is happening!
We are pleased to pass on news shared by Lyme organizations.
- Skiway Passes! The Lyme child pass is on sale thru the end of this month for just $10. After that it goes to $35. You can buy online here. Questions? Contact the Skiway. Thanks to Steve Small, recreation director, for the heads up!
- Mindful Movement with Guided Meditation. Co-hosted by Tracy Penfield & CCL. Conscious breathing, gentle movement (standing &/or in chair) and guided meditation. No prior experience of any kind is required. In the CCL office at the Lyme Academy Building Wednesday, November 10 at 10:30AM. Learn more here.
- Lyme Historians. Museum and Barn are open on Saturdays and Wednesdays through October.
- Lyme Food Pantry. CCL hosts every Tuesday at 1pm at Lyme Congregational Church. Call ahead to let us know what you’d like (603-795-0603), or just stop by. DELIVERY AVAILABLE.
- Lyme Library. Please visit the library website for current information on hours and programs.
- Happy Feet Clinic. CCL hosts three Thursdays a month at the Lyme Center Academy Building. Appointment required. Expert foot care with nurse Susan Hannah Rose. Call 802-296-1112 0r email nancyallison23@gmail.com to schedule a time.
- Those Guys. Monthly first Wednesday in-person meeting. Moving back to 6:30am. Watch for location.
- Lyme Congregational Church. In person worship is back! Sundays at 10:30am. Bring a mask. Contact lymecc@gmail.com for more information.
*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.
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