CCL Weekly Update – 9/18/2020
Some light from a Thursday evening wander
It’s a bit after six and I’m just in from a walk … not something I’ve had much time to do lately. I didn’t wander far … just to places I hadn’t visited in awhile in my little neck of the woods.
My brook, usually so pretty and noisy, sits bare with her rocks waiting waiting for a filling rain. The pond is the same, only with the prints of bear, deer, and turkeys dotting the now visible shore. Oh … and the dog prints. Everywhere, because it’s her personal playground.
The talkative evening birds squawk as I disturb their evening business with my romping and the wind stirs in a bit of what I’m sure are remnants of western wide fire smoke.
I realize I’m trying to shake off the sad, as I think about the smoke and what it means for so many. Although we’re thankfully far from that danger, we have our own to consider. Usually a time of campfires and the end of summer BBQ’s, we’re without that nice time, being conscious of the health of our place and people. No gatherings, no campfires, no smiles because they still need to stay hidden, our patience with the novelty of the pandemic has long worn off, and it’s easy to be hurt, offended and scared.
Shaking off the sad, as I walked and stewed about this dilemma.
I remembered watching the kids at the school … a new pattern of life there, but a nice break from the sad, as they reconnected and were reassured that beloved teachers, staff, and Mr. Valence were there to greet them. And even if the tide turns and we’re back to limited or no school for a while, we will continue to find ways to be supportive and manage.
Shaking off the sad, as I saw a bit of light in that tunnel I walked.
I continued my trek and reflected on the various conversations I had been part of for the past few weeks. The unintended hurt as support was seen as rejection. The voices heard as complaints, but were really shared as concern. The defense response leading to offense, and so on and so on.
Shaking off the sad, as I remind myself: these are the patterns of a life held in limbo as we rearrange the flow to accommodate the obstructions that are all so frustrating.
And when I finally realized that the sad had recessed, it was because I remembered that through it all, we each do our very best to remain resilient, kind and supportive, regardless of our hurts and sad hearts.
Lyme, we are a team, helping each other shake off the sad with respect and honor.
Shanah Tovah, a good year, to all.
With Love, Patty
603-795-0603 (CCL office)
Patty@cclyme.org
www.cclyme.org
Don’t forget:
You (yes, YOU) are the reason we’re here.
If you’d like information, help, a listening ear or, maybe, ways to make someone else feel really good, contact us at 603-795-0603 or help@CCLyme.org. Groceries or meals. Deliveries or errands. Help around home. A little help problem-solving. You name it.
If you are a school family with concerns for your own or fellow families, we’d like to help.
This quick form allows you to share your situation, needs you may have, and ways you may help others. Complete it if you like, or just reach out by email or phone. If you get caught on the wrong side of covid symptoms some morning and could use help figuring out how to get through the day or weeks, call 603-795-0603. Together, we’ll work through the pieces and come up with a way to make it work for you. That would make our day.
It’s Suicide Awareness Month. Take Care.
It is a difficult time. The pandemic is exacerbating long-standing mental and behavioral health challenges and helping to create new ones. There are many places to go if you or someone you know is in crisis or a deepening sad or unhealthy place. Please see this list of Mental and Behavioral Health resources, including crisis lines and contacts for ongoing support.
The Lyme Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays (or by appointment).
At 1pm, all are welcome to our “Farmers Market” display of Willing Hands produce. You can order a food package at 795-0603, or stop by. We can pack a box while you wait. If Tuesday timing is a problem for you, give us a call. We can help.
Respond to the 2020 Census. Time is running out.
If you haven’t already, please complete the 2020 United States Census. It’s quick and easy; it takes about 10 minutes to respond. Shape our shared future. Complete the 2020 Census online.
Coming up in this next week:
School’s open! As you are out and about, please be thoughtful about how to keep yourself and others safe and healthy. Wear a mask when you are in public. Continue to keep a safe distance. Stay home if you are sick at all. And please be kind, as you encourage others to practice safe behaviors. ❤️?.
Check out the growing listing of events on the Lyme Events Calendar online. We invite you to let us know about other things you think we should share. Following are just a few highlights.
Don’t miss:
- Saturday (9/19):
Norwich Farmers Market* open 9am-1pm.
- Monday (9/21):
VegiCare Drop-off, 8am-4pm at the horsesheds next to Lyme Congregational Church.
Grab & Go Curbside Take Out Meals*, 12-12:30pm at the Upper Valley Senior Center. All Welcome. No age limit. $3 suggested cost per meal.
- Tuesday (9/22):
Willing Hands Produce and Food Pantry Package Pick-up*, 1pm at the Lyme Food Pantry Lyme School drive up. We will also deliver. If you can, pre-order at 795-0603 or help@cclyme.org.
- Wednesday (9/23):
Grab & Go Curbside Take Out Meals*, 12-12:30pm at the Upper Valley Senior Center. All Welcome. No age limit. $3 suggested cost per meal.
- Thursday (9/24)
Virtual Morning Sing that will wake up your voice and your mind. No singing experience is required. Do pre-register with the Aging Resource Center to receive a Zoom link an hour before the event.
End of Life Café: A Time to Talk and Share ONLINE, 2-3pm. An Aging Resource Center event, led by Cynthia Stadler. Please pre-register.
- Friday (9/25)
Fairlee’s Free Food Friday Produce Shelf,* 10-11am (or as long as it lasts) on the Fairlee Town Common.
*NOTE: For any event that’s not online, please be prepared with a mask and clean hands or clean gloves.
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