CCL Weekly Update – 9/8/22
Getting involved in the community …
On a few occasions throughout the past week I’ve heard from new, young residents that it can be very hard to feel a part of the Lyme Community, and harder still to meet other young people. As a young person myself, also new to town, I can relate! In my role at CommunityCare of Lyme, I’ve also heard from people of all ages who are new to town, as well as folks emerging from the pandemic feeling like they’re entering a new place. It can be hard to get started, or started over.
The truth is that there are many ways to be involved. What do you enjoy? What sparks your passion and interest? If you start there and explore participation and volunteer opportunities with organizations like the Lyme Fire Department, Those Guys, The Utility Club of Lyme, Lyme Historians, Lyme School PTO, or CommunityCare of Lyme (just to name a few!) you’ll quickly be embraced.
Volunteering might feel impossible when juggling working full-time, taking care of the family, making dinner, doing laundry, etc. Did you know there are lots of opportunities to volunteer right here in Lyme that don’t require a regular commitment? (Of course there are plenty of those too!) For example, this Sunday you might help set up for the Back to School Community Potluck at the Lyme Center Academy Building at 3:30pm, and then stay and join neighbors of all ages for a shared meal and conversation.
Perhaps you’re interested in being involved in organizations that serve the broader Upper Valley. That’s great too! The Lyme Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 24th features many organizations throughout the Upper Valley that would love you to participate. Try yoga, join the running club, make friendly calls to neighbors, or support the regional refugee welcome effort. You may be assured that any contribution of your time and energy will be hugely appreciated.
Of course, involvement doesn’t have to mean volunteering! One idea CommunityCare of Lyme has been exploring is a monthly gathering for community members to mix and mingle in a low key environment. Would you like to join in? … to help plan location(s) or even host one month? Please let me know what you think.
There’s no right answer for how to build community and a sense of belonging, though it is fair to say it might require going outside your comfort zone. If you’ve gotten this far in this week’s intro and are still feeling like none of these ideas excite you, then reach out to me. I’m a new community member and love meeting new people. I’d be happy to be a new community connection, and help explore additional ways to broaden your network.
… go outside of your comfort zone..
News and Notes:
Current help requests
This week’s highlight: Lyme Health & Wellness Fair 9/24. Can you lend a hand? There are lots of exciting parts to the big event, and many volunteer opportunities. Some specifics:
- Talk it up (now and in the week before the event)! Put up event posters throughout the Upper Valley while you’re running errands or going to work. Please use this link to invite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers too!
- Share a healthy activity (event day, before or during the Fair): a walk or fun run, morning Tai chi, some games of bridge … you name it!
- Set up (Fri eve and Sat am): Help prepare activity spaces, place tables and chairs, post signage, welcome community partners with helping hands orientation.
- Parking guides (event day shifts 8am-1pm): Direct community partners and participants to designated parking area, help with safe drop offs for those with mobility issues access.
- Clean up (event day shifts 10am-2:30pm): Help with spruce up throughout the day and break down after, trash/recycling removal, returning tables, chairs and other materials, assisting community partners.
Or you can say “I’ll be there Saturday morning … put me to work!” (An organizer’s favorite offer ????.) If you can help, will you please reach out to help@cclyme.org or 603-795-0603. Thank you in advance!
September Health & Wellness Focus
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Throughout September, the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is working to highlight the theme “Together for Mental Health”, noting it’s time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. NEW this year: 988 is available nationwide as the number to call or text for mental health, substance use and suicide crises. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text the 988 immediately. If you are not comfortable on the phone you can visit 988lifeline.org to chat with the Suicide & Crisis line team. More information on the NAMI website.
NAMI asks everyone to share information widely and to encourage conversations. They offer facts and resources, including “It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide” infographics. We’re all in this together.
West Central Behavioral Health is our Community Mental Health Center, sharing suicide prevention resources and support throughout the month and always. Details on the website.
Did you know that transgender people are 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life than the general population? This is one issue addressed on Tuesday 9/13 at 6pm during a free Zoom discussion on Mental Health Considerations for Transgender and Gender Diverse Folks, with Oakland Walters, MD. Please click here to register. We hope you’ll join us in conversation on this important topic. This is the first program by the CCL Mental Health Team. Learn more in the Mental Health Section below.
National Preparedness Month. With this being back to school season,it’s a great time to review disaster plans as a family along with coping skills for children. Explore ready.gov for a variety of resources. (They even offer a “Ready Kids” section with readiness games for kids, teens and educators!)
Healthy Aging Month, with a focus on the health and well-being of older adults. (ODPHP, 2022) To learn more about the basics and how to take action, visit the Protect Your Health As you Grow Older site here. CCL is involved in a number of regional and national initiatives to promote Healthy Aging, and we’ll be highlighting opportunities throughout the month.
It’s also great timing, as CCL is re-launching our Aging in Community initiative. For more, please read through the “Aging in Community” section below.
Weekly health and well-being tips, resources, and recipes
Monday’s Menu. From Ree Drummond of Food Network, we share Miracle Mango Salsa Chicken – a one pot, quick and easy meal for those hectic family evenings during the work/school week. Enjoy it here.
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. With Long Trail Day on September 10th, and Outside author Kristin Smith (2022) noting late summer/early fall is the best time to thru hike the Long Trail, it seems timely to share her article, Long Trail: Everything Hikers Need to Know: Your guide to all-things Long Trail for your upcoming thru-hike. Please click here for this week’s Wellness Wednesday post.
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.
Mental Health
CommunityCare of Lyme has a new Mental Health Team, led by Laurie Veillette, PsyD. The team is forming now, welcoming all interested in being a part of creating programming and identifying resources to support mental health in the community. Contact us, if you’d like to be involved.
Starting right off, the team is hosting opportunities for education and supportive conversation. Our first program is Tuesday, September 13th at 6pm via Zoom: Mental Health Considerations for Transgender and Gender Diverse Folks, with Oakland Walters, MD. There will be time for questions and discussion. Please register at info@cclyme.org/603-795-0603.
West Central Behavioral Health is our Community Mental Health Center. Review their September newsletter here. for additional information and an overview of their work in the community.
Aging in Community
Building an Aging in Community Team. Join in! Our first meeting will be next Monday, September 12th at 7pm in the CCL Living Room. We are in the process of re-energizing and reimagining Aging in Community, a goal that was central to the founding of CommunityCare of Lyme in 2014. Understanding that intergenerational involvement is critical, we also recognize the need to focus on the special concerns, needs – and unique capacity – as we age in our communities. Do you have ideas, or would you like to join as we define and form this collaboration of organizations and individuals? Please contact Martha Tecca by replying to this email or directly at martha@cclyme.org or 603-443-0283.
Grafton County ServiceLink, the region’s aging and disability resource center. Highlighted in a previous Wellness Wednesday post, they maintain a large resource list and offer caregiver support, classes and personal help to understand Medicare, assistance completing housing applications, and more! Contact the Lebanon office at 603-448-1558, or email mplatt-russell@gcscc.org. More on the website.
Dartmouth Aging Resource Center (“ARC” throughout the Community Events Calendar) has an amazing array of programs, activities, and supports. And they are opening up again for in-person visits and events! Here’s a link to this week’s ARC newsletter.
The Orford Senior Center (serving Orford and Lyme) has lots going on: on-site bingo, followed by a meal! Weekly Grab ‘n Go and daily home delivered meals. Link for more information including September’s newsletter, menu, special events, and ongoing Grafton County Senior Citizens Council activities. Visit their website here. Contact the OSC coordinator at 603-353-9107 to learn more or to sign up for meals or activities.
AARP September FREE events. Lots of fun activities with registration required. Use the link to learn more about their exciting variety of programs covering topics from Smartphone photography Skills to the history of spices. AARP membership is $16/year. If you would like membership and have concerns about cost, please let us know we can help! Help@cclyme.org / 603-795-0603.
Covid update
There are Covid cases popping up in Lyme and neighboring communities. Please be safe yourself, and honor the requests of event hosts who are protecting all guests.
Vaccination – new boosters for ages 12+! The first new formulation of boosters designed to address Omicron variants is now at selected locations. Keep an eye out for eligibility details and availability! Vaccines.gov has details about all stages of vaccination. You can find locations and make an appointment. Dosage is different for children, so please be sure to specify the age when making an appointment.
Testing – the Dartmouth Aging Resource Center has Home Covid Test Kits. If you need Covid tests, please contact ARC at 603-653-3460 or agingcenter@hitchcock.org. Test kits are now widely available, and it’s a good idea to have some on hand. The Public Health Council of the Upper Valley will have free home kits at the Lyme Health & Wellness Fair, 9/24 9am-1pm.
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.
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
The Upper Valley Neighborhood Support Team is helping with the welcome and support of Afghan evacuees and, recently, a Cuban family. There are lots of ways to join in the welcome!
Financial support is needed. Childcare needs are great, even with extraordinary babycare volunteers and friendly play dates. With driver’s licenses nearly in hand, the family and the men will both be in need of car insurance. Donations to the CCL Welcome Fund support Afghan evacuees and others displaced by challenging circumstances. Go to cclyme.org/welcome-fund to learn more or donate online; or mail a check to CCL Welcome Fund at PO Box 127 Lyme, NH 03768. Thank you!
Those Guys Tent Rentals!
Those Guys are renting their tents for this outdoor season. As always, funds raised through this effort are distributed to community organizations. This post includes all the details. We are extremely grateful for Those Guys’ support. What a crew!
Coming up:
Check out the Community 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. Please check the Listserv or call the event organizer for confirmation, as things are still changing as conditions evolve.
This Week – A big one!
Specials
Several Town committees are in action this week, and it’s your chance as a citizen to learn more about what’s happening and to provide input as plans and decisions are made that affect all residents. Check the Town website here for details about meetings of The Recreation and Conservation Commissions, the Budget and Energy Committees, and the Planning and Zoning Boards.
- Sunday, September 11th. Back to School Community Potluck. A multi-generational kick-off to the new season, hosted by CommunityCare of Lyme and the Lyme School PTO at the Lyme Center Academy Building from 4-7pm. All are welcome at the shared meal – where each of us contributes one thing (and maybe that one thing is your company at dinner ❤️.) If you plan to join us – and if you’d like to help in some way – Please let us know! shelby@cclyme.org, 603-795-0603.
- Monday, September 12th. Aging in Community Discussion. 7pm in the CommunityCare of Lyme Living Room at the Lyme Center Academy Building. ALL are welcome, as we begin our conversation about how to ensure that everyone can age as they choose, in community – whether that means staying in a longtime home, moving within town, or relocating to a new home.
- Tuesday, September 13th. New Hampshire Primary Voting. 7am-7pm in the Lyme School community gym. Keep an eye out for listserv posts from the Town Clerk (Patty) about details. Redistricting has brought changes, so candidate research may be in order.
- Tuesday, September 13th. Our Hour. Warm conservation with friends new and old. This month’s themes are fall, change/transitions. Come to the Lyme Center Academy Building at 10:30am to join the conversation.
- Tuesday, September 13th. Mental Health Considerations for Transgender and Gender Diverse Folks (Virtual) Please join the CCL Mental Health Team at 6pm for our first speaker in a new series supporting mental health and wellness throughout the Upper Valley. Oakland Walters, MD presents through Zoom on the topic of mental health considerations for transgender and gender diverse people. There will be time allotted for questions and discussion at the end of Dr. Walters’ presentation. To register: info@cclyme.org / 603-795-0603
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 15th-18th. The 150th Tunbridge Fair. All day, in Tunbridge, VT. A great day trip for an extraordinary New England tradition!
Ongoing
- Monday-Thursday 9-11am. CCL Living Room and Office Hours. Please stop by to join us in our comfortable space in the Lyme Center Academy Building for warm conversation or to ask any questions at all. We’d love to see you! If you need us outside of our scheduled hours, call the Helpline (603-795-0603). If you have to leave a message, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
- Saturdays 10am-1pm Orford Open Air Market on the Common in Orford. ! If you’re an artisan, farmer, gardener, soap maker, honey harvester, baker, or have another product or message to share, please join in! Click here to learn more and see the list of participating sellers. Email Cara Dyke for an application or more information Orfordopenairmarket@gmail.com, 603-236-2899.
- Tuesdays at 1pm. Lyme Food Pantry at 1pm CCL hosts the distribution every Tuesday at Lyme Congregational Church. Call ahead to order, or just stop by. DELIVERY AVAILABLE.
- Wednesday afternoons. Reiki with Stephanie Carney in the CCL Living Room. For a complimentary appointment, contact carney.steph@gmail.com or 603-795-2419.
- Wednesdays 11am-2pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm. Lyme Historians Exhibit Trains: Transportation, Trade, & Toys. At the Historians Museum.
- Thursdays. Bingo 9-10:30am, Grab-N-Stay (or Grab-N-Go) Meal 11am at the Orford Senior Center. To reserve a meal, call 603-353-9107 Participants must sign in and out; masks optional. Contact CCL if you could use a ride. Meal delivery is available.
- Thursdays. Happy Feet Clinic with Susan Hanna Rose, RN, at the CCL Offices in the Lyme Center Academy Building. Therapeutic foot care, including certified diabetic foot care. Regular visits are $20. Initial or extended visits are $25. The Jenks Fund can help with fees. Appointments are required. Home visits are available for those who are homebound. Please call Nurse Susan at (802) 222-4196 for information or to make or change an appointment. If you leave a message, she’ll call back.
Save the date!
- Saturday, September 24th. Lyme Health & Wellness Fair. 9am-1pm On the Common. A big day with lots of details to come. Visit the webpage for the most up-to-date information: new community partners, demo classes, and prizes will continue to be added! If you would like to participate in the Health & Wellness Fair, let us know: info@cclyme.org
- Tuesday, October 4th. Mindfulness and Coping Strategies. 5:30pm in the CCL Living Room at the Lyme Center Academy Building. Eliza Polli, PsyD will present and lead the discussion Join the CCL Mental Health Team for our second community discussion supporting mental health and wellness throughout the Upper Valley. More information: shelby@cclyme.org / 603-795-0603.
- Sunday, October 16th.????Blue Jeans & Bluegrass ????. CommunityCare of Lyme’s 2nd annual community appreciation event. Join us for good music, food, and fun, 4-7pm outside the Lyme Center Academy Building! All are warmly welcomed. More information to come. Would you like to help in planning this event? We’d love your ideas, feedback and helping hands! shelby@cclyme.org / 603-795-0603.
- Sunday, December 18th. Jingle & Mingle Please save the date! Would you like to help plan? Please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org / 603-795-0603
All of these events require many helping hands. If you would love to volunteer,
or be a part of an event planning committee please contact shelby@cclyme.org / 802-468-7776.
Thank you for your consideration!
*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 Community 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
Daybreak Upper Valley daily newsletter Click to subscribe
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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