CCL Update – August 19, 2017

The summer is flying by

… with vacation and hard work, beautiful warm weather and rain, joy and great sadness. I am grateful to be experiencing it with you.

The “We Have Each Other” project continues.

Mariah Lang has interviewed 6 individuals so far about the joys and jumbles of living in Lyme today. She will finish her internship with CCL in early August, but interviews will continue with different interviewers. If you’re interested in this project please contact Patty. It’s turned out to be a terrific exercise in learning about Lyme today (as opposed to 50 years ago) and will enable us to gain momentum in providing the support folks need now. Our sincerest appreciation to Mariah for sharing her summer with us. Her beautiful smile, upbeat and creative attitude have been a true pleasure. We are grateful that she has offered to stay involved long distance!

Listener Training: An opportunity to learn the art of interviewing and listening took place on July 21^st.

Our first listener training was led by Cayla Dyer of the United Valley Interfaith Project, and ten people attended. Our group included engaged community members from Lyme and neighboring towns, with a diverse set of goals in listening.

This was an interesting educational opportunity and a chance to discuss the many ways listening more generously will benefit us as individuals and as a community.

We hope to expand on the techniques we explored and offer additional training sessions. One idea that emerged during our conversation was a large group learning session, breaking into one-to-one sessions listening to one another’s stories. Doesn’t it sound like fun?

Aging in Place Committee meeting August 23rd 6pm at CCL Gathering Room

We will review planning board efforts and discuss educational materials for healthy and safe aging.

The Art of Aging….we hope it’s a continuing saga. CommunityCare of Lyme is host to many programs designed to encourage health and wellbeing.

And remember, we’re all aging! Although the “seasoned” set does face unique issues and challenges, the younger crowd isn’t without its own angst. The huge obligations and commitments to family, demanding jobs and the price of living in today’s world can take the fun out of a good day. Good mental and physical health are paramount to coping with the pressures. We can all help each other.

Part of Aging in Community is being a helpful part of the changing community. Watch for programs offered by CCL to help with coping skills and techniques for all age groups.

Awareness and Caution

It’s a sad reality that there are people among us who set traps and lie in wait to take advantage of unsuspecting, trusting individuals.   What can appear to be an innocent phone call, mailing or email can actually be a clandestine effort to gain personal information making us vulnerable to identity theft, or theft of assets and belongings.  It is very difficult to track these people and even more difficult to recoup your losses.

Unless you are very sure of the business or individual requesting your support, walk away.  Never provide your Social Security number, your credit card information or your checking account information.  If the caller is talking about something that truly interests you, request that they send you information in writing via the postal service. That buys you time and provides you with what you need to make an informed decision. If the answer to this request is negative, hang up.  Legitimate entities have written information and policies.

Finally, if you feel that you or someone you know is a victim of identity theft or elder abuse, call your local police department.  They are trained to know what to look for and the proper agencies to work with.  Never be embarrassed, they’re here to help and we all need help occasionally.

Stay well and stay tuned as we continue to explore the Art of Aging.