Venturing into Fall, I’ll report on the end of Summer and what’s coming up. Before diving in, I’ll share something a friend passed on that caught me at exactly the right time. Maybe you’ll appreciate it too.

In Praise of Slowness

It was a hectic day, and catching my breath didn’t seem to be an option. Glancing through my messages, deciding which were critical to the moment, I saw this one, and not usually hearing from her unless things were difficult, I opened it:

I saw this today and thought you might find it of interest, and that you might like to share it with others through CCL … In a TED Talk, journalist Carl Honoré describes a wake-up call he had while reading bedtime stories to his son, and it is certainly is eye-opening. He has also written a book, In Praise of Slowness, in which he “dissects our speed-obsessed society and celebrates those who have gotten in touch with their ‘inner tortoise.’”

Speed-obsessed? She caught my attention, and I clicked on the link to the talk. After finding himself “speed-reading The Cat in the Hat” to his son, Carl Honoré began to look around. We are all trying to do more and more in less and less time. He believes our emphasis on speed is bad for our health, our quality of life, and our productivity. But he sees a backlash brewing, as “everyday people” start putting on the brakes. Well speaking as an every day gal, I could use some brakes! His talk was fascinating and encouraging.

Click here to hear the TED talk for the rest of the story. You may view it or read the transcript. If you prefer, contact me, and I’ll send you the transcript.

As busy as we are, as much as it feels we must accomplish, it’s important for us all to slow down … to enjoy our time and our people and our space. It feels an especially appropriate message for CCL to share, as we care about and for our collective Lyme family.

So, as I launch into a long list of goings-on, know that we are grateful for the many, many hands and hearts that make all this possible. Let’s all try to think of the sometimes overwhelming list of activities as a big set of opportunities to be with new and old friends, to slow down and disconnect, even briefly, from the everyday race to a finish line we can’t even always see.

Back to School Potluck Picnic

A wonderful evening with 50+ neighbors, from toddlers to some of Lyme’s most experienced residents, making new or deeper friendships on a beautiful evening in Lyme Center.

Atul Gawande simulcast

with over 80 people in attendance!

Dr. Atul Gawande

Tuesdays at the CCL Gathering Room

Very full and interesting days each week: several folks enjoying Our Hour, a Select Board Coffee Hour, Parish Nurses spending one-to-one time in their private space, many friends experiencing a Reiki Power Surge compliments of Stephanie.

… and all about Town

Lyme Health Ministry’s Red Cross blood drive, a very successful and informative Aging in Place Committee meeting, the fun-filled Third Thursday Lunch at Stella’s, a Planning Board Public Forum on housing, digging into the ongoing discussions about housing in Lyme.

And, last on this list, but at the top of mine: helping several neighbors who shared the gift of their trust.

So many exciting things to share. Again, please reference the newsletter calendar and the Lyme Events Calendar for more events and details. Here are highlights:

We are pleased to share that Lyme has teamed up with Orford and Piermont, and we have been chosen to participate in the Vital Communities Weatherize program! This is a collaborative effort between (so far) CCL, the Lyme Energy Committee, members of the Lyme Congregational Church, the Lyme Foundation, and community leaders in Orford and Piermont, with the coordinating leadership of Lyme’s David Perlman. MUCH more to come, but we are excited to be part of bringing the community together to increase the energy efficiency of our homes.

Our mission is to lift up, support, and collaborate with our Lyme family and the many entities designed to keep us all safe, comfortable and happy. During the coming season of giving, our focus is reinforcing our commitment to you and asking for your continued support and ideas. We are opening our ears and inboxes to hear what our Lyme neighbors might wish to give or receive over the coming months, so we can support you. Whether it’s preparing for colder weather, assistance with transportation, or an event idea to bring cheer as the days grow shorter, all suggestions are welcome. We are your partner in making 2017 a happy and healthy year for all our neighbors.

Please reach out to me, any time. Call 603-795-0603 or email patty@cclyme.org.