CCL Weekly Update – 4/7/22
Know what’s weird?
Know what’s weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon…everything’s different.
— Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes
As we move from one season to the next it may be difficult to notice all the little signs of spring: birds chirping outside the window; green grass sprouting; longer days; warmer weather. One day to the next it may be difficult to notice these subtle changes, and yet all of a sudden everything will be different. The trees will have leaves, flowers will blossom, gardens will grow. If I were to encourage you to stop and observe these changes every day for a week, for 5 minutes per day, what might you notice? Change is inevitable, sometimes it’s so small you might miss it. Before your favorite perennial blooms, what small signs might you notice and appreciate before everything is different?
…everything’s different.
News and Notes:
Come visit us!
Starting this month, we will have regular weekly office hours at the Lyme Center Academy Building Mondays through Thursdays 9-11am. Please give us a call or send us an email to schedule an appointment outside of these open office hours. We’d love to meet with you! 603-795-0603 / info@cclyme.org
AEDs in the Lyme community
Aaron Rich, Lyme Fire Chief, shared an update, including the locations of AEDs in Lyme, on the Lyme Listserv Wednesday, March 30th. Thank you, Aaron for this important information! Read the message.
Your “insider” input, Please!
Insider’s Guide to Lyme. We’re working to create a Lymie’s guide to the area, as a resource for all neighbors. We’d love to know your favorite places for good food and good fun! Click on the link to share your tips. It will be great to learn from one another, especially as things have changed so much over the last couple of years. The guide will be continually updated, so this is just a starting point.
The guide will also include a list of organizations and resources. If you are an organization with information or images to include (of course, with citation) or to be referenced, please give us a call. It is a work in progress, and your input will help create a helpful and fun “Insider’s Guide to Lyme”.
March-ing forward … a wrap up
It’s National Craft Month. Our take on March Madness, “March Craftiness”, has wrapped up for 2022! You can see the results here.
“The Energy Theory of Color” – If you missed it, view the recordings here. On Sunday, March 27th, CCL hosted a fascinating Zoom conversation with Matt Brown of Matt Brown Fine Art (MBFA) and psychologist Ming Meng. The presentation and dialog between Matt and Ming, and the discussion with those gathered on Zoom are available as separate recordings.
April is…
Stress Awareness Month. Are you aware that there’s some stress out there? We are too! This April, we’ll be offering lots of tips, resources, and opportunities to shed some stress together. You’ll see a few of those items below, in this week’s Wellness Wednesday, the highlighted Aging Resource Center series for family care partners, and more in the “Coming Up” section below.
NEW!! In support of Stress Awareness Month, CommunityCare of Lyme has created a new and evolving self-care webpage where you can explore upcoming events and programs and find quick access to our postings related to self-care. Click here to see our new Self-Care page.
Humor Month. Did you know that laughter is one way to reduce stress, and offers several other health benefits? You can watch a brief overview from the Mayo Clinic here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqGnsTK41-o to learn more about the health benefits of laughter. Turns out the phrase “laughter is the best medicine” has some truth!
This week’s joke of the week was submitted to CommunityCare of Lyme by a community member.
“Why did the man blush opening the refrigerator?
… because he saw the salad dressing!”
We’ll share a joke of the week each week. If you have one you would like to share please email shelby@cclyme.org or call 603-795-0603. We’d love to share a laugh with you!
National Garden Month. While it may be a bit early to consider planting outside in the Upper Valley, starting to think about our gardens this month is a warming thought! We have some Garden themed things in the works, so please stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, if like Shelby, you enjoy the beauty of a garden and found some solace in gardening shows during the pandemic you’ll be sure to enjoy this video, Monty Don Becomes International Star During Pandemic by “The Today Show” and NBC’s Molly Hunter. Enjoy this brief celebration of gardening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHoQXrZT3H8
Weekly health and well-being tips, resources, and recipes …
Monday’s Menu. With New Hampshire Maple season wrapping up, what better way to celebrate than incorporating maple into one of tonight’s side dishes?! This dish from Sonja Overhiser of “A Couple Cooks” is sweet enough that it just might tempt that picky eater to eat some vegetables! See this week’s Monday’s Menu post 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 postings.
Wellness Wednesday. As we welcome April, we also welcome Stress Awareness Month. This week’s Wellness Wednesday is an introduction to Stress Awareness, along with upcoming events and resources. Please click here to view this week’s Wellness Wednesday post.
See all Wellness Wednesday posts here.
If you have a wellness topic you would like to share about OR would love to learn more about, please contact shelby@cclyme.org.
Orford Senior Center April Newsletter
Our partner organization, Orford Senior Center (serving Lyme), has shared their April Menu here, and the April Newsletter here. Please review their website here for the most up-to date information. They offer programs, weekly Grab ‘n Go meals, daily Meals on Wheels home delivered meals, and more. As you plan for next month, you can view the
Aging Resource Center (ARC) April Newsletter
The Dartmouth Aging Resource Center, is offering an ongoing series of virtual programs. With a variety of offerings, there is sure to be something you’ll enjoy! See their April programs here.
ARC Program Highlight: Self-Care Sampler for Family Care Partners a 6-week Zoom series. Thursdays, April 28 to June 2, 2022 10am to 11:30am Deadra Ashton, M.Div., BCC
Caring for someone you love can sometimes be lonely and exhausting – but it doesn’t always have to be that way. In this class you will meet others who are walking the same path.
Together we will explore concrete ways to replenish energy and lift spirits through supportive conversations and a variety of self-care practices:
- Mindfulness
- Mindful Drawing
- Finding Strength and Balance through Movement
- Health Prevention and Promotion
This 6-week virtual program was created for family caregivers to provide a variety of evidence-based self-care practices. These practices can help improve mental and physical health by relieving stress. Sessions will take place once a week for 90 minutes. Each will start with a centering exercise and focus on a new form of self-care.
This class is part of a research project. If you choose to participate you will be asked to:
- Complete a pre and post survey about your level of stress
- Commit to attending all 6 class sessions
For more information or to sign up, please call (603) 653-3460 or email Annaliese.E.Volckaert@hitchcock.org
This program is sponsored by a generous grant from CIGNA Civic Affairs and Community Engagement. You will receive a zoom link for the program 60 minutes before the class is scheduled.
Covid Update
Vaccination. Overall, the best protection for the vast majority of us continues to be vaccination – either initial dose(s) or a booster, if you’re eligible. At Vaccines.gov, you can search for vaccination locations and make an appointment. It’s quick and easy these days. People over 50 may now be eligible for a second booster shot – please visit vaccines.gov for more information on eligibility.
From Margaret Caudill-Slosbert, Lyme’s Emergency Management Director, from a Listserv post on 4/5:
“The Mobile Vaccine Clinic is coming back to Lyme! April 20th, Noon to 5pm At Lyme Fire Station, 41 High Street
All vaccines, First and Second doses, third doses, first and second boosters for eligible candidates.
Bring vaccine card with you if you have one, Bring identification to confirm. Parental permission required for those under 18 yrs.”
Testing. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. All households can order 4 more. The tests are completely free. Please use this link: https://www.covidtests.gov/ They’ll ship as supplies are available. There are other sources of test kits. If you have extra tests that you might like to share, please contact Lyme’s Emergency Management Director, Margaret Caudill-Slosberg, at lymeeoc@lymenh.gov or CCL by responding to this email or by calling 603-795-0603.
For up-to-date information on testing, vaccines, and more in New Hampshire, visit www.covid19.nh.gov.
Stay safe: Let’s all do our best to stay safe and keep others safe, while lifting spirits with healthy ways to stay active and involved. As mandates are lifted, keep your mask along to wear it inside when requested or when safe distancing isn’t possible.
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
Get involved! Our new neighbors appreciate help with rides, opportunities to practice English, occasional meals, and simple, warm connection with neighbors. Thanks to so many who have been a part of the welcome so far. If you would like to join in, please contact Martha Tecca (martha.tecca@gmail.com, 603-795-0603). She helps coordinate the Lyme/Upper Valley Neighborhood Support Team, partnering with Ascentria Care Services, a state resettlement office. Financial support is needed, and the needs will grow as more evacuees are welcomed to our shores. CCL launched the Welcome Fund to help. Donations to the CCL Welcome Fund support Afghan evacuees in Lyme and across the Upper Valley, and others displaced by challenging circumstances. Go to cclyme.org/donate or mail a check to CCL at PO Box 127 Lyme, NH 03768. Please note that your donation is for the Welcome Fund.
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 Monday through Thursday from 9am – 11am, and by appointment. 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.
We are pleased to pass on news shared by Lyme organizations.
Lyme is happening: This Week!
- Food Pantry CCL hosts the food distribution every Tuesday at 1pm at Lyme Congregational Church. Call ahead to let us know what you’d like, or just stop by. DELIVERY AVAILABLE.
- Foot 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 nancylallison23@gmail.com to schedule a time. *There is a waitlist. An appointment may be several weeks out. Once you’re scheduled, we will let you know if there’s an unexpected opening sooner. We’re happy to help you explore options in the meantime.
- FREE Reiki with Stephanie Carney at the CCL office. Weekly. Wednesdays starting at noon. To make an appointment contact Stephanie at carney.steph@gmail.com or by phone at 603-795-2419. Learn more here.
- “Second Saturday” with the Lyme Historians. This is the last one for this year. Saturday April 9, 11-noon. Come chat with Ross McIntyre about his memories of how Lyme has changed since he moved here in the 1970s. We’ll be back in the Historians’ parlor at 15 Main St.
- Spring Pop-Up Farmers Market. Saturday April 9th, 10 am – 1 pm at Honeyfield Farm 55 Butternut Road, Norwich, VT. — Organic veggies, veggie starts, pansies, and more from Honey Field Farm. Featuring: Local meat from Hogwash Farm & Flying Dog Farm; Fresh bread & tarts from Straw Brook Bakery; Coffee from Hato Viejo; Fresh bagels from UV Just Bagels; Handmade crafts & jewelry from Two Rivers Workshop; Cookbooks that benefit the Friends of the Norwich Public Library; Handmade Ukrainian-style Pysanky Batik Eggs & Eggshell Jewelry by Shannon Wallis Design, 25% of these sales go to World Central Kitchen to support the people of Ukraine at our 4/9 & 4/16 markets!
- Our Hour. Please join us on Tuesday, April 12th from 10:30-11:30am for warm conversation – and stress relief – with friends new and old. All are welcome! Please email shelby@cclyme.org or call 802-468-7776 with any questions.
- Mindful Photography Gathering. Shelby and Stephanie of CommunityCare of Lyme will be offering a mindful photography gathering on April 14th at 5:30pm. The focus is on noticing the world around you by thoughtfully capturing a limited number of photos as opposed to a regular photo shoot where the objective might be to capture hundreds. Bring whatever camera you have- your smartphone, a point & shoot, a DSLR or mirror less. Open to all levels. CCL Living Room depending on weather. Please register for this event by April 13th at noon it helps us plan, and also allows us to let you know of any changes to the location for the evening based on weather. Email shelby@cclyme.org or call 603-795-0603 for more information and to register.
Lyme is happening: Please save the date!
- Stress Awareness Month Program. We will learn about the physiological impacts of stress along with how to utilize stress reduction strategies. For more information please contact shelby@cclyme.org/ 603-795-0603. To register for this program, please click here. With speaker Samuel Standard, PhD. April 27 from 7pm – 8pm via Zoom.
- Stress Reduction Retreat. We are looking to plan a stress reduction retreat where we can gather with neighbors and engage in different stress reduction practices. If you would like to be a part of this event, either offering a stress reduction demonstration OR are interested in being a participant please contact shelby@cclyme.org/ 603-795-0603. Understanding interest will be very helpful as we move forward in planning this retreat. Date and time TBD. Stay tuned for more information.
- Lyme’s Day of Service and Green Up Day – Saturday, May 7th. More information to come! Could you use a hand this year for a Day of Service Project? Could you lend a hand this year to a neighbor? Would you like to be involved in the planning process? We’d love to hear from you! info@cclyme.org / 603-795-0603. “Many hands make light work!”
*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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