CCL Weekly Update – 9/11/2020
Let the Sunshine In … and Out
As I sat down to write, it was a still-gray morning, 9-11 and suicide awareness month were heavy on my heart, there was a rocky cliff in my view, and I was thinking about caves. Procrastinating with a scan of my phone, a message popped:
“We all find our way into the cave at one time or another. We all find ourselves in places where we find no light but the match we cannot seem to find. There is a mouth to the cave, there is an exit. But is it safe to go? The responses that others offer us in our laments help us to know whether or not the world outside the cave is a place where we will be embraced.
If a lament is not your song today, how can you call into a cave where someone else is waiting? If you are in the cave, where can you call knowing that your “complaint” will be honored rather than ignored?”
The author, Kaji Douŝa, a pastor in New York City, continues,
“No matter what the people around you do, know that – cave or not – God embraces it all. You are honored, beloved and known.”
Some of us may seek and find comfort in God. And – for all of us – it matters what the people around us do.
Every day, we see evidence of people trying to do the right things … calling into the caves, ready with a hug or a meal or a listening heart, to be there for one another. And we know that sometimes it’s hard to make the connections, to find the match when you’re in the cave or to touch someone when you call in with love or help.
CommunityCare of Lyme is here for all of it. We are always ready to offer support or just to listen; and we can share many ways that your loving heart or helping hands can be an important comfort to someone else. We love to hear from you, always. Reply to this message, email help@cclyme.org, or call us at 603-795-0603. We are able to answer the phone most every time. If we miss you, please leave a message, and we’ll call you back shortly.
And now, the warming sun has broken through. It looks like there will be plenty of that to go around this next week. Along Lake Winnipesaukee last weekend, we saw signs that said, “If you’re here for the sunshine, be the sunshine.” What a lovely idea.
If you find yourself in a cave right now, know that there is lots of sunshine out here. With all our hearts, we hope you will feel it.
Don’t forget:
Thank you to Molly Mundy for her beautiful art … and heart.
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 here for you.
For September, the Food Pantry will be opened on Tuesdays only. At 1pm, all are welcome to our “Farmer’s 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.
Check out our News & Notes Page
This page of our website brings together stories, inspirations, information about resources, and other news. It’s a community “blog”, evolving and expanding with contributions from Lyme and all over. Now our shared focus is on COVID-19, and especially the silver linings sparkling through during these challenging times.
Mask Up, Lyme.
Let’s keep up the good work and protect one another. There’s a Town resolution to wear masks in Lyme. If you need masks, call CommunityCare of Lyme at 795-0603 or email help@cclyme.org.
Support our school and families.
Consider how you might contribute to making the school year safer, healthier, easier – or just a little bit brighter – for somebody whose life is pretty darned complicated this crazy fall. (There are a lot of “somebodies.”) Look out for requests from the school, PTO, or individual parents. If you see the request, they’re inviting YOU. It’s a huge help to busy organizers when you respond directly and don’t wait for the personal call. Email pto@lymeschool.org to offer your help. You can also call us at 795-0603 with ideas. Let’s bring out broad, intergenerational community support. Now’s the time, Lyme!
We are here for you.
When you seek information, help, or ways to help others, contact us at 795-0603 or help@CCLyme.org.
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.
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 (9/12):
Norwich Farmers Market* open 9am-1pm.
Virtual Story and Art Time, 10am-noon. Live on the Orford Social Library’s Facebook Page.
- Monday (9/14):
VegiCare Drop-off, 8am-4pm at the horsesheds next to Lyme Congregational Church.
Blood Drive at Lyme Congregational Church*, 11am-4pm. Please pre-register.
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 (9/15):
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 (9/16):
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.
Aging in Community Forum of the Upper Valley ONLINE quarterly meeting, 1-3pm. All are welcome to join in the discussion to share and learn from other towns’ efforts. CommunityCare of Lyme participates. Check the calendar event or contact CCL for the meeting link, to come.
Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning – ONLINE Workshop by Caldwell Law, 2-4pm. Free – Click for more information and to Register.
- Thursday (9/17)
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 (9/18):
ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS – Shanah Tovah, a good year, to all.
Fairlee’s Free Food Friday Produce Shelf,* 10-11am (or as long as it lasts) on the Fairlee Town Common.
Orford Star Gazing Party hosted by Upper Valley Land Trust, 7-9:30pm. Rain date 9/19.
- Saturday (9/19):
Norwich Farmers Market* open 9am-1pm.
*NOTE: For any event that’s not online, please be prepared with a mask and clean hands or clean gloves.
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