Includes but not be limited to landscaping, universal design, outdoor lighting, home modification, smoke alarms, ramps, etc.
Chatham County (NC) Library Virtual Book Discussion January 13, 2021
Join the virtual book discussion on January 13th to share what you’ve been reading. To sign up and receive the meeting info, send an email mary.mills.ccl@gmail.com.
December 2020 Letter From Karen Metzguer
A Letter from Karen Metzguer, RN & Executive Director
Good day all! Even if no one you know personally has had the novel virus this year, you have lived through another year of “new arrivals” to your life. For some it is a new skill, a new pet, baby or partner, opportunity to work, or opportunity to retire. For others it is a broken bone, loss of income, a broken relationship, an unwelcome move, or a new health concern. Each year we have the opportunity to welcome something new in our lives…even if it is unexpected. Rumi, in his poem “The Guest House,” implores us to “welcome and entertain them all!” How are we to do that?In my opinion, we do that best when we can rely on our community and circles of friends. Our usual supports for celebrating and coping with what life brings have been severely curtailed. We find ourselves not gathering, not hugging, not cooking for one another, not quilting or playing cards (in the same room), not singing together, the very things that make us friends and community.
The solstice season approaches. Nights seem endless. We long for spring. While we expect a challenging winter, I have a challenge for you with the chance to win a prize! Keep reading!
Public health officials have repeatedly demonstrated that “abstinence only” messages are not the most effective, and many of you are experiencing the real burden of extreme social distancing. In this infectious disease crisis, here is my 3-part challenge for the next 90 days:
I. Eliminate all time indoors exceeding 15 minutes where anyone you don’t live with is unmasked. For example, no indoor leisurely dining, whether in a friend’s home or in a restaurant, or, no gym workout if people are unmasked even if equipment is well spaced. Please contact me if you would like to discuss guidelines for a “pod or bubble mate.”
II. Add a new physical activity that you will do each week. Pick something you can look forward to and enjoy like a yoga class, a walk in the park, any new activity of your choice that you do at least 15 minutes a week until the Spring Equinox. Exercises done from your chair count – just one new thing and do it every week.
III. Stay curious about the vaccine, curious about how folks are thinking about it, curious to learn how distribution is unfolding. This is the largest public health undertaking in our history, this is no time for harsh judgment or Monday morning quarterbacking. Stay curious and let me know how you are thinking about this. We are in this together with people who will be eager to get the vaccine when offered, and people who won’t – just stay curious!
I am reminding you that you are both clever and resourceful and that challenging times won’t last forever. “The presence of beauty doesn’t magically remove all pain, but the absence of beauty makes things a lot harder to bear.” Look for beauty everywhere. It is still there. This protracted period of correctly choosing the safety of staying home may have caused you not to notice. I count the beauty of your friendship and of your support among my treasured blessings!
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
— Jalal al-Din Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks
10 prizes will be awarded in a drawing from the collection of Villagers who drop me an email; let me know that you’re up for the mask challenge, the new activity, and that you plan to stay “mostly curious” from now until March 20, 2021, the Spring Equinox! Email me: karen@fearringtoncares.org
Gratitude in Challenging Times
Gratitude in Challenging Times: A Note from Karen Metzguer, RN, Nurse & Executive Director
One of my favorite authors, Parker Palmer, writes that people with hope acknowledge the tension created by seeing both “what is” and “what could and should be,” and do something each day to narrow the gap between the two. I believe this is what each of us is being asked to do as we paddle our small boats into uncharted waters. For several months I have encouraged you to create quarantine care circles: just a few individuals you see regularly, at a safe distance, and speak with often. It’s great to speak with lots of folks if you can, but we all need a few individuals we can open up to and lean on when we’re weary and the going gets tough.
In addition to friends, there are three resources I can recommend that are just a phone call away. Both the Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-6990) and Hope4NC (855-581-3463) are open 24 hours a day and you can speak with trained volunteers and professionals about coping and anxiety. I am also happy to return your call if you reach out to me; just leave a message in my voice mailbox (919-542-6877).
Fearrington Cares is actively providing virtual programs, movement classes, support groups, grocery and pharmacy home delivery, equipment loans, outdoor handyperson assistance, health consultations, and information and referrals by phone. We are offering a series of programs this fall; join us and polish up some of your tried and true resilience tools for dealing with the unknown. Let me know if you’d enjoy a “video date” to catch up with someone you haven’t seen in several months. I’ve set those up for a couple of villagers and they were delighted and surprised with how much fun it can be.
I’m grateful for the flowers and the wildlife, for friendships, for books to get lost in, and for each of you! Fearrington residents are supporting this organization financially and are generous volunteers. Although 100% of our temporarily-suspended services put a volunteer within six feet of a resident and almost all of the residents with needs and our volunteers are over 65, I am working with our volunteer Board of Directors (virtually) to plan new ways that we can be of service. Please explore our website to join our programs and to see updated health information about COVID-19 and other news articles.
Critical Role of Area Agencies on Aging During COVID-19
The Critical Role of Area Agencies on Aging During COVID-19
A recent Journal on Aging and Social Policy research article highlighted the critical role of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, built on their ability to quickly assess, coordinate, and respond to the local needs of older adults.
The Astounding Physics of N95 Masks
The Astounding Physics of N95 Masks
(via minute physics) The physics & engineering of N95 mask design is pretty incredible.