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.
Chatham County Public Health Director Mike Zelek Offers Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
The County Posted This Notice on Their website on 01/07/2021 at 5:43 PM
The following statement is attributed to Mike Zelek, Chatham County Public Health Director:
“The Chatham County Public Health Department has received a great deal of interest in the COVID-19 vaccine over the last several days, and we are encouraged to see so many are ready to roll up their sleeves. This process is in its early stages, and it will take several months to get the vaccine to all who want it.
“We continue to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to members of Phase 1a, according to the state’s prioritization guidance. This group includes health care workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19 and those supporting vaccine efforts. At the same time, we are compiling a list of individuals in Phase 1b, group 1 (adults aged 75 or older) who want the vaccine. To be added to this list, visit www.chathamnc.org/
“We are beginning to schedule appointments with those on this list who qualify under Phase 1b, group 1. This process will take several weeks to reach all interested due to limited resources, and we appreciate your patience. We will also be working with other vaccine providers to get this group vaccinated as quickly as possible.
“CCPHD will be conducting these vaccinations by appointment only, due to limited supply of doses and to avoid crowds that may lead to spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 cases continue to rise, and the last thing we want is to risk infection when individuals get their vaccine. Those receiving the vaccine will have the opportunity to ask questions and must give their consent before vaccine administration.
“CCPHD is also planning vaccination clinics to allow many to be vaccinated on the same day in central locations within Chatham County. Details on those events are still being worked out, and relevant information will be shared when the time comes. Please keep in mind these events are only open to those with appointments.
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
Learn to Play a Musical Instrument Amid the Pandemic
Learn to Play a Musical Instrument Amid the Pandemic
Even if you’ve never touched a musical instrument – or at least not since elementary school music class – taking one up now is a good way to help keep the brain healthy. Playing an instrument engages every part of the central nervous system.
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.