February 5, 2024 newsletter

 

Good morning everyone! We had a great weekend, and we also have an event coming up that you can put on your calendar. But first, before I forget, I need to share info with you about our last program...

Ayer Public Access (thank you Trevor and James!) has posted the video they created from our First Aid workshop. Many thanks to Nurse Maureen and the rest of the crew from Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, and also thanks to the Ayer Fire Department for lending us John Bresnahan for this great introductory (and free!) program. If you missed it, you can watch the video at the link, and if you leave me a private comment here on this post with your email, you can have copies of the slides (pdf format...thank you Jenna!) plus a bonus on how to set up a first aid kit for home or office!

Coming up this Saturday, Debbie E will be leading our monthly Craft Gathering from 10 to noon. Drop in and out as you wish! Debbie always has some fun things planned, or you are welcome to work on your own projects or use any of our materials. The Gathering and the supplies are always free, and yes, of course there will be cookies and coffee, or juice! This is a family-friendly event, and kids are welcome along with their adult. Remember, this is open to all the community, and is a great opportunity to meet others. No one who comes is “taking a spot from someone else”...we have never yet run out of room or supplies!

We had a number of new guests at both the Friday dinner and at the Saturday pantry this weekend. However it is that people hear about us, I'm glad they do and even more glad when they come. It can be hard for someone to come for the first time, but that's why we put such an emphasis on building relationships in our beloved community. New people often come to the pantry in the last few minutes before we close. My theory is that it takes them all morning to talk themselves into it. It's very hard for people in our “lone ranger” culture to ask for help, and it is our mission to make it as non traumatic as possible for them.

We have special thanks to make note of this week: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church and Apple Valley Baptist Church both collected pantry items for us, and Brenda from Apple Valley also brought over some more dinner trays that we can use Friday nights! In addition, we had a visit from our local National Grid office crew – Mich, Justin, and Dan – who helped us pack, sort, and clean! We are very grateful to all of them, and also to each of you who donated pantry supplies this past week. Thank you!

If you can shop for us this week, our stock of several items is low. We are especially in need of the following items: 1 or 2 lb bags of rice (white or brown), small Jiffy-style corn muffin mix or baking mix (approx 8 oz), toilet paper, small boxes of instant potatoes (unflavored), spaghetti sauce, spaghetti pasta, and the 18 oz sized containers of unflavored oatmeal (whole rolled or quick cook). We'll be at the pantry on Wednesday from 10 to noon, Friday from 4 to 5:30, and Saturday from 9 to noon for drop-offs. And the bin is always available at Shop n' Save if those times don't suit. Please leave a note in the bag with your name so we know whom to thank!

I love you all...have a great week!