May 20, 2024 newsletter

 

Well, May is just zipping by, isn't it? Don't forget to stop and smell those lilacs!

We had an interesting week that included a networking event with many healthcare organizations in the region. We were invited by the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, and it was an extremely helpful opportunity to meet, and re-meet, some of the folks whom we can call upon for advice in adjacent areas of public health that aren't in our own wheelhouse. It was very timely too, as we ended up dealing with an incident at the Friday night dinner where we got to put into practice some of what we had learned. Thank you to Melanie and Lin for going with me and for sharing the load!

I also wanted to give you an update on the medical van. Negotiations continue, and we're very pleased with how they're progressing. The discussions have been thoughtful, and we continue to carefully proceed with figuring out the right way to do this and the right place to put it. In the meantime, I would like to share with you again the link to our Addiction 101 program with Tara Rivera. Please contact us if you have anyone in your life that you are concerned about: there are counselors and programs that we can get you in touch with, that we know personally, who are ready to help you or your loved one.

We have a few things that we need help with this week:

• Our microwave broke! It just stopped working in the middle of heating something and began to pop our circuit breaker. If you are smart about fixing things, I love this microwave and would like to keep it (it was a donation 4 years ago!). If not, do you have a spare that you'd like to give us? :-)
• I have been writing a series of small grants. Thank you so much to those who have helped me make contacts in your work places...I appreciate it so much. I had no luck last week finding any of our supporters who works for Bank of America, but how about this one: Do any of you work for Pepsi or Epic? 
•  And finally, there are a few items that we are running very low on now that we've switched over to packing for warmer weather: small boxes of plain instant potatoes, canned pasta like spaghettios, canned fruit in juice, canned chicken, spaghetti pasta, small boxes of Jiffy-style mix (cornbread or biscuit), boxed mac + cheese, and ground coffee. Also toothbrushes and toothpaste!

If you can shop for us this week, we will gratefully take any food items from our full list, but especially the items on the short list above! If you need the full list, please let me know. 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.

Have a wonderful week...I love you all!

Image: Canva