The Lyme Foundation presents…
Random Acts of Lymeness!
During the Covid-19 pandemic, a time that brought hardship for so many in our community, we felt it was important to honor the acts of goodwill that make our town special. Kindness matters in Lyme and we celebrate the compassion that creates community.
So in January and February of 2021 the Lyme Foundation invited townsfolk to share a few sentences about any and all deliberate and/or random Acts of Lymeness they witnessed--no matter how big or small. The idea was to recognize that neighbor for their daily smile, the school friend who helped with difficult homework, the mail carrier for bringing the packages to the door, the volunteers who gave hours to the COVID task force, or just a friend who reached out when you were down.
Below are some of the many entries we received. Read a few and see if it puts a smile on your face!
Acts of Lymeness Week 5
Thank you for sewing PPE: gowns and mask to help the Parish Nurse Program continue to make home visits! Thank you
Thank you for sewing mask to help replenish our Parish Nurse Program's PPE needs!
Thank you Shelly, Sarah, Lisa, Ava, Kathy and Teri for delivering hot lunches to our community members! You are the wind under the wings of the Parish Nurse Program
Thank you Michael for building shelves for us in the Parish Nurse Equipment Barn!
Thanks for all you do to help the Parish Nurse Program support the community; often times dropping what you are doing to come out to a community member's home to fix an urgent problem We can't thank you enough!
I locked my keys in my car when I stopped to go to the post office. Kathy was in line of front of me and did not hesitate when I asked if she'd give a lift to and from my house to get the keys.
Shoveled snow for a neighbor
I recognize Dan for organizing the after-school XC skiing for the K-8 school. It's been really fun, and I'm grateful for the effort.
He picked me up and made sure I was ok when I fell
Jumped started my car...followed me to Verakas and provided a ride home!
Constantly helping out her neighbors (and the Lyme community) with pet sitting, errands, thoughtful gifts.
I am glad that Luke invited me to play with him on the playground!
This morning we looked out the front window and saw the three boys, with their father. All had shovels and were doing a grand job of disposing of mounds of snow remaining from the last storm as well as the new snow that fell the previous night. When they completed their job, John and the kids all walked off toward home.
Keeping the light on for you” is an old phrase, welcoming you home, keeping you safe. My spirits are lifted on walks seeing sparkling white lights decorating homes of Nancy Grandine, MaryLou Robinson, The Frawleys, Earl Strout (multicolored lights, 18 on the Common (Simi Building), Faith Catlin/John Griesmer, Lyme Historians, Lyme Inn and Dowd’s Country Inn. These are just a few of the people and places keeping our spirits raised, knowing we are always “welcomed home”. Thank you to all keeping the light on for us.
--Lynore Bolton
Helped her sister walk
Lydia made me a pie to make me feel better when I came back to school after my dog died
Brought me flowers when I hurt my arm
After recent snowstorm, cleaned snow off my car with her new Sno-Brum. Very much appreciated.
He reminded me to grab my mask
He secretly plowed my driveway so I didn’t have to shovel it!
I was at Stella’s a couple of weeks ago to buy a muffin. Parked my car out front. When I returned, car absolutely would not start. Went inside and asked a you guy if he could help me. I didn’t know him. Found out his name was Matt. He came immediately outside opened my hood and thought the battery was dead. I had a jumper cable in my car. So Matt brought his car over and jumped my car. Then Matt accompanied me to Verackas where Scott looked at car. He told me to leave the car there and he would get a new battery and bring it back to me later. So Matt told me to jump into his truck and he would drive me home. And he did.
The WONDERFUL special visit of caroling over the holidays
I am glad Mr. Weir is there to teach me. I am glad Mr.Weir is there because I like to learn.
The ski trails in town! Kevin grooms them. He works on them during the summer. It makes life better for so many of us!
Acts of Lymeness Week 4
Lydia brought butternut squash pie and whipped cream in to share. Made me smile!
Coach Keith takes a minute during the AM health screen at the Common to share stories on sports & other topics. Keith does it all with good humor & kindness. A special shout-out to pup Kylo too!
Adrienne made me a mask when I needed one for an appointment at the hospital. She and her family also made us some holiday treats and dropped them off at our house.
Every snowstorm, for DECADES, Greg has shoveled or snow-blown the plow-pile from in front of our driveway, and sometimes the whole driveway. They are the best neighbors.; they help lots of people.
Martha spent hours on the phone and with me in person with my laptop to get me signed up for the vaccine.
Martin brought us dinner at the Lyme Country Store!
They gave me butterscotch candy at skiing.
When I was sad she made me feel better by rubbing my back.
Della helped me by getting me pencils while I was working.
For always being a great friend and helping Lyme School students and families. We love Ms. Connie with all our hearts!
Library curbside pickup: sustaining our connection with humanity
Sinp keeps our wood holder on the porch full for whenever we need the warmth of the wood stove
She delivers her delicious food to our home randomly just as a tasty surprise
Nellie learned how to do something on the climbing wall in PE and then showed her friend, Sol. :)
Every school day Mr. Clark stands out in the cold waiting to screen a line of Lyme School Students. From day one, he has put my kids at ease with his jovial manner, patience, and kindness. He listens to their jokes and stories, answers their silly questions, and draws whatever they ask for on their hands, all while performing a health screening. He's kept our school community safe.
She gave me shoes and clothes.
He gave me a cup to get water.
Got me pencil
Judy was so helpful in getting me account access to the state online library, including answering my emails very late at night. I'm so appreciative.
She made me a brownie for my birthday and it was really good.
They gave us bacon and candy.
Jean took my recess duty so I could have time to finish my lunch.
On New Year's Eve we found Bananagrams (a game) at the front door, with a kind note. Our neighbor had remembered that our families had gathered for game night, and that we had enjoyed this game. Four weeks later, I'm still thinking about her gesture of friendship!
Acts of Lymeness Week3
She made me a bracelet
Vera gas knitted afghans, lap quilts, and shawls and donated them to the parish nurse program so that they may be shared with individuals who are under the weather, perhaps on hospice who will be comforted by a caring warm hug. and
Bought me food at the country store
Mrs. Norris our chicken lays eggs everyday at 4pm for us
Complemented me on how good my art work was
After our first big snow storm this year, someone plowed out our driveway. We still have no idea who it was. My snow blower wasn't running so I was very thankful as I was going to have to shovel.
Ava bakes the yummiest cookies every Monday and she, her mom and brothers delivery them to Lyme i individuals identified by the parish nurse as someone who could use a friendly hug!
She helped me with homework
Eva and Zane teach us to ski at the Skiway and are encouraging, fun, kind, and such good skiiers!
Told me I had to do something which was important
She gave me a paper crane
Reunited me with my lost glove after a morning ski at green’s! Kismet!
On the Friday before a three-day weekend, I couldn’t get to the library to pick up a couple of DVDs by closing time on the ramp, but “What to my wondering eyes should appear,” a little,later, but a drop-off of same from our wonderful Judy Russell, on her way home.
Bought me a snack after school
Fauve has been such a force with the giving tree coordination. Thank you for supporting families and teachers!
Took care of Kling children while fiona was doing something important
After a late night conference with temperatures at 16 degrees, my car would not start. Stephanie stayed with me until my car started. She even scraped my windshield and followed me home. She is such a wonderful, kind friend.
helped me with homework
Baked and delivered (safely) a still-warm loaf of bread
Acts of Lymeness Week2
My mom took me to the post office and I asked for a lollipop. Miss Robin looked for a lollipop or candy cane but she didn't have any so she offered me a chocolate chip cookie bar. She opened the lid on a Tupperware container and let me pick one out. It was so good!! I wanted to go back and get another one but mom said we couldn't. She has been trying to make me some ever since but they are never as good as the one Miss Robin gave to me. My mom suspects it's because of the surprising thoughtfulness and generosity packed into the square or chocolatey goodness I got at the post office.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Kate has collected recycling from older Lymies in my neighborhood, and brought it all to the Lebanon recycling center.
Jay's family came with cookies and carols on Christmas to homes of several residents who were on their own for the holiday.
Grateful for the kindness, generosity, and support of our neighbor and friend during a time when my sister is passing away. Kirsten has provided a Covid free place to stay, generously offers to shop, and comes by with baked goods and thoughtful self care boxes filled with comfort! Words can't describe all the good cheer she has provided.
Plowed us out (of quite a long driveway) after that big storm in December, and without being asked! Really saved the day for us.
The food pantry is a shining example of Kathy’s big heart and pragmatic, effective plan to provide food for all in need.
My son mailed a Christmas list to the north pole. The post office gave his list to some sort of secret santa program that they have and some unidentified person sent him this box full of gifts from his list. Totally unexpected. Post office has been through some hard challenges in 2020 and I think people might want to know that they still hvae big hearts. I don't need Lyme bucks but I bet the post office gang would appreciate it
I left my laptop in Ms. C's room after class and she came and delivered it to me while I was eating lunch. :)
Fauve organized the Giving Tree for Lyme (which covers school families holiday wishlists, teacher's lists and the library & CCL wishlists) and took it virtual this year. With Kerri Gandin & Courtney Wise wrapped presents to be ready for delivery prior to Christmas. The teacher's wish lists close out today, so this date wraps up the Giving Tree for this holiday season.
Back in March, as soon as Mom and Dad could no longer be at the store, my mom starting making masks. She made at least a half a dozen a day. Dad would bring them to the store and they were given away to anyone who needed them. Vera Carter joined in and made kids masks for all that needed them too. It takes a village! Thank you!
She holds my gloves whenever I ask her to
Both boys baked me a pan of brownies just because.
My sister let me borrow a toy.
Every couple weeks since the pandemic started he picks up our recycling and takes it to Lebanon. So nice.
How frustrating it is to have a car that refuses to start in cold weather. Frequently we had to rely on jumper cables to get our Chevrolet Malibu started. It was Michael Woodard who diagnosed this situation. He noticed our plight and without saying a word, he drove up to Scott Veracka's auto shop, borrowed a truck that had a special starter battery in it, came back, started our car, and informed us that Scott was waiting at his shop for us to bring our car in, ready to install a brand new Chevrolet Malibu battery.in it. The problem was NOT cold weather. The car's battery needed replacing, a fact that never would have occurred to us without the good sense of our neighbor, Michael Woodard..
She safely opened up her home to us as a place to stay during a global pandemic.
Aidan drew me an anime free hand as a gift. I love it!
Cleaned my white board for no reasoning at all.
And Anne Baird and Mimi Weinstein, three "bakers extraordinaire" who provide lovely home-made loaves of bread regularly for the Food Pantry. It is so gratifying to offer a home-made item in the food packages.
Responding to a plumbing emergency in town for one of our clients, NOT one of his rentals, within 24 hrs
Have continued to offer virtual services. They have been a source of great support to the community. Greatly appreciated especially during the time of COVID and division in our country.
She delivers my mail; is always cheerful, no matter what the weather and, when necessary, brings my mail, with packages too big for the mailbox up the driveway to my garage. A very bice person.
Randomly gave the whole class clay to play with.
Mrs. G. brought my water bottle to me after I left it in her room.
Stopped and kindly pulled over and helped me back on the road and collected all my scattered mail. He told he was Matthew Hayden.
Both Greg and Nadia picked up our trash, went grocery shopping, called to check on us, sent notes, got us out for walks, and provided encouragement from thier hearts during Mike's life limiting illness.
This morning at her house she made a really cool book mark for me for no reason.
Coordinator of the food pantry- I’m impressed with all she does!
Baking cookies, walking dogs, writing notes to cheer us up during my husbands illness and after his death.
He is letting me and Mr. Chapin borrow his recording equipment for our lower school project.
He and I are working together on a project and he is being super helpful.
He fixed my vacuum after I posted a sad story about how I couldn't figure out how to fix it on the List-serv.
Vera has been providing masks, free, since March for the Lyme Country Store Custoners
Stephanie shares such thoughtful poetry with everyone in Lyme. I have learned to read Stephanie's poetry offerings before I open any other emails to ensure a calm and mindful start to my day. I don't know what time she posts these poems, but I have found them as early as 3:00 in the morning on the nights when sleep eludes me. Stephanie's daily acts of kindness are not so much random as they are precious.
We feel that the Hutchins family, father and sons, should be commended for their voluntary undertaking of stacking a cord of wood for the Halletts. The family spent several hours building 3 neat piles of 16" pieces of hardwood that we can draw upon as the winter grows colder by just stepping out the back door. The boys refused to accept any payment for their hard labor, stating that they considered the job as a community service.
Being a Superintent AND Principal at the same time is challenging....add to that an unprecedented pandemic...wow, how does one (1) person do it all and with compassion?
Creates and delivers beautiful and delicious packages of cookies.
Vera made & donated thousands of child & adult face masks using her own materials or some donated by others. Anyone can pick one up at the Lyme Country Store. Lyme Nursery school was recipient of 300-400 masks with bright prints. Vera has said this is her way of giving back to her community.
Since the pandemic began, Vera has provided adorable masks for my kids and the rest of the Lyme community both at the Lyme Country store and as extras at the Lyme Nursery School. She does this at no cost which is exceptionally kind and generous. I haven't ever met this wonderful woman but I feel indebted to her.
Comforting and being there for others.
This is overdue, but deserves recognition. With very little advance prep time and right at the end of the school year, Amy put together a craft project that was Covid friendly so that school kids could create a charming holiday Stained Glass sun-catcher for the LCC holiday food baskets that were delivered prior to Christmas.
We went and got a Xmas tree and I saw a horse wreath that I liked then the next day she put an ad on the listserv saying she had a gift for me. The next day we went back and she gave me the wreath!
The Random Act of Lymeness we wish to express gratitude for was graciously contributed by Rosemarie Webster, the daughter of our next door neighbor., who was home from College at the time and who spent an afternoon of her vacation time shoveling. Rosemarie cleared two car lengths of snow, possibly 4 feet in width, from our mailbox so that the mailman's car could pull into the space, access the mail, and then pull out again to proceed to the next house. Rosemarie refused to accept any payment for her work.
Acts Of Lymeness Week 1
He played with someone when no one would
Shared a thumb drive of the 1987 Summer Revels with Lymies who participated. A gift too wonderful for words!
She brought this disgusting box of jelly beans and we played a game with them and it was really fun.
for subbing all week for 6a
He carried something for me
I fell down the slide and she asked if I was ok
Jason who works at the Lyme post office is such a happy and upbeat face and personality who greets me all the time during covid times . He often has fun Motown music playing in the background that makes me want to sing and dance . He was so busy with Xmas packages this season and he got every package mailed out with a smile on his face even when there was a line 5-6 people long . He says that people from other towns come to use Lyme Post Office because they so such an awesome job . So cheers to Jason and the hard working Lyme PO crew
Steve answers many calls of need - Those Guys - tents, trash, transporting, road clean-up - you name it - Steve does it! With a smile on his face!
I bought one of the Xmas trees from the the utility club and was thinking of who or where I could donate the tree to. I was talking to Nicole Collins about it and she had the brilliant idea of donating the tree to one of my dearest and oldest friends who suffers from early onset Alzheimer’s and lives at the Village in Wrj. Nicole is her caregiver . So that same day Nicole met me down on the Lyme green with her two little kids . We got hot chocolate and walked around the Lyme green and picked out a tree for my friend. The kids picked a tree with one of the brightest stars ⭐️ on top
as Vera is a MASTER knitter , she had many items, afghans,lapghans & shawls ready for craft fairs. These did not happen. She decided to gift a dozen pieces to Parish Nurse for clients in need of some loving warmth & a hug
Despite a crazy busy schedule, Karen has been a clinical leader on the school's COVID committee keeping us all safe and able to go to school.
Undaunted, Dependable and Respectful Health Screener Hero
When I first moved here and met Lynore at the reading room of the library, she went out of her way to chat with me and then later emailed me lists of names and businesses for ways to try & sell all the interior design stuff I have clogging up my apartment from when I was a designer in NYCity. And then she went out of her way every time afterwards to ask about my wellbeing.
she is incredible, wonderful, hard to understand at times, has a heart as big as the earth! You name it - she does it.
After seeing my listserv posting about picking berries for free, she let me come pick blueberries from the blueberry bushes she planted in her yard. And then when more had ripened, emailed me again and asked if I'd like to come a second time.
We were writing a story and she let me make all the ideas and that made me happy
It was Kathy's concept, organizational know-how, follow-through, and weekly administration that caused Lyme's Food Pantry to happen, starting back in late winter, 2020. She has overseen its growth in scope and size to include fresh meat and produce from Willing Hands. Kathy has organized a cadre of additional volunteers to help pack boxes and deliver food to Lyme neighbors.
In early December my father had major surgery at dmhc to remove cancer in his pelvic area . It was a 9 hour surgery and due to covid no family could be by his side as visitors are not allowed right now at dmhc . I had some family members staying with me during the surgery and we were all very worried and scared for my dad . I have an amazing group of female friends called The Wild Mountain Mamas . We have been hiking together for almost 25 years . But Theresa spearheaded the group and they surprised me with a $300 gift certificate to Arianna restaurant so I wouldn’t have to cook and could have gourmet food while extended family was here and we waited for my dad to recover. It warned my heart so much and my whole family 💜
Adding to previous post - am Appalachian trail wannabe. At 73, and having had bilateral hip replacements four years ago, feel it is fine to start small.
The gentle, kind, thoughtful and humorous ListServ posts throughout pandemic giving us all an opportunity to take a deep breath and remember that all is and will be well.
Surprise email arrived evening of January 2021 - received a beautiful, thoughtful e-card surprise - which included a lovely message from a friend - and, with an invitation to have tea together in the new year
On a dreary rainy Christmas Day, our neighbor Don Elder came to our house with a freshly homemade venison mince meat pie- a delicacy we had never tried before. It was delicious and so appreciated!
donated 3 air purifiers to Lyme Parish Nurse- our community..huge for the needy recipients
taking the time to share the uTube link for Keep Going on Song - dose of penicillin for the soul
Awesome, Dependable and Respectful Crossing Guard Volunteer
Let me come pick red raspberries from the rows of bushes he has planted and told me I could come back again whenever I wanted until they were gone.
I was stuck in ice and he pulled me out
Undaunted, Creative and Respectful Health Screener Hero
Dedication of SERVICE in our community wit kindness, friendliness, fortitude, and professionalism while believing in science” and
Always telling the truth to others
biginning this winter Ava has been volunteering her time and talents as a young adult to make fresh baked goods each week for those in need of a smile
Always being so nice to me
Mr Rogers wrote about “looking for the helpers”. Teachers have done an amazing job during COVID 19 infections. They have had to be tech savvy, creative, able to support lives of students and families. Last Thursday, saw a scene behind Stellas that offered an inner smile. Two teachers led possibly ten very young, bundled up, snow-suited students. They had been out cross country skiing. One of the teachers sported a silver unicorn hat. It would have been clear who to go to for help, leadership. Always look for the helpers, especially when they are wearing a unicorn hat. Thank you teachers
Recent Awesome, Dependable and Respectful Crossing Guard Volunteer
I recently learned these children help a neighbor in need by walking the neighbor's dogs on a daily basis. As the neighbor doesn't live immediately next door, and it takes some planning to organize good times to help get the neighbor's dogs out and about, it shows extra goodwill, and kindness, on the part of the Rayes children.
Helped me clean my pants when I fell in mud
Undaunted, Dependable and Respectful Health Screener Hero
My boyfriend has been picking up dog poop on the common when he’s out with our dog. It quickly became a pet peeve and he carries extra bags on our walks. Ker doesn’t get all of it, but I appreciate his efforts and others who use the common should too!
without hesitation said "yes" to drop my car off / and pick up, even while thinking it was down to WRJ, happily it was just to Orford
The evening of the first snowstorm, 3 or 4 people helped dig Alexander out of the birm at the edges of my driveway and Route 10.g into my driveway.
Undaunted, Dependable and Respectful Health Screener Hero
I was on a mound of snow and I fell down but he caught me so I didn't get hurt.
Gave me a pencil when I forgot mine
donated a space heater to the community c/o Parish Nurse Program
Awesome, Dependable and Respectful Crossing Guard Volunteer
Awesome, Dependable and Respectful Crossing Guard Volunteer
She is my, always cheerful, mail carrier. She'll leave packages inside my garage door, no matter what the weather,
Michael decided a while back that his wood-stove-loving friend down the road might need some kindling. I began to notice random bags and boxes of perfectly cut and split kindling appearing in my barn, on my woodpile, or on my porch. I harbored my suspicions over who my Kindling Elf or Fairy might be, and finally caught Michael in the act of delivering a perfectly packed box of wood scraps from his workshop. Another time, it was a bag of pine cones, which work like a charm. I am deeply indebted to my Kindling Elf, and haven't had to use a match for weeks on end. What a thoughtful, generous guy!
When she heard my washing machine was broken, she offered to let me do some loads at her house. When I was leaving with my clean clothes, she gave me a puzzle and a bottle of wine for my evening. It's the little things :)
Every day on my walk up Acorn Hill, upon my return, my neighbor Jeff pops out of his house to say hello, wish me and well and have a short conversation. This brightens my day! And the other day, he greeted me with a pint of maple syrup along with his well wishes!
Gave me a wonderful xmas present
Ms. Stanton has gone far over and above the call of duty in helping her students cope and stay engaged during this crazy time. We love her.
After I was injured in December, they brought in newspaper and mail, shoveled snow, kept woodbox full and frequently picked up groceries for me. Above and beyond.
New year Jan. 1st, decided to spontaneously attack one of my bucket list items. Fifteen minutes later, Eleanor and I entered the Big Rock Hiking area. She was my coach, telling me the best route down steep stairs, pointing out markings on trees, keeping me safe. Was able to see a new world and listen to the beautiful sound of the River. Felt a true sense of accomplishment. Grateful for her help.
Dropped off homemade fudge
We were getting bullied at recess and I was trying to ignore it but Sofia told the teacher and it made me feel a lot better and the teacher said I will talk to them
biginning this winter Ava has been volunteering her time and talents as a young adult to make fresh baked goods each week for those in need of a smile
Matt extends himself to be helpful to many, whether it's at the Transfer Station, in and around town, wherever he is. He's always helpful with good cheer, goes out of his way to be kind and supportive and has helped each of us in numerous ways, and often we don't even know! He's Lyme in a nutshell!
For months now our wonderful neighbor Linda has brought fresh eggs from their chickens to the doorstep. The most delicious eggs. Such a treat!
Niles, our neighbor, repeatedly has handed my husband a dozen fresh eggs. :)
For checking on me when I was upset
Undaunted, Dependable and Respectful Health Screener Hero
Thomas made an extra effort to contribute his talents to a project I was working on.