I get up in the evening, And I ain’t got nothing to say
If you hail from the great state of New Jersey or have excellent taste in music you’re likely already singing the rest of the song. If you came of age in the 1980s, you recognize this not only as an iconic Bruce Springsteen song, but as the moment Courtney Cox was launched upon the world. I became a Springsteen fan as an adult, but a few of his songs instantly transport me back to my teen years. “Dancing in the Dark” is one of them.
I come home in the morning I go to bed feeling the same way I ain't nothin' but tired Man, I'm just tired and bored with myself
The Boss’s lyrics from 1984 have been rattling through my brain all week. Tired. Bored with myself. Sleeping all day. Out of things to say.
Man, I ain’t getting nowhere…
Who isn’t there right now? My family tells me I repeat stories four or five times. It used to be only two or three times, and that was for a good story. If there’s something happening somewhere, I sure don’t know about it. Most of my stories are about virtual Zoom backgrounds.
It feels like Springsteen was singing for 1984 and 2020 at the same time. That feeling of helplessness, that angst, that restlessness. It’s all back, but in a form we haven’t seen in a long time. I hear this song in my head when I’m walking the dogs, when I’m brushing my teeth, when I’m pounding the punching bag.
Hey there, baby, I could use just a little help.
And that’s the line that stops me. Because, we don’t know who needs a little help. No one is on the streets. People are much less visible. Calls for help are muted. Child abuse reports have dropped precipitously, with kids no longer in school, even though we know abuse hasn't declined. 23% of the state doesn’t have broadband. Approximately one third of our state is experiencing food insecurity. Those who struggle with addiction or substance misuse are increasingly vulnerable due to both Covid-19 and the restrictions. Mental health professionals warn of lingering trauma and increased depression across the country. And those experiencing homelessness are being asked to give up their supports and autonomy to shelter safely.
Our area health and human services agencies are still at work and still there to help. You may be struggling, or you may know of a neighbor or friend who could use just a little help. If that’s the case:
United Way of Lamoille County has created an almost comprehensive website of resources in our area. No matter what county you are in, it’s a good place to start.
Those who have experienced domestic or sexual violence and need access to resources and support should call the Clarina Howard Nichols Center hotline 24/7 at 802-888-5256.
If you suspect a child is in danger of abuse or neglect, call 1-800-649-5285 (24/7). If a child is in immediate danger, dial 911 or call your local police first, then call the above number to make a report.
All families whose children are eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch can receive $5.70 per child per day of EBT (electronic benefits transfer), retroactive to back when schools closed, through the Family First Corona Response Act. Families with children who are in need of food assistance should fill out the application right away. (For information on eligibility, click here.) More details at the USDA Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Program (P-EBT) Vermont State Plan.
The North Central Vermont Recovery Center has Harm Reduction to Go Packs to distribute for those at risk due to substance misuse, including: Narcan with instructions, fentanyl test strips, information on resources, safety items, lip balm, flyers on safety. If you or someone you know has a need, contact Daniel Franklin (Daniel.Franklin@ncvrc.com, 802-490-0532).
The CHSLV Behavioral Health and Wellness Center is offering appointments for mental health, substance misuse, and psychiatric supports through telehealth. 802-888-8320
Hunger Free Vermont has compiled a list of resources for families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
This list isn’t comprehensive, but I want you to have this information at your fingertips in case you or someone you know needs just a little help. In these times, it’s important to make sure friends and neighbors know about resources.
My friends, may you shake the world off your shoulders a little this week. If you cannot, I hope the list above helps you find the help you need.
Click here for details about the discounted fuel rates available for JCOGS members only. Sign up deadline is fast approaching this coming Monday, May 18.
Upcoming Online Events click on each link below in order to connect via Zoom.
Sunday, May 17, 4:00 PM Ateed Program Ateed teens and families will join together for a car parade in Stowe. Contact Amy D for more details. ...................................................
Mazel Tov to our Bar Mitzvah! Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM Lex's bar mitzvah My name is Lex and I am almost 13 years old. I go to Main Street Middle School in Montpelier, except now I’m actually going to school in my living room. I am very into acting and singing and debating. I have been in musicals, plays, tv and films. I like to read, play board games and card games. I love to swim, snorkel, dance, hike. I love traveling. My service project is to raise money for voting rights which are always so important, but especially for the upcoming election. My project connects to my Torah portion, which is about the Jewish census. RSVP here to join via zoom. ................................................
May 24-26: Crescendo Brought to you by this year's virtual Stowe Jewish Film Festival, Crescendo will be available to view from home from May 24-26 at no cost. A world famous conductor takes on the challenge of forming an Israeli-Palestinian youth orchestra in an attempt to create harmony out of discord. Please register for the film in advance HERE. Preview the film here. ....................................................
Thursday-Sunday, May 28-30 Shavuot on the Mountain and Jewish Communities of Vermont Virtual Summit Join the Vermont Jewish community for an inspirational weekend of online programming and self-directed outdoor activities immersed in the beauty of the natural world and the arts: learning, cooking, singing, dancing, and hiking. Come for all or part of this communal celebration for all ages. Don't miss the special private Saturday night concert with the amazing Jewish Bluegrass group Nefesh Mountain. Stay tuned for more details. Presented by Living Tree Alliance in collaboration with JCOGS, Ruach HaMaqom, Ohavi Zedek, Temple Sinai, Beth Jacob Synagogue, Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Rutland Jewish Center, Shir Shalom of Woodstock, and Jewish Communities of Vermont. ....................................................
The JCOGS building is currently closed, please contact us at jcogs@jcogs.org or 802-253-1800 if you need any assistance.
