No Foolin’—We’re getting things done

Well, now that many of us are sheltering in place and getting reacquainted with the four walls of our homes, it might seem that life is on pause. But things have been happening at the UUFM—
We have held our second successful online Sunday Service (using the Zoom platform). There were 58 separate participants this last Sunday (many with more than one person “on camera”)—including some friends from distant climes (Dan Dusek, Zooming in from Texas, probably had the longest “flight”). It’s not the same, of course—but all things considered, it’s working out pretty well.
Ted Downey assessed the inventory of our Equal Exchange store, and put together some “comfort packages” from food that, while still perfectly good, might be approaching its shelf life before we come together again physically. The packages contained chocolate, tea or coffee, and nuts (good, healthy comfort). He has distributed eighteen of them so far. He writes: “A special thanks to those, who over the years have purchased equal exchange. We were enabled to give ‘comfort packages’ to dozens of members and friends at this time. It is hoped in a small way given respite or boost in these trying times.”
We are keeping a database of help that people are offering to provide, and people who need some extra help. For example, several people have offered to deliver food and other supplies to people who need to stay in quarantine. If you are available to do this, let me know (tonyfil@hickorytech.net) and if you need to have things delivered, let me know as well.
We have also gotten word of several local organizations that might be able to use some volunteer time. There are tons of options, but one Andy Roberts suggests is CADA. They are doing extra in all this, including making special space for people to do telemedicine psychology sessions for people who wouldn’t be safe talking to their therapists at home (with other people in the house). Another community organization, House of Hope, isn’t doing telemedicine stuff, and just laid everyone off and is closing doors. They are trying to get alternate spots for their residents elsewhere. Both ECHO and Connections Shelter are looking for volunteers. The United Way also updates daily a website for community needs at www.mankatounitedway.org/needs Keep your ears open for opportunities in this and other areas. Let me know, and I’ll get word out generally among us.