As some of you may be aware, our coffee chats have moved to Zoom. And they're so popular that they're now usually every two weeks.  We've had some great conversations and even learned a lot about each other. For example, we know that we have a variety of tolerance for shopping during the pandemic, especially in the early times.  We witnessed the delivery of a CSA box to a member during our session.  We heard that one of us cut her own hair (even in the back!). Many of us worry about our families who live in other states.  If you would like to be on our mailing list to get Zoom sign-on info for our coffee chats, please email us at info@bethlehemneighbors.org

 

But we also know a lot of members don't like virtual computerized socializing.  We understand and are working hard to come up with some in-person activities.  In fact, we've already had our first in-person coffee chat at Five Rivers earlier this week.  We had the good fortune to have a nice, sunny day.  Some of the people stayed longer to take a walk in nature. (Photos on our web site.)  It was a great success and we hope it will be the beginning of many more safe but personal social gatherings.

 

Our board has continued to meet throughout the pandemic (thank you, Zoom) and we're focused on creating more opportunities for our members to be involved.  With that in mind, watch for an upcoming survey later this month asking for your ideas and advice.  In the meantime, if you have ideas for programs or events you'd like to see (or help make happen) let us know.  Or, if you have any personal needs we can help you with, please reach out to us.  You can contact us by email at info@bethlehemneighbors.org.

 

 

We are also asking our members to become active volunteers.  Right now we need members to help form our Volunteer Committee to review our policies for providing member services during and after the pandemic.  Once that's done they will be implementing those policies and managing our member to member services.  If you are interested in joining our Volunteer Committee, please contact us at info@bethlehemneighbors.org  Additionally, we would also like to hear from members interested in forming the Membership Committee, which will be important in developing our membership and communicating our Village's activities and goals to our members. Just email us at info@bethlehemneighbors.org.  (If you already indicated your volunteer interests when you joined Bethlehem Neighbors, someone will be contacting you for further information on your skills and interests.)  Remember, we are a member helping member village, so volunteering to help is what we do.

We have now moved to a new, better, and greatly improved web site (and member management system).  Here's a quick outline of what the new site has to offer:

Please check it out and join the village neighborhood.

Our web administrator has noticed that many members have not signed into the new website yet and are missing out on members only features.  If you can no longer find the email that gave you your user name and password, please send an email to webadmin@bethlehemneighbors.com so that we can send you a new temporary password with logon instructions.

What with the pandemic doldrums, social distancing and general ennui, we thought that one way we could share from within our lock down is a photograph!  Yep all of our newsletter recipients are invited to send us a single photo of something that's been special to them throughout this pandemic.  Send us a photo of your dog, cat, garden, buddha statue, grandchildren, chicken coop, or whatever has help you make it through these trying times.  Only one photo per person please and be sure to include your first name and a word (or two) that describes how the subject of the photo makes you feel.Email your info and pictures to photos@bethlehemneighbors.org then keep checking our "Photo Albums" link for the latest updates.  Relax and enjoy!