by Kay Keeler

I was never lonely during the COVID lockdown as I participated in several weekly inquiries on Zoom. People were up close and personal and I now have new close friends, some of whom I’ve visited around the U.S. since. The real contribution was seeing that I wasn’t really listening if I was multi-tasking in my thoughts or fingers. So I created “The Listening Café” at the Farmers Market. Over two summers 545 people took “a penny for their thoughts.” In the second year, others volunteered to listen and thought the café should be offered year-long, so this is our trial. “The Listener“ will be in the Community Room at the Lopez Library on Fridays: November 17 & 24 and December 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. And yes, you will receive a penny for your thoughts!

You are seldom listened to all the way to the end of what you want to say, and then be asked “Anything Else?” It is an amazing experience whether you are speaking or listening. Come join “The Listener” and have a cup of tea after your busy week. This service is free and offered by folk who know how to listen this way and are committed to having our Lopez Community work for everyone with no one left out.

Confidentiality is a promise. Look for our new bright yellow banner “Lopez Waves and Listens!”