Cypress Area Neighborhood Group

“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” -Abraham Lincoln

Hi Neighbors,

I am writing to request your assistance (and also your prayers) for one of our neighbors who is facing a very difficult medical situation.  Our neighbor, Lisa Rodriguez (from the peach house at the bottom of the Cypress Ave. hill), has been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer that has metastasized to her liver, cerebellum, and bone.  Her daughters and her grandson live with her.

Recently, Lisa had to stop working due to her health and her benefits are not enough for her to take care of some household projects that she wants to resolve for her family before her health takes a significant downturn.  Lisa approached me to see if there was anything I (or any of our neighbors) could do to help her with some house projects that she needs to resolve ASAP.

There are two projects in particular that she could use help with:

• Lisa’s basement carpet has mold build-up on it due to a leaking upstairs shower.  Her grandson sleeps in the bedroom in the basement so she needs to resolve this ASAP.  For now, she is hoping that someone could help her to rip up this moldy rug, ensure the floor is level, and install some inexpensive tile.  They are not currently using the upstairs shower anymore, but she will address that issue later.
• Lisa has much difficulty sleeping and is frightened at night that someone will break in and harm her family.  She would like to have outdoor lights with motion sensors installed to serve as a deterrent and also to set her mind at ease.

How can you help?  If you have skills, you know someone with these skills, or knowledge about either of these types of projects, please contact Lisa at 978-327-9414 or stop by to see her at 30 Cypress Ave.  Or, if you are able to make a financial donation to help defray the costs of the lighting or the tiles, please make a tax-deductible donation in Lisa Rodriguez’s name to my church, “Christ Church United” and we will ensure that all the funds raised go to support Lisa’s family.  Please make checks payable to:

Christ Church United, UCC

180 E. Merrimack Street

Lowell, MA 01852

and please write “Lisa Rodriguez’s Family” on the memo line.

I believe that our neighborhood has come a long way these last few years in establishing caring & trusting relationships with each other.  I am hopeful that our neighborhood can now come together to support one of our own who is truly in need.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,

Chris C-P

Hi Neighbors,

Just wanted to send out a quick “Save the Date” message.  The Cypress Area Neighborhood Group’s Annual Meeting is coming up.  It is scheduled for Wed., Feb. 24th, 2010 6:30pm-7:30pm at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.  Please mark your calendars.  This will be a good opportunity to reconnect in the midst of winter.  We will celebrate our past successes and make plans for future actions going forward.  Please bring a dessert to share.

Take care.

–Chris