Spring Quarterly Program
Active Aging: Discover What’s Next for You
with Keynote Speaker, Joy Loverde
Thursday, April 30, 2020
6:00 PM in Edina
Joy Loverde, a TTN Chicago member, is a national aging expert and best-selling author of,
Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?
and
The Complete Eldercare Planner
. Joy will share smart strategies for living your best life now and in the future. Learn about the significance of the longevity revolution and aging well, along with key issues to consider, how to plan ahead and more! Highlights of the discussion will include:
- Obstacles to Aging in Place
- Preparing for Solo Aging
- Essential Questions to Ask
- Power of Self-Talk
Joy will reveal clear, practical, and relevant suggestions for you to build your own unique life plan for aging well.
Testimonials about Joy’s Keynote:
The seminar was superb! Best one I've been to
.
National Institutes of Health
Your talk was by far the highlight of our event.
Center for Healthy Aging, University of California-San Diego
You combined meaningful data with compelling stories about real people, including
yourself. You were the iron hand in a velvet glove. It was masterful.
Judith Kurnick, Life Coach, TTN Philadelphia Member.
All attendees will receive an autographed copy of Joy’s book,
Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?
and her
Active Aging Worksheet
.
More about Joy Loverde
Joy Loverde, a TTN Chicago member, is a national aging expert and best-selling author of,
Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?
and
The Complete Eldercare Planner
.
Over 30 years’ experience as a media spokesperson, Joy's appearances include the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, ABC News, Fox News, National Public Radio, SiriusXM, and others.
During her career, she has been quoted in the
Wall Street Journal, TIME, Money, New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Reader’s Digest, Family Circle, Psychology Today, Good Housekeeping
, among others.
USA TODAY
ran a four-part series on Joy’s eldercare programs.
Register now to save your seat!
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DECEMBER
EVENT RECAP
Celebrate the Season Party
Seventeen women attended the Celebrate the Season Party at Davanni’s Roseville on December 11. We enjoyed connecting with women we had never met and reconnecting with women we hadn’t talked to recently. We had the opportunity to win prizes provided by the attendees. The women also had the opportunity to impact others in the community by donating toys for the Toys for Tots campaign. Thanks to all who contributed to this event by donating prizes, donating toys, bringing decorations, and helping with setup/cleanup. It was an uplifting event.
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MESSAGE FROM STEERING COMMITTEE
2019 has been a remarkable year for our Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN community. We became the 14
th
official chapter of TTN in June. Over 70 women, including TTN Executive Director Susan Collins, attended our “Celebrate TTN” event in May. Our membership reached 90 members this Fall and shows all indications of continued growth. And, as a result of the diverse interests and leadership of our talented members, our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Transition Peer Groups (TPGs) have multiplied significantly.
We are appreciative of our members, participants in our events and programs, and those who have TTN on their radar screen for possible future involvement. With our exceptional community of women our 2020 vision is for continued opportunities to connect, discover, and create impact through TTN. Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year!
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MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS
Do you have something you want to share with TTN MSP members?
Bobbi Weber recommends the following article:
The Universe Was Speaking to Me (I Think)
-
Submitted by Terri Evans
On December 8
th
, a bitterly cold and snowy Sunday evening, I found myself sitting in French Meadow Bakery’s Nord Scott Hall, surrounded by a group of interesting and passionate individuals. I wasn’t sure exactly how I’d gotten there…
In October I had read a piece in the
Star Tribune
about something called
“The Island of Discarded Women,”
developed by a local actress and radio personality…Sue something…“Prairie Home Companion”… ageism…familiar names and faces. At about the same time, the Transition Network newsletter had included a mention that member
Lorna Landvik
would be a guest on something called
“The Island of Discarded Women.”
I heard bits and pieces about a podcast…music…women’s stories…interviews. On a day when I was feeling adventurous, I went to
The Island of Discarded Women
website and found out a bit more…second Sunday of each month…live recording of a podcast…women’s stories…original music…acting…an interview. On a whim, I decided to purchase tickets; however, they were sold out until the December event. I took the plunge and bought tickets a couple of months out.
When the day finally arrived, I wondered what I had been thinking. A Sunday night? In the middle of winter? A long drive to Uptown from St. Michael? Ugh! And then…suddenly…I found myself sitting at a table with a nice glass of wine, a savory dinner, and warm company. And the show had not even begun! Then came the music and the poetry and the acting and the true stories from the diverse group of women who had found themselves on
The Island of Discarded Women
. And more…
Sue Scott’s
moving interview with
Susan Kimberly
, “a force in St. Paul politics and a trailblazer who was the first transgender woman to become the deputy mayor of a major American city.” Through tears and laughter, I wondered what the universe was trying to tell me - why had I ended up at this moment, in this place, with these people, experiencing what was taking place on the stage in front of me?
It was announced at the end of the show that, because of the success of
The Island of Discarded Women
, they had been offered a new, larger, and permanent venue - Crooners in Fridley! It was also announced that
Lorna Landvik
would be joining the cast! The group would be taking a month off while they transitioned to the new venue.
Surely, the universe was telling me that I needed to share this experience with others so that they could experience it as well. Right? The next live podcast recording of
The Island of Discarded Women
will take place on
Sunday, February 9
th
at Crooners in Fridley. It will feature an interview with civil rights attorney and activist,
Nekima Levy Armstrong
(formerly Levy-Pounds). Several TTN members have already purchased tickets for this event. Please join us! (Note that the event usually sells out well in advance.) Visit
The Island of Discarded Women
official website (purchase tickets here):
https://www.islandofdiscardedwomen.com/
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UPDATE ON NEW TRANSITION PEER GROUPS
The New Year is a great time to join a peer group to support you with your resolutions and intentions for a meaningful 2020. Peer groups are great opportunities to connect with other TTN members to explore and discuss the transitions we are experiencing at this point in our lives. Currently there is a daytime and an evening peer group in the east metro area. A new daytime west metro peer group has also formed and is meeting. We continue to explore opportunities to expand peer groups especially in the south metro area to meet either in daytime or evening. If you have interest or questions about peer groups, please contact Barbara O’Sullivan at
Barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com
.
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LIFE ANIMATED
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn
The group met on December 12 to discuss “What do the holidays mean to you”. Discussion was led by Nancy.
Christmas and the holidays are times of memories and reflection. But it turns out that other people sometimes don't remember events as you did. Some rituals include seeing the Nutcracker and enjoying the outdoors. Some members remembered specific gifts they had received.
Intangible gifts include time with loved ones. One member remembers that her Grandmother and Aunt were happy to have her around; she learned what it felt like to have unconditional acceptance, whereas her immediate family stressed acceptance for academic achievement and being Catholic. Another member spends time with her grandson. Another remembers how she received a referral on her adopted daughter just before Christmas.
Next meeting: January 9, at Highland Library, 10:15 AM-12:15 PM. Topic: Resolutions on sustainability and recycling led by Chris. Includes questions about handling different types of recycling, climate guilt, and climate shaming.
Please contact Eleni Skevas at
eskevs@yahoo.com
if you are interested in joining this group.
LIVING WITH PURPOSE
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
The Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group met on December 19 at the Maplewood Library to reflect and share what spirituality means to each of us and how it has evolved over the years. The discussion included childhood experiences for organized religion and current relationships with religious and spiritual experiences and practices. Photos were shared documenting member's childhood Christmas. The topic deepened our understanding of ourselves and each other. Several members shared holiday treats.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 30, from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Maplewood Library. We will create vision boards as a launch to the 2020 New Year. Vision Boards are great tools to clarify our purpose and goals with images and words we will find in magazines and other print materials. The process is simple, fun and powerful. We can define what we want our life to look like, why we want it, and how we can create it. Our vision becomes real and tangible. A vision board can help us focus our energy on what really matters to us on our journey of life.
The February meeting will be February 28 at a place to be determined and may include ideas to take advantage of our extra day with leap year!
For more information or questions,
WEST METRO PEER GROUP
Submitted by Terri Evans
On Monday, December 2, eight members of the MSP TTN West Metro TPG met in the Vicksburg Room of the Plymouth Library to discuss the
WINTER HOLIDAYS
. Members shared photos, stories, emotions, and strategies for dealing with stressors that are associated with this particular time of year. We got to know each other better, laughed, and even shed a few tears as we discussed several topics related to the holidays. Thanks to all members for their wonderful contributions!
We look forward to meeting on Monday, January 6,1:00-3:00 PM (again, in the Vicksburg Room of the Plymouth Library) to discuss the role of
HUMOR
in our lives, especially in terms of its health and social benefits. This discussion will be led by JeNell Jacobson.
For more information or questions,
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Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
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ART APPRECIATION SIG
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
If you are interested in discovering more about the local art scene, join the ART APPRECIATION SIG. Together we will experience many types of creative expression: paintings, pottery, sculpture, textiles. We usually meet on weekday afternoons, occasionally an evening or Saturday. Exhibits are FREE or low cost.
In December, at the
American Swedish Institute,
we enjoyed displays of holiday traditions from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland. Another time it would be great to enjoy the wholesome foods offered in their very popular café.
In January, no scheduled event will be offered. February will resume planned art activities.
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CARDS, COIN, CONVERSATION, & CANAPES SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman
Five of us gathered in November and again in December for the CCCC SIG (
Cards, Coins, Conversation, and Canapes)
at Robin Getman’s home in NE Minneapolis. Tasty appetizers, energized conversation, two high-stakes card games ($.80 per person for the first game and $.75 for the second).
Join us Monday, January 20, for another afternoon of fun as follows:
- 11:00-11:45 AM Chit, chat, and chew. Bring an appetizer to share and your favorite beverage (Robin will have wine and water on hand).
- 11:45 AM Learn how to play “Nickels” (Think, “sets” and “runs” with wild cards)
- NOON Ante up! $ .80 per person (Bring 11 nickels and 1 quarter)
- 1:30-ish PM Stick around to learn and play a quick game of “31” ($ .75 per person, bring 3 quarters)
If you plan to attend, please notify Robin
at least 24 hours before
game day. To RSVP, get directions, or for more information, contact Robin at
RGetman220@aol.com
.
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DAYTIME BOOK SIG
Submitted by Eleni Skevas
Only 5 of us met on December 5 at the Shoreview Library to discuss
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens. We all had read the book and had a great discussion about isolation, loneliness, abuse, nature, hope, resilience, and the writing skill of an older woman’s first book of fiction. This book had it all: character, plot, setting, and language!!
We meet next on Thursday, January 2 at 10:15 in the Shoreview Library Book Club Room. The January book is:
A Great Reckoning
by Louise Penny which is also the MIA book tour selection for January. Jane Harens is our facilitator.
In the New Year the books chosen by the group are:
February:
Educated
by Tara Westover
Educated
Discussion led by Eleni Skevas
March:
To be determined
April:
Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old
by Joy Loverde
Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old
Discussion led by Cyndy Nelson
May:
Washington Black
by Esi Edugyan
Please note:
The April selection ties into the author Joy Loverde’s appearance as
a speaker at a TTN event on April 30.
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM.
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EVENING BOOK CLUB SIG
Submitted by Beth Stockinger
The Tuesday evening book group met on December 10
th
for our holiday book gathering at Beth’s house. We discussed the book,
Where the Crawdad’s Sing
by Delia Owens. We had an interesting discussion about the story and the characters in the book, as well as our reactions to the book. We also talked about the upcoming holiday season and winter chill in the air (of course we had to discuss this). What an enjoyable evening!
The group members shared interesting book ideas for the future. So many to choose from! We chose books and hosts for the next 3 months. We will continue to meet on the second Tuesday of the month.
January
: Sula
by Toni Morrison
Tuesday, January 14
th
at 6:30 pm will be hosted by Gretchen Bratvold
February:
The Alice Network
by Kate Quinn
Tuesday, February 11
th
at 6:30 will be hosted by Grace Bartholet and Karen West
March:
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone
by Lori Gottlieb
Tuesday, March 10
th
at 6:30 will be hosted by Teresa Sanchez-Lazer
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EXPLORING FOOD SIG
Submitted by Kathleen Peterson
A little bit of Hygge was had at the December 4 meeting of the Food SIG at Kathleen’s home in south Minneapolis. To ring in the holiday season we tasted fruit soup, salmon, Swedish rye, Swedish almond rusks, Peppernuts, and even some herring and Lefse. After brunch we headed to Norway House to see the many beautifully decorated gingerbread structures. It truly was a feast for the eyes! Perhaps this group could contribute something next year?
We will be meeting on Monday, January 13
th
from 1:00-3:00 PM at Kathleen Peterson’s home. Since it’s the beginning of a new year we plan to discuss our New Year’s Food Resolutions and healthy eating strategies. Please bring a favorite recipe that you enjoy making or a cookbook that you wouldn’t want to be without. All are welcome. If you plan to attend let Kathleen know at
kathleenpeterson614@gmail.com
A future plan is to enjoy a lunch prepared by the culinary students at St. Paul College. It will be at their City View Grille. Dates and times are being worked out.
“Pull up a chair, Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” Ruth Reichl
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FINANCIAL SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
On Tuesday, December 17, nine women gathered for a discussion about year-end financial actions, a recap by Julie of a U of M Learning Life class about the meaning of money, and to share tips on where to find deals. Thanks to Julie for sharing information about the class and to everyone for bringing their ideas for deals.
Note: We have changed the start time of our meetings to 6:30 PM.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday, January 21, 6:30-8:00 PM at the Ramsey County Library at 2180 North Hamline Ave, Roseville. We will be in the Board Room on the second floor. Our topics will be investing in stocks by Tracey and experience with cutting cord for cable and landlines.
Our February meeting is Tuesday, February 18, 6:30-8:00 PM. at the Ramsey County Library at 2180 North Hamline Ave, Roseville. We will be in the Board Room on the second floor. Della Johnson, TTN MSP member and realtor, will join us to talk about housing. This is a follow up to her presentation at the February 8 educational event.
The purpose of this group is to increase our personal financial literacy. The knowledge of members about financial topics varies from beginner to more experienced. Our topics will be selected based on what individual members are interested in. We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. New members are welcome. Come and give it a try.
Please email Cyndy at
clnelson03@gmail.com
if you are interested in joining us, have ideas for topics, or have questions.
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THEATER SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman
January 15-February 16: No “formal” group outings are planned but if you’re looking for good local theater, Theater Latte Da is a pretty safe bet!
Bernarda Alba
opens January 15.
http://www.latteda.org/bernarda-alba
For more information about TTN Theater SIG events, please join us on our private Facebook group:
- Search “TTN Theater MSP” on Facebook, or insert this link to access the private group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttntheatermsp/
- Not a member of the private FB group yet? Simply request to join the group. The group administrator will receive notification of your request, accept your request, and, you’re in!
- When you receive notification that your request has been accepted, join the conversation:
- Read and post about what’s hot and happening
- Spearhead an outing in 2020
- Meet up at events and post-performance discussions
We look forward to your participation!
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TRAVEL SIG
Submitted by Marilynne Roberts
Please bring a favorite travel item, tip, suggestion or resource (or all) to a meeting on Wednesday, January 22, from 2:15-4:15 PM in the Community Room at the Centennial Branch Library, 100 Civic Heights Circle in Circle Pines. We look forward to having an open discussion of member's interests. If you can't attend and want to share your thoughts, please email them to Marilynne and she will include them in a compilation with the ideas suggested at the get together.
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URBAN HIKING SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
Three members of the Urban Hiking SIG “hiked” in the Minneapolis skyways on Friday, December 13; hiking boots were not required. We marveled at the maze of skyways in downtown Minneapolis and only walked a small portion of them. Thanks to Jan for being our fearless guide. We stopped for coffee at Caribou to complete our walk.
In January, we plan to take a “hike” at the Mall of America. We have selected Monday, January 27, as the date. We will meet at 10:00 AM. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Cyndy at
clnelson03@gmail.com
for specific information about meeting location.
This seasonal SIG gives us the opportunity to explore and/or introduce others to new locations in the metro area. Our hikes last about 60-90 minutes and we walk at a moderately brisk and steady pace. All are welcome to join us as we walk and talk. We sometimes end our hikes with a stop at a local establishment for a coffee/drink/ice cream. Weather permitting, we anticipate starting our outdoor 2020 season in April.
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WRITER’s SIG 1
Submitted by Julie Efta
This is closed group of 5 women. In January we will meet on Fridays, January 10 and 24. Some of us will also meet on a few Tuesdays for silent writing retreats.
We encourage and will assist others to create more writing groups in 2020!
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