July 2017 News and Updates from Philadelphia Chapter

We have more activities in July and August to help keep you connected with your TTN friends, in addition to the Peer Groups and SIGs which meet throughout the summer months. Click here to access the full Events Calendar .

If you've been thinking about joining the September 13th TTN bus trip to the National Museum of African-American History & Culture, now is the time to jump in. Only a few seats left for this exciting full-day trip to Washington DC. Register Here.

Please email me with stories, experiences, suggestions you have that draw you into our Chapter's activities. As an all-volunteer organization, we're always looking for ways to engage meaningfully with our members.

Fatima Class

Chair, TTN Philadelphia

SIG Corner: Joanne Bowes Takes Over as Chair


*PHL SIG Chairs: Alice Milrod, Chrissa Merron, Joanne Bowes, Karen Kanter*

A warm welcome to Joanne Bowes, our new SIG Chair! Joanne is the fourth leader of the PHL Chapter's enormously successful Special Interest Group program, following Chrissa Merron, Karen Kanter, and Alice Milrod.

Eight years ago, Chrissa began with four SIGs. One of those SIGs, Art Appreciation, is still going strong. As the Chapter grew, so did the number and variety of SIGs. Karen turned over twenty SIGs to Alice, who expanded the number to thirty-two. The SIGs reflect the diversity of interests of our chapter members and include groups that attend cultural events, others that emphasize good health, every type of book group, and, of course, those that enjoy a good meal.

SIGs are initiated by suggestions from our members, which are then implemented by the SIG Chair. Each SIG is headed by a SIG lead. The leads' enthusiasm and willingness to take on a volunteer role are essential to our SIG successes.

Some SIG Trivia:

The Art Appreciation SIG is our longest existing SIG.
Murder, INK heads the list for book clubs.
Pot Luck Supper is the first SIG to meet and eat.
Wine Tasting SIGs are making a big splash--there are now two of them!
Our newest SIG is Monday Afternoon at the Movies - a suburban SIG that is off to a great start.

Your can find a complete listing of SIGs by clicking on this LINK .

Have an idea for a new SIG? Email Joanne Bowes.

Volunteer Opportunities Update


TTN Members Pitching In

The Volunteer Opportunities (VO) Committee is going strong all Summer long. Here are three activities and organizations looking for volunteers. TTN members, family and friends are invited to participate.

Please contact Moya Kinnealey with questions.

ReServe:

We have been alerted by a TTN National Board member and current business development manager at ReServe about opportunities that may be of interest to TTN members in the Philadelphia area. Founded in 2005, ReServe is a national organization that places "Reservists" 55 and over in volunteer positions in which they receive a stipend and have a significant social impact. At this time they are seeking "youth success mentors" for an inter-generational school mentoring program for at risk high school students.

ReServe has a proven Success Mentor Training and Curriculum to support intergenerational mentoring between ReServists and the students who attend Simon Youth Academies in several locations across the US - but one specifically in our area - Media, PA. They provide one-on-one teaching and coaching support and they have been quite successful, with an average 90% HS graduation rate for the students enrolled in the program.

They are seeking interested adults who can work 10-20 hours per week and will receive a modest stipend. For information go to www.reserveinc.org or call 516-419-2931.

Habitat for Humanity:
Diamond Park, a new townhome development, is Habitat for Humanity's largest Philadelphia construction project to date. It is located at 16th and Fountain Streets in North Central Philadelphia. Four 'build days' are scheduled for August and September 2017. TTN members who are interested in helping build a Habitat for Humanity home can contact [email protected]. The dates are the following:

Saturday, August 12 (8:30 am - 3:30 pm)
Wednesday,August 30 (wall Raising Ceremony, time TBA)
Wednesday, September 6 (8:30 - 3:30pm)
Saturday,September 9 (8:30 - 3:30)

Career Wardrobe Clothing Drive:

If one of your summer projects includes cleaning out your closets and de-cluttering, be sure to gather your business suits, dresses, formal wear and accessories to donate to the Career Wardrobe Clothing Drive. Your donations will enable women entering the work force to "dress for success" with free clothing for interviews and the work environment.

The Fall 2017 clothing drive is scheduled for September with three drop off locations including Center City, Mt. Airy and the Main Line.

Men's clothing is also welcome including suits, shirts, ties and belts. Donated clothing that is not appropriate for work can be sold in the Wardrobe Boutique and proceeds support the effort.

Please help us by gathering donations from friends and family. Tax receipts are provided.

Join the PHL TTN Marketing/Comms Team

If you love TTN and want to share it with the world (okay, with the Delaware Valley), join us in spreading the word.

The Philadelphia Chapter Marketing and Communications Team is expanding. Help us let our members, friends, and the rest of the Delaware Valley know what a great organization we are.

The Marketing and Communications Team is responsible for the Philadelphia TTN website, our newsletters and mailings, our handouts and materials, and our Facebook page. We help other Philadelphia Chapter Teams publicize their activities and would like to let everyone know about us.

You don't need any experience - we'll help you find the right fit for what you love to do or help you learn new things.

We know your time is precious - a little time or a lot, your participation is needed and really appreciated!

Interested? Just want to chat? Contact Tess Waldman - [email protected].