December 2019
Online WELCOME Orientation for New Members
Watch for the January offering of this event!
January Get Connected
Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 AM
Jax Café,
1928 University Ave NE, Minneapolis

Join us for this special TTN Get Connected event and experience a panel of three TTN members describe how TTN has enriched their lives. Susan Zimmerman will facilitate the discussion between Debra Dorgan, Janis Weller and Jean Forrey. Their messages are very relatable!

All of us will enjoy the delicious food, white linens and the attentive service extended by the staff of this iconic family owned restaurant. We will each order off the menu. Invite a friend! Guests and members need to register on the TTN site for planning purposes.

In the event of weather concerns, check our Facebook Page on January 15 th  for cancellation notifications.  https://www.facebook.com/MSPthetransitionnetwork.org/
                                            
If you have questions, please email   jenell@jacobson.org
 

“Home Sweet Home”:  Housing, Downsizing, Decluttering
Saturday, February 8, 2020
1:00 PM in Roseville

Are you or a loved one thinking of downsizing or simplifying and organizing your home in the next year? Do you have no idea of what to keep and what to get rid of? How do you decide whether to stay in your home or move?  What options are available if you need to move?  Does the thought of coordinating a major move overwhelm you? Does the thought of this process or helping a parent or other loved one make these decisions cause you stress? Are you just wanting to declutter and simplify your life so you can enjoy life more? If you answered yes to any of these questions come and listen to TTN Member and Licensed Real Estate Agent, Della Johnson, and Laurie Wrobel of Clutter 911 as they share ideas on how to help this process go more smoothly. Registration
 

Active Aging: Discover What’s Next for You
Thursday, April 30 

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

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. Joy will reveal clear, practical, and relevant suggestions for you to build your own unique life plan for aging well.

Registration link available soon.
NOVEMBER  EVENT RECAP
Secrets to Finding Your Passion and Purpose
Follow-up Workshop to October Quarterly Event

Nine women discovered or affirmed more about their core passion at the November 9 th  half day workshop led by Lori Palm, CEO of Core Passion Inc. Before the workshop, participants took the online Core Passion Assessment which is a validated instrument identifying an individual’s profile related to 12 core passion codes. By reviewing the gifts and the challenges for their top Core Passion Codes, participants created understanding of how to be more proactive and authentic as they balance and blend their top codes in creating their future vision. Some participants are planning to continue meeting to use The Passion Vision Action process provided in the workshop to explore on a deeper level what they are feeling called to do.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS

Do you have something you want to share with TTN MSP members? 

If so, please forward to Jill and Cyndy for inclusion in future newsletter at  jill.goski@gmail.com  and  clnelson03@gmail.com
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Transition Peer Groups (TPGs)
(SIGs and TPGs available with paid membership only)
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are topic or activity-focused. There is no limit to the groups that can be created because they all originate with and are guided by members! If you have an idea for a new SIG and would like to find out if others are interested, please contact Jill Goski at jill.goski@gmail.com

Transition Peer Groups (TPGs) are small groups who meet to discuss topics from career transitions to changing family relationships to the benefits and challenges of aging. Each group selects its own topics and shares group facilitation and guidance. TTN provides resources to help these groups get started and flourish. There is always an opportunity for the formation of new peer groups in a different geographic location and/ or around specific topics. If you are interested in joining or starting a TPG, please contact Barbara O’Sullivan at Barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com

Just a friendly reminder:  We always welcome new women to check out our SIGs and TPGs along with our many social occasions and programs. Please remember that non-members are welcome to attend SIGs & TPGs for a maximum of two times after which, per national policy, women are required to become a member of TTN to continue SIG/TPG participation. Joining is easy and economical. Just go to the TTN website !

Transition Peer Groups (TPGs)
Update on New Transition Peer Groups
 
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 questions, please contact Barbara O’Sullivan at  barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com
Transition Peer Group – Life Animated
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn

The group met on November 14 to discuss the topic: Spirituality, what does spirituality mean to you? led by Nancy B.

Nancy distributed some "Questions to Ponder" about spirituality.

1. Your definition of spirituality.
2. Often spirituality gets intertwined with religion. Is it the same for you or different?
3. How would you describe your spirituality as a child? adult? evolved with time?
4. Share some spiritual practices for you.
5. What hinders your spirituality?
6. What nourishes your spirituality?

One definition of spirituality is feeling a sense of connection to reality beyond and within oneself that gives meaning and purpose to life, and giving and receiving love. We shared the various religious training and experiences we had growing up. Several of us commented on the difference between organized religion and spirituality. Some felt religion gets in the way of spirituality. They experienced spirituality in meditation, silence, journaling, being in nature, drumming, prayer. One book, "Holy Envy" by Barbara Brown Taylor summarizes different religions and what they have to offer.

Next meeting: December 12, Highland Park Library in St. Paul from 10:15 AM-12:15 PM. Gifts and traditions, led by Linda. Bring photos you have of previous holidays.

If you are interested in joining this group:
Please contact Eleni Skevas at  eskevs@yahoo.com  


TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Living with Purpose
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan

The Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group met November 21 at the Shoreview Library. We started our meeting sharing our "hygge" to stay warm and cozy for our transition to the cold winter months and to chase away those winter blues. Adding light with SAD lamps and candles as well as travel were popular choices.

Several members attended the Passion and Purpose event with Lori Palm and they discussed the usefulness of the assessment she developed for individuals as well as for our TTN organization to continue to engage and expand the leadership of our members. We revisited the work of Richard Leider on Purpose and brought up the possibility of contacting him for a future TTN event. We plan to continue our discussion on what energizes us, our continued journey towards purpose, and how we can support each other. 

Our next meeting will be Thursday, December 19, from 6:30-8:00 PM at Maplewood Library. Our discussion will be on "Spirituality", adopting the idea from our east metro sister daytime peer group. Members are encouraged to bring a picture from our childhood celebrating the holidays being Christmas or the Winter Solstice or what our families celebrated. Or perhaps the childhood photo represents the core of who we are today. It will be a thought-provoking discussion on how our definition of spirituality has changed over the years and to share our holiday traditions. 

Our January meeting will be Thursday, January 30, at a place to be determined. At that meeting we will create our vision boards for 2020.

For more information or questions,
Please contact Barbara at  Barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com .


TRANSITION PEER GROUP - West Metro
Submitted by Terri Evans

Nine members of the newly formed West Metro Transition Peer Group met at the Plymouth Library on Monday, November 4, 2019. The group, led by Janis Weller, discussed Self-Care and Wellness. We completed an inventory, “ Self-Care for Better Wellness ,” to get us started. A lively discussion of the ways in which we attempt to manage the “Eight Dimensions of Wellness” followed the survey. This included exploration of physical, emotional, intellectual, social, occupational, financial, environmental, and spiritual wellness. In addition, we talked about managing our well-being by attempting to be self-aware (“Put your own oxygen mask on first!”), being intentional, and practicing self-care rather than self-sabotage. Members contributed many excellent self-care ideas and resources!

The group plans to meet on December 2 nd , 2019, at 1:00 PM in the Vicksburg Room at the Plymouth Public Library. Please join us! Come prepared to discuss  the December holidays . Think about the following topics/questions:

1. When you think about the December holidays (Christmas, or otherwise), how do you feel? Why?

2. At their essence, what do the holidays mean to you?

3. Share a holiday moment that is particularly memorable to you - for either positive or negative reasons.

4. What is the best gift that you have ever given to another? Why? What is the best gift that you have ever received? Why?

5. What is your favorite holiday song? Movie? Food? Tradition?

6. How have the holidays changed for you as you have aged?
 
7. How do you take care of yourself during the holidays, which can be a very stressful time of the year?

*Bring a favorite holiday photo from your past to share with the group!

To keep up with the activities of the  TC TTN West Metro Peer Group ,
join our Facebook group

Our January 6 meeting (also to be held at the Plymouth library), will be led by JeNell Jacobson and will focus on  humor .

For more information or questions,
contact Barbara O’Sullivan at  Barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
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 November, we had a great time on our self-guided tour of the International Market Square, the historic landmark and trend-setting design center located on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. 

December 11th, at the American Swedish Institute,  we will enjoy displays of holiday traditions from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland including music, lighting and food. Meet at 1:00 PM, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis.  www.asimn.org

January will not offer scheduled art activities. February will bring new opportunities to enjoy art together.
 
If you are interested in participating or want to be on our contact list, contact Tracey Baker at  tracey.baker@gmail.com  or JeNell Jacobson at  jenell@jacobson.org .
CARDS, COIN, CONVERSATION, & CANAPES SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman
 


Five of us kicked off the inaugural, CCCC SIG ( Cards, Coins, Conversation, & Canapes)  on November 13, 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, December 16, for an 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
.
DAYTIME BOOK GROUP SIG
Submitted by Eleni Skevas

The Day-Time Book Club met on November 7 at the Shoreview Library. We discussed Michele Obama’s  Becoming , a memoir of her life. This book described not only her childhood in Southside Chicago, but also her years at Princeton, and her early days as a lawyer in a high prestige law firm where she met Barack Obama. She gives credit to relatives, in particular her mother, friends and mentors who helped her stay steady as she moved from a first-generation college student to First Lady in the White House. She describes the challenges of raising children while their Secret Service guardians are hovering nearby and the challenges of raising children with a frequently absent father.

The book was a springboard for discussion about participants’ own experiences as working wives and mothers, the work-life balance, the virtues of helicopter parenting as compared to the hands-off style, the role of a strong woman in society, and how Barack Obama and men in general do or don’t support their working wives. In short, the meeting was fun.

The next book is the novel   Where the Crawdads Sing   by Delia Owens. The discussion will be led by Julie Efta at the Shoreview Library on Thursday, December 5, at 10:15 AM-12:30 PM. 

In the New Year the books chosen by the group are: 

January:   A Great Reckoning  by Louise Penny 
Discussion led by Jane Harens

February:   Educated   by Tara Westover
Discussion led by Eleni Skevas
         
March:   To be determined
         
April:   Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old  by Joy Loverde
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.

Question?  Contact Eleni Skevas at eskevs@yahoo.com
EVENING BOOK CLUB SIG
Submitted by Grace Bartholet

The Evening Book Group met at Tracy Baker's home on November 12 and participated in a discussion of the book  Spirit Car Journey to a Dakota Past  by Diane Wilson. The book is a counterpoint of memoir and carefully researched fiction. It ties the modern Minnesota Indian Community with the past.

In December, we will be reading and discussing  Where the Crawdads Sing  by Delia Owens. The book has spent many weeks on The New York Times best seller list and has been read by many book clubs.

The Evening Book Club will meet at Beth Stockinger's home on Tuesday, December 10th from 6:30-8:30. We are encouraging anyone that is currently a member and anyone who has interest to attend as we are going to be coming up with a reading list. If you are planning on attending or if you have questions, please contact Grace Bartholet at  gbartholet@gmail.com  or Beth Stockinger at  alberstock@aol.com .

The discussion is always lively, the members are a fun group of women. Come join us!

For more information, contact Group Coordinator, Grace Bartholet at  gbartholet@gmail.com
EXPLORING FOOD SIG 
Submitted by Kathleen Peterson

The Food SIG got off to a great start with a delicious homemade lasagna lunch at the home of Chris DiPietro on November 6 th . Seven of us enjoyed wonderful food and fun conversation about our family upbringings and our holiday food traditions. When food is at the heart of a discussion, there is always something to talk about.

December Meeting:
Our next event is on Wednesday, December 4. It is not too late to join us for a Scandinavian Brunch at the home of Kathleen Peterson in South Minneapolis. Brunch at 11:00 AM and, for those who choose, we will visit the Norway House Gingerbread Wonderland Exhibit, planning to arrive there about 1:00 PM  www.norwayhouse.org . If you would like to attend please email Kathleen at  kathleenpeterson614@gmail.com  for the address and more details.

January Meeting: 
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

Since we are a newly formed SIG, we will continue discussing options for daytime versus evening meetings as the year progresses. 

“Pull up a chair, Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”   Ruth Reichl

If you have any questions about this SIG, please contact Kathleen Peterson at  kathleenpeterson614@gmail.com

FINANCIAL SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson

On Tuesday, November 19, eleven women gathered for a very practical discussion focused on financial actions a retired woman might take. We had much discussion about medical insurance options and how much medical might cost in our lifetimes. Concern about this unknown amount sometimes makes us want to limit our current spending so we can save more for this potential expense. We also talked about ways to reduce expenses. Many possible actions were generated; each woman could consider if that action would be helpful for her individual situation.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, December 17 , 7:00-8:30 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 are appropriate for the month of December:  “where/when to find deals” and year-end financial actions. Bring any ideas you have about both of these topics.

Our January meeting is Tuesday, January 21 , 7:00-8:30 PM. Location and topic to be determined later. 

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.

THEATER SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman

November 30, matinee outing was  All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.  (Per StarTribune, “On Dec. 9-11, PBS will tape four invitation-only performances of the musical… for the 2020 holiday season.”)

December 8, matinee outing is  The Viking and The Gazelle  at Mixed Blood Theatre. 

For more information about TTN Theater SIG events, please join us on our private Facebook group: 

1)  Search “TTN Theater MSP” on Facebook, or insert this link to access the private group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttntheatermsp/
2)  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!

3)  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!

Got questions? Need help? Contact Robin Getman at  RGetman220@aol.com

TRAVEL SIG
Submitted by Marilynne Roberts
 
The Star Tribune Vacation and Travel show was held November 16-17 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Marilynne attended and provided info to the other group members. The website has many useful travel links.  www.startribunetravel.com
 
Marilynne suggests members might want to consider these two local travel providers:



Please feel free to join Travel SIG members for a tour of St. Paul's Union Depot on Tuesday, December 3, and enjoy the holiday decorations. Jill Goski will be leading the tour. Please gather under the East clock in the Head House before 11:00 AM. Depending on the group, we can decide if we want to enjoy lunch after the tour. Some information from the Depot's website follows:

Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority is pleased to offer free public tours of Union Depot. This tour will explore the history of Union Depot, allow you to experience the beauty and majesty of the historic renovation, and will inspire you to embark on your next journey from Union Depot. 

Please email Marilynne at  marilynne r@yahoo.com, Debra Dorgan at  debra.dorgan@gmail.com  or Julie Efta at  teacherjulie.efta@gmail.com  if you are interested in joining us, have ideas for events, or have questions. 
URBAN HIKING SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson

The Urban Hiking SIG has decided to take an indoor hike in the Minneapolis skyways on Friday, December 13. We will meet at 10:00 AM in downtown Minneapolis. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Cyndy at  clnelson03@gmail.com  for specific information about parking and meeting location.

In January, we plan to take a “hike” at the Mall of America. Date TBD.

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.

Questions? Please contact Cyndy at  clnelson03@gmail.com
WRITER’s SIG 1
Submitted by Julie Efta

This is closed group of 5 women. In December we will meet on Fridays, December 13 and 20. We look forward to our third year of encouraging and sharing our writing, thoughts, and laughter.

We encourage and will assist others to create more writing groups. Several women have expressed interest but a leader for a second group is still needed.

Questions? Please contact Julie Efta at teacherjulie.efta@gmail.com .