I’m sure all of you, like me, had hoped our lives would by now be somewhat closer to our pre-COVID lives. The fact that we still have a way to go is both disappointing and discouraging. There are people I cannot yet see, places I cannot yet go and activities I cannot yet do. BUT, at the same time, I feel fortunate – yes, fortunate – as there is one more “cannot”. I cannot imagine my life during this period without TTN. My SIGs and TPGs have all been meeting on Zoom regularly or on occasion, and sometimes in person, outdoors with social distancing. I am therefore still able to see my friends and even meet new people. There continues to be an array of chapter-wide programs with interesting speakers as well as health and wellness activities (fitness and yoga classes, meditation, cooking demos). Plus so many of the chapters are sharing their virtual events that the program selection is even broader. My life is so much richer, particularly during such a challenging period.

I’m also looking forward to TTN’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on October 14th and 15th. Not only will there be speakers like Joan Lunden and Catherine Collinson, but just as appealing is the opportunity to meet and chat with members from chapters around the country. I hope you register for this event (you’ll receive just one link to attend any or all of the activities) and I look forward to seeing you there.

TTN Long Island has had some excellent online programs which I have taken advantage of. I especially like Monday morning meditation with Caron Hunter. Caron guides a large group of TTN members, virtually, in relaxing, spiritual meditation. She has a soothing voice. It is good for the mind, body and soul, especially during these uncertain times we are living through. I would like to see more virtual programs on the benefits of mindfulness, meditation and relaxation techniques and how to do them.

Fitness by Victoria has been a lifesaver for me. I will not go back to the gym yet and exercising with her on Tuesdays and Fridays lifted my spirits. Please bring her back. (Note: She is back!)

I have been a member of one of the TTN Living Alone Groups since its inception at the beginning of the pandemic. It has been a great help and support to all the women in our group and our discussions are lively, interesting, informative, and fun. The members of this group look forward to our weekly Wednesday morning meetings. The group would not work without the wonderful leadership and organization of our facilitator, Susan Kelly—she is the best!

TTN has done an exceptional job of offering a variety of programs for us to "attend" virtually. The Long Island chapter has provided amazing opportunities for meditation and exercise with wonderful presenters. The two groups which I Co-Administer, Weekend Wanderers and All Things Italian, have used Zoom several times to keep in touch as well as meeting for lunch and friendship. “All Things Italian” met at a park to learn how to play bocce, getting excellent instruction from Peter Rabito, President of the American Bocce Association. Some of us stayed for lunch on this perfect weather day. The friendships formed and the opportunities made possible by TTN have helped get us through this very difficult time.

For me, TTN has been a welcome help in dealing with this difficult time of the pandemic. Not only did it help me in getting started with zooming, but it offered and continues to offer a wonderful variety of events to participate in with other women across the country. It has helped me to feel connected, which was great in this isolating time. I have been able to continue being involved with the groups I belong to with zoom meetings and actual in person meetings (while keeping safe and social distancing.) Going forward, I hope TTN continues to offer a variety of virtual events to help us get through the winter.

The Tuesday Adventurers have been meeting every month where we have structured the meeting around a theme. The last topic was, “What has been your favorite trip that we have gone on over the last 10 years?” It was a fun nostalgic hour. BUT, as leaders we were out of ideas, so our September meeting was a planning session. We brainstormed ideas of virtual events and then members volunteered to research and run the meetings. Ideas included: TTN scheduled events, tours of celebrity mansions, baking demonstrations, museum tours, exotic cities, Sal St. George lectures and TED talks. The group will watch the program ahead of time and we will discuss it together. I hope these suggestions will inspire other groups.

It's about keeping the connection going! My book group, discussion group, and day trip SIGS have continued to meet either on Zoom or occasionally in a park socially distancing. I now play mah jongg virtually with my TTN SIG on a mah jongg website. I also appreciate the many virtual programs TTN offers, whether it’s to stay physically and mentally fit with Victoria or entertained by Brian Rose or Sal St. George. I love being able to share programs with chapters across the country, which has really brought us together!

TTN/LI talent pool - a place to find, sell, or share the wealth of expertise and experience acquired by our chapter members.

·    arts & crafts instructor

·    attorney

·    corporate gifts & promotional products (logoed items)

·    retired dental hygienist

·    free picture book videos

·    interior designer

·    hearing aid knowledge

·    leadership/management/professional business coach/mentor

·    parent advocate for children with or without special needs

·    party art – caricatures & fashion sketches

·    presentation skills training for business people & other professionals

·    personal trainer & group fitness instructor

·    piano teacher

·    Spanish tutor

·    spiritual director

click here.

Email Suzanne Sham at suestan@verizon.net 

For more information and to register, go to the Events page on the TTN/LI website.

Island Harvest: It is estimated that well over 110,000 Long Islanders go to bed hungry. Right now, the relief provided by Island Harvest is needed more than ever. A four-star charity that is one of the members of Feeding America, Island Harvest provides resources for 570 food pantries, soup kitchens and other nonprofit organizations that aid our neighbors in need. A huge Thank You to TTN members who donated to the Island Harvest food drive on August 30, 31, and September 1. This was our first contactless food collection, and the results were impressive.  We collected 397 pounds of food and $211 in monetary contributions. Translated into practical terms, TTN members provided 750 meals for the community. Gianna Bottone of Island Harvest wrote, “I’m SO thankful for your support, as always. This was one of the biggest drives I’ve had in months.” (Contact: Robin Jacobson, robinjacobson4@gmail.com)

Family Services League/Brentwood Shelter: When the education director saw Super Volunteer Linda Sotomayor, she asked if TTN could help with a new crisis. The organization that had previously provided school supplies had just informed her that they would be unable to help this year. The Committee met and decided to use funds from the Community Volunteer Committee. Linda shopped at four different outlets and bought enough school supplies to equip students for the first day of school. When they learned the purpose of her shopping spree, Staples even provided a 20% discount! (Contact: Judy Brambrut, jbrambrut@aol.com)

Stitchers: Members knit or crochet at home, but they have also continued to meet monthly in Suzanne Sham’s backyard. The Care to Knit Executive Director sent a letter to the group saying:

“Your beautiful blankets are going to the VA Hospital and the hats and scarves to local agencies on Long Island. There is a great need, especially since the pandemic has caused other donors to be unavailable. Your chapter has been such a great part of what we do and we thank you for continuing to help us serve those in need.” Contact: Sue Sham suestan@verizon.net)

Book Fairies: We put out an eblast in June asking members to vote online as many times as possible for the Book Fairies to receive the "Fan Favorite" award. It worked and The Book Fairies received the top prize of $3,000! That translates to 12,000 books that go into the hands of children in need. (Contact: Linda Sotomayor lindasoto@verizon.net)

On Wednesday, November 18, the Program Committee is very excited to host Jamie Bernstein, oldest daughter of revered composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein, and author of the recent memoir, Famous Father Girl. Ms. Bernstein offers a rare look at her father on the centennial of his birth in a deeply intimate portrait that is at once an intimate meditation on a complex and sometimes troubled man, the family he raised, and the music he composed. A fantastic set of characters populates the Bernstein's lives, including: the Kennedys, Mike Nichols, John Lennon, Richard Avedon, Stephen Sondheim, Jerome Robbins and Lauren (Betty) Bacall.   

The Zoom program is free to TTN members. For more information and to register, go to the Events page on the TTN/LI website.

Despite being able to offer only one in-person event this year, CSI has been able to successfully shift its programming online, offering six educational and entertaining zoom programs so far for TTN/LI members. Our offerings included talks on celebrities such as George Burns and Judy Garland and a thought-provoking science program on radiological protection by Brookhaven National Labs.

Coming up, we are hosting a talk on Alexander Hamilton's wife Betsy. Jim Coll will discuss Election Jitters on October 26, and Greg Blank will be discussing women directors. You can register for these free programs on the TTN website.  Heading into January 2021, we will discuss "safe and fun travel.” February will have author Kathleen Velsor discussing her book, “The Underground Railroad on Long Island.” We are hopeful that we will be able to have “live” programming later in the year, including one at the Glen Cove Mansion entitled “Women in Music" and one at year-end on human trafficking.

The Membership Services Committee is being proactive about making sure that women whose memberships may be expiring are aware of all the programs and benefits available to them during this challenging time. We are doing this by telephone calls and letters and are happy to share information and answer any questions members may have. We also want women who joined TTN in the last year to have as many opportunities as possible to become engaged and remain connected. One of our most successful new undertakings is the Women Living Alone Initiative, comprised of small groups that meet with a leader on a regular basis. Meetings are held either via Zoom, or occasionally in a local park, and participants have been able to form some amazing bonds. We have also begun several new SIGS, open to all members, including four discussion groups and a new book group. If you are interested in joining any of the open SIGS or TPGs, check the TTN/LI website. We are all looking forward to the time when we can meet safely in person, but right now we are grateful that our technology allows us to forge new and hopefully, long term, friendships that will survive beyond the pandemic.