Minneapolis/St Paul Chapter Newsletter |
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GET CONNECTED
Wednesday, September 8, 5:30-7:00 PM
Zoom
TTN Members and Non-Members are invited to Zoom in with us from 5:30-7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 8, for our next Get Connected event. The topic will be “Summer Reads” – Are there any good books that you read? We have a great group of readers so sign up to learn about their interesting finds.
Register on the TTN website and the Zoom link will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
The purpose of our Get Connected events is that women can connect or reconnect with other women. Prior to Covid, these in-person events were held in restaurants or bars. Like so many other gatherings these became virtual. They also offer an opportunity for women to learn more about TTN, the women who participate, and the events we offer.
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VIRTUAL LEARNING EVENT – “FOOD SAVERS”
Friday, September 10, 1:00-2:30 PM
Zoom
The Exploring Food SIG is sponsoring a Virtual Learning Event titled “Food Savers - How to Preserve the Bounty of Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables”. This event is a presentation by Ramsey County Master Gardeners.
Are you wondering what to do with the bowls and bowls of tomatoes from your garden crowding your kitchen counters, the forest of basil overtaking your patio, the giant bag full of cucumbers your neighbor dropped off, or the bushel of green beans you bought on impulse at the farmer’s market last Saturday? The Exploring Food SIG is sponsoring a virtual learning session in September that can help!
On Friday, September 10, from 1:00-2:30 PM, a master gardener from Ramsey County will join us to share a virtual learning presentation, “Food Savers”. The objective of the session is to teach participants about the many ways to save, store, and preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables so you can enjoy the best flavors and maintain nutritional quality for as long as possible. This class introduces participants to best practices for storing fresh produce and the many different methods of food preservation.
The event is open to TTN members and non-members. If you’d like to participate in this event, register using the link below and the zoom info will be included with your registration confirmation. Contact Chris DiPietro at cmdjp2@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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VIRTUAL WOMEN IN TRANSITION WORKSHOP
September 21 and 23 or November 16 and 18
Two sessions of the Virtual Women in Transition Workshop, one of TTN’s Signature Programs, are being offered across all TTN Chapters this Fall. This program is designed to allow participants to explore transitions, new possibilities, and to create their own “next steps”. The workshop uses the William Bridges model to provide a guiding framework for understanding the process of transition and includes structured conversations for personal reflection and interactive learning. The Women In Transition (WIT) program was originally designed as a 4 hour in-person workshop. Due to the pandemic, the Women in Transition workshop has been reformatted to be effectively delivered virtually.
The MSP Chapter offered the Women in Transition Workshop in-person in October 2018. 31 women participated and their post-workshop evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. One of the advantages of attending the program in person is the opportunity to connect more directly with local chapter members and potential members. The MSP Chapter anticipates delivering the workshop in person in the future. However, unpredictable community health conditions have prevented us from scheduling in person programs at this time.
Contact Terri Evans, Debra Dorgan, or Jill Goski if you have any questions about the content of this workshop. They are trained facilitators for this workshop.
Both the September and the November sessions are currently full, but there is a waiting list for each. Use the links below to learn how to be added to the waiting lists. Plans are being made for additional offerings in the winter. Watch the TTN website and the MSP Chapter newsletter for more information.
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FALL EQUINOX FOREST BATHING WALK
Wednesday, September 22, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Reservoir Woods Park, Roseville
On Wednesday September 22, the first day of Fall, TTN members and non-members are welcome to meet in Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville for a Forest Bathing Walk at 11:00 AM. Meet in the small parking lot at the Alta Vista entrance. Rain date will be Thursday, September 23.
Julie Efta will lead the slow stroll appreciating some massive trees. Arrive early or stay longer for a faster and longer walk through the park.
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Wellness Wednesday:
Gentle Yoga tin the Park
Wednesday, September 22, 1:30-2:30 PM
Como Park, St. Paul
TTN members and non-members are invited to join Barbara O'Sullivan for this Wellness Wednesday outdoor yoga session. Celebrate the fall equinox with gentle yoga. This will be a great way to transition from the summer fire element to fall and give thanks to the earth for the abundant harvest. We will meet south of Como Lake Pavilion, east of the water fountain in a grove of trees across from the bike path dependent on weather.
Barbara O'Sullivan is a TTN MSP member and certified yoga instructor.
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NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
Thursday, September 23, 6:00-7:00 PM Central Time
or
Thursday, October 28, 12:00-1:00 PM Central Time
Via Zoom
Monthly new member orientations are back! If you haven’t had a chance to attend one in the past, the MSP Leadership team recommends you join one of these online events. Watch our newsletters and the TTN website for future dates.
New Member Orientation is a National Program for new members from all chapters. It provides an overview of
- Who we are?
- What we offer our members
- How to get the most out of your TTN experience
There will be lots of time to ask questions. And you'll have an opportunity to meet other new members during our session!
Please note that this is a national event so the time on the event registration is listed in Eastern Time. Central time is one hour earlier. Sessions are offered monthly so watch for one that fits with your schedule.
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Finding Our Natural Resilience and Peace of Mind
with Kathy Marshall Emerson
Thursday, October 14, 6:30-8:30 PM
Zoom
TTN members and non-members are invited to join us online on Thursday, October 14, with National Resilience Resource Center founding director, author, and University of Minnesota faculty member Kathy Marshall Emerson. She will share practical principles behind the natural resilience we all do have, and facilitate discovery breakout discussions with us.
Our goal is to discuss and support each other in finding the power we all have for: helpful insights, a peaceful state of mind, ongoing hope and joy, and an amazing ability to listen deeply to others.
Please come for meaningful conversations and discovery. Kathy notes this common sense understanding of resilience and well-being especially applies in current difficult times, and during major life transitions. “It can be life-changing.” Discover the deep reservoir of your best self and enjoy conversation with others!
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AUGUST EVENT RECAP SECTION |
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Wellness Wednesday: Yoga at Como Park
Submitted by Barbara O'Sullivan
In August, two yoga sessions were held in Como Park. We had the opportunity to move and breathe in nature in a beautiful setting. We were surrounded by trees, a cooling breeze, and a view of the lake. Thanks to Barbara for teaching these sessions.
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Get Connected
Submitted by Mary Howard and Pat Burgraff
Nine women gathered for the August Get Connected gathering. After each of us gave a quick update on what is new, we discussed our “What is your favorite summer treat?” topic. There seemed to be a tie between watermelon and home-grown tomatoes as our favorites. Ice cream and corn on the cob came in close behind. There was much discussion about Dairy Queen as well. I think we all left the meeting hungry.
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Submitted by Kathleen Peterson, Tracey Baker and Julie Efta
The MSP Chapter Caring Collaborative has now been operating for four months. The membership of the Collaborative has grown to 33. We have successfully fielded several requests for both the Service Corps and the Member Information Exchange. Some examples of possible requests:
Service Corps
- I will need a driver for an outpatient procedure.
- I’ve got a badly sprained ankle and could use help getting groceries.
- I’ve just lost a dear friend and would appreciate a phone call or two.
Member Information Exchange (MIX)
- I’m thinking of having a knee replaced. Could someone share their experience?
- I’m looking for a new primary care physician in St. Paul and would appreciate any suggestions.
- I am looking for a home care provider for my mother. Does anyone have experience with a reliable agency?
The Health and Wellness component team is gathering ideas for winter Zoom programming. Jill Goski, Jan Weller, and Julie Efta welcome your ideas and interest in helping lead. In 2020-2021, we had a wide variety of offerings including educational sessions, special guest speakers, and Tai Chi and Yoga sessions in the park. In 2021-2022, we are also considering a name change to allow more freedom in scheduling times. Wellness Weekday is one proposal. Please share your ideas for topics and resources.
It is still possible to become a part of the Collaborative if you are already an MSP Chapter member. If you are interested in knowing more, please email your name and contact information to the CC mailbox: mspcaringcollab@thetransitionnetwork.org. One of the CC Coordinators will respond. We welcome new members and are very grateful for those members who are already participating and ready to help others in times of need.
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Currently there are three Transition Peer Groups (TPG): two daytime groups in the east and west metro area and an evening east metro group. Each group has a unique focus. Check out each group's description in this newsletter. All groups welcome new members. Peer groups focus on mutual support and encouragement in an environment of confidentiality, compassion, and respect. We continue to explore opportunities to add new peer groups either geographically or by topic.
If you are a TTN member interested in joining an existing TPG, please let the contact person for that group know. If you have ideas or questions about convening a new TPG, please contact Barbara at Barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com.
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TRANSITION PEER GROUP – Life Animated
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn
Four of us met on August 12 outside at Silverwood Park. We talked a bit about summer plans, including trips we'd taken or were anticipating. One person had visited Chicago and one had gone to Northern MN. We discussed traveling during the current virus environment, driving by car vs. plane, our experiences with hotels and lodging, and what happened on the trips. We talked about places we had enjoyed visiting in the past, and sightseeing ideas. Also, we discussed the changing local COVID environment and concerns over different types of public gatherings, including the State Fair.
Next meeting is Thursday, September 9, at Silverwood Park in St Anthony at 10:00 AM. We will meet outside if it's good weather, otherwise inside at the visitor center. No topic, open discussion.
All Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN members are welcome. We meet the second Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM-Noon.
Please contact Eleni Skevas at eskevs@yahoo.com if you are interested in joining this group.
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TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Living with Purpose
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
Our Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group (TPG) will reconvene after our summer break. We will meet on Thursday, September 23, from 6:30-8:00 PM to brainstorm and plan for our upcoming meetings. The meeting will be on Zoom.
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TRANSITION PEER GROUP - West Metro
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
On August 2, six of the eleven members met on Zoom. We engaged in a meaningful discussion about issues that continue to challenge us personally, and shared examples of helpful coping strategies. We acknowledged that continuing to learn better ways to manage our internal dialogue is essential to fostering resiliency.
Our peer group will meet at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 13, to avoid Labor Day. It will be great to get a break from Zoom at this first in-person meeting, since early 2020, at Parkers Lake Park, 15505 CR 6 E in Plymouth. Cindy and Kathleen have volunteered to bring snacks to share. We will each bring our own beverage, and a lawn chair, so we can sit in a circle. Our discussion will include thoughts about our own personal transition, and ideas for our peer group, as we move from summer to fall. If weather becomes an issue, we’ll meet on Zoom and watch Kathleen and Cindy eat all the treats! LOL!
We meet on the first Monday of every month at 1:00 PM.
If interested in joining this group, please contact Jean Forrey at jean.4e@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list and to be notified of the ZOOM link.
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Special Interest Groups (SIGs) |
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Submitted by Erin Campbell and Julie Efta
An easy way to connect with other women and make your membership worthwhile is to become engaged and active in any one of the SIGs listed below. You can also help by becoming a co-leader of a new SIG. If you have an idea for a new SIG, contact Erin at ecingb@yahoo.com or Julie at teacherjulie.efta@gmail.com with your interest.
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ART APPRECIATION SIG
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
Our Wednesday, September 8, meeting is a rescheduled visit to the Chroma Zone murals in St. Paul Midway, that was cancelled in July due to rain. We will meet at 1:00 PM outside the New Studio Gallery at 2303 Wycliff St, St. Paul. Details will be sent to everyone on Art SIG email list shortly before our meeting and to others who request information. You can check the Chroma Zone mural map online to see there are quite a few murals close to the gallery and many spread around the district.
If you wish to participate in the September outing or be added to our contact list, please
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DAYTIME BOOK SIG
Submitted by Eleni Skevas
The Daytime Book Club cancelled its monthly meeting for the first time ever in August due to the fact that so many members were vacationing. The discussion for the August book, Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, was deferred to Thursday, September 2, at 10:00 AM via Zoom. Pam Egan will be leading the discussion
It hasn’t been decided yet if we will meet by Zoom or in person. We’ve been meeting by Zoom since the beginning of the pandemic. The group will consider the surge in the Delta variant as it makes its decision as to whether to meet in person.
This book club welcomes newcomers who just want to join for a single discussion or for ongoing participation. We invite you to join us every first Thursday of the month at 10:00 AM.
Here are the upcoming books:
October 7: Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. A historical novel set during the Great Depression and the “harsh realities that divided us as a nation and the enduring battle between the haves and have-nots”.
November 4: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. A novel featuring an ambiguously gendered child who grows up in an era when ambiguity was not recognized in her culture and not tolerated by society. Along the way the author gives the child and the child’s family a very interesting back story.
December 2: Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. We previously read Circe by the same author. Song of Achilles, like Circe, takes a Greek myth and reimagines it, richly filling in the details of what more might have happened among the gods and heroes as we know them.
Contact Eleni Skevas at eskevs@yahoo.com if you’d like to be added to the email list.
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EXPLORING FOOD SIG
Submitted by Chris DiPietro and Kathleen Peterson
“Good Food is Good Health” That is one of the mottos at Open Arms Minnesota in South Minneapolis. Chopping sweet potatoes, mushrooms and peppers, saucing up fish filets, and assembling and packaging Chicken Florentine were some of the tasks asked of the 10 Food SIG /TTN Chapter members who volunteered their time on Friday, August 13. It was a wonderful and well-organized experience for us, and one we would hope to do again, possibly later this year.
Open Arms of Minnesota is a non-profit that cooks and delivers free, nutritious meals to people who are living with life threatening illnesses in the Twin Cities metro area. Anyone can volunteer for food preparation duties, meal delivery and other opportunities. If you would like to know more, visit their website or contact Kathleen Peterson.
In September, the Exploring Food SIG will learn about preserving the bounty from our gardens and the farmer's market during a “Food Savers” virtual presentation by a Ramsey County Master Gardener. The session will be held on Friday, September 10, from 1:00-2:30 PM. For details about the event see the “Upcoming Events” section at the top of this newsletter. Register via the registration link and the zoom information will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
If you would like to be added to the email list of Food SIG participants, please email Chris DiPietro at cmdjp2@gmail.com. If you have other questions about the Exploring Food SIG, please contact Kathleen Peterson at kathleenpeterson614@gmail.com.
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FINANCIAL SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
8 women got together on August 16, via Zoom for two topics: Retention of Records and a Fidelity Money Personality quiz.
We reviewed a list of document retention recommendations from Suze Orman. We were surprised that the recommendations were generally shorter than expected. We also touched on retention of estate information and found the guidelines to be more restrictive than Suze's list.
Our second topic was a Money Personality Quiz from Fidelity . Thanks to Jean for finding the reference document that went with the quiz. The quiz only takes two minutes and gives one something to think about. Most of us thought our type was pretty accurate.
We also discussed the T-Mobile breach that was just announced. We do not know for certain whose data was exposed, but T-Mobile users should change their password and PIN to try to protect themselves as much as possible. It is especially alarming since the data accessed for some people includes names, social security number, birthdate, address, driver's license. Since this is so new, they are still working to identify exactly which customer's information was accessed. Keep watching the news for more information. We had talked about security last month. This is a good example of a situation where we as individuals have nothing to do with our information being exposed. We should do everything we can to protect our information, but know that something like this can wreak havoc for us.
The topic for our meeting on Tuesday, September 21, 6:30-8:00 PM is Financial Apps/using technology for financial transactions.
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 6:30 PM via Zoom. 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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FRENCH CONVERSATION SIG
Submitted by Jane Harens
The French conversation SIG is going “back to the app” for more structured learning after a summer of attempting to discuss short French videos.
Meeting via Zoom on Mondays at 10:00 AM.
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GETTING REAL WITH THE REELS MOVIE SIG
Submitted by Jean Forrey and Erin Campbell
In August, several of us attended the biopic Respect starring Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin. I think we all learned previously unknown facts about the “Queen of Soul” and definitely enjoyed the music and performances.
With the spreading Delta variant theaters may once again become off limits to most of us, but we are hoping to attend Dear Evan Hansen in person after it opens on September 24. Please request to be on our mailing list if you want to be included in future plans. At this time there is no date, time or theater information available, but we will plan to go to a theater in the southern or eastern part of the Twin Cities if Covid cooperates.
Please contact Jean at jean.4e@gmail.com if you would like to be added to our email list.
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LEGACY WRITING SIG
Submitted by Karen West
On August 5, five of us met, and Cynthia Anderson facilitated the group. Cynthia introduced the group to the five-paragraph template for writing a legacy letter that Rachael Freed, the legacy letter guru, presents in her book Your Legacy Matters. During this meeting, Rachael suggests that we write our first draft in 15 minutes, and this is what Cynthia asked us all to do. It was the first time that we all tried to write an actual legacy letter together.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, September 2, from 1:30-3:00 PM. Up until the last meeting, we had been working on the 7-year cycles of life review that Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (From Age-ing to Sage-ing) suggests, but now, because we have completed that, it is a good time for us to talk about how we would like to move forward. Two people have also just left the group, and one new person has recently joined, which makes it a good time to brainstorm. I hope that everyone can come to the September meeting for this discussion. Also, if you are thinking of joining the group, this would be a perfect time to give it a try.
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 1:30-3:00 PM.
If you are interested, have questions, or would like more information please email Karen at karenw0214@gmail.com.
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ON BEING SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
This SIG is a year old and we are looking for new co-leaders. The September meeting is on hold pending a volunteer to select and lead a discussion of ANY podcast. The podcast episode can be from On Being or any favorite show you enjoy and would like to introduce the rest of us to. There are so many possibilities!! We can rename the SIG to reflect our new direction. We’ll be discussing our future direction at our meeting on Monday, September 20, at 1:00 PM on Zoom.
This group meets at 1:00 PM on the third Monday of the month. New members welcome! You do not need to attend every month.
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"PAR-TEE-ON" – MINI GOLF SIG
Submitted by Jean Forrey
August found the mini-golf planners either dodging the heat or exploring the countryside with new wheels so only one outing was planned. We met at The Links at Dred Scott in Bloomington for another good time!
September will have 3 opportunities for golfers who may also be hamburger and root beer lovers and art aficionados!
On Thursday, September 9, Barb R and Jean are committed to going to Taylor's Falls Drive In for the golf and the burgers! They open at 11:00 AM which is when we plan to be there. The more the merrier so please join us at this fun site!
Also, in September we are planning to golf on Friday the 17th and Wednesday the 29th. We will meet at the Walker Art Institute at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 17,and at Big Stone Sculpture Garden and Mini Golf in Minnetrista on Wednesday, September 29, at 10:00 or 10:30 AM. We will let those on the east side of town choose the hour since they have the furthest to drive.
I have not been to the current Walker course but previous ones have been great, and Jan and I can both vouch for the artistic and fun course and sculpture garden at Big Stone.
As always, our outings are subject to the weather.
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RACE & HISTORY SIG:
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Submitted by Ginny Jacobson
The Race & History SIG met on August 18 to discuss the period of racial terrorism in America from 1877-1950. To prepare for our discussion we read the Equal Justice Initiative's online report, Lynching in America: Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror. We also listened to audio stories of people affected by lynching, watched a YouTube video of Billie Holiday singing "Strange Fruit," and learned about the lynching’s of three black men in Duluth in 1920. Learning about the people and the systems that supported lynching has helped us better understand racial dynamics in America today.
The last session of this four-month series will be on Wednesday, September 15, from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. We'll be delving into the segregation era and how it has evolved.
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SECOND HALF OF LIFE BOOK SIG
Submitted by Karen West
On August 10, seven of us met in person at Debra Dorgan’s house in Circle Pines. We all agreed that it was wonderful to meet in person. We discussed up to P. 181 in Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up by James Hollis.
Next month, we will meet on Tuesday, September 14, from 7:00-8:30 PM. At this meeting, we will discuss the last third of the book, pages 181 to the end. At this point, I’m not sure where we will meet.
Last month, the women who came to the meeting were put into pairs by Karen to be “buddies.” It was suggested that you could contact your buddy, and begin getting to know each other better. Only a couple of the women remembered to do this, but the people who did, really enjoyed it. Therefore, we will continue to do this moving forward.
Then in October, we will begin discussing our next book Life Gets Better: The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older by Wendy Lustbader. This has been a really popular book with other groups that I have shared it with. Right now, Amazon only has one new copy, and they are charging $44 for it. However, they have several used copies for reasonable prices, and you may be able to find it other places. Please don’t wait until the last minute to try to find it.
This SIG meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM.
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TRAVEL SIG
Submitted by Marilynne Roberts
Many members have spent more time in Minnesota and neighboring states in the last year. Have you had such favorite activities? Even constant traveler, Rick Steves, learned the value of treating your home base like you would if you were a tourist, See the article written by his partner Cameron Hewitt at this link if interested.
The Travel SIG will have a Zoom meeting Tuesday, September 28, from 6:30-8:00 PM. More information will be emailed to SIG members closer to that date.
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URBAN HIKING SIG
Submitted by Chris DiPietro
The Urban Hiking SIG explores parks, trails, and new locations in the metro area during monthly hikes.
We had two events in August. For the first walk, we spent a leisurely hour enjoying the quiet beauty of the Japanese Garden at Normandale community college. It is truly a lush, green, well cared-for oasis. It’s a great spot to explore on your own or one to show off to visitors. Our second hike was an energetic walk around Jensen Lake at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan with a combination of forest and marshy boardwalks.
We have two hikes planned for September:
Our first hike for the month will be our “awe” walk at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 9, on Nicollet Island in Minneapolis. We’ll get to take in the grand views of downtown Minneapolis and also enjoy the small village feel of the island. We will stroll for about 45 minutes and cover about a mile or so. (Rain date is Friday, September 11.)
Our second hike in September will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 16, at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley. We’ll walk about 3 miles at a brisk pace enjoying a variety of forest, ponds, and wildlife habitats. The hike should take about 1 hour. (Rain date is Friday, September 17.)
If you’d like to join either or the hikes in September or would simply like more information about the Urban Hiking SIG, contact Chris DiPietro, the SIG’s coordinator at cmdjp2@gmail.com.
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WRITER’s SIG 1
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
On Friday, September 10, our meeting will be held outdoors at a member’s home. This group is currently closed to additional members.
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IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BEGIN AGAIN
BOOK DISCUSSION
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
Our group of 12 continues exploring together Julia Cameron's book It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife & Beyond?
We are meeting periodically over a 12-week period to share our insights from the book's process. We connect via a private Facebook page and meetings via zoom or in person at local parks. We are over halfway through the book.
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