The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag
Thursday, March 18,
7:00-8:30 PM
Please join Marcia G. Anderson for a presentation on bandolier bags based on her years of research for her book A Bag Worth a Pony: The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag. Marcia will explain the history, forms, structure, and motifs of the bags and a bag’s makeup and meaning. She will share personal insights on the master beadworkers from Minnesota's Indian reservations. This lecture will celebrate and illuminate the spectacular beaded bags made by the Ojibwe of Minnesota.
Bandolier bags, or gashkibidaaganag—the large, heavily beaded shoulder bags made and worn by several North American Indian tribes around the Great Lakes—are prized cultural icons here and around the world. From the 1870s to the present day, Ojibwe beadartists of Minnesota have been especially well known for their lively, creative designs. Neighboring Dakota people would trade a pony for a beautiful beaded bag.
Over the years, non-Indian collectors and ethnographers, struck by the bags’ cultural significance and visual appeal, bought them up. Today, there are hundreds of bags in museums around the world, but not so many in the hands of community members. Marcia will share what she learned from the talented bead artists who keep the form alive, from historical records, and from the bags themselves.
Marcia is an Independent Curator, Consultant and Lecturer. She worked for over 30 years at the Minnesota Historical Society where she managed and developed the three-dimensional collections.
TTN members and nonmembers are invited to attend. Please register for this event using the link below and you will receive the zoom link with your registration confirmation.
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Spring Equinox Celebration
Saturday, March 20, 2:00-4:00 PM
In-Person event at Como Park
Saturday, March 20, is one of the two days of the year when night and day are of equal length - in other words, the equinox. It’s also the first day of spring!
All members and non-members are invited to join us at 2:00 PM at the Como Park Labyrinth in St. Paul to celebrate this turning point in the year. The labyrinth is located at 1343 Lexington Parkway N which is across the street from the Pavilion. If you wish, bring a poem, tell a story, sing a song, wear a garland, carry posies, dance, and/or bring a beverage. After circling around the labyrinth and enjoying the equinox observation and each other's presence with masks on, we will stroll over to nearby Frog Pond. On the way there and back, we’ll be sure to embrace whatever sights or sounds which inspire Awe.
Come early or stay late if you want to enjoy Como Zoo, Como Conservatory, or circle Como Lake on your own or with a small group.
This event is co-sponsored by the Urban Hiking SIG and the Full Moon/Skywatchers SIG.
In case of rain or severe weather, we will meet Sunday, March 21, at 2:00 PM.
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Get Connected via Zoom
Monday, March 22, 5:30-7:00 PM
Zoom in with us from 5:30-7:00 PM on Monday, March 22. Register on the TTN website and the Zoom link will be sent to you with your registration confirmation. If you have any questions, send an email to Pat at particiaburgraff@gmail.com or Mary at ms.mary.k.howard@gmail.com.
While the meeting is casual and fun, we will have the following icebreaker - What is the favorite place you have visited in Minnesota or Wisconsin?
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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Wellness Wednesday: Contentment and Joy are always One Thought Away and Key to Living Well
Wednesday, March 31, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
What if you knew beyond any doubt that being content, at peace or joyful was really only one thought away at any given moment? What would that mean for your life: relationships with family and friends, work, hobbies, how you spend your day, view of the world…?
On Wednesday, March 31, at 11:00 A.M, please join Mary White, a Licensed Clinical Counselor and Personal Coach who will share information on an understanding of the Mind that is “hidden in plain sight.” This will be an interactive presentation where participants will be encouraged to reflect, question, explore, share stories and insights.
TTN members and nonmembers are invited to attend. Please register for this event using the link below and you will receive the zoom link with your registration confirmation.
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FEBRUARY EVENT RECAP SECTION |
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February Get Connected
Submitted by Pat Burgraff
On February 18, ten women gathered for a fun Get Connected Event. After checking in with each other to see how we were doing, we opened the discussion with “What was your favorite vacation?” Members shared memories of their favorite vacations which ranged from international and statewide travel either with family and friends or traveling alone. We all agreed that our favorite vacation brought such richness into our lives.
Wellness Wednesday: Movement and Meditation
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
On February 10, thirteen women gathered via Zoom to participate in a meditation and mindfulness session led by TTN member and Yoga instructor, Barbara O'Sullivan. Barbara expertly guided the participants in breathing and stretching techniques to help us manage the physical and mental impact of hours spent on Zoom and the stresses of pandemic life. Thanks to Barbara for sharing her expertise with us.
Wellness Wednesday: Tapping
Submitted by Julie Efta
On February 17, fifteen women met for a lunch and learn session on Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). After a few member jokes about needing tap shoes or a bucket for maple sap, Susan introduced herself and then gave a brief history of the technique. We then learned, practiced and discussed our reactions to the technique and how it helps people.
Susan also shared a couple quotes:
“As soon as we become aware of what is, what is changes.” Fritz Perls
“There are only 2 mistakes one can make along the road to truth:
not going all the way and not starting.” The Buddha
Due to interest in this topic and a limitation on number of attendees, a second session is scheduled for 6:30 on Wednesday, March 3. Register on the TTN website or Meetup and invite a friend!
Wellness Wednesday: Introducing the Caring Collaborative
Submitted by Julie Efta
18 women met on February 24 to learn about the formation of a new Caring Collaborative for our chapter. We shared information on who, what, where, when and how this will happen. Any member of TTN is encouraged to sign up to this free program by sending their name, phone number and email to mspcaringcollab@thetransitionnetwork.org. There will be a ZOOM orientation meeting at the end of April for all who sign up. Look for more information in the April newsletter.
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Submitted by Julie Efta
From ABC I Like Me!
By Nancy Carlson
This book was published in 1999!
How relevant for our lives!
Submitted by Terri Evans
This poem reminded me of many TTN women I know…gorgeous and uplifting! So relevant to the times in which we find ourselves…It only takes three minutes to listen to!
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Submitted by Julie Efta
Our SIG just finished reading Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PH.D. I was inspired by the following passage from Chapter 10. Clear Water: Nourishing the Creative Life
Staving Off Creative Fantasy
Being with real people who warm us, who endorse and exalt our creativity, is essential to the flow of creative life. Otherwise we freeze. Nurture is a chorus of voices both from within and without that notices the state of a woman’s being, takes care to encourage it, and if necessary, gives comfort as well. I’m not certain how many friends one needs, but definitely one or two who think your gift, whatever it may be, is pan de cielo, the bread of heaven. Every woman is entitled to an Alleluia Chorus.
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Invitation for Chapter Members to Join
The MSP Chapter Caring Collaborative program was launched on February 24th during a Wellness Wednesday event. For those members who weren’t able to be present here is a recap of what was discussed and an invitation to any chapter member to join the Collaborative.
The Caring Collaborative is a core program of our MSP Chapter. It is open to Chapter members who choose to participate. The purpose of the Collaborative is to provide a safety net and to support the health and wellbeing of members who may be facing a health challenge, a new diagnosis, or a temporary need due to an illness or injury. Members who join may both request help or information, and respond to requests from those who need assistance. There will continue to be a variety of health and wellness educational events for both chapter members and nonmembers.
The Caring Collaborative committee met regularly over the past year and gained many insights from visiting with members of other chapters who already have programs in place or are about to start. (New York, Long Island, San Francisco, Santa Fe and Chicago). We learned that the keys to the success of this program will rest on our abilities to be compassionate listeners, to be diligent about maintaining member confidentiality, to be able to set and respect boundaries, and to be willing to share our own experiences without giving advice.
The MSP Caring Collaborative is organized around three core components:
- Service Corps
- Member Information Exchange (MIX)
- Health and Wellness Programs
The Service Corps provides a framework for organizing and mobilizing Caring Collaborative members who have agreed to deliver helpful services to other members when temporary illness, injury, or disability strikes or to support a member during a period of transition, grief, or loss. This assistance could reflect a variety of tasks which would enable someone to be well supported at home. The Covid pandemic has altered the list of services at present but we will continue to stay within the public health guidelines and expand as allowed. It is required that a TTN member attends an orientation session and signs an authorization form to participate in the Service Corps. The orientation session will provide more information and the tools and guidelines for making requests and what to expect.
The Member Information Exchange (MIX) facilitates the sharing of health information and resources within the Caring Collaborative community. The main responsibility of the MIX is connecting members who have a health issue with others who have had a similar experience and are willing to share their journey. The goal is to support the individual decision-making process in three key areas: medical conditions, provider selection, and medical products/equipment/services that enhance comfort and mobility.
Decisions about medical treatments, such as whether or not to have surgery, or making choices about medical tests, procedures, and treatments can be overwhelming. Personal connections are a lifeline for people who are sick or confronted with a new diagnosis. Hearing from a peer who has gone through what you are facing may reduce anxiety and help develop confidence and coping skills. Confidentiality and healthy boundaries are the cornerstones of this program. Additionally, we will be adding a list of resources to our Caring Collaborative’s webpage. The list may appear short but contains links to a wider variety of available resources.
The Health and Wellness Programs component currently offers FREE educational programs. At this time this component of the Caring Collaborative is open to both members, nonmembers and guests and many of our presenters are TTN members. Since last fall, we have offered up to three Wellness Wednesday events per month at various times of the day. Events are listed in the MSP TTN newsletter and on Meetup and through Constant Contact announcements. In March there are three events scheduled: Tapping/Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Essential Oils, and Contentment and Joy. To get involved in our Wellness Wednesday events:
- Register for each event separately and you will be sent a ZOOM invitation automatically. Save that link!!
- Invite your age and gender appropriate friends and family to attend as guests/non-members.
- Propose or even volunteer to lead/facilitate a topic for future meetings.
Members are our greatest resource!
We welcome any chapter members who choose to participate in our new Caring Collaborative program. There will be a required orientation session for all members of the collaborative in late April.
If you are interested please send an email to mspcaringcollab@thetransitionnetwork.org with your name, email address and telephone number. You will be informed of any details regarding the orientation session.
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Transition Peer Groups (TPGs) continue to meet monthly using Zoom. Currently there are three peer groups: 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. In addition, we are organizing a new peer group for working women; information about joining that group is below. 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 please email Barbara at barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com.
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NEW TRANSITION PEER GROUP
Submitted by Barbara O'Sullivan
A new Transition Peer Group (TPG) for women who work focused on the challenges and rewards of the current work place as well as preparing for retirement is forming and recruiting new members. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday March 15,at 7:00 PM. The members of the group shape the discussions and activities and share responsibility for participation, communication and facilitation. TPGs are great opportunities to make connections and build new friendships through ongoing commitment to the group.
If you are interested, please mark your calendar to attend the March meeting. This organizational meeting is also open to non-members so please invite friends, family members or other work colleagues who may be interested.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Life Animated
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn
The group met on February 11 and our topic was creativity: what is it, who has it, is it innate? We talked about different types of creativity; not just making and arranging physical objects (art, crafts, cooking and baking, gardening, decorating), but also verbal creativity (words, writing) and emotional creativity (ability and willingness to let go). Some felt creativity involved seeing a need and problem solving/brainstorming, more than crafting something. One person said her creativity changed day by day, some days she was not inspired but other days she felt extremely creative. Several thought that everyone is creative in some way.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 11, at 10:00 AM. We’re continuing the topic of creativity. Assignment: make three post-it note size doodles for next time using the theme of anything related to weather or weather phenomena. The bigger idea is to achieve flow.
Please contact Eleni Skevas at eskevs@yahoo.com if you are interested in joining this group.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Living with Purpose
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
The February Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group meeting focused on finding gratitude and new interests to continue in 2021 despite the challenges of 2020.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, March 25, from 6:30-8:00 PM and we will meet on Zoom. Our focus will be Spring cleaning - discussing not only our physical spaces but our body, mind and soul. Spring is a great time for new beginnings and welcoming planting seeds for change.
All Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN members are welcome. We meet the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00 PM. We are currently meeting via Zoom.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP - West Metro
Submitted by Jean Forrey
Monday, March 1, will find our loyal group of participants exploring The Six Virtues as explored by various researchers (such as Martin Seligman) throughout the world. We will focus on one virtue this month which is HUMANITY. Some of the strengths associated with this virtue are tending and befriending others with love, kindness and social intelligence. There will not be a leader this month as we are all encouraged to explore what humanity means to us and provide personal or universal examples. Please join us!
February 1 found our group reflective of themselves as we explored Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies under the tutelage of Kathleen Peterson. Our group of 9 was evenly divided between the 3 categories of Obliger, Upholder and Questioner, although one member thinks she might be more of a Rebel. We also observed that we can have various parts of each category.
All Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN members are welcome. We meet the first Monday of the month from 1:00-3:00 PM. We are currently meeting via Zoom.
If you want to attend our TPG, please contact Jean Forrey at jean.4e@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list and get monthly Zoom info.
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Special Interest Groups (SIGs) |
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Submitted by Erin Campbell and Julie Efta
All of our SIGs are going great! In fact, many women have expressed that Zoom has made our SIGs even stronger. During this quarantine, TTN has been a lifeline through all our activities and keeping us engaged with others. Thank you to all the SIG leaders.
SIGS are fun and easy! It only takes 2 members to start one, members may come and go, frequency of meeting varies: weekly, monthly, bi monthly, seasonal and women can attend two sessions of a SIG prior to becoming a TTN member. If you want to talk about SIGs,please contact Erin at ecingb@yahoo.com or Julie at Teacherjulie.efta@gmail.com.
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NEW SIG Looking for interested participants
Submitted by Karen West
In 2014, the very first MSP TTN SIG began - the TTN Evening Book Discussion SIG facilitated by Karen West. For three years, we read and discussed books on aging and transition. Together we explored what it means to have lived past middle age and into a new stage of life, a new stage of life that we elders are creating. These discussions were life changing. That first Book SIG has decided to sunset their SIG.
Now in 2021, we are going to start a new book SIG with a focus similar to that of the original group. This new SIG will give additional TTN members the opportunity to read and discuss these amazing books. Members of the original SIG are also welcome to join. So far, 16 women have signed up. We will meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM on Zoom.
At the first meeting on Tuesday, March 9, we will begin to get to know each other, and on Tuesday, April 13, we will begin by reading and discussing From Age-ing to Sage-ing by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, the book that started the conscious aging/sage-ing movement. Either edition, 1995 or 2014, is fine. Please try to get a copy of this book as soon as possible, so you’ll be ready to start reading it. Together we’ll decide how many pages we’ll read for the April 13 meeting. I can’t wait to begin.
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ART APPRECIATION SIG
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
On February 10, we concluded many months of education on the 7 elements of art with a discussion on space. Special thanks to Tracey for recommending that we focus on the elements of art and to Terri for her dedication to months of slide show development for us to view on Zoom. After viewing the slide show, we discussed and made decisions on topics for future meetings.
Our Wednesday, March 10, 1:00 PM meeting will focus on Indigenous art. Participants are invited to submit images of art created by Native American/American Indian/Indigenous artists, especially women. All media is welcome including painting, sculpture, beading, quill work, pottery, weaving, installations, and other art forms. Please submit images to Terri Evans by Wednesday, March 3.
We invite you to check out the March 18 presentation by curator Marcia Anderson about her research on Ojibwe bandolier bags. Find more information and register here.
Any TTN member is welcome to attend and observe and/or participate. If you wish to receive a Zoom invitation to our next meeting please RSVP to Tracey at tracey.baker@gmail.com or JeNell at jenell@jacobson.org.
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CARDS, COIN, CONVERSATION, & CANAPES SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman
This SIG is taking a hiatus due to Covid19 as the in-person meetings are essential to the purpose of the group.
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DAYTIME BOOK SIG
Submitted by Eleni Skevas
Barack Obama’s memoir, A Promised Land, was the book under discussion at our February meeting. Though very long (703 pages!) the book was well worth reading. Some, noting the slow and deliberate telling of every incident, thought Obama needed a better editor but apparently, he had many pre-publication readers and aides so we concluded the pace was intended. It certainly is Obama’s attempt to set the record straight for the benefit of future historians. Some of us especially relished the parts of the book that told of his family life, his marriage, and his relationships with the White House staff whether they be domestic workers or hired and appointed staff.
Our March book choice is Never Let Me Go by the Nobel laureate, Kazuo Ishiguro. A dystopian tale, this book is a shorter and quicker read than A Promised Land, as well as a thought-provoking dip into what may come to pass in the not-so-distant future. We meet on Thursday, March 4, from 10:00 AM-Noon.
On April 1 (April Fool’s Day!) we discuss Circe by Madeline Miller, which is a modern and somewhat feminist interpretation of the Greek myth of Circe. If you enjoy mythology and enjoy its retelling, then this is for you.
On May 6 we discuss The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett which is described as “a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of the American history of passing” as a white person.
If you’re interested in becoming a member of the book club or if you just want to join us for a single meeting, we’d love to have you!!!
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM–Noon.
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EVENING BOOK CLUB SIG
Submitted by Jill Goski
On February 9, the Evening Book SIG completed their book reading journey together with a discussion of the book Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. The new Second Half of Life Book SIG facilitated by Karen West will be filling this time slot on the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00–8:30 pm beginning March 9. Please see the information on this new SIG at the beginning of the SIG section of this newsletter.
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EXPLORING FOOD SIG
Submitted by Chris DiPietro
During our February 8 meeting, Exploring Food SIG members discussed all things chocolate. Some participants shared information about the history of chocolate and the Hershey company (and a little-known competitor, Wilbur Chocolate), and information on how chocolate is made. Interestingly, we learned that when Americans are asked what they think of when they hear “chocolate cake” they say “guilt” while the French say “celebration”! Some members had cooked with chocolate and shared pictures of their creations. The dishes were reported to have tasted every bit as good as they looked! (See below.)
Here are the details for our Next Meeting:
Date: Monday, March 8
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM on ZOOM
Topic: POTLUCK - Bring your own food related topic for discussion.
We decided to make our March topic a “potluck” and let participants bring any food related topic they’d like to speak about. Some of the ideas we may toss around include food plating and tablescapes, experiences with novel ingredients, and experiences with Asian cuisine. We look forward to where the conversation may take us!
If you are not already a participant but would like to join our discussion in March please let Chris DiPietro know at cmdjp2@gmail.com. You will receive additional information and a Zoom link before the meeting.
For the first half of 2021, the SIG plans to meet on the second Monday of the month from 4:00-5:30 PM.
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FINANCIAL SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
On February 16, 17 women gathered via zoom to discuss the subject of taxes. It was interesting to learn that 13 women use some type of tax preparer and 4 used tax software. We tried to use one word to describe our view of taxes and most words had a fairly negative tone including confusing, frustrating, daunting, complicated, tedious, worrisome, etc. Women believe that it is important to pay taxes and that good things result from the taxes we pay.
We discussed finding a tax preparer. Suggestions were word of mouth, ask financial planners for suggestions, find somebody younger so they aren't retiring soon, ask about cost and process (checklist).
As related to taxes, some of the things we discussed the 2019/2020 legislation that impacted 2020 taxes:
- Secure Act of December 2019 raised age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from 70 1/2 to 72 and changed withdrawal rules for inherited IRA and 401K so all is distributed within 10 years of owner's death.
- CARES Act (March 2020) or December 2020 stimulus eliminated RMD for 2020 only; allowed deduction of cash contributions for people who don't itemize in 2020 and 2021 ($300 per return in 2020 and in 2021, $300 for single return and $600 for joint return).
- Stimulus payments are not taxable and one doesn’t need to pay back if not actually eligible based on 2020 info; Recovery Rebate Credits will be calculated if you hadn't received the full stimulus payment you were due.
- Life Expectancy tables for RMD being revised for 2022 distribution to reflect longer life expectancy; this means RMD will go down slightly
On Tuesday, March 16, 6:30-8:00 PM via Zoom, we will meet to discuss anything from Laura Gilbert's presentation in January about her book Enough: A Retirement that Works for Me and share ideas for getting deals/saving money/finding bargains.
Our April meeting is Tuesday, April 20, from 6:30-8:00 PM via Zoom.
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. 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 members of the French Conversation SIG are gradually expanding our vocabularies and topics of discussion. We are keeping the conversational balle rolling for longer times and more topics each week. Power points, flash cards and the occasional pantomime help us communicate.
Meeting via Zoom on Mondays at 10:00.
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FULL MOONS AND THE AURORA BOREALIS SIG
(aka Skywatchers) -
Submitted by Julie Efta
Monday, March 8, is International Woman’s Day! Why is this day more important in other countries than in the USA?? Celebrate by buying or even sending yourself flowers!
Spring is coming! Wednesday, March 10, is a Wellness Wednesday Essential Oils Evening program starting at 6:30. Register here for the zoom link and enjoy virtual essences of spring and healing.
Saturday, March 20, is the Vernal Equinox. Our celebration includes an outdoor celebration and AWE walk in Como Park at the Labyrinth and Frog Pond starting at 2:00 PM. Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring a short poem or song to share. (Not required!). Rain date is March 21. You can learn more and register here.
Sunday, March 28, is the Worm Full Moon. Welcome back earth worms! Dig the earth!
An official cohost is sought.
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GARDENS R US SIG – Summer SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
Our gardens will re-open in the spring.
A co leader and fresh ideas are needed for 2021.
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LEGACY WRITING SIG
Submitted by Debra Dorgan
Six members met on February 5 via zoom. Our group is in the process of completing a “life review”, which involves identifying the people and events that have shaped our lives. We use seven-year increments to facilitate our memories, based on Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalom’s teachings. We are excited to be remembering, writing, and sharing our stories as we do this ‘life review’ work. We’re also looking forward to drawing on our stories as we write legacy letters.
In this meeting, we shared our progress, with a focus on the first three segments: from birth to age 21. We noticed that while our specific stories are different, there are many common themes. It was helpful to share, since memories of one member would often trigger more memories for others.
“Telling your stories is the central act of a spiritual legacy. It is not a self-indulgence or a passing entertainment. As a part of a spiritual legacy, telling your stories is the fulfillment of a responsibility—the responsibility to pass on wisdom. It doesn’t matter whether you feel you have wisdom—your stories do.”
From Creating a Spiritual Legacy: How to Share Your Stories, Values and Wisdom, by Daniel Taylor
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, March 4, 1:00-2:30 PM. We will be discussing the years from age 22 to age 42.
New members are welcome!
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 1:00-2:30 PM.
If you are interested, have questions, or would like more information please email Karen at karenw0214@gmail.com.
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MOVIE SIG – NEW SIG Looking for interested participants
Submitted by Erin Campbell
The Movie SIG has met and discussed The Glorias, Sylvie’s Love, and One Night in Miami. We are talking about the overall impression of the film as well as tone, costumes, and lighting. Right now, we are going to be selecting movies from Netflix since all attendees have this platform.
All of our meetings are 1:00-2:30 PM and we have selected the following dates and movies:
Thursday, March 18 - The Trial of the Chicago 7
Thursday, March 25 - Mank
Thursday, April 15 - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
We would love for you to join us for any or all movies.
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ON BEING SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
Our February meeting was facilitated by Terri Evans who provided a list of questions for discussing the podcast with Gaelynn Lea, a Duluth musician. We pondered inclusion, disabilities, capitalism, marriage, advocacy, art, the pandemic, and resiliency. We were reminded to believe: All humans are creative and Love yourself as your neighbor.
Our next meeting is Monday, March 15 at 1:00 PM. Here's the link for the Katherine May interview with Krista Tippett. https://onbeing.org/programs/katherine-May-how-wintering-replenishes/. Please listen to the podcast and/or read the transcript before we convene. Patty Peterson will facilitate and sends this Katherine May quote: “Wintering is about my love of winter and my affection for the cold and even the dark, that wintering is a metaphor for those phases in our life when we feel frozen out or unable to make the next step, and that that can come at any time, in any season, in any weather; that it has nothing to do with the physical cold.”
We meet on the third Monday of the month to discuss a pre-selected podcast that members listen to on their own before the meeting. We start promptly at 1:00 PM and welcome new members. You do not have to attend every meeting.
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"PAR-TEE-ON" – Mini Golf SIG
Submitted by Jean Forrey
Look for information about this SIG in Spring 2021.
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THEATER SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman
This SIG is taking a hiatus due to Covid19 as attending in-person theater events together was key to the purpose of the group.
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TRAVEL SIG
Submitted by Marilynne Roberts
Numerous elements enter decisions while planning travel. To demonstrate our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging, Travel SIG members discussed adding considerations of civil rights history when organizing future activities and choosing destinations. The United States Civil Rights Trail was launched to recognize the rich history of the Civil Rights struggle, focusing on the South. At our February 23 meeting we focused on learning more about Minnesota history and sites. Some had watched a public television program about the history of Black people moving to Minnesota and working for social justice. We learned a great deal, and look forward to exploring more about these topics, perhaps adding such important considerations to our travel planning objectives.
We will meet on Tuesday, March 23, at 6:30 PM. Let's welcome spring by sharing information about arboretums, botanical gardens, flower gardens, and similar places we have visited or would like to visit. This link contains information about Minnesota destinations. If you would like to share images or links in advance, please email them to Marilynne, who will send out more links with the Zoom information in March.
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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. The SIG has been on hiatus since November. In anticipation of reasonably fair weather by late March, two hikes are planned for the month:
The first hike will be a new type for the group, an “Awe Walk” on Saturday, March 20, at approximately 3:00 PM (rain date Sunday, March 21) in Como Park in St. Paul: This event will be held in conjunction with the Spring Equinox celebration. (Look for details about the celebration at the top of this newsletter.) At the conclusion of the Equinox event (at about 3 PM), we’ll stroll from the labyrinth in Como Park to the Frog Pond and back. Along the way we’ll take time to pause so we can focus on enjoying the objects, moments, and vistas around us. (In other words, experiencing awe.) This walk will be about 45 minutes long and no more than about 3/4 a mile in length. You can read more about “Awe Walks" at this link.
The second hike will be our typical hike at moderately quick pace, at Central Park in Roseville at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 27, (rain date Sunday, March 28). We’ll meet near the park entrance off of Lexington Avenue just south of County Road C and then walk to the Sahlin Arboretum (near Dale Street) and then back. Central Park is a great place to observe nature and to feel the sense of an active community exercising, playing, and meeting. The walk will take about 1 hour and will be about 2 1/2 miles in length.
If you’d like to join either or the hikes in March 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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WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES
BOOK DISCUSSION
Submitted by Julie Efta
It’s been quite a run! And read! Five women went the distance to complete this classic book and even added weeks to savor the stories. Sometimes we signed into Zoom at 12:30, still in our pajamas after reading all Sunday morning. The discussions were thorough, the insights delightful, and the laughter and friendships therapeutic.
This short-term SIG now ends. It was a challenge and a wonderful end to 2020 and start to 2021.
What book shall we select for next winter? Share your ideas!
This SIG was hosted by Julie Efta and Mellissa Cathcart.
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WRITER’s SIG 1
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
This is a closed group of five members that meets the first Friday of each month on Zoom. We are looking forward to meeting outdoors again, even with winter coats, blankets and gloves! Seeing each other in person will be great! Our next meeting is on Friday, March 5, at 10:00 AM.
Check out the New Legacy Writing SIG or consider starting a new group via zoom that fits your focus and schedule.
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