The Right Spirit
As we continue to weather through a pandemic, that is a first for everyone, it is heartening to see and hear of the attitudes and fortitude of our members. We have pulled some of the responses together and have them in this newsletter. Thank you for being a part of us and we hope to see you in person at some point this year.
|
|
|
Our Member's Experience During the Pandemic
Family First
What have I learned?
That I can live life in a postage square with blocks of gallery views for everything from a Passover Seder to Tai Chi classes, book club and doctor visit.
What am I grateful for?
The Instacart grocery shoppers, my son for calling daily, my daughter for many things including all the yeast and flour I could ever need, messages from friends near and far and for the amazing blue-sky spring days.
What do I hope for?
That one day my happy, healthy grandchildren will tell their own grandchildren how they survived the pandemic of 2020; in a world that is safe and secure.
--Rhoda Margolis--
Creativity
Around the second week in March, I did 3 big shopping trips while the aisles were still full, and I had two 4x10’ raised garden beds installed. It’s almost 3 months later and I’ve only been to the grocery store for one more big shop. I’ve loved having salads every day and stir fries from my garden. I have been very attentive to my yard and I've mowed it 5x already - at 16,000 steps, it feels rather virtuous. Most of my outings have been to Home Depot early in the morning when there were few people there. My biggest vulnerable area is going to the chiropractor which I have done weekly. I had a shoulder injury and it has made a difference to continue care.
I wear a mask everywhere and it has 4 layers. I enjoy making them and find it important that they are comfortable and fit well with adjustability. I have 7 masks handy at any time so I can always wear a fresh one and stick it in the laundry or hang it outside when I get home. If anyone needs a bunch, please let me know.
Read her entire story at
https://www.thetransitionnetwork.org/articles/1311/atl/
--Mary Paguaga--
Working
I have been mostly staying at home since COVID started being a major concern in March. I am working from home seeing my clients online doing Tele-Mental Health sessions. Seems to be working pretty well for those that have been choosing to take advantage of this platform. Additionally, many people say they like it better than the in office appointments because they don’t have to make the drive into the office!!! I’m not sure when I will be returning to the office for in person visits. It has been isolating and I have tried to ease some of that with phone calls to friends and family and using Zoom for some online activities here and there. Enjoying walks outside as often as possible. My only going out activities have been grocery store shopping and taking my car into the dealership for a recall!!!! I continue to wear gloves and masks when I am in a public place.
Look forward to more interaction via Zoom with TTN!
--Susan McCarthy--
Travel
My pandemic story began on March 10, 2020 when my husband and I boarded a flight to Morocco. Fear of the pandemic nationwide was just starting to trickle in. We were assured by our travel agent that no travel warnings had been issued for northern Africa and there were few cases of coronavirus there. Plus, our travel insurance expressly did not cover “Fear of a Disease” or “Pandemic” so off we went with fingers crossed. We spent five lovely days touring Morocco.
Then on March 15, everything fell apart. First, the hotel we were headed to at days’ end abruptly closed, then the Moroccan government issued a declaration that all airports were shutting down within 24 hours. The US consulate notified us that the only way we could get out would be through French or British airlines carrying out its citizens. We knew there was very little chance of that happening given that we were citizens of neither country. Much later the US did charter flights out of Morocco, but many tourists were left stranded long after our departure, running low on money, medications and places to stay. -- Please go to
https://www.thetransitionnetwork.org/articles/1310/atl/
to read her entire story.
-
-Gail Oja--
|
|
We encourage you to bring friends, prospective members, and female acquaintances to any of our programs so they too can experience what TTN has to offer.
Keep in mind all events require a headcount days before the actual date. Please register as early as your schedule allows
. We consider all schedules and hope everyone will find an event that is convenient and sign up.
|
|
Please go to
https://www.thetransitionnetwork.org/events/atl
to check out all of the events we can attend. You can now register for any event from any chapter because everything is virtual and no need to drive anywhere. There are interesting activities planned from the Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington DC chapters. Keep in mind time zone differences and plan accordingly. Register on the website and enjoy!!!
|
|
A Virtual Tour of Saint Petersburg, Russia
|
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Time:
4:30
Location:
Zoom Meeting
There is a nice clip,
Saint Petersburg, Russia
, available (about 10 min tour) to see and then we will discuss the key sites and history along with which one everyone enjoyed the most. We can drink a "White Russian" while we tour - if you want or just put on a Russian hat! Hope you can join us
|
|
|
|
|
We will have a
10 YEAR CELEBRATION
|
TTN Atlanta has been in existence for 10 years. We had two forward thinking women, Rhoda Margolis and JoAnne D'Aleo, interested in exploring possibilities for women who age and were contemplating retiring. They discovered the National Chapter of TTN and felt it would be great to have a chapter in Atlanta. We are delighted that through ups and downs we are still thriving. A celebration is in order!! We will have to decide when. Our safety is foremost so once we know for sure we will keep you posted.
|
|
|
Attention TTN Working Women
Join us on
Wednesday, June 10th at 630 PM
for this discussion focused on our TTN women that are still working. We are contemplating the formation of an ongoing discussion group focused on our TTN women that are still working, contemplating working again, or in process of navigating the challenges and opportunities of working through and beyond retirement.
Whether you are still working, looking to work as long as you can, or thinking about dialing back your work life, join us for this interactive discussion. If the interest is there, we will make this a permanent part of our Special Interest groups and meet on a regular basis.
|
|
Gail Oja is a volunteer Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Fulton County, also known in some states as a Guardian Ad Litem. The CASA’s motto is, “I Am For The Child”. She is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are often in the foster care system. A CASA is assigned one case at a time. The child’s age ranges from birth through teens. She is tasked with following a case until it is closed and the child is in a safe, permanent home. A CASA’s role is to learn about the child through regular visits with the child and other members of the family and community and to collaborate with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that necessary services are being provided in the best interest of the child. Gail prepares and provides to the court a written report of her observations and recommendations regarding the child’s placement and needed services. This advocacy assists the judge in making a well-informed decision for the welfare of the child. Each volunteer undergoes training, approximately 30 hours over a 6 to 8-week period, with additional required yearly continuing education. The CASA work itself ranges from 1-3 hours a week. She has found it to be very rewarding work that directly impacts the life of a child in need. Many more volunteers are needed to carry out this important work should you be interested in pursuing it. Feel free to reach out to Gail at
gailoja4@gmail.com
if you have questions.
|
|
Good News
Our member, Peggy Bartolotta welcomed her 4th grandchild in 5 years to her family. She and her husband Rich have their first grandson, Daniel Lee Bartolotta to join the clan. He was born on May 6th, weighing in at 8 lbs, 7 ounces. A true bright spot in these disheartening times.
Career Workshop
Interested in enhancing your career? Each Saturday morning at 10:30 AM, Kelli Jackson hosts a Zoom Career Workshop for Corporate Business Professionals where you learn how to brand yourself during these unprecedented times. Contact info:
info@careersbykelli.com
and
404-919-2276
|
|
SIGs and TPGs
We continue to have some great
Special Interest Groups
(SIGs) activities as part of the Atlanta TTN experience. If you are interested in a SIG, look for information in our newsletter and emails with information about the date and location. Sign up to attend as many as you like. Share with a friend and let them experience the power of TTN!
Guests can attend outings for a limited number of times.
Transition
Peer Groups
(TPGs)
are for women to share and learn from each other. While the groups are meant to create a supportive environment, be aware that any member of TTN can go to any Peer Group meeting with the exception of Cobb. We have them set up by location to make it easier for you to attend one closer to your home.
Only members should attend our Peer Group meetings.
|
|
Book Club SIG
On
Friday, June 12th,
at 12:30, the Book Club will discuss
The Splendid and the Vile
by Erik Larson. The manner of meeting will be decided closer to the date.
Mah Jongg SIG
The Mah Jongg SIG misses their weekly game days. A Zoom call was held on Friday, May 22 at 2:00 PM for the members to at least see each other. Plans are underway for an online game through a private table so it will almost be like playing in person.
|
|
Peer Group Meetings
To make it easier for the Peer Groups and new participants we would like you to contact JoAnne D'Aleo if you want to attend one of our groups. She will coordinate your attendance with the Peer Group.
|
|
Transition peer groups are informal, leaderless groups composed of 8-12 TTN members who meet on a monthly basis to engage in informal discussions. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment in which women may have thought-provoking and stimulating conversations relating to career or personal transitions.
Transition peer groups provide opportunities for connection, new friendships and mutually supportive exploration. The intention of these groups is for women to share and learn from each other, and while the groups are meant to create a supportive environment, they are neither support groups nor therapy groups and cannot substitute for professional help when a member may confront a personal life crisis and need special assistance.
Transition Peer Groups are a benefit of TTN membership.
|
|
A Personal Story
Life can give you challenges that seem insurmountable. In late April my husband became ill. His symptoms were fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. Neither of us felt there was an immediate need of medical attention especially in the midst of a pandemic. To be safe I arranged for him to have the Covid-19 test to make sure he was not showing early symptoms. He did go out occasionally to the grocery store, post office and to pick-up food. Out of abundance of caution I felt the test was needed. For two days his health improved and then declined. On Monday, April 27th he could not walk. I called 911 and an ambulance came and whisked him away. Because of our present state I could not go with him nor visit him while he was in the hospital. It would be almost 3 weeks before I would see him again. He was diagnosed with a stroke in the cerebellum which controls coordination and balance. It was one of the most difficult periods I have experienced. My mind went to dark places thinking he had another stroke and could not talk. After he left the hospital and went to a Rehabilitation facility where communication ended. He came home on May 15th, with problems walking and I was told he would need 24 hour care and a very high likelihood of falling if he tried to stand on his own. He was to use a walker at all times. I am his primary caregiver and felt I could easily become overwhelmed.
I shared with my Peer Group my circumstance and my husband's medical problem and they immediately went into action. They created a meal train where everyday one of our members would bring a very delicious dinner for us to enjoy. They called, emailed and did what they could without human contact. I am so grateful for the support and care they gave me.
My husband tested negative for the Coronavirus and he is showing improvement. He is in Outpatient Rehab and is very determined to walk as he did before.
I appreciate so much the
ITP - Decatur and DeKalb Peer Group
for all the kindness given. Thanks also to my
Mah Jongg SIG
for sending a fabulous meal after a grueling Therapy session from "Instead of Flowers". I also would like to thank TTN member and my neighbor,
Mary Gilliam
for being there for us. She is a nurse and I could ask her questions and receive advice when it was most needed. Many other members who knew about our problem also reached out to me. We have a wonderful community of women who are supportive.
--Gail Collier-Glover --
|
|
ITP Decatur and Dekalb - Evening
The meeting is always the 3rd Monday night of each month. The next meeting is
Monday, June 15th
,
6:30 PM.
A decision will be made closer to the date if a meeting will take place outside, respecting social distancing and each member bring their own food. The alternate plan is to have a Zoom meeting.
Decatur Peer Group II - Day
The group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. The next meeting will be on
Tuesday,
June 23rd at 12:30
PM
.
You will receive an email with the Zoom meeting instructions. Please contact Anna Apostolou if you are interested in being a part of this Peer Group. Her phone number is 404-734-4327.
ITP Intown - Day
The 3rd Tuesday of each month is the normal meeting day, For this month the meeting time will be
Tuesday, June 23rd at 1:00 PM
. It will be outside at Alyse's residence or a Zoom meeting.
Cobb II Peer Group - Evening
This group is for members in the Cobb area who are not affiliated with the established group.
Members decided they wanted to meet every 2 weeks
..
You will receive an email with the Zoom meeting instructions.
Cobb Peer Group - Evening
This Peer Group is closed, meaning the members attending will be the only ones to attend future meetings. This group meets once a quarter.
Perimeter Peer Group - Evening
The group will meet
Wednesday, June 3rd, 7:00-9:00 PM
. Normally this group will meet the first Wednesday night of every month.
They will meet through Zoom.
New Peer Group(s) forming in the Perimeter Area - Day
Are you new to TTN? Would you like to be part of a transition peer group being formed in the Perimeter area? The geographic location is North Dunwoody AND the Sandy Springs area. These groups will meet
during the day,
most likely on a Monday or Tuesday.Please contact JoAnne at
jld726@gmail.com
for more information.
Gwinnett Peer Group - Day
The next one is
Thursday, June 25th
from 1:00-3:00 PM
.
The regular meeting day is the last Wednesday of each month.
North Atlanta Peer Group - Evening
This group regular meeting date is the last Monday of each month. They will meet
Monday,
June 15th at 6:30 PM.
You will receive an email with the Zoom meeting instructions.
|
|
Invite Friends
If you know of anyone who might be interested in the Atlanta TTN, please get them added to our Newsletter Mailing list. Send their name and email to Gail Collier-Glover at gail.cglover@gmail.com. She will add them to our list.
BE A FRIEND - BRING A FRIEND - MAKE A FRIEND!!
|
|
|
Questions? Comments? Concerns?,
Cindy von Hohenheiten is our co-chair and will take questions, concerns or if you need assistance.
|
|
We are posting information on our FACEBOOK page. We have articles that may interest you, updates, and features. Please go to:
We have a new goal to reach 200 "Likes" by the end of the year. It is a pleasure to see more and more interest being paid to our Facebook page and the resulting interaction. Please encourage your Facebook friends to Like us. "Liking" our page is one way to find out what is going on in our chapter and to make sure your friends know what you are doing as a member of TTN. Choose "Invite Friends", and invite as many as you like. This is a busy year for Atlanta TTN so don't miss out on all of the new activities and interesting news posted to our Facebook page. If you have information you'd like to share please reach out to
That is a way of increasing viewership and possibly recruiting new members. Any post, article or event of interest please let Gail know!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
