Minneapolis/St Paul Chapter Newsletter |
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TTN MSP Chapter Second Anniversary Celebration via Zoom
Thursday, June 10, 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 Thursday, June 10. We will be celebrating the 2nd year anniversary of Minneapolis/St. Paul becoming a chapter of TTN. Bring your favorite beverage to do a toast! We will be reminiscing about all the fun that we have had with TTN and we can each share our favorite TTN event.
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Women Weaving Words Garden Party
Saturday, June 26, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Member home in St. Michael
TTN MSP Members only event
It’s back! Fully-vaccinated TTN MSP members are invited to join us as we emerge from our Covid-19 cocoons on Saturday, June 26, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM for WOMEN WEAVING WORDS! This garden party, hosted by Terri Evans at her home in St. Michael, will feature surprise guests and focus on the idea of WOMEN and STORY! Our guests will share their own stories with us. Attendees will receive a journal and be encouraged to do some writing and sharing of their own. Our experiences from the past year, no doubt, have left us all with many stories to tell. Brunch and beverages will be served. This event is for members only with a limited number of spots available. Cost is $30 per person. Since it is at Terri’s home, all attendees must be fully vaccinated for Covid. Mark your calendars and register at the link below - more information to come!
As Gloria Steinem says in My Life on the Road, “For millennia, we have passed down knowledge through story and song…I discovered the magic of people telling their own stories to groups of strangers. It’s as if attentive people create a magnetic force field for stories the tellers themselves didn’t know they had within them.”
“We dream in stories…We love in stories…We hate in stories…We worry in stories…We tell stories before we can read…We connect our stories by telling them out loud…” says author, Kelly Barnhill.
Join us for a day of wonderful women weaving words and stories!
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A SPECIAL POP-UP EVENT
Minneapolis Water Taxi
Submitted by Jean Forrey
We’ve all crossed the Mississippi a million times but have you ever actually ridden on that river? I would like to propose that we book a ride on the Minneapolis Water Taxi. There are 2 boats and each one carries up to 6 people. The cost is $70 per boat ride so if we get 6 people it would be $15 per person which would include a nominal tip. If we take the evening boat ride it is $90 plus tip. The ride is around 55 minutes long. For more details, please look at their website.
TTN members and non-members are welcome to participate. If you are interested, please email Jean Forrey at jean.4e@gmail.com by Sunday, June 6. I will then set up an early evening zoom where we can meet to discuss possible times. I did this once with some out-of-town friends and we all loved it.
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May Get Connected
Submitted by Mary Howard and Pat Burgraff
On Tuesday, May 11, six women gathered for our May Get Connected event. After checking in with each other to see how we were doing, we began a discussion on the topic - how do you pamper yourself? All of us spoke about the importance of self-care especially during this time of Covid. Pampering is vital to well-being - for yourself and for those around you. Some of the ways in which we pamper ourselves are massages, skin care creams, outdoor walks with nature, spending time with family, meditation, yoga, exercising, reading, and sitting around an outdoor fire. Also picking one thing we want to do for fun each day.
Unmasking Our Truth:
Pondering the Pandemic and Forecasting Our Future
Submitted by Debra Dorgan
On May 15, nineteen TTN MSP members connected via Zoom for an original two-hour program called “Unmasking Our Truth: Pondering the Pandemic and Forecasting Our Future.” We began with a quiz to determine the level at which we had curtailed participation in everyday activities such as riding an elevator or attending a wedding in person. We reviewed “transitions” as defined by William Bridges in TTN’s signature “Women in Transitions” program. Several articles about the meaning of, and/or emerging from the pandemic were provided to participants to read prior to the workshop. We took a closer look at “15 Lessons the Pandemic Has Taught Us” from the March 2021 AARP bulletin, and “In Their Own Words, Americans Describe the Struggles and Silver Linings of the COVID-19 Pandemic” from the Pew Research Center – March 17, 2021. Each review included lively small group discussions followed by large group sharing. Participants left with a better idea of what they would choose to carry forward from this once in a lifetime event. We ended with a beautiful reading of And the People Stayed Home by Kitty O’Meara.
Following are some participants’ comments about this program:
“ I really enjoyed digging into these post-covid topics and embracing my inner Mike Osterholm even as I venture out more and even have friends and family into our home. (Who am I?)”
“TTN has been such an important part of navigating the pandemic craziness!”
“It is reassuring to hear how everybody is figuring it out.”
Wellness Wednesday: How to Look (and Feel) Your Best
Submitted by Jill Goski
On the evening of May 19, our chapter hosted a 90- minute presentation featuring professional makeup artist Elise Marquam-Jahns who specializes in helping women 50+ look on the outside how they feel on the inside. Thirty-one women from our chapter as well as from other chapters across the country attended.
Since many of us have adopted a more casual, minimalist approach to fashion and makeup during the past year, Elise shared with us how to take our makeup look “up a notch” by focusing on four research-proven makeup techniques that help those of us over 50 look our best. Following her presentation, she answered many questions about makeup techniques, products and tools and removed the makeup on one side of her face to demonstrate the dramatic difference that using these four techniques can make.
To learn about the makeup techniques, products and tools Elise shared and other techniques and tips which can work best for us now, check out her weekly Thursday videos on her YouTube channel (Boomer and Beyond Beauty with Elise) as well as her Facebook page and website. And if you’d like to be added to her weekly mini-newsletter list, contact her at boomerandbeyondbeauty@gmail.com.
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Wellness Wednesday: Tai Chi in the Park
Submitted by Jan Weller
On May 26, Wellness Wednesday was shared by eight women under a brilliant blue sky in a grove of beautiful green trees, where we enjoyed a peaceful hour learning about and practicing the principles of Tai Chi with master teacher Colin Snow of Natural Step Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a form of moving meditation with many benefits for physical and emotional health. We learned about Tai Chi Principles of Opening, Releasing, and Grounding and then played with some simple but powerful movements to enhance these concepts. We left our session relaxed, focused, and yes, more grounded too.
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An Opportunity to Enjoy and Support the Arts in our Community
Submitted by Mary White
As you may know, one of our TTN chapter goals is to partner with local nonprofit organizations to offer opportunities for support and volunteering. As a board member of Off Leash Area Theater and Dance Company, I am sharing a link to one of this organization’s productions, a wonderful performance of women singers and dancers called Mulier Dierum.
"Mulier Dierum (Chronicles of Woman) is an epic project that mirrors the strength of cumulative generations of women. Mulier Dierum faces our fears and fulfills desires with ferocity and vulnerability, sharing generational wisdom and wildness of women and femme power. The voices of forty choral singers and the bodies of eight dancers affirm together: Women build, honor, persevere, and flourish."
A twenty-minute Work in Process performance of this project is available online through May 30 for a suggested donation of $5-$25. After you register, a link to the Work in Process performance will be emailed to you.
A live performance of Mulier Dierum will be at the gorgeous outdoor stage at Caponi Art Park in Eagan on June 25 and 26. Tickets will be available soon!
For more information about Mulier Dierum performances or other performances go to Off Leash Area’s website at http://www.offleasharea.org
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Submitted by Kathleen Peterson and Julie Efta
Our MSP Caring Collaborative officially launched on May 1. Twenty-nine chapter members are currently participating in this new MSP Chapter initiative which is designed as members helping members in times of need. It could be a request for information on a health topic or new diagnosis (The Member Information Exchange or MIX) or for a ride to and from a medical procedure (The Service Corps). We have had our first member request of what we hope will be many more in the future of this program.
Anyone who would be interested in joining the Caring Collaborative still has an opportunity to do so. If interested, please contact Kathleen Peterson at this Caring Collaborative email address: mspcaringcollab@thetransitionnetwork.org for more information and to set up an orientation.
The Health and Wellness component of the Caring Collaborative is always looking for topics of interest for scheduling future Wellness Wednesdays. Contact us if you know of any presenters for any aspect of wellness. We also welcome members to propose an informal discussion on any topic. During summer we plan to meet outdoors for enjoyment of nature and relaxation. Look for more Zoom presentations in autumn. If you have suggestions or questions, please contact Julie at teacherjulie.efta@gmail.com, Jan at janisweller@gmail.com, or Jill at jill.goski@gmail.com.
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Transition Peer Groups are great experiences for in depth discussions and developing new friendships that are supportive, encouraging and fun. The members of the group shape the discussions and activities and share responsibility for participation, communication, and facilitation.
If you have an idea for a new group such as starting a small business, transitioning to retirement, or any other focused topic and are interested in being a co-lead, please contact Barbara at Barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com and she will assist in getting the group started. Also, new members are welcomed in any existing peer group.
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TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Women Who Work
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
Women Who Work Transition Peer Group (TPG) is currently on pause as we continue to recruit new members. If you have an interest in joining this group, are interested in taking a leadership position with the group as a co-lead, or have questions, please contact Barbara at barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com with questions or to receive the zoom link.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP – Life Animated
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn
We held our May meeting on May 13 via Zoom. We had a brief check-in. We’ve seen Baltimore Orioles at the bird feeder and gone to plant sales. We enjoy being outside gardening or walking. We’re clearing clutter, watching online classes, and planning a bathroom remodel.
Our topic was the post-pandemic world. One member likes this easier life. Some are trying to support our children without giving too much advice about our grandchildren. Some are putting on earrings for the first time in 15 months. Some have discovered that they are introverted and like the peace and quiet.
We’re more aware of feeling stress, exacerbated by reading about mass shootings, and virus-related bad news. We’re concerned about being in crowds, a form of paranoia, not rational, and underlying anxiety. One person said this reminded her of another scare and feeling vulnerable in the early 90’s with the Tylenol poisonings; it produced a feeling that you can’t trust other people. One member said she’s becoming more introverted as self-protection. We’ve noticed more cars speeding and weaving. Some members worry about grandkids in a park being too close to other kids.
We don’t know how to live anymore; we’re out of practice with basics of daily living. We forget to keep track of where our car is parked at a mall. Another member noticed she doesn’t remember things as well, is more distracted, “where’s my brain?” We miss seeing people in person to play mahjong or to work out.
On Thursday, June 10, at 10:00 AM, we are going to try meeting in person outside at Silverwood Park, near Silver Lake in St. Anthony. Topic: summer expeditions.
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.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Living with Purpose
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
Our Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group (TPG) May meeting's discussion focused on the future of our group as we adjust to the current changing climate of the Pandemic. We made the decision to meet in person after a year plus of meeting on Zoom. We will celebrate by gathering in a park (to be determined) on Thursday, June 24, from 6:30-8:00 PM.
All Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN members are welcome. We meet the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00 PM.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP - West Metro
Submitted by Jan Weller
The May meeting of the West Metro TPG focused on Friendships, how they have changed over the past year of covid, and ways we will each move forward as the world begins to open up.
During the long quarantine, we saw some of our friendships deepen while others faded. We jettisoned some toxic relationships--no time for those-- and got closer (thanks to good ole Zoom and social media) to other friends and family. We noted how our individual comfort levels post-vaccine vary widely, along a wide spectrum of 2019 normal to continuing caution in restarting events including other people.
Despite our differing perspectives and comfort levels, we agreed that as we age, friendships and relationships are incredibly important and benefit from being intentional. We agreed our TTN friends provided a key element in navigating the pandemic and we’re eager for more face-to-face gatherings.
For our June meeting, we’ll consider three intentions for when the world opens and it feels safe enough to do what we want to do. Do you have a checklist of things? A list of goals? What are your “big rocks” (priorities)? All TTN members are welcome to join us Monday, June 7, at 1:00 PM on Zoom.
Please feel free to join us on the first Monday of every month from 1:00- 2:30 or 3:00 PM. Contact Jean Forrey at jean.4e@gmail.com if you want to be added to the e-mail list.
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Special Interest Groups (SIGs) |
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Submitted by Erin Campbell and Julie Efta
If you have an idea for or want to start a new SIG, contact Erin or Julie. SIGS can be short or long term and scheduled live/in person or via ZOOM. Choose a date and time to meet and enjoy the rewards! If you have an idea, contact Erin at ecingb@yahoo.com or Julie at teacherjulie.efta@gmail.com with your interest.
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IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BEGIN AGAIN BOOK DISCUSSION
NEW SIG Looking for interested participants
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
Do you have interest in joining a Special Interest Group to explore together Julia Cameron's book It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife & Beyond. Attached is a description of the book from the publisher.
"Julia Cameron has inspired millions with her bestseller The Artist's Way. Writing this book at the age of sixty-five, she shows her contemporaries how retirement can be the most creative and fulfilling stage of life yet. For some, retirement is a day to work toward with anticipation. Others approach retirement with greater ambivalence. While the newfound freedom is exciting and filled with possibility, the idea of retirement can also be very daunting. You are in a unique position to explore yourself and your desires from a place of experience. But the line has been drawn in the sand: The life that you have known has changed, and the life to come is yet to be defined. This book is a twelve-week course aimed at defining--and creating--the life you want to have as you redefine--and re-create--yourself. Filled with essays, tools, and exercises to be done alone or in groups, this toolkit will guide and inspire retirees wishing to expand their creativity. This fun, gentle, step-by-step process will help you explore your creative dreams, wishes, and desires--and quickly find that it's never too late to begin anything"
We would meet periodically over a 12-week period starting in July to share our insights from the book's process. Also, we could meet to do some of the exercises together which include nature walks, exploring new places and making discoveries. Here are two choices of dates to attend an informational/ planning meeting depending on which date and time works for you: Thursday, July 8, at 1:00 PM at Como Park south of the Pavilion off the large parking lot or Monday, July 12, at 6:30 PM on Zoom. If you are interested, please contact Barbara at Barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com.
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RACE & HISTORY SIG: Changing the Narrative
NEW SIG Looking for interested participants
Submitted by Jan Weller
“The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all we do.” James Baldwin, 1965
This four-part SIG explores U.S. history most of us did not learn in school. We’ll use material researched and published by the Equal Justice Initiative on the topics of Slavery, Reconstruction, Lynching, and Segregation, along with a variety of other online sources. We’ll explore what was happening in Minnesota during these time periods and learn about positive actions people are taking in the United States and in Minnesota.
Monthly on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM on June 16, July 21, August 18, and September 15
We will meet on Zoom initially; the group may decide to hold some meetings outdoors.
We will prepare for each session using a variety of readings, videos, podcasts, and articles. Links will be emailed to participants well in advance of meetings. (expect approximately 2-4 hours of preparation per month).
Using a discussion format, we will all share personal responses to the material at each meeting. Participants may consider possible field trips together to sites such as the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery in Minneapolis, George Floyd Square, and others.
By learning history, we hope to better understand racial dynamics in our country, state, and neighborhoods today.
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ART APPRECIATION SIG
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
Engaging art works by Minnesota Artists was featured in a slide show at the May 12 meeting. Our art appreciation members submitted interesting examples, from the 1920’s to present day, that could motivate further exploration. Beginning in June we will transition from Zoom meetings to exploring art outside of our homes during the summer.
On Wednesday, June 9, at 12:00 PM, we will bring a lunch and chair/cushion so we can socialize in person while we eat lunch together and then explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Bathrooms are closed in the garden, but available inside the Walker. Prior to the meeting date, more information will be made available to our contact list and to others who indicate they will join us.
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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
There’s nothing quite like a group of avid readers descending on a book and tearing it apart...in a good way.
And so it was with The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Did Bennett write well and convincingly, did we learn anything new (some did), did she stray too far from the theme of colorism (yes), did she pander to a certain “woke” demographic by tying in one too many social issues (maybe). Did she inspire compassion for the characters (some), did she deal in stereotypes (yes)?
Good conversation all around.
Join us on Thursday, June 3, at 10:00 AM via Zoom to discuss The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. It is a comedy written in the voice of a young man on the Spectrum about his search for the perfect woman. Contact Eleni for Zoom info.
Here are the books we are slotted to read in the future:
July 1: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. A novel based on a real-life American scandal wherein children were abducted from their parents, disappeared and adopted out to wealthy families.
August 5: Ordinary Grace by Minnesota author William Kent Krueger. A murder mystery and a coming-of-age novel woven out of the stuff of small-town living.
September 2: 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”.
October 7: 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.
November 4: 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.
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.
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 Kathleen Peterson
On May 10, members of the Food SIG learned about the history of appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, crudités, antipasto, starters, canapés or whatever you would call the food served outside of the main meal. Virtual offerings via photos included Basil Pesto, Wild Mushroom Paté, Family Favorite Clam Dip, Spring Tarts, Baked Spinach Balls, and an exquisite Focaccia created by Chris that looked like a garden. We left the meeting inspired to get creative with our appetizers.
June Meeting: IN PERSON
Date: Monday June 14
Time: 1:00-3:30 PM
Place: Chris DiPietro's Back Yard (St. Paul)
Topic: Food for Thought: Charting our course for the remainder of the year. Please come with ideas for summer or fall meeting/topics/sites. We hope to be doing more in-person meetings as the year progresses. Refreshments will be served.
All members of the email Food SIG list will receive an invitation and Chris DiPietros's address about a week before the meeting.
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
On May 18, 11 women gathered to discuss the article from The New York Times titled “Are you emotionally ready to retire?” Four of the meeting attendees were still working, but considering when they would stop. We talked about how the pandemic has changed work relationships and enabled us to understand how our finances could change based on the changes we experienced in the pandemic. We talked about one day volunteer activities or structuring one’s own contribution. We also acknowledged the role that TTN and the women we have met play in our post-working lives.
Our June meeting will be on Tuesday, June 15, 6:30-8:00 PM, via Zoom. Our topic will be banking – why do we bank where we bank? What about online banks? Where and how much emergency funds do we need?
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. In June we'll be visiting a French bakery to partake of delectable French pastries!
Meeting via Zoom on Mondays at 10:00.
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GARDENS R US SIG – Summer SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
On Thursday, June 10, at 2:00 PM, let’s join the Urban Hikers for an “awe” walk in a Rose Garden! See details in the Urban Hiking SIG below.
Thanks to the 10 members who volunteered for our pandemic garden meet ups last summer: Jean Forrey, Debra Dorgen, Eleni Skevas, Mellissa Cathcart, Tracey Baker, Robin Getman, Susan Zimmerman, Jill Goski, Janis Weller and Nancy Bargsten.
This year there is no sign up to join this group of hosts. Everyone interested is encouraged to reach out individually to arrange in person outdoor socializing throughout the summer. You can find email addresses for other members in the member directory of the TTN website; you must be logged in to see this information.
Invite a few members or be bold and ask to visit someone for inspiration. Meeting at parks and having a picnic is also a great choice. Be spontaneous and enjoy the beauty and fresh air and warmth!
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LEGACY WRITING SIG
Submitted by Karen West
On May 6, six members met and shared what they had written as they explored the July cycle (43-49) of their lives. On Thursday, June 3, from 1:30-3:00, we will share our experiences from August (50-56). We will also read the poem “The Way It Is” by William Stafford in which he writes about “the thread” that goes throughout our lives.
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 1:30-3:00.
If you are interested, have questions, or would like more information please email Karen at karenw0214@gmail.com.
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MOVIE SIG
Submitted by Jean Forrey
In May we all watched and were captivated by The Octopus Teacher. Many of us learned about this fascinating creature for the first time. We thought the photography was also enchanting. We wondered what crisis befell the male lead that would prompt him to free dive in the Indian Ocean near his home in Capetown every day for a year. As always, the discussion was far ranging and interesting.
In June we will actually go to a movie theater for the first time! We are excited to go to the premier showing of In The Heights which is a musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton. This was also a successful Broadway production. Since we want to go to the very first showing, we will meet at the AMC Rosedale 14 on Friday, June 11, for the 1:30 PM showing. Afterwards we will go to Potluck, a MN Food Hall, (or another restaurant nearby) to discuss the movie and hopefully avoid rush hour traffic! As of now they are still requiring face masks, but please check the theater website to learn of the latest covid restrictions. We will meet as a group in the lobby but will enter promptly in time for the trailers.
Since we have adopted the hybrid model for this group, we will also watch another movie, The Zookeeper’s Wife, on Netflix individually. On Thursday, June 24, at 1:00 PM, we will meet on Zoom to discuss.
We would love for you to join us for any or all movies.
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ON BEING SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
On Monday, June 21, at 1:00 PM, we will meet to discuss Krista Tippett’s interview with Joy Harjo, The Whole of Time. Joy Harjo is a saxophone player and performer, a visual artist, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, and 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States. She’s written, “Though we have instructions and a map buried in our hearts when we enter this world, nothing quite prepares us for the abrupt shift to the breathing realm.” JeNell will lead the discussion. Podcast can be found here.
In May, Julie led a discussion on The Art of Being Creatures, an interview with Ellen Davis, a theologian and the author of “Scripture, Culture and Agriculture, an Agrarian Reading of the Bible". Wendell Berry read some of his poems also as part of the interview. Here are some highlights of the discussion:
- the care of land as a theological concept
- eating as a practical theology
- the importance of exercising skilled mastery
- how to be a poet /poetry slows you down/ “a poem does not disturb the silence from whence it came”
- God is the 1st appreciator of the natural world
- the importance of challenging your ordinary way of thinking about how things really are
- when hope sets out on its desperate search for reasons, it can find them
- if you don’t shed some tears while you are here, you will have missed the point
- soil is a divine drug
- the peace of wild things
We meet at 1:00 PM promptly on the third Monday of each month. Members rotate selecting an interview and leading the discussion. 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
Five brave souls attended our first golfing of the season at Lilli Putt in Coon Rapids. There was a wide range in the scores with some close to par and me emphatically on the bottom! But fun was had by all even if it’s not the prettiest or quietest course in the metro!
Jan and Jean were joined by bj in planning our summer of fun. We are still open to suggestions by any and all as only June has dates and times.
We are starting off with a mini field trip to Taylor's Falls on Friday June 4. Please be there by 10:45 AM for an 11:00 AM tee-off. Afterwards we will eat at the drive-in next door. https://taylorsfallsdrivein.com/mini-golf/
Our second outing will be Thursday, June 17, at 10:00 AM at Veteran's Memorial Park in Richfield. The course is called Malt-Tees mini golf and malt shop.
No dates have been set yet but in July we will be heading to Betty Danger's in NE Minneapolis and Big Stone Sculpture Gardens and mini golf in Minnetrista. We might be joining up with the Art appreciation group for a joint venture to Big Stone.
In August we will be going to the Links at Dred Scott which is in Bloomington and the mini golf course at Eagle Lake Park in Plymouth or we might check out the mini golf course at the Walker or... we are always open to suggestions!
Finally, in September (after school starts) we would like to schedule a field trip to Brainerd! At our inaugural meeting, our special guests, Tom and Robin from A Couple of Putts, said that Brainerd has a "must play" course so we will need to check it out!
If you would like to join us, please e-mail Jan Weller at janisweller@gmail.com or Jean Forrey at jean.4e@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list so you can be informed of any last-minute changes.
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SECOND HALF OF LIFE BOOK SIG
Submitted by Karen West
On Tuesday, May 11, 13 women attended to discuss our first book From Age-ing to Sage-ing by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. This was our second discussion of this book, and we discussed up to P. 184. Usually, one person at a time chooses a quote from the book that they would like to discuss, and then we discuss it. Often this discussion leads us to a broader discussion. When no one has anything else they want to say, another participant chooses another quote to discuss. This procedure often leads to a rich discussion.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, June 8, from 7:00-8:30 PM. We will discuss the last section (beginning on P. 184) of From Age-ing to Sage-ing by Rabbi Zalman-Schachter Shalomi.
In July, we will begin our next book—Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up by James Hollis.
This SIG meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM.
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SISTERS IN AWE
formerly FULL MOONS AND THE AURORA BOREALIS SIG
(aka Skywatchers)
Submitted by Julie Efta and Melissa Cathcart
Celebrate the Summer Solstice!
Meet on Sunday, June 20, at 6:00 PM near the Labyrinth in Como Park. We will then walk to the pavilion on the lake to enjoy music by The Dirty Shorts Brass Band from 7:00-8:30 PM. And if you want a second late night, come again on Monday, June 21, for Saints of Swing Big Band from 7:00-8:30 PM. Bring water and a chair or cushion. Dancing and grooving encouraged!
The Full Moon is Thursday, June 24. White Bear Lake’s west side dock and boardwalk are a wonderful viewing platform to watch the moon rise over the water. If cloudy, go the day before or after.
Welcome all to a new name/concept! Although Full moons, Seasonal Celebrations, and Sky Watching will remain the central focus of this group, we plan to appreciate the Awe in all aspects of nature and welcome ideas for future gatherings/meetings in person and outside this spring/summer/fall. While the newsletter will continue to report on the main events that are open to everyone, we would like interested women to email us if they wish to join a small group in novel and impromptu experiences of awe and joy that will not always be reported via the newsletter/TTN website/meetup.
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SCRIBBLING SQUIRRELS SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
Do you like meeting spontaneously to enjoy beautiful weather and be inspired to create? Are you a writer, drawer, painter or colorer? Please add your name to our email list and suggest some locations and times to meet while the weather is good.
We are now a group of 4 groovy kits and welcome other creatives to join us for impromptu live outdoor gatherings to encourage writing, drawing, painting or any portable art. Since this is dependent on good weather, meeting dates, and times will be set on short notice. We will meet anywhere outside proposed by members. There will be some chatting at the beginning and end of each meeting, but the main purpose is to get together for independent work and inspiration.
For more information or to sign up, email Melissa Cathcart at m@mcathcart.com or Julie Efta at teacherjulie.efta@gmail.com.
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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
In May Travel SIG members discussed outdoor dining spots in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with special focus on dog-friendly outdoor dining. Although neither a patio nor a dog was involved, which member do you imagine enjoyed being served by a bartender at The Commodore who had served Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald? Who inspired us to sprinkle in references to Bob Dylan songs? Whose dog can't swim, something both found out the hard way? (Both are fine!) SIG members always manage to cover a LOT of territory, even on a Zoom call! "Bone" appetit!
The Travel SIG will not meet in June, July and August. Will we see you in September? So not a Bob Dylan reference.
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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 took two hikes in May. The first hike wound through the St. Anthony Park neighborhood in St. Paul. At the end of the hike, the group was delighted to gather again for the first time in over a year for post hike refreshments at the Finnish Bistro. The second walk was a quiet stroll around the lake in Langton Lake Park in Roseville (see picture). We enjoyed sights and sounds including geese and goslings, columbine in bloom, and a refreshing cool breeze.
We have two hikes planned for June:
Our first hike in June will be our “Awe” walk. We’ll meet at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 10, at the Lyndale Park Rose garden (also known as the Lake Harriet Rose Garden) in Minneapolis. We’ll stroll through the garden to see what’s blooming and likely wander over to the nearby Peace Rock garden. This will be slow paced walk of a mile or less in length. (Rain date is Friday, June 11). This walk is cosponsored by the Gardens R Us SIG.
Our second hike for the month will be held on Thursday, June 17, at 10:30 AM, at Woodlake Nature Center in Richfield. The park offers quiet, paved trails with overlooks for both prairie and lake vistas. We’ll take advantage of these by pausing to admire plants, birds, and other wildlife we happen upon. This hike will be moderately paced and about 2 1/2 to 3 miles in length. (Rain date is Friday, June 18.)
If you’d like to join either or the hikes in June 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
The next meeting will be an outdoor gathering on Friday, June 18, at 10:15 AM. In May, we switched from ZOOM to PATIO and engaged in a productive annual review. It was delightful to get back to meeting in person and enjoy laughs together. This group is currently closed to additional members.
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