In March 2020 the world as we knew it changed in more ways than we could have ever imagined. One of those changes was how we experience TTN. We could no longer meet in person for our discussion groups, book clubs, mah jongg or canasta games. Activity destinations were all closed so our day trip groups had nowhere to go; theater groups were on hold as Broadway was shuttered.

However, TTN remained relevant. Despite the challenges we faced, both The Transition Network, and specifically our Long Island Chapter, are still thriving! We were able to pivot to a virtual platform that enabled us to continue connecting with each other, build new friendships both within and across chapters, as well as experience new and varied programs.

All of this happened because of YOU. The Long Island Steering Committee worked diligently and creatively, along with its respective committees, to meet the needs of our members. We were also fortunate to have members who voluntarily offered their expertise to provide new programming. And most importantly, each and every one of you, our members, continued to be involved, active participants.

As we begin to meet in person and determine what the “new normal” may be, I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation by thanking all of you, our Long Island members. Our world may have changed but your involvement and commitment enable all of us to continue experiencing the many benefits of TTN.

Thank goodness for Zoom, the internet, and the dedicated women of the TTN Community Volunteer Committee. In spite of the lockdowns and cancellations of live events, the point people of the committee continued to meet, plan, and communicate with TTN/LI members. Two examples of this are the successful drives that were held for the TTN Stitchers and The Safe Center.

TTN Stitchers use their skill, experience, and creativity to make hats, scarves, afghans, baby blankets, chemo caps and other items, for a range of needy people from newborns to hospice care patients. After an eblast requested donations of yarn, members sent more than 80 skeins of new yarn, several bags of started yarn, and a $50 Amazon gift certificate.

In May, TTN members generously bought 440 items of clothing for the children served by The Safe Center LI. The children, who are victims of domestic abuse, live in the shelter or transitional housing provided by the Safe Center and often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Led by Nancy Goldwasser, the point person and liaison to The Safe Center, TTN members donated an amazing amount of clothing for these young children. The jaw-dropping contribution was gratefully received by The Safe Center.

New volunteer opportunities currently are open for both CAPS (Child Abuse and Prevention Services) and The Long Island Crisis Center. Both agencies require training sessions, which will be held in August, as volunteers will work directly with clients. For more information on CAPS, please contact Helene Finkelstein (bookpal25@gmail.com), and for The Long Island Crisis Center, reach out to Lois Stein (Lsteincu@aol.com).

A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed, participated, and volunteered!

After months of hosting multiple virtual programs via Zoom, such as a cooking class with “The Effortless Kitchen” and “The Little Pillbox Hat Tour” about Jackie Kennedy, the Program Committee is preparing to invite our TTN members to a “live” event!

Put away your computer, iPad, or phone, and look for an invitation to our summer outdoor event at one of the state parks. Finally, we will be able to catch up with up to 125 members in person! More details will follow by eblast and on the TTN website.

One of the special traditions we have established at our TTN/LI chapter is a New Member Tea, an informal “meet and greet” held at the home of one of our committee members. Every new member receives an invitation to one of these events, where a small number of women can connect with other new members and at the same time, have their questions answered by experienced members about how best to maximize their TTN opportunities. Since the pandemic began, we have held several “virtual” New Member Teas, but of course all “live” meetings were cancelled.

As a hopeful sign of a return to normal, Membership hosted its first in-person New Member Tea on May 17 at Eisenhower Park. Ten new members attended, in addition to Debbie Fox, Membership Chair, Joan Land from the Committee, and TTN/LI Chair, Lindsey Draves. In addition to socializing, the agenda touched on topics relevant to new members, including the many ways to participate in our chapter, volunteer opportunities, and how to join Special Interest Groups and Transition Peer Groups. We ended with a Q and A, and gave all the attendees a New Member Packet to take home. We are looking forward to being able to schedule more of these teas as more women join our TTN/LI chapter.

The Health and Wellness Committee has been featuring programs around the theme of “The Seasons of Self Care” with the goal of continuing to educate, support and maintain our health as we age gracefully. Our presentations have included a food demonstration on Super Foods for Super Immunity, one on women’s heart health, appropriately timed for Valentine’s Day, and most recently, Living with Arthritis (“Motion is Lotion”).

The Health and Wellness Committee continues to plan for our "Seasons of Self Care II”.

Beginning in the fall, programs to look forward to include: "The Latest Techniques for Treatment of Breast Cancer”, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and “Eating Seasonally with Root Vegetables” in December. Depending on TTN and government guidance, we will decide whether meetings will be held in person or on Zoom. Most of these programs are free, but you must register on the TTN/LI website so look for announcements.

CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE!  The Contemporary Social Issues Committee will be celebrating our first in-person meeting with our TTN friends at one of Long Island's most beautiful venues, The Glen Cove Mansion. Join us on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 to renew our TTN friendships and meet new friends as well. NY Discovery will entertain us with their holiday presentation, discussing the origins of venerable New York City holiday traditions, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade; the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and the modern Santa Claus. We will be joined by the Island Hills Chorus and their four-part a cappella harmony women’s chorus. They have performed at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, and the United Nations. The Contemporary Social Issues committee is looking forward to seeing all of our TTN friends on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

When I was seven, I was a Brownie and the first song I learned was, "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold". The Tuesday Adventurers are truly blessed with a silver and gold necklace. Our group is made up of many layers and many years of different friendships. This was really brought home on a recent Tuesday when we met in person, for the first time in over 15 months at Sunken Meadow State Park. Even a closed parking lot could not deter us; like penguins, we found our way back to each other. Hugs have taken on a new meaning. Simple catching up conversation is precious. It's wonderful to see a whole body and not just a head! Marilyn and Pat organized fun trivia games as we gathered in one big circle to just enjoy each other's company. Our picnic lunch reinforced just how special our 11-year-old group truly is. A toast to us, The Tuesday Adventurers, as we boldly persevere and add new experiences to our beautiful friendship necklace. By Bonnie Sibener

Life on Pause

Zoom and TTN Got Us Through the Year.

My Year of Eating Dangerously

Home Alone

Where did all the Toilet Paper Go?

Human Sighting: Just Spotted the Mailman

Homemade Dinner—Again?

Senior Hour at the Supermarket (who did you see?)

The Mask You Live In (who needs lipstick?)

How to Give Hugs Through the Computer

Man Plans and God Laughs

Emerging from the Darkness

Reconnecting with the World

Good-Bye To All That!

Re-Learning How to Hug a Human

Where Did I Hide My Lipstick?

The Adventures of a Newly Released Woman at the Grocery Store

  Chapter 1: You Really Have Toilet Paper?

  Chapter 2: Honestly - No One-Way Signs?

  Chapter 3: Luxuries Returned - Bran Cereal

·    arts & crafts instructor

·    attorney

·    corporate gifts & promotional products (logoed items)

·    retired dental hygienist

·    free picture book videos

·    interior designer

·    hearing aid knowledge

·    leadership/management/professional business coach/mentor

·    parent advocate for children with or without special needs

·    party art – caricatures & fashion sketches

·    presentation skills training for business people & other professionals

·    personal trainer & group fitness instructor

·    piano teacher

·    Spanish tutor

·    spiritual director

click here.

Email Suzanne Sham at suestan@verizon.net