Minneapolis/St Paul Chapter Newsletter |
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Fall Quarterly Program
Finding Our Natural Resilience and Peace of Mind
with Kathy Marshall Emerson
Thursday, October 14, 6:30-8:30 PM
Zoom
TTN members and non-members are invited to join us online on Thursday, October 14, with National Resilience Resource Center founding director, author, and University of Minnesota faculty member Kathy Marshall Emerson. She will share practical principles behind the natural resilience we all do have, and facilitate discovery breakout discussions with us.
Our goal is to discuss and support each other in finding the power we all have for: helpful insights, a peaceful state of mind, ongoing hope and joy, and an amazing ability to listen deeply to others.
Please come for meaningful conversations and discovery. Kathy notes this common sense understanding of resilience and well-being especially applies in current difficult times, and during major life transitions. “It can be life-changing.” Discover the deep reservoir of your best self and enjoy conversation with others!
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New Member Orientation
Thursday, October 28, 12:00-1:00 PM Central Time
Zoom
Monthly new member orientations are back! If you haven’t had a chance to attend one in the past, the MSP Leadership team recommends you join one of these online events. Watch our newsletters and the TTN website for future dates.
New Member Orientation is a National Program for new members from all chapters. It provides an overview of
- Who we are?
- What we offer our members
- How to get the most out of your TTN experience
There will be lots of time to ask questions. And you'll have an opportunity to meet other new members during our session!
Please note that this is a national event so the time on the event registration is listed in Eastern Time. Central time is one hour earlier.
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Unpacking Whiteness: A First Step Toward Anti-Racism
Multiple sessions at different times offered this fall
With heightened awareness of racism in our country, many of us feel it is critically important to understand what is happening, why it is happening and what we might do about it. We have learned that the most important place to start is with educating ourselves.
This 7-week workshop has received rave reviews from the nearly 200 TTN women who have experienced this program to date. Some have called it life changing!
Check out the TTN events page to learn when the sessions are offered Choose the meeting time that works best for you. Because TTN feels the program will have great value to our members, we are offering it free of charge. If the class you want is not open, please email bostonchapter@thetransitionnetwork.org to be placed on a waiting list.
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VIRTUAL WOMEN IN TRANSITION WORKSHOP
November 16 and 18
Two sessions of the Virtual Women in Transition Workshop, one of TTN’s Signature Programs, are being offered across all TTN Chapters this Fall. This program is designed to allow participants to explore transitions, new possibilities, and to create their own “next steps”. The workshop uses the William Bridges model to provide a guiding framework for understanding the process of transition and includes structured conversations for personal reflection and interactive learning. The Women In Transition (WIT) program was originally designed as a 4 hour in-person workshop. Due to the pandemic, the Women in Transition workshop has been reformatted to be effectively delivered virtually.
The MSP Chapter offered the Women in Transition Workshop in-person in October 2018. 31 women participated and their post-workshop evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. One of the advantages of attending the program in person is the opportunity to connect more directly with local chapter members and potential members. The MSP Chapter anticipates delivering the workshop in person in the future. However, unpredictable community health conditions have prevented us from scheduling in person programs at this time.
Contact Terri Evans, Debra Dorgan, or Jill Goski if you have any questions about the content of this workshop. They are trained facilitators for this workshop.
The November session is currently full, but there is a waiting list. Use the link below to learn how to be added to the waiting list. Plans are being made for additional offerings in the winter. Watch the TTN website and the MSP Chapter newsletter for more information.
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Wellness Wednesday: Yoga at Como Park
Submitted by Barbara O'Sullivan
In September, a Gentle Yoga session was held in Como Park. We had the opportunity to move and breathe in nature in a beautiful setting. We were surrounded by trees, a cooling breeze, and a view of the lake. Thanks to Barbara for teaching this session.
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Get Connected
Submitted by Mary Howard and Pat Burgraff
Eight women gathered on September 8 for the September “Get Connected”. After each of us gave an update on how we were doing we discussed the topic - “Are there any good books that you read?” Many suggestions for good reads were given - Late Migrations by Margaret Renki, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michelle Richardson, Monogamy by Sue Miller, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd, The Narcissism of Small Differences by Dennis Dorgan, Remember by Lisa Genova, Social Graces by Renee Rosen, The Return by Nicholas Sparks, The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, Know My Name by Chanel Miller, Greenlight by Matthew McConaughey, The Tender Land by Willam Kent Krueger, Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong, Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave, The City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. Other authors who have written numerous books were suggested: Kristin Hannah, Elin Hilderbrand, Chris Bohjalian and Gail Godwin.
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MEMBER CONTRIBUTION SECTION |
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The Island of Discarded Women Returns Live!
Submitted by Terri Evans
They’re back! The Island of Discarded Women cast, featuring Sue Scott whom many of you met at the TTN Women Weaving Words event in June, will be back soon with their first live podcast recording since March of 2020. You can join in the fun on Sunday, October 10, in the Lounge at the Minneapolis Women’s Club! Join TTN members at 5:30 PM for drinks and dinner, followed by a live recording of the podcast at 7:00 PM.
This episode will feature regular cast members Sue Scott, Shanan Custer, Dexieng Yang, Silvia Pontanza, Mo Perry, Zippy Laske, and Brittany Delaney. Special guests for this episode will include ERA MN founder, Betty Folliard, and musician, Nora Montanez! Find more information about The Island of Discarded Women and this event here.
Tickets are $20 (which does not include dinner and drinks) and can be purchased here.
Please contact TTN member, Terri Evans, if you purchase a ticket and plan on attending. She will arrange for all of us to be seated together.
House of Talents – Supporting Villages in Africa
Submitted by Dar Sholtis
I am a relatively new member to TTN who has been retired for enough years to know that I always receive more than I give from volunteering and supporting causes close to my heart. The mission statement of TTN stresses that it is a voice for women who continue to change the rules, while its core values include community and connection, diversity, and impacting the greater community. My friend, Kate, embodies these ideals.
I would like to encourage each of you to visit the website of a local business, House of Talents. My friend, Kate, is the founder and visionary of House of Talents. We all need inspiration and uplifting stories these days, and to that end, I invite you to open the website and read the mission and commitment of House of Talents and Kate’s Story. You will learn that Kate grew up in Ghana, met her MN husband who was working in the Peace Corps, and eventually opened House of Talents in Minneapolis to give back to her community in Ghana. On the website, you can listen to Kate’s TEDX Talk, which she gave at the University of Minnesota. The stories about the villagers working with House of Talents are heart-warming. The products are unique and exquisite.
Kate’s dream is that those she helps will lend a hand to those in need whom they encounter. When Kate sees a need, she finds a way to address it. One of Kate’s professors at the University of St Thomas’ MBA program was my husband. When he shared in class that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer, Kate went into action, organizing her cohort at UST to provide chef-prepared meals for my husband and me for 3 months following my surgery. Sometime later, Kate was diagnosed with a devastating form of breast cancer. Her treatment at Mayo was long, life-draining, and experimental. She did well for several years and was able to grow House of Talents, as well as raise her two sons with her husband, helping their sons navigate the racism of Minnesota. Kate’s cancer returned in July, 2020. Now, she needs my help. I ask you to consider a purchase from House of Talents.
Please look at the website, let Kate’s love wash over you, and if you see fit, order a basket, a bag, a bracelet, a pillow, soap or candles, or something for your pet. Think birthdays, fall decorating, hostess gifts, holiday gifts, etc.
Opportunity to support Guild, a Non-Profit Organization
Submitted by Pat Burgraff
As you know, one of our TTN chapter goals is to partner with local nonprofit organizations to offer opportunities for support. As a volunteer for Guild, I’d like to introduce you to this dedicated organization that provides direct services to people experiencing chronic mental illness, through integrated mental healthcare, housing and employment services. Guild is a Minnesota not-for-profit (501c3) that has been successfully helping people since 1990. Over 2,000 people received services in the Twin City Metro area in 2020. If you are interested in learning more about Guild visit their website.
I would like to invite you to Guild’s “Ladder of Hope” fundraising event on:
Thursday, December 9th, from Noon to 1:00 PM at the
Doubletree Tree, 7800 Normandale Boulevard, Bloomington, MN 55438.
Please consider joining me for lunch at my table and celebrate the meaningful work Guild does in changing lives.
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CARING COLLABORATIVE SECTION |
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It is still possible to become a part of the Collaborative if you are already an MSP Chapter member. If you are interested in knowing more, please email your name and contact information to the CC mailbox: mspcaringcollab@thetransitionnetwork.org. One of the CC Coordinators will respond. We welcome new members and are very grateful for those members who are already participating and ready to help others in times of need.
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Transition Peer Groups have a unique focus based on the interest of the members. Check out existing group descriptions in this newsletter. All groups welcome new members. Peer groups focus on mutual support and encouragement in an environment of confidentiality, compassion, and respect. We continue to explore opportunities to add new peer groups either geographically or by topic.
If you are a TTN member interested in joining an existing TPG, please contact Barbara for information and to arrange contact with a specific TPG. If you have ideas or questions about convening a new TPG, please contact Barbara at Barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com.
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TRANSITION PEER GROUP – Life Animated
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn
Four of us met outside on September 9 at Silverwood Park in St. Anthony. The weather was pleasant and a few tables over were two fiddlers practicing at low volume. We discussed how we were coping in general, as well as current projects, family concerns, changing diets. We wondered what history will focus on from this period and what influences people to make the decisions they do regarding vaccinations. On the practical side one person is redoing her backyard layout for planting. Another is trying drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water for health benefits and has noticed a difference.
Next meeting will be Thursday, October 14, again at Silverwood Park at 10:00 AM. We can meet inside the visitor center if the weather is chilly or rainy.
Topic: Decluttering or curating, following the principles of feng shui, based on this article. As Covid continues how is our relationship and attitude to things changing? Or not?
All Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN members are welcome. We meet the second Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM-Noon.
Please contact Eleni Skevas at eskevs@yahoo.com if you are interested in joining this group.
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TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Living with Purpose
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
Our Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group (TPG) met via zoom on Thursday, September 23. We will be rotating leadership of the group. We planned our topics for the rest of 2021. On Thursday, October 26, from 6:30-8:00 PM via zoom, Jill, Cyndy and Barb R will lead a discussion about a U of M webinar with Richard Leider titled Aging with Purpose. In November, Marilynne will present ideas from the book Roar Into the Second Half of Life by Michael Clinton. In December, Tracey and Barbara will lead us in creating Vision Boards. We will continue to meet via zoom on the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00 PM.
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TRANSITION PEER GROUP - West Metro
Submitted by Jean Forrey
For the first time in a long time, our members met in person at Parkers Lake Park in Plymouth. We met on the second Monday, September 13, due to the Labor Day holiday. It was a beautiful and clear day and the setting was lovely as well. It was good to see each other again and we enjoyed delicious treats from Kathleen and Cynthia. We covered a variety of random topics.
On Monday, October 4, we will meet there again and resume our regular schedule of meeting on the first Monday of the month from 1:00-2:30 PM. If there is inclement weather, we will meet on Zoom.
As is our custom, we will check in with one another at the beginning of the meeting. We will allow the conversation to flow organically if a situation warrants it; otherwise, our topic for the day will be Fall. How do we "prepare" for that season? Do we have traditions that we follow every year? How about decorations - inside or outside? Are we invigorated by the fall weather or filled with dread since winter is around the corner? Do we have happy memories of school days or memories we would just as soon forget? Thank you to Kathleen for suggesting the topic!
We meet on the first Monday of every month at 1:00 PM.
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Special Interest Groups (SIGs) |
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Submitted by Erin Campbell and Julie Efta
What is your special interest? We have a thriving group of long-term SIGS and are welcoming new ideas for one time or seasonal/short term groups to form for cooler weather.
Thanks to Jean Forrey and Barbara O’Sullivan for leading successful outings this summer for boat rides on the Mississippi, yoga at Como Park and It’s Never Too Latebook group.
We encourage YOU to propose a new topic and see who joins you. It could be one compelling book you want to read and discuss with others, a ZOOM yoga class, an outdoor activity, a hobby/craft, a volunteer activity or a study/discussion topic. We can also post this new endeavor in Meetup to reach and connect with non-members.
We have recently removed a few seasonal or inactive groups from our list of SIGs recently.
We are soliciting new ideas NOW! Carpe Diem/Seize the Day!
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ART APPRECIATION SIG
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
Our September meeting was a visit to see the murals in the Chroma Zone area of St. Paul Midway. Before our walking tour, that focused on colorful and diverse murals, we enjoyed an unexpected highlight inside the wonderful building that houses the New Studio Gallery. Water was the subject of the gallery show and illustrated through various mediums of art.
The Walker Art Center and the Sculpture Gardens will be our destination on Wednesday, October 13, at 1:00 PM. Participants will have a choice about what they do, view art in the gallery and/or in the Sculpture Garden. We recommend doing some research on their website to become familiar with what is available this month. An update will be sent to members on our mailing list prior to the meeting.
If you wish to participate in the September outing or be added to our contact list, please
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DAYTIME BOOK SIG
Submitted by Eleni Skevas
The Daytime Book Club met via Zoom to discuss Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, a murder mystery set in a small Minnesota town. Krueger has written many murder mysteries featuring a character named Cork O’Connor but, in this novel, he creates a new cast of characters and focuses on the effect the murders have on a young boy and his family.
Coming up, on Thursday, October 7, from 10:00 AM to noon, we’ll discuss The Four Winds written by Kristin Hannah. A historical novel, this book takes us to the lived experience of a farm family dealing with the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and their eventual forced migration to an inhospitable California. In these recent months of drought here in our own Minnesota and a national and international awareness of climate migration, the book is especially relevant.
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 or want more information.
Here are the upcoming books:
November 4: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. A novel featuring an ambiguously gendered child who grows up in an era when ambiguity was not recognized in her culture and not tolerated by society. Along the way the author gives the child and the child’s family a very interesting back story.
December 2: Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. We previously read Circe by the same author. Song of Achilles, like Circe, takes a Greek myth and reimagines it, richly filling in the details of what more might have happened among the gods and heroes as we know them.
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EXPLORING FOOD SIG
Submitted by Chris DiPietro and Kathleen Peterson
Fall is in the air and we're planning to celebrate the season with a Potluck lunch outside.
Food SIG guidelines:
- All are welcome (including new chapter members and noncooks)
- Bring your appetite
- Prepare food at home or purchase something - No Pressure
- In the true Potluck tradition, we will eat what is offered and enjoy the company (Six salads, five desserts-all good)
Date: Friday, October 8
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Place: Kathleen Peterson's patio/porch in South Minneapolis near Lake Nokomis. Address to be provided about a week before the meeting date.
If the weather does not cooperate, we will meet at the same time via ZOOM and discuss our favorite foods for fall.
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
12 women got together on September 21, via Zoom to talk about financial apps and plans for the future of our SIG.
Thanks to Dawn for presenting information about financial apps for retirement planning and tracking. There are many apps that provide a consolidated view of one’s assets. Dawn shared an interview by Boomer Living with a company that had developed such an application that was designed for people like us!
This SIG has been meeting for nearly 3 years! We plan to select a financial book to read/discuss and discussed possible topics for the future. We also have a list of topics we plan to discuss every year because they are key to financial literacy for women like us.
The topic for our meeting on Tuesday, October 19, 6:30-8:00 PM is payment methods. We will also be selecting the book we plan to read and discuss.
The purpose of this group is to increase our personal financial literacy. The knowledge of members about financial topics varies from beginner to more experienced. Our topics will be selected based on what individual members are interested in. We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM via Zoom. New members are welcome. Come and give it a try.
Please email Cyndy at clnelson03@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us, have ideas for topics, or have questions.
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FRENCH CONVERSATION SIG
Submitted by Jane Harens
The French conversation SIG is going “back to the app” for more structured learning after a summer of attempting to discuss short French videos.
Meeting via Zoom on Mondays at 10:00 AM.
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GETTING REAL WITH THE REELS MOVIE SIG
Submitted by Jean Forrey and Erin Campbell
With the spreading Delta variant, theaters may once again become off limits to most of us, but we are hoping to attend Dear Evan Hansen in person after it opens on September 24. We are still hoping to go to West Side Story in December.
We are also planning a return to zoom movie discussions and currently formulating a list of movies to discuss.
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LEGACY WRITING SIG
Submitted by Karen West
On September 2, five of us met to talk about how we wanted to move forward now that we have finished doing our live reviews. Everyone agreed that we wanted to start writing and sharing legacy letters. We also agreed that we would like to spend about 20 minutes writing. Karen and Cynthia talked about writing blessings as Rachael Freed (Your Legacy Matters) suggests at the end of legacy letters. We tried writing a blessing and discovered that we have to be careful that our “blessings” aren’t actually “instructions.”
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, October 7, from 1:30-3:00 PM via zoom. For that meeting, we are all going to read the Forward and the Introduction of Your Legacy Matters by Rachael Freed. Debra and Karen also committed to writing a letter and sharing it next month.
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 1:30-3:00 PM.
If you are interested, have questions, or would like more information please email Karen at karenw0214@gmail.com.
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"PAR-TEE-ON" – MINI GOLF SIG
Submitted by Jean Forrey
September and the cooler weather helped us have several great outings. We enjoyed going to Taylor’s Falls and a fun course with several water features. We also enjoyed the burgers and root beer complete with yellow jackets. We had fun at the artsy but non-challenging course at the Walker Art Center, with another wonderful lunch at the adjoining patio restaurant, Cardamom. We might have to change our name to Snacks and Putts.
As of this writing our last event of the season has not occurred, but we will be going to Jean’s personal favorite course, Big Stone Mini Golf and Sculpture Garden. As there is no adjoining restaurant we will need to focus on our golf. The course itself is enchanting and challenging and the surrounding sculptures and animals are a feast for the eyes.
Over the winter it is possible that we will visit one of the indoor courses, or switch to bowling- but with Covid variants in the air we might need to wait until glorious spring appears and we can be outside again!
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POD SQUAD SIG (formerly ON BEING SIG)
Submitted by Julie Efta
Members of the “On Being SIG” met in September to discuss a change of focus to branch out and include discussion of other podcasts. Each month one member will select something for us all to listen to and, on the third Monday of each month at 1:00 PM, we will meet via ZOOM to discuss the podcast. We have renamed our group to The POD SQUAD and welcome others to join us by adding your name to the list by contacting Ginny or Julie.
You do not need to attend every month and we welcome new ideas and monthly leaders.
The schedule for the next three months is:
Monday, October 18 at 1:00 PM via zoom: Fresh Air/ Patty Peterson
November 15: The Island of Discarded Women/ Terri Evans
December 20: 0% Happier/ Debra Dorgan
The specific episode for “homework" and zoom link will be sent to all those who add their name to the email reminders.
Let’s increase our listening skills and learn new things!
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SECOND HALF OF LIFE BOOK SIG
Submitted by Karen West
On September 14, five of us met on Zoom to discuss the last third of the book Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally Really Grow Up by James Hollis. Though the group was small, the discussion was good.
Next month, we will meet on the second Tuesday, October 12, from 7:00-8:30 PM on zoom. We will be discussing a book that has been very popular in the past—Life Gets Better: The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older. Amazon only has one hard back left, and they’re charging $40 for it, but there are many used books, and Amazon’s used books are always in excellent shape. We will read and discuss the first section “Hope” through page 80.
This SIG meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM.
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TRAVEL SIG
Submitted by Marilynne Roberts
Most Travel SIG members at the September 28 meeting stayed close to home this summer, exploring Minnesota and Wisconsin, which have many wonderful destinations. Some learned more about possible journeys through a Facebook group for solo women travelers over fifty and/or Minnesota Rovers. Some made internal explorations, discovering more about themselves and others.
Janis Weller and her husband traveled with their teardrop camper to Washington and back, and had a fabulous time. Marilynne Roberts flew to Los Angeles, attended the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach (which she recommends to everyone}, enjoyed the La Brea Tarpits and Museum and Universal Studios, visited the King and Queen of the Missions and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, was dazzled by the drive up the coast to San Francisco, and flew home from SFO.
The Travel SIG will have a Zoom meeting Tuesday, October 26, from 6:30-8:00 PM. More information will be emailed to SIG members closer to that date.
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URBAN HIKING SIG
Submitted by Chris DiPietro
The Urban Hiking SIG explores parks, trails, and new locations in the metro area during monthly hikes.
We had two events in September. During our “awe” walk, we wandered about tiny Nicollet Island in Minneapolis. The island is a quiet oasis yet just a stone’s throw from downtown Minneapolis. Clearly many of the owners of the Victorian homes on the island take pride in their gardens and we benefited from their efforts and spent time admiring the many plants and hardscapes. For our more brisk walk, we explored the many habitats at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley. Due to the recent rains and a fresh breeze on the day the group visited, the nature center was particularly lush and delightful.
We have two truly urban hikes planned for October:
Our first hike for the month will be our “awe” walk at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 14, at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Lakeview cemetery is one of the most park-like cemeteries in the country and holds a lot of clues to the history of the twin cities and its people. We’ll spend about an hour wandering about a small part of the cemetery, considering the monuments we happen upon. With a bit of luck, we will be able to enjoy some brilliant fall colors among the many trees in Lakewood. (Rain date is Friday, October 15.)
Our second hike in September will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 21, around Lake Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. We’ll walk about 3 miles around the lake at a brisk pace. The hike should take about 1 hour. (Rain date is Friday, October 22.)
If you’d like to join either or the hikes in October or would simply like more information about the Urban Hiking SIG, contact Chris DiPietro, the SIG’s coordinator at cmdjp2@gmail.com.
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WRITER’s SIG 1
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
On Friday, October 15, our meeting will be held outdoors at a member’s home. This group is currently closed to additional members.
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IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BEGIN AGAIN
BOOK DISCUSSION
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
Eight group members gathered at Springbrook Nature Center on a Friday in September to walk, talk, and paint rocks. We discussed what we had learned from reading the book, writing morning pages, taking walks, and having Artist Dates. We also painted rocks - thanks to Barbara and Terri for providing the materials for this fun activity. Thanks to Barbara for leading us through the book and for the willingness of the group members to share their experiences throughout the journey.
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