Get Connected via Zoom
Wednesday, January 13, 5:00-6:00 PM
Pat and Jan invite you to virtually get together at TTN’s January 2021 Get Connected event. TTN members and nonmembers are invited to attend.
After the holidays are over and we all have had a chance to reflect and reset our intentions for the New Year, please join us to renew old friendships and make new ones.
Zoom in with us from 5:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 13. Register using the link below and the Zoom information will be sent to you with your registration confirmation. If you have any questions, send an email to Pat at patriciaburgraff@gmail.com or Jan at janicereisch@gmail.com.
Casual and informative, we can share our experiences from the holiday season and discuss our Icebreaker question – What is the best thing you consumed lately (i.e., food, music, movies, or books)?
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Online WELCOME Orientation for New Members
Friday, January 15, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Central Time
This webinar happens every month and is a great opportunity to “get to know TTN”. This webinar is led by Susan Collins, TTN Executive Director.
Location: Online Webinar
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Transition Peer Group for Working Women Informational Meeting
Monday, January 18, 7:00-8:00 PM
On Monday, January 18, at 7:00 PM, working women who might be interested in connecting with other women are invited to get together to consider forming a new Transition Peer Group (TPG). There is an interest from the membership survey in convening an evening Peer Group for women who continue to work. The Peer Group would focus on the challenges and rewards of the current workplace as well as preparing for retirement. The members of the group will shape the discussions and activities and share responsibility for participation, communication, and facilitation. TPGs are great opportunities to make connections and build new friendships with ongoing commitment to the group.
TTN members and nonmembers are invited to attend this informational meeting.
If you are interested, register using the link below or contact Barbara at barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com for the Zoom link or with questions, insights and ideas.
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Open Meeting of Finance SIG
with local author, Laura Gilbert
Tuesday, January 19, 6:30-8:00 PM
We are excited to welcome Laura Gilbert to our January Finance SIG and invite TTN members and nonmembers to join us for this thought-provoking meeting. Laura's book, Enough: A Retirement that Works for Me, helps us evaluate how our personal and financial resources can supply all that is truly important to us in retirement.
Laura is a friend of TTN members Barbara O'Sullivan and Tracey Baker and has graciously volunteered to come and talk with us about the concepts in her book. Her model is to first consider what makes your life work well and then layer on the financial requirements. You can learn more about Laura and her book in this article published on NextAve.
TTN members and nonmembers are invited to attend.
Register using the link below and the Zoom information will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
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Wellness Wednesday: Many Facets of Wellness
Wednesday, January 27, 6:30-8:00 PM
The Wednesday, January 27, Wellness Wednesday program will explore the many facets of wellness in our lives, from physical and mental health to creative, relational, financial, community, and much more. We'll use a handy tool to determine not only the areas of wellness most important to us individually, but also how we're currently feeling about each of them in our lives.
We can then use this information to launch a conversation about themes, topics, and directions Wellness Wednesdays might take in the coming year. We hope you'll attend this session and share your wellness interests, passions, and resources with the group.
TTN members and nonmembers are invited to attend.
Register using the link below and the Zoom information will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
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December EVENT RECAP SECTION |
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Winter Solstice Party
Submitted by Julie Efta
Although clouds prohibited live viewing of The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the early night sky on December 21, there was plenty of darkness on the Solstice to precipitate the need for a party.
Seventeen women dressed for the occasion, gathered via Zoom, and shared their favorite sources of light, winter activities, party memories pre-pandemic, and fun things to do this year for celebration and good cheer. We ended the meeting by chair dancing to The Age of Aquarius/ Let the Sunshine In, a 1969 song by the 5th Dimension. Thanks to the Full Moon SIG, the Caring Collaborative and the Steering Committee for co-hosting! Look for a Spring Equinox party in March.
Wellness Wednesday: Humor
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
At the December 30 Wellness Wednesday, twenty women got together to share stories and laugh together. Marilynne provided some insights about why “Laughter is the Best Medicine” is actually true as there are many wellness benefits from laughing. We learned that humor can be enhanced with practice! So, we practiced! We laughed at pictures, cartoons, and videos of people and animals. We told personal stories and laughed together.
We ended the evening with a quote by Dr. Seuss:
I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells.
Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living;
It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.
Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.
Thanks to Jean and Marilynne for hosting.
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Submitted by Kathleen Peterson
For the past two months you have been reading about the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter Caring Collaborative project which is organized around three ‘building blocks’:
- Service Corps
- Member Information and Resource Exchange
- Health and Wellness Programming
The Service Corps is the focus for this month. A Caring Collaborative Service Corps provides a framework for organizing and mobilizing a group of chapter members who have agreed to deliver helpful services to other members when temporary illness, injury, or disability strikes. This assistance could reflect a variety of tasks which would enable someone to be well supported at home. It may include transportation for a member, household assistance, and companionship /emotional support. It could also be helpful during a period of transition, grief or loss.
Members who participate are able to both request assistance and provide assistance as needed. This program is not designed to provide 24/7 care or emergency assistance.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has placed limitations on our ability to formally launch the Service Corps at this time. We continue to plan for the future and are currently working on the structures and procedures required for such a service. Some of the next steps will include:
- Assessing member interest and availability
- Developing and presenting a required orientation session focusing on privacy, confidentiality, and setting healthy boundaries
- Establishing operational policies and procedures
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Exploring what types of limited services could be provided during the Pandemic.
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Not yet a member of a Transition Peer Group (TPG)? Please check out our three current TPGs in this newsletter and consider joining to get a great start to 2021.
There is an interest from the membership survey in convening an evening Peer Group for women who continue to work. The peer group would focus on the challenges and rewards of the current workplace as well as preparing for retirement. The members of the group shape the discussions and activities and share responsibility for participation, communication and facilitation. TPGs are great opportunities to make connections and build new friendships with ongoing commitment to the group.
If you are interested, please mark your calendar for the informational meeting about forming this new TPG on Monday, January 18, at 7:00 PM. Register here or contact Barbara at barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com for the Zoom link or with questions, insights and ideas.
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LIFE ANIMATED
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn
The group met on December 10 to discuss “Holiday memories”.
Food memories: Discussion of holiday food, such as jello salad, snickerdoodle salad, chocolate cherry cake, fruit cocktail. Several people had relatives that made divinity candy.
Question: How many people got practical presents like toothpaste, underwear, pajamas? One person's aunt gave each child a silver dollar. One person always wanted to go to midnight mass so she didn't have to wake up early to go to church. Memories of a long toboggan run, playing with cousins.
Question: What are you doing for this holiday? Answers: Watching Christmas movies and Christmas episodes of favorite TV shows; start celebrating everything; get together only with people in her bubble; Zoom with relatives, including family in London; buy presents from the re-use store; get a live tree this year instead of using a fake tree; sit in front of the fireplace; make special food dishes; order from a restaurant; and make treasure boxes of small things for grandchildren
Our next meeting is Thursday, January 14, at 10:00 AM via Zoom. Topic: vision boards. Talk about old vision boards done last year in January and how they differ from new vision boards, come with ideas of what you would put on it even if you don't make one.
All Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN members are welcome. We meet the second Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM-Noon. We are currently meeting via Zoom.
Please contact Eleni Skevas at eskevs@yahoo.com if you are interested in joining this group.
LIVING WITH PURPOSE
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
The December Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group meeting focused on celebrating this last month of the year to welcome in 2021. We showed up in sequins, pajamas, jewels and crowns and cheerful smiles to toast together the Solstice, the holidays and the end of the year. We shared our holiday plans and the challenges this year of dealing with family, friends, and our own rationality in deciding how we will celebrate. We are celebrating, but a little differently. As always, this group of wonderful women offered support, encouragement and resources for each other.
Our January meeting will be on Thursday, January 28, from 6:30-8:00 PM via Zoom. Since our group has been meeting over the last four years, we have started off the New Year making Vision Boards. We will continue our tradition however this year we will co-create virtually. So, if you are interested in joining us, start gathering your supplies including cardboard, glue sticks, scissors and magazines to gather images and words that are significant to your creation. And if you are digitally inclined you can check out Vision Board apps or use Canva software on your phone or computer.
All Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN members are welcome. We meet the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00 PM. We are currently meeting via Zoom.
WEST METRO PEER GROUP
Submitted by Jean Forrey
In January, we will be meeting on Monday, January 4, from 1:00-3:00 PM. With the beginning of the new year and the renewed hope of an end to the pandemic, we would like to talk about new beginnings, rejuvenation, resolutions etc. Think of one thing you are looking forward to doing, or changing in the New Year that you are willing to share as our opener. Of course, you can also share about your holidays or lack of holidays as well. Lastly, we will discuss our hopes and goals for this group. What direction do we want to take? Who wants to lead or guide us from time to time? What do you hope to “give to” - and “get from” -this group? I look forward to another warm yet scintillating discussion.
In December, we were pleased to open our group to all TTN members for a unique session. Prior to our meeting, we all listened to a podcast from The Island of Discarded Women. If you care to listen to this excellent and timely podcast, it was Episode 15 featuring History Professor Duchess Harris. This monthly (pre-pandemic) podcast is directed, produced and partially written by Sue Scott. And Sue Scott was our special guest! She spoke about her long tenure with Prairie Home Companion prior to being discarded by new host, Chris Thile. She also spoke about her inspiration for the podcasts, upcoming ideas, and how she is interested in the stories of other women and her desire to celebrate them. She will also be joining us this summer (fingers crossed that we can gather in person) at our re-scheduled Garden Party. Thank you to Terri Evans for being the conduit to this special guest.
All Minneapolis/St. Paul TTN members are welcome. We meet the first Monday of the month from 1:00-3:00 PM. We are currently meeting via Zoom.
If you want to attend our TPG, please contact Jean Forrey at jean.4e@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list and get monthly Zoom info.
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Special Interest Groups (SIGs) |
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Submitted by Erin Campbell and Julie Efta
We are excited about all our chapter activities especially our SIGs! First, we want to thank everyone who responded to the brainstorming request and came up with even more ideas. We are always open to hearing new ideas for SIGs and welcome women wanting to lead! One new idea that has already started is Women Who Run With Wolves, a seven-week book discussion.
Next, we are starting a Movie SIG! This idea had the greatest number of women requesting it. See information about this SIG below.
SIGS are fun and easy! It only takes 2 members to start one, members may come and go, frequency of meeting varies: weekly, monthly, bi monthly, seasonal and women can attend two sessions of a SIG prior to becoming a TTN member.
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MOVIE SIG – NEW SIG Looking for interested participants
Submitted by Erin Campbell
We are starting a Movie SIG! Members will watch an agreed upon movie and then Zoom to talk about the film. Our first meeting is on Wednesday, January 6, at 1:00 PM. We will begin to organize how this SIG will operate and consider what movies we would like to watch. For now, this SIG will be led by Jean Forrey and Erin Campbell.
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NEW SIG Looking for interested participants
Submitted by Karen West
In 2015, when Jill Goski and Karen West were trying to start a local chapter of The Transition Network, it seemed natural that Karen, who was in training to become a Certified Sage-ing Leader (CSL) with Sage-ing International (“sage-ing.org”), would start a Book Discussion Group that would read and discuss some of the amazing books that are being written about aging. It was the first SIG, and we read these books for three years.
The life stage that we are now living in is brand new. We are enjoying a healthy longevity that no one before us has had, and together, we are discovering how to make this “second half of life” an incredible, empowering journey.
Now that we are about to enter 2021, Jill and Karen would like to offer a chance for all the women who have joined in the last few years to have the opportunity to read and discuss these life-changing books. Karen says, “Please don’t miss this chance! I really believe that these books will change the way you see this time of your life.”
Below are comments from women who participated in the original SIG:
- “What I appreciated about this group was our dedicated and open-minded pursuit of the topic, reframing our notions of aging and even our sense of purpose as we age.” Debra Dorgan
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“The book group on transition and aging helped me make some big decisions in my life. It really made a difference to be able to talk with other women about the books we’d read and how the information might apply to our lives.” Gretchen Bratvold
This Book Discussion SIG will begin meeting in the evening via Zoom as soon as enough women sign up to participate. The day of the week will be determined by the participants.
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ART APPRECIATION SIG
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
At our December 9 meeting, we enjoyed viewing a slide show of diverse examples of the art element Form ranging from delicate teapots to bronze sculptures. By engaging in a lively exchange of comments, we dramatically enhance our visual experience and appreciation for art.
We will meet on Wednesday, January 13, from 1:00-3:00 PM on Zoom, participants will focus on the art element Value, which is the lightness and darkness of color. We are asked to send our examples to Terri by January 6 to allow time to develop the slide show. We will also review our list of movies about artists and select the one we would like to discuss at our February meeting.
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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
After two months of heavy brain-food, our group decided to have a little dessert. In other words, we read something light and fun for our December discussion. We differed on whether this dessert was delicious or just okay, which made it a perfect book club read.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal triggered an interesting discussion touching on oh so many things: the history of brewing, the legitimacy of men writing books about women protagonists, our favorite recipes, who’s a baker or a cook and who’s not and why not, the status of women in the cooking world (chef versus cook), wishing the author would choose to write about men instead and why doesn’t he, is being a good cook part of one’s value as a woman, etc.
We switched up our usual format. This month there was no one facilitator and we did not do a formal check-in. The conversation flowed smoothly without a moderator, actually, and personal updates were woven into the discussion throughout our two hours together. It worked!
Our January read is a fantasy entitled A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. In February we read Barack Obama’s A Promised Land and in March, we visit a dystopia fashioned by Kazuo Ishiguro, a British-Japanese writer, Never Let Me Go. Join us! We will meet by Zoom on Thursday, January 7, from 10:00 AM-Noon.
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM–Noon.
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EVENING BOOK CLUB SIG
Submitted by Beth Stockinger
In December, we read Salt Path by Raynor Winn. What an interesting book about surviving hardship and moving forward! This was a true story about a couple who lost their home, their security, and they faced a terminal illness. The couple walked the long and difficult South West England coastline and eventually found a new path for life. We had a meaningful discussion. Some of us were inspired to consider a walking/hiking trip someday.
What is Next?
Tuesday, January 12 - Untamed by Glennon Doyle
“Some books shake you by the shoulder while others steal your heart. In Untamed, Glennon does both at the exact same time.”—Brené Brown
January will be our last book group meeting as we know it. Check out and join the new SECOND HALF OF LIFE BOOK SIG announced earlier in this newsletter.
Thank you for the many wonderful book suggestions and for the deep and meaningful conversations over the years. We have gone through time together, have developed friendships, and we have been book buddies!
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EXPLORING FOOD SIG
Submitted by Chris DiPietro
On December 14, members of the Food SIG roamed the world or went back in time recalling joy-filled food memories. For some these were kitchen aromas of childhood. Others had nostalgia for joyful food experiences as children or with their own children and grandchildren. For many, the joy came from sharing delicious and unusual foods with others while visiting countries such as China, France, The Gambia, Italy, and Iceland. In these challenging times it was a fun reminder of how food and joy can be closely connected.
Here are the details for our next meeting:
Date: Monday, January 11
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM via Zoom
Topic: Italian Food and the "Big Night" (movie)
We’ll be exploring Italian food by viewing the movie “Big Night” on our own before the meeting. If they’d like, sometime before the meeting, participants will also prepare a dish of their choice from the cuisine of Italy. During the meeting we’ll discuss the movie, the cuisine, and participants’ cooking experiences.
We invite anyone to join our discussion (whether or not they view the movie or cook before the meeting). If you are not already a participant in the SIG but would like to join our discussion in January please let Chris DiPietro know at cmdjp2@gmail.com. You will receive additional information about viewing the movie “Big Night" and a link for Zoom before the meeting.
In a change from the group's ad hoc meeting dates and times in 2020, for the first half of 2021, the SIG plans to meet on the second Monday of the month from 4:00-5:30.
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FINANCIAL SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
Thirteen women met via zoom for a participative discussion about "Charitable Giving". We talked about giving according to your values and interests and then shared information about our charities. Focus areas for giving in 2020 included: giving local, food insecurity, homeless, women, and arts. We spoke briefly about reducing taxes in order to maximize the contribution to your charity. Everyone is familiar with itemizing, but do not know people over age 70 ½ can give directly from a traditional IRA via a Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) and no taxes would be due on that withdrawal.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 19, from 6:30-8:00 PM via Zoom. Since it is the beginning of the year, we will focus on financial priorities. We are glad to welcome local author, Laura Gilbert, to discuss ideas from her book Enough: A Retirement Life that Works for Me. We are inviting everyone to join us for this meeting with our special guest; invite your friends who are not members of TTN or this SIG to join us for this discussion.
Our February meeting is Tuesday, February 16, from 6:30-8:00 PM via Zoom. Our topic will be taxes.
We meet via Zoom on the third Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:00.
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 Ginny Jacobson
We are making progress toward becoming Francophiles! At our last weekly Zoom, we spoke in French for nearly a half hour! We asked and answered simple questions and even peppered our conversation with Christmas words. Soon we'll discuss our love or dislike for various French pastries.
We meet via Zoom on Mondays at 10:00.
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FULL MOONS AND THE AURORA BOREALIS SIG
(aka Skywatchers) -
Submitted by Julie Efta
Although clouds prohibited live viewing of The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the early night sky on December 21, there was plenty of darkness on the Solstice to precipitate the need for a party.
Seventeen women dressed for the occasion, gathered via Zoom, and shared their favorite sources of light, winter activities, party memories pre- pandemic, and fun things to do this year for celebration and good cheer. We ended the meeting by chair dancing to The Age of Aquarius/ Let the Sunshine In, a 1969 song by the 5th Dimension. Thanks to the Caring Collaborative and Steering Committee for co-hosting! Look for a Spring Equinox party in March.
January’s Full Moon occurs on Thursday, January 28. If the sky is clear, make a point to take a drive to view its glorious rising where trees, hills and tall buildings don’t interfere.
Check out the Bell Museum's monthly Virtual Star Party on Friday, January 22, or look for offerings in future months here. There are many great night viewing star Apps to search out also.
An official cohost is sought.
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GARDENS R US SIG – Summer SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
The daffodils are planted and snow has fallen.
Our gardens will re-open in the spring.
A co leader and fresh ideas are needed for 2021.
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LEGACY WRITING SIG
Submitted by Terri Johnson
Six members met on December 3 via Zoom. We discussed how writing frequently helps us remember, organize and integrate our thoughts, and even helps us have a sense of control. We then enjoyed sharing and discussing our writing about 'The Holidays During the Time of Covid.' Some good future Legacy Writing topics emerged as a result of heartfelt conversations about experiences that we've had, that the younger generations haven't had.
Our next meeting is on Thursday, January 7, 1:00-2:30 PM. We will bring our writing: 'A letter to 2020.'
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 1:00-2:30 PM.
If you are interested, have questions, or would like more information please email Karen at karenw0214@gmail.com.
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ON BEING SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
We met in December to discuss the interview with Atul Gawande/ What Matters in the End. Eleni began the meeting by asking us to describe a good day for ourselves using 10 words. Having difficult discussions about death and making personal plans should be a gift to others and yourself. The Caring Collaborative will plan a future Wellness Wednesday meeting to help with this process. We also discussed palliative care, spirit, and how we may have a greater sense of fulfillment as we age. Some general advice: Enable well-being and keep your options open!
Krista Tippett’s interview with Bryan Stevenson/ Love is the Motive will be our topic of discussion at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 18, which is also Martin Luther King Jr Day. Ginny will facilitate the meeting. Find the link here.
Let us know if you would like to lead a discussion in February or any month on a topic of your choice.
New members are welcome.
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"PAR-TEE-ON" – Mini Golf SIG
Submitted by Jean Forrey
Look for information about this SIG in Spring 2021.
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THEATER SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman
This SIG is taking a hiatus due to Covid19 as attending in-person theater events together was key to the purpose of the group.
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TRAVEL SIG
Submitted by Marilynne Roberts
On December 22, members of the Travel SIG shared stories about holiday traditions, winter trips, and hopes for future winter vacations. (That was also the day the New York Times introduced the new word, "vaxications," to denote vacations people book in anticipation of traveling again when they feel comfortable enough about pandemic concerns.) Some people grew up in pockets of magic, where the entire neighborhood came together to share holiday decorations, traditions, cheer, carols, and enchantment. For others, traditions were more family-centric, often including elements of the family's ethnic customs and foods, and were equally cherished. We all know about expectations versus reality and how both can influence holidays and vacations. Although some are more likely to think about hunkering down in winter, with encouragement and all the ideas we presented, we might fill a sleigh next winter to travel to all kinds of places. We left more dedicated to ensuring the magic of the season in our current circles.
On Tuesday, January 26, at 6:30 PM, we will have a happy hour and a half to discuss travel to vineyards, breweries, distilleries, and related destinations, and to share a glass of our chosen beverage. You are welcome to share trips you have taken as well as ones you aspire to take. All TTN members are welcome to join us.
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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 a monthly hike. While the group usually enjoys indoor hikes during the winter, this year the SIG is on hiatus until March because of restrictions on indoor gatherings due to the pandemic. In the February newsletter look for news on resumption of the SIG’s activity for 2021.
If you’d like more information about the Urban Hiking SIG, contact Chris DiPietro, the Urban Hiking SIG’s coordinator at cmdjp2@gmail.com.
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WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES
BOOK DISCUSSION
Submitted by Julie Efta
On Sunday, December 20, five women met to embark on an 8-week journey of reading, reflecting, and sharing thoughts and challenges about the myths and stories of the Wild Woman Archetype in the book, Women Who Run with the Wolves. We asked if this bestselling book in the 90’s written by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PH.D. is still relevant today to us and to younger generations. (It is!)
By sharing favorite passages/quotes, we hope to increase our soul power and creative endeavors and have challenged each other to define the Wild Woman in words, sketches, or any art medium.
We will continue to meet every Sunday in January at 12:30 PM to discuss and share a few chapters of stories until the book is read and our mutual soul-joy journey is well established.
Mellissa Cathcart is cohost.
Contact Julie for more information and the zoom link
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WRITER’s SIG 1
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
This is a closed group of five members that meets at 10:30 AM the first Friday of each month on Zoom during winter months. In January, we will meet on Friday, January 8.
Check out the New Legacy Writing SIG or consider starting a new group via zoom that fits your focus and schedule.
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