Minneapolis/St Paul Chapter Newsletter |
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Wellness Wednesday:
Forest Bathing Experience
Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Reservoir Woods Park, 1901 Alta Vista Dr, Roseville
TTN members and non-members are invited to meet at Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville on Wednesday, April 21, at 11:00 AM for a Forest Bathing experience in honor of Earth Day. We will meet at the Trailhead and Parking area at the north end of Alta Vista Dr. There is a small parking lot through the stone gate or park on the street. Come early or stay late if you wish to also hike a longer distance. We will take a short stroll down a hill and through the forest to a deck overlook. Bring a lunch or snack and water and enjoy the peaceful retreat to boost your immunity and mood and to reduce stress. Tune into the smells, textures, movements, and sights of nature. Imagine you are seeing the world for the first time and find stillness and calm. Masks are required if less than 6 feet apart.
“I think I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend 4 hours a day at least- and it is commonly more than that- sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.” Henry David Thoreau
In case of bad weather we will postpone to Thursday, April 22, which is the actual Earth Day.
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Key Ring Popup!
Tuesday, April 27, 10:00 AM
Members only virtual event
Want to try your hand at a mini-jewelry project? On Tuesday, April 27, at 10:00 AM, Erin Campbell will be leading TTN members in making this simple key ring. The activity is limited to ten TTN members so register right away! Erin will be providing all of the jewelry items needed and beads will vary per person. You will need to have a small needle nose pliers and a strong scissors. Once you have registered, please email your mailing address to Erin at ecingb@yahoo.com and she will mail you the supplies.
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Wellness Wednesday: Caring Collaborative Orientation and Sign-up
Wednesday, April 28, 6:30-8:00 PM
The TTN MSP chapter is launching our Caring Collaborative. The Caring Collaborative is an organized approach to providing assistance to Caring Collaborative members when unexpected needs arise, whether it’s for a ride to an appointment, a meal to be delivered, an errand to run, or sharing your own experience with someone who has a health concern and is seeking information. The group is comprised of TTN members who decide to sign up to be part of this program. Your TTN Membership pays for participation in the Caring Collaborative.
During this orientation, you will learn what the MSP Chapter Caring Collaborative offers and have an opportunity to ask questions, offer suggestions, and enlist to participate in this program. Additional information about the Caring Collaborative is in the Caring Collaborative section of the newsletter below and on our website at this link. In order to become a Caring collaborative member, participation in this orientation session is required.
Register for the orientation by sending your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number to mspcaringcollab@thetransitionnetwork.org. An orientation packet will be delivered and the zoom link will be provided.
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MARCH EVENT RECAP SECTION |
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Wellness Wednesday: Tapping
Submitted by Julie Efta
On March 3, due to popular demand, life coach Susan Temple gave a second presentation on Tapping, also known as EFT/Emotional Freedom Technique. Susan led us through the process and we practiced several times to discover how effective the technique can be in improving our lives. She shared a quote from Louise Haye: "You can’t clean house if you don’t see the dirt.” For more information, send an email to lifecoachsusantemple@gmail.com.
Wellness Wednesday: Essential Oils
Submitted by Julie Efta
On March 10, new TTN MSP member, Paula Sevenich, introduced 15 women to essential oils. We learned about the many scents and specific uses for each type of oil. Her presentation elicited many questions and lots of enthusiasm from the group. We were interested in help with breathing, relief from aches and pains and allergies, restful sleep, increasing energy, relaxing, improving immune function and digestion, helping our pets, and more. For more information send an email to Paula.Sevenich@gmail.com.
The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
On March 18, guest speaker Marica Anderson, author of A Bag Worth a Pony: The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag talked about work on her book after years of research, to 28 virtual participants. Marcia explained the history, forms, structure, and motifs of the bags and a bag’s makeup and meaning. Her presentation included slides of the beautiful illustrations in the book of the bags and she shared her insights on the master bead workers from Minnesota's Indian reservations. The lecture illuminated the spectacular beaded bags made by the Ojibwe of Minnesota from the past and now how the history and importance of the bags are carried on by current artisans.
Spring Equinox Celebration
Submitted by Chris DiPietro
On March 20, a large group enjoyed the glorious weather and welcomed spring with a stroll around the frog pond at Como Park in Saint Paul. We were in awe of the weather, the trees which were nearly budding out, and being able to talk face to face (with masking).
March Get Connected
Submitted by Mary Howard
On March 22, eleven women gathered for our March Get Connected event. After a group check-in where we each shared how things were going in our new, hopefully soon to become fully vaccinated world, we launched into our topic for the evening: What is the favorite place you have visited in Minnesota or Wisconsin? There seemed to be a tie between our love of the North Shore and of driving along the Mississippi River toward Lake Pepin on either the Wisconsin or Minnesota side of the river. Other places mentioned were Paoli Wisconsin, New Ulm Minnesota (with a special shout out to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame located there) and biking along the Root River in SE Minnesota. We now have many great ideas of places to go once we are vaccinated and feeling a bit more adventurous.
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Introduction to Open Arms
Submitted by Debra Dorgan
Did you know that one goal of TTN is to have community impact? TTN believes in challenging conventional thinking about aging and acknowledge our responsibility to contribute our wisdom, experience, and influence in service to the greater community. One way to do this is to partner with local nonprofit organizations to support and volunteer.
One such organization is Open Arms of Minnesota. This non-profit was founded in 1986 with the recognition that people who are sick should not be without food, yet so many in our community find themselves hungry and without a network able to help. Open Arms of Minnesota prepares and delivers free, medically-tailored, nutritious meals to those with life threatening illnesses. They believe that food is medicine, and that good food, delivered by caring people, makes an enormous difference. Their success in accomplishing this loving mission is made possible with donors and volunteers from the community.
As COVID restrictions are safely relaxed, we are planning to organize events to learn more, for TTN members to tour the operations, and for group volunteer opportunities.
TTN MSP member, Libby Lincoln, sits on the board and volunteers with Open Arms. In early March 2020, members of our Exploring Food SIG completed a volunteer shift at Open Arms. TTN member Kathleen Peterson wrote, “We all departed that day on a real high because it was such a good experience. We hope to have more such experiences!”
Please check out the Open Arms website. And watch for more information about TTN opportunities to learn more and participate.
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Submitted by Kathleen Peterson
After much planning, the TTN Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter is about to launch our Caring Collaborative Program this spring! We will be one of several chapters across the country who offer the program.
It is safe to say that at some point in life each one of us has needed a little help and we have all been able to offer some help to family and friends when we could. The Caring Collaborative will provide an organized approach to providing assistance to Caring Collaborative members when unexpected needs arise, whether it’s for a ride to an appointment, a meal to be delivered, an errand to run, or sharing your own experience with someone who has a health concern and is seeking information.
We would like to have as many members as possible participate in this program and we have heard from other chapters that it has been a very rewarding experience.
Here is what you need to know for now:
- The Caring Collaborative is a specific program open to all TTN MSP chapter members.
- In order to participate, you will be asked to sign up, be willing to help when able, and attend a required orientation session in late April.
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The Wednesday, April 28, orientation session will lay out all of the details and procedures that will guide this program to success. It will be held from 6:30-8:00 PM via zoom.
- If you have signed up, you will receive a packet of written information prior to the orientation and a Zoom invitation to the session.
Our chapter has a separate email address for the Caring Collaborative.
If interested in this program or to register for the orientation, please email your name, phone number, and email address to mspcaringcollab@thetransitionnetwork.org. An orientation packet will be delivered and the zoom link will be provided.
If you are unsure and need more information you are welcome to attend the orientation session by letting us know using the above email address.
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Transition Peer Groups (TPGs) continue to meet monthly using Zoom. If you have interest in any current peer group or have an idea for a new group, contact Barbara or the contact person to get connected. The members of the group shape the discussions and activities and share responsibility for participation, communication, and facilitation. TPGs are great experiences for in depth discussions and developing new friendships that are supportive, encouraging and fun.
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NEW TRANSITION PEER GROUP
Submitted by Barbara O'Sullivan
A new Transition Peer Group (TPG) for women who work focuses on the challenges and rewards of the current work place as well as preparing for retirement. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday April 19, at 7:00 PM. The focus for the discussion is working relationships with colleagues including the challenges and opportunities working with millennials rising up in their career path and baby boomers who are winding down.
If you are interested, please mark your calendar to attend our April meeting. New members to the group are always welcome. Please contact Barbara at barbara.osullivan@hotmail.com for the zoom link.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Life Animated
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn
At our meeting on March 11, we started with a brief check in. Several members talked about their feelings about getting, or waiting to get, their COVID vaccinations. We talked about lessons from COVID, how we’ve responded to isolation and going out more, seeing people in our homes and future plans. One member said it felt like the end of finals - that’s over, I’m free.
The topic for this meeting was to explore creativity by making three doodles related to weather, with the goal of achieving flow. The doodles we showed varied widely, from simple line drawings to more elaborate graphics. Several members drew abstractions, representing different physical objects or viewpoints (ex: blades of grass as seen by a bunny). Some doodles were geometric, some had colors, and others were done on different papers. Some members felt repetition and rhythm prompted flow.
Next month's meeting is Thursday, April 8, at 10:00 AM via Zoom. Topic: Introverts. We’ll start the meeting by looking at a screen-shared 20-minute TED talk by Susan Cain, then discuss. We can pre-watch if we want. This topic was prompted by a discussion about how COVID has changed our interactions, particularly with Zoom meetings (ex: how extroverts and introverts are on a more equal setting with everyone in the same size box, speaking more by taking turns, etc.) How introverts have felt furious about societal expectations to be extroverts, the pressure to be who you’re not, or not feeling accepted for who you are.
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.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP - Living with Purpose
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
The March Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group meeting focused on taking advantage of the motivation of the season as a great time for new beginnings and planting seeds for change. Our discussion included Spring cleaning our physical spaces and also our body, mind and soul.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22, from 6:30-8:00 PM on Zoom. Our focus will be on using a technique called WOOP (Wish/Outcome/Obstacles/Plan). Here is a link to learn more about the WOOP tool. The tool is included in the Yale course Science of Well-Being offered free of charge through Coursera. The course has a lot of good information on rewirement and habit changing, the concept of miswanting and reference points (why some of us find ourselves feeling worse after spending time on Facebook). We will touch on these topics as well as time permits.
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.
TRANSITION PEER GROUP - West Metro
Submitted by Jean Forrey
The West Metro Peer Group will meet via Zoom on Monday, April 5, from 1:00-3:00. We will continue our topic of Humanity with a greater focus on ourselves and our own humanity. In that spirit we have been challenged to take a quiz that evaluates 24 of our character strengths and lists them in order based on our responses. We will also be discussing the latest podcast from The Island of Discarded Women. Links to both of those activities can be acquired from Jean Forrey.
On March 1, we were missing three of our regular members but we still had a good discussion on the topic of Humanity. As always, our discussion was far ranging since we all bring something different and valuable to the table. And, as always, we learned something new about ourselves and each other.
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
Several months ago, we had two fantastic brainstorming sessions on potential TPG activities. Since then, we have started several new short-term and ongoing SIGs including Movies, conversational French, On Being, Dancing with the Wolves, and a new Book Group. We have also taken ideas from the sessions and included them in our Wellness Wednesdays and created a new working women TPG. All are very exciting additions to our chapter that has made our chapter more vibrant and helped us to attract new members. Let's keep it going!
Could you help by becoming a co-leader of a new SIG? Your idea could be for one gathering or for an ongoing SIG. Please contact Erin at ecingb@yahoo.com or Julie at teacherjulie.efta@gmail.com with your interest. Here are some of the activities/areas brought up at the brainstorming sessions:
- Spanish, Italian, German or Other
- Cohousing
- Volunteer Project – Open Arms or Other
- Physical Fitness
- Art & Craft Making or Handicrafts
- Book & Puzzle Exchange
- Games
- Tea, Coffee Breaks, Cocktail Hour
- Salons on Various Topics
- Social Justice
- Random Acts of Kindness
- Read Your Choice Book Club
- Staycations
- How to Create a Blog
- Laughter and Joy
- Trivia Night
- Cultural Learning
- Journaling
- US Civil Rights Trail Tour
- Technology Practices
- Story Telling
- Making Good Trouble
- Music, Singing or Dancing
- Online Theater Discussion
- Podcasts – Land of Discarded Women, The Moth or Other
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SCRIBBLING SQUIRRELS SIG -
NEW SIG Looking for interested participants
Submitted by Julie Efta
We are inviting 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.
Interested? Sign up! The size of the group may be limited.
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NEW SIG Looking for interested participants
Submitted by Karen West
On Tuesday, March 9, 17 women attended the first meeting of the Second Half of Life Book SIG. We introduced ourselves to each other by identifying ourselves as being a Denialist, a Realist, or an Enthusiast when it comes to aging. There were several Enthusiasts and aspiring Enthusiasts, and Karen suggested that this group may grow as we read and discuss the many empowering books being written about aging.
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00, so our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 13, at 7:00 PM. We will be reading and discussing to P. 89 in the book that started the conscious aging movement: From Age-ing to Sage-ing (either edition) by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.
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ART APPRECIATION SIG
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
The March 10 meeting focused on Indigenous art submitted by participants including painting, sculpture, beading, pottery and weaving.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday, April 14, at 1:00 PM. Participants can submit photos of art focused on symbolism to Terri Evans by April 7. Symbols can have powerful meaning and evoke strong emotion in the viewers of the artwork. Artists use realistic and abstract symbols to represent human thoughts and emotions.
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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
In March, eight women met via Zoom to discuss Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Opinions were strong about this disturbing dystopian novel. Some would have preferred not to have read it at all. A very few would recommend it, not to all, but to the “right person”. Briefly the book posed questions about the morality of scientific advances which favored one class of people at the ultimate expense of other human beings. Now do you understand why it was a challenging read?
Coincidentally, Ishiguro, who won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Literature, released his newest novel, Klara and the Sun, the very same week we discussed this older one.
On Thursday, April 1, at 10:00 AM via zoom, we will discuss Circe by Madeline Miller, a tale which expands on what little we know about Circe, the witch of ancient myth. The author cleverly gives Circe a back-story that is intriguing and fun. The novel can be read as a stand-alone story; no knowledge of the myths is necessary.
On Thursday, May 6, we will discuss The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett which is about identical twin sisters who escape their “small, southern black community” to live very different lives, one returning to her community with her daughter, the other passing as white while married to a white man. As of March 21, this book has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for 40 weeks.
If you’re interested in becoming a member of the book club or if you just want to join us for a single meeting, we’d love to have you!!!
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM–Noon.
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EXPLORING FOOD SIG
Submitted by Kathleen Peterson
Pot Luck defined: A situation in which one must take a chance that whatever is available will prove to be good and acceptable.
On March 8th, the Food SIG group held a virtual pot luck. The menu: what makes for an organized and well stocked pantry, a review of the unique cookbook Where Cooking Begins by Carla Lalli Music, the joys of brightening up dishes with vinegars, finding new uses for kitchen tools, hearing the story about award winning chef Ann Kim’s newly opened Uptown restaurant in the middle of a pandemic, a Foodie Quiz, fun with fabrics and tablescapes, and a sighting of a lovely loaf of gluten free Irish Soda Bread. When we left, we were full of new ideas and hopes for gathering together for an actual pot luck meal in the future.
Plans for the April meeting: In this online recipe age, many of us have neglected to turn to our old, new, or never used cookbooks. In April, we will prepare a cookbook recipe that we have never before tried to make. We’ll view pictures and talk about our experiences. We hope that you will join us for a lively discussion. Cooking ahead is not required.
Here are the details for our next meeting:
Date: Monday, April 12
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM on ZOOM
Topic: Cookbook recipe
Everyone is welcome to attend the Exploring Food SIG. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for an invitation, please email Chris DiPietro at cmdjp2@gmail.com.
For the first half of 2021, the SIG plans to meet on the second Monday of the month from 4:00-5:30 PM.
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FINANCIAL SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
On March 16, 13 women gathered to discuss the subject of things we can do to save money. We opened the meeting with a check-in that focused on something that had changed in the way we spent during the pandemic. Many women reported the obvious reduced costs of eating out and traveling, less spending on clothes and gas/maintenance since we weren't going anywhere, increased costs of home repair/improvements since we spent so much time at home, and increased gift spending on grandchildren to help as they learned at home.
Our discussion focused on ways our members had found to save money. Ideas suggested were to re-evaluate home and auto Insurance, eliminate cable, learn about all the services included with Amazon Prime membership, consider refurbished phone purchase at CPR in Roseville, buy cards at dollar stores or Trader Joes, reconsider how you do laundry by checking out Patric Richardson or purchasing True Earth Eco Strips, and use Facebook Marketplace for used items you need.
On Tuesday, April 20, 6:30-8:00 PM, we will continue our discussion about saving money with a focus on travel and dining out since we hope to begin thinking about those activities. We will also share spending changes you want to carry forward as you come out of the pandemic
Our May meeting will be on Tuesday, May 18, 6:30-8:00 PM.
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.
Meeting via Zoom on Mondays at 10:00.
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FULL MOONS AND THE AURORA BOREALIS SIG
(aka Skywatchers)
Submitted by Julie Efta
This SIG has been renamed to the SISTERS IN AWE SIG – please see info below.
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GARDENS R US SIG – Summer SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
Welcome Spring and New Ideas!
Last summer was the first for this SIG. Those of us who participated enjoyed visiting other's outdoor spaces. A few of us have outstanding gardens to share while others simply liked the opportunity to visit with a few women safely outside on a beautiful summer day.
This is not a garden competition. The only requirement to host is to set a date (weather permitting) and have a few chairs to sit and chat face to face. Your space can be a front porch, back deck, patio, lawn, fire pit, or even a full walking tour. This a wonderful opportunity for those who simply miss entertaining and hosting a fun small group!
This year, if you are willing to host others outside on a specific special day or week (birthday, half birthday, best blooms of the season, etc.), send Julie an email with that information by April 15. Once she has collected that list, she will share the available dates and hosts. In May, all TTN members may sign up for a lovely opportunity to meet others this summer and chat in a small and safe outdoor setting. Members must sign up to attend and receive addresses and specific times.
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LEGACY WRITING SIG
Submitted by Karen West
Six members met on March 4 via Zoom. Since January, we have been working on our “Life Review,” as Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi suggests we do in his ground-breaking book From Age-ing to Sage-ing (271-273) in preparation for writing legacy letters. Rabbi Zalman suggests we access our memories in 7-year cycles, designating each cycle as one month in the year. In February, we shared our memories from January-March (ages 0-21), and in March, we shared the next two cycles, April-May (ages 22-35).
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 1:30-3:30 PM. At our next meeting, on Thursday, April 1, we will be sharing our memories from June (ages 36-42), and we will be talking about our transition from youth to adulthood, about who we were when we were young, about any conditioning we had to overcome, and to what degree we were able to leave our family “freely, as a larger person” (Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, 142).
New members are welcome!
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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MOVIE SIG
Submitted by Erin Campbell
The Movie SIG met and discussed The Trial of the Chicago 7. The trial was in 1969 however the film’s events feel very 2020. The backdrop is a country at war, young people fighting against the establishment, and Black people fighting racism and police brutality. It is wonderful to hear each other’s perspectives and the discussions always bring new insights.
The group also met and discussed Mank, which is a 2020 American biographical drama film about screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and his development of the screenplay for Citizen Kane.
All of our meetings are 1:00-2:30 PM and we have selected the following dates and movies:
Thursday, April 15 - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Thursday, April 29 - Sound of Metal
We would love for you to join us for any or all movies.
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ON BEING SIG
Submitted by Julie Efta
In March, 14 women met to discuss “Wintering” with Katherine May and Krista Tippett. Patty led a thoughtful group and Mother Nature treated us with a lovely spring snowfall. Did you know that snow often foreshadows change or transition in children’s books? Discussion topics included: nuclear and extended families, rituals, the power of rest and respite/retreats, celebrating seasons and the progress of light, cycles of life, and resilience. When “winter” approaches in your life, greet it and let it in. Ask yourself, “What change is coming?” Treat yourself like a pampered child and practice self-love in all areas of your life. We felt that this subject was perfect for all women in transition and thus our TTN group in general.
Here is a favorite quote from the book: “We need friends who wince with our pain, who tolerate our gloom, who allow us to be weak, while we find our feet again."
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
Stay tuned for updates on the possibility of playing mini-golf together again soon! Of course, that will depend upon the weather, vaccination status, and what courses are open!
Looking forward to actually meeting everyone in person and putting around rather than just puttering around the house!
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SISTERS IN AWE
formerly FULL MOONS AND THE AURORA BOREALIS SIG
(aka Skywatchers)
Submitted by Julie Efta and Melissa Cathcart
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.
On March 20, a large group of TTN members met at Como Park’s Labyrinth and Frog Pond for an Awe Walk and Celebration of the Vernal Equinox. This was TTN’s first live event in more than a year and the first live event ever for some new members. It was a beautiful day and we were giddy meeting in person and trying to recognize women wearing masks, sunglasses, and hats!! It was almost like a Halloween costume party with only our voices to identify each other. A few women also wore special spring green coats which added to our delight. We will continue to collaborate with the Urban Hiking group and Wellness Wednesday programing. Enjoy Spring!
Scheduled April events:
Friday, April 16, at 8:30 PM - Zoom with the Bell Museum’s Skywatcher program. Program is free but you must register for the link.
Wednesday, April 21, at 11:00 AM. Meet at Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville for Forest Bathing Awe Walk. See details in Upcoming Events section above. Co-sponsored by Urban Hiking and Wellness Wednesday.
Monday, April 26, is the Full Moon called Pink Moon for the flowers of the season. Enjoy this on your own in your favorite place or email to meet with others to watch it rise. If cloudy, try the day before or after!
The Aurora Borealis have been visible several times Up North this past month. Sign up for the Aurora or Aurora Forecast App and be prepared to make a last-minute trip North since it is a last-minute notification!
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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
Flowers, trees, orchids, cacti and shrubs, oh my! Travel SIG members shared visits to arboretums, formal gardens and natural spaces both nearby and around the globe at our latest meeting. These destinations provide information about what you might grow in your garden, insight into completely different options, expert advice, seasonal inspiration, many test plants and plantings, classes, cultural knowledge, and often extensive libraries. We identified locations nearby we hope to visit when we can, and added many grand ideas for future travel of all varieties. How about inhaling the scents of cherry blossoms, rose gardens, or fields of lavender? Or perhaps relaxing for tea after visiting English gardens, the Chelsea Flower Show, much of Paris, or the botanical richness of Brazil? From home, you might enjoy watching YouTube videos of Monet painting outdoors in his garden at Giverny. Near the Twin Cities, The Sioux Chef is planning a garden to feature food crops important to indigenous food producers. Following The Lower Phalen Creek Project provides another way to learn about Native plants and peoples. Recently the Project shared news of the return of the Thunderbeings, spirits that bring thunder and lightning, marking the beginning of spring.
March is Women's History Month, and a recent book relates a fascinating story of the role of Native American women in saving traditional plants. The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson was described by Robin Wall Kimmerer as "Compelling . . . invokes the strength that women, land, and plants have shared with one another through the generations." Travel SIG members are waiting excitedly for spring, and now there are even more visions dancing in our heads - plants and Thunderbeings among them.
We will meet on Tuesday, April 27, at 6:30 PM. Janis Weller will enlighten us about RV travel, and our imaginations will explode with new possibilities.
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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.
In March the group had two hikes. On March 20, a large group enjoyed the glorious weather and welcomed spring with a stroll around the frog pond in Como Park in Saint Paul. We were in awe of the weather, the trees which were nearly budding out, and being able to talk face to face (with masking). On March 28, the group enjoyed the sites and sounds of Central Park in Roseville, walking through the park from Lexington Avenue to Dale Street and back.
We have two hikes planned for April:
Our first hike of the month will be held on Saturday, April 17, at 1:30 at Moir Park in Bloomington. At a moderately brisk pace, we’ll explore the trails along 9-mile creek which leads to the Minnesota River. We’ll plan to walk about 3 miles over about an hour. (Rain date is Sunday, April 18th.)
Our second hike will be in conjunction with the Wellness Wednesday program. On Wednesday, April 21, at 11:00 AM, we’ll meet all Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville to enjoy a contemplative walk and forest bathing experience in honor of Earth Day. We’ll stroll a short distance and take in all that is around us. See the Upcoming Events section of this newsletter for additional details. (Rain date is Thursday, April 22.)
If you’d like to join either or the hikes in April 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 Writer’s SIG 1 meets on the first Friday of the month on Zoom. Our next meeting is Friday, April 2, at 10:00 AM. This SIG was launched in May 2018 at a member’s home where the group continued to meet until the pandemic interrupted our lives. We are looking forward to again meeting on the patio and/or indoors. This group is currently closed.
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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