Women in Transition Workshop
Saturday, September 26
This highly interactive workshop defines what it means to be in transition, and helps you explore your own transitions through small group discussion. Provocative questions stimulate conversation to expand your horizons and energize and support you on your journey.
This 4-hour signature TTN program has been presented to TTN chapters from coast to coast. It was offered in Minneapolis/St. Paul in October, 2018. Prior attendees have offered this about the workshop:
- “Loved the action steps, applicable exercises. Much value in a short workshop.”
- · “It’s a great workshop to learn about yourself, to meet interesting women and to connect.”
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Fall Quarterly Program
Active Aging: Discover What’s Next for You
with Keynote Speaker, Joy Loverde
Thursday, October 29, 2020
6:00 PM in Edina
Join us on October 29 to hear from best-selling author and national aging advocate Joy Loverde as she shares smart strategies for living your best life now and in the future. Participants will learn about the significance of the longevity revolution and aging well, along with key issues to consider, how to plan ahead, and more! Highlights of the discussion will include:
- Obstacles to Aging in Place
- Preparing for Solo Aging
- Essential Questions to Ask
- Power of Self-Talk
Joy will reveal clear, practical, and relevant suggestions for you to build your own unique life plan for aging well.
Register now to save your seat!
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MESSAGE FROM CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
Submitted by Jill Goski
Thank you for being part of our TTN community! As we navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic, our primary concern remains the health of our members. Every decision we’ve made has been to support the safety and well-being of our community while staying committed to our mission to connect women during times of transition.
We continue to plan in-person events and gatherings for summer and fall so we are poised to resume our traditional methods of connecting when health conditions permit. Additionally, since our TTN population is considered high risk the Chapter Leadership is making some changes to how we deliver our programs and group meetings to honor social distancing and expand program delivery options for the future.
We will keep you advised as the local health conditions evolve and further impact our planning.
- Large group development programs and social gatherings:
- Spring large group development programs are currently postponed through May:
- NOTE April 30 Spring Quarterly Program Active Aging with Joy Loverde is rescheduled on October 29. April 30 registrations have been transferred to the October 29 event unless a registrant requests a refund.
- Spring social gatherings are either postponed or offered virtually:
- Get Connected gatherings are being scheduled on Zoom:
- Cinco de Mayo Get Connected is May 5 at 5:00 PM.
- Summer and Fall large group development programs and social gatherings will be case by case as health conditions require/permit. Stay tuned as plans may change.
- June 27 Women Weaving Words. This event will be focused on women’s stories and hosted in a member’s garden
- August Picnic in a City Park
- September 26 Women in Transition Workshop
- October 29 Active Aging Program with national author and speaker Joy Loverde
- Winter or Spring Quarterly Program on Resilience with presenter Kathy Marshall, U of M Center for Spirituality and Healing
- If you are currently registered for an event and wish to cancel, please do so at least 24 hours ahead. A refund will be processed, or you can donate the fee to TTN as some of you have already done.
- Special Interest Group and Transition Peer Group Meetings:
- Many SIGs and TPGs have made a resilient transition to Zoom meetings during this time of social distancing. Thanks to the goodwill, creativity, and hard work of group leaders!
- The Chapter Zoom videoconferencing subscription is available for all SIG and TPG meetings. Check with Cyndy or Jill if you want to set up/need assistance with a TTN Zoom meeting.
- As health conditions change, TPGs and SIGs should decide as a group their preferred method of meeting.
- New: Chapter Caring Collaborative Program:
- Informal Small Group Discussions are offered on May 20 & 21 via Zoom
- Future programs on health-related topics are being explored
- Piloting more Caring Collaborative functions is under consideration when circumstances permit.
- Virtual Programs and Events sponsored by National TTN and 13 other TTN Chapters:
- MSP TTN members are eligible to attend, at the member rate, any programs sponsored by National TTN.
- MSP TTN members may attend, at the member rate, any programs sponsored by another TTN Chapter and designated as ‘open.’
- Recent program topics include: Friendship, Finding Purpose, Mindfulness, Resilience, Reframing Aging, Science of Well-Being, How Seniors are Saving the World, How to Create Meaningful Connections and more.
We are a self-directed, nationally and locally supported chapter that promotes enlightening programs, communications and connections that inspire our members and grow our membership. Like you during these unprecedented times, we are improvising. We are exploring ways to make the most of new opportunities and methods to grow and support our community of women in innovative ways.
We are an all-volunteer chapter and are continuously looking for women with a desire to engage in meaningful ways – we match your interests with our chapter needs. We invite you to create the Special Interest Group or Transition Peer Group you are interested in, collaborate on programs you want to see developed/offered and contribute your ideas for new ways to connect. Collectively, through our curiosity, wisdom, and talents we can create light for our community during these unfortunate times.
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TTN 2020 Mask Challenge
You've all read about the personal protective equipment that our health care workers desperately need. You may also have read about the groups and individuals out there who are stepping up to make masks. These homemade masks are not suitable for the doctors and nurses on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the demand is growing since it is now confirmed that wearing masks when out in public makes a difference in fighting COVID-19. So Susan Collins has challenged TTN members to make at least 2,020 masks in honor of TTN’s 20
th
Anniversary and to support our community.
Our chapter will start by mobilizing those who are willing to make masks for other TTN MSP Chapter members who may need them. Depending on the response, we will determine other ways we can contribute masks to the community and to the TTN goal. If you are willing to contribute masks contact bj Christy at
[email protected]
or Jill Goski at
[email protected]
.
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MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS
Do you have something you want to share with TTN MSP members? If so, please forward to Jill and Cyndy for inclusion in future newsletter at
[email protected]
and
[email protected]
.
Terri Evans submitted the below quote from
Life Reimagined: Discovering Your New Life Possibilities
by Richard J. Leider and Alan M. Webber that is the reason that TTN is so important:
"Finding purpose and connecting with others is the core that generates an authentic life. We need to find ways in which we can stay engaged with life - by finding our purpose - and engaging in life - and by connecting with others." (p. 136)
Karen West shared a poem she received from Rachel Freed.
We’ve All Been Exposed
by Sarah Bourns
We’ve all been exposed.
Not necessarily to the virus
(maybe...who even knows).
We’ve all been exposed BY the virus.
Corona is exposing us.
Exposing our weak sides.
Exposing our dark sides.
Exposing what normally lays far beneath the surface of our souls,
hidden by the invisible masks we wear.
Now exposed by the paper masks we can’t hide far enough behind.
Corona is exposing our addiction to comfort.
Our obsession with control.
Our compulsion to hoard.
Our protection of self.
Corona is peeling back our layers.
Tearing down our walls.
Revealing our illusions.
Leveling our best-laid plans.
Corona is exposing the gods we worship:
Our health
Our hurry
Our sense of security
Our favorite lies
Our secret lusts
Our misplaced trust.
Corona is calling everything into question:
What is the church without a building?
What is my worth without an income?
How do we plan without certainty?
How do we love despite risk?
Corona is exposing me.
My mindless numbing
My endless scrolling
My careless words
My fragile nerves.
We’ve all been exposed.
Our junk laid bare.
Our fears made known.
The band-aid torn.
The masquerade done.
So what now? What’s left?
Clean hands
Clear eyes
Tender hearts.
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UPDATE ON NEW TRANSITION PEER GROUPS
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
A word I seem to hear and use a lot that was not a part of my common vocabulary is "unprecedented times" which it surely is. A phrase I find more comforting is we are in the "Great Pause". I seem to have a lot of time to think about my values, what I miss, what I can add to my life and what I can do now since the future is uncertain and unknown. But of course, it always has been. However, I do get bored with my own thoughts and look forward to my monthly meeting with friends in our transition peer group. Yes, we continue to social distance, but we are not isolated. I know every day that I am thankful for technology. Our Zoom meetings allow us to connect and share our thoughts, our ideas, our fears, tears, and some good laughs as well. Also, it is a good chance to get input as where to grocery shop or whatever we are wondering about.
Currently, there are daytime peer groups in the east and west metro area and an evening east metro group. All three groups welcome new members. We continue to explore opportunities to add new peer groups either geographically or by topic. Examples of topics can range from work/life balance, accountability groups to get meaningful things done, health and well-being, or any idea you may have.
It is a great time to join a transition peer group. If you are interested in an existing peer group or starting a new one, please contact me and I will get you connected. I can be reached by email and am happy to set up a time to talk. I look forward to hearing from you. Wishing you and your loved ones to be well and safe.
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LIFE ANIMATED
Submitted by Sylvia Mohn
The Life Animated TPG met on April 9 via Zoom to discuss the topic of Resilience. Discussion was led by Pam. The group discussed what resilience means including how we cope with change, how we bounce back after the bottom falls out, and the amount of stress that change can cause. Women in the group are finding it a challenge to keep a positive attitude and feel motivated to do anything or read anything deep. We reminded ourselves that we need to be gentle with ourselves. Some are concerned about mothers who are in care facilities and some know people who have had the virus.
Some ideas to help us through this time include being creative with food/recipes, making lists about what to watch on TV/internet, facetiming, reading, limiting exposure to screens, and watching online tours or national parks or museums.
Our next meeting is
Thursday, May 14
, at 10:15 AM via Zoom. Our topic is New Habits and New Discovery led by Julie. The group will bring anything new in our lives including books, shows, movies, internet tours, and non-media ideas.
Please contact Eleni Skevas at
[email protected]
if you are interested in joining this group.
LIVING WITH PURPOSE
Submitted by Barbara O’Sullivan
Our Living with Purpose Transition Peer Group met April 23 using Zoom. In such a short span of time we are all using Zoom for many of our interactions with others, including work and social connections. We had a great turn out for our meeting to support each other in this challenging time. We shared how we are doing with the biggest hardship being separated from our families. Some of us have aging parents in congregate living situations and are unable to visit in person feeling helpless and filled with worry about their well-being. Many of us have grandchildren we don't see and are missing their birthday parties and those comforting hugs. Many of us have a hard time focusing on projects and reading. Some of us have extended families whose children are Seniors in high school who will miss the milestone of a graduation ceremony and celebration. But we all recognize what we are grateful for in our lives and for our health. As we prepare for the uncertainty of how this time will unfold, we especially enjoy nature this time of year. The song birds, sunrises and blooming flowers and trees bring beauty and calm. We appreciate finding our own natural rhythm. We are connected globally and see the earth heal. Some of us will venture out on drives to enjoy the scenery. Time to reflect, learn new things, explore creativity, take on house projects and having time to prep nutritious food as well as good old comfort food helps us.
We plan to use Zoom meetings until we can gather in-person again. We realize the support, comfort, information and knowledge as well as some humor we share with each other is vital at times like this. Our lives are disrupted but we are strong together to get through this crisis and use this time to see what we learn about ourselves and others.
Our May meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, May 28,
from 6:30-8:00 PM. New members are always welcome. Stay well in all aspects of body, mind and spirit.
WEST METRO PEER GROUP
Submitted by Jan Reisch and Jan Weller
On Monday, April 6, Jean Forrey helped coordinate our shift to Zoom and moderated the conversation this month. To start, seven of us each shared an update on our own situations and experiences as we shelter-at-home, providing support for each other which naturally led to sharing a wide array of positive resources. These ideas ranged from blogs to jigsaw puzzles to online courses to exercise classes to PBS specials and even included a robotic cat option, especially for lonely seniors in assisted living (no litter box required!).
This lively discussion led very organically to our next meeting theme and goal. We will be focusing on the words HOPE and RESILIENCE by sharing and discussing poems, articles, music, animation or paintings that have resonated with us about HOPE and RESILIENCE. Our meeting will be held via Zoom on
Monday, May 4,
from 1:00–3:00 PM. A Zoom invite will be sent out prior to the meeting.
Current members have been asked to forward what they will share to Jean Forrey at
[email protected]
prior to the meeting.
All are welcome to join us for what is certainly to be a lively discussion.
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Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
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MINI GOLF SIG –
New SIG looking for
interested participants
Submitted by Jean Forrey
The inaugural meeting for the “wannabe” Mini Golf Players was held via Zoom on April 9. So far 7 women have expressed interest, and 6 of them were able to join us.
The first half hour was spent getting to know each other and sharing how or why we have an interest in mini golf. Some played as children and some started when they had children. We have members who now play with grandchildren or while on vacations or play on courses with golf carts and greens.
The second half hour was spent with special guests, Tom (Mr. Tee) and Robin (The Pink Putter), also known as A Couple of Putts. Jan Weller introduced them - Tom is a former co-worker of hers. They have extensive experience playing and designing courses throughout the country and world! In fact, they designed 3 holes at the Walker mini golf installation. It was fun to listen to their knowledge and enthusiasm for this sport. If interested you can find them on Facebook or their website,
https://acoupleofputts.com/
.
The last half hour was spent talking about some places to visit including a possible “road trip” to the Brainerd area!
Even though there is no telling when we will be able to golf, we had fun talking about the possibility. And there is an actual glimmer of hope since “real” golf has now been opened.
Our next Zoom meeting will be
Wednesday, May 13
, from 6:30-8:00 PM. All are welcome and invited to join this delightful group of women.
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ART APPRECIATION SIG
Submitted by JeNell Jacobson
If you are interested in discovering more about the local art scene, join the ART APPRECIATION SIG
.
Together we will experience many types of creative expressions i.e.: paintings, pottery, sculpture, glass, textiles. We usually meet on weekday afternoons, occasionally on evenings and weekends.
Given the current health crisis, we need our plans to be flexible. For May, we will keep the scheduled visit to Minnetonka Center for the Arts, but also have an alternate plan ready for May 13
th
that utilizes ZOOM. Individuals on our email list will receive an update early in May.
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CARDS, COIN, CONVERSATION, & CANAPES SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman
The CCCC (
Cards, Coins, Conversation, and Canapes)
SIG events are suspended until further notice. If you have proven experience with a safe, fun, user-friendly, online resource for playing cards with other people while sheltering-in-place, please contact Robin.
.
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DAYTIME BOOK SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
Thirteen of us gathered on April 3 via Zoom to discuss
Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?
by Joy Loverde. It was particularly relevant during this time. We were impressed with Joy's resource lists. Terri pointed out the applicability of the Bridges Transition model and shared a particularly relevant passage of "a few things to think about when nothing makes sense in the moment". We discussed housing choices and how the current virus situation makes senior communities a little less appealing. Julie suggested mailing (i.e. US Mail) notes or postcards to people in this time of isolation.
Our May meeting will be on
Thursday, May 7
, 10:15 AM-12:00 PM via Zoom. We will be discussing the book
Washington Black
by Edi Edugyan.
Upcoming books:
June 4 -
The Dutch House
by Ann Patchett
July 2 -
American Dirt
by Jeanine Cummins
We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM.
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EVENING BOOK CLUB SIG
Submitted by Beth Stockinger
Our group met on Tuesday, April 14th on Zoom. We decided to use the time as a "wellness check-in" and to pass on the book discussion for this month. It was great to see everyone and to share news and support. It is a stressful and unusual time for sure.
We had an active discussion and we made a few decisions about upcoming books. First of all, we plan to "hold" on discussing
How Democracies Die
by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt until June or July.We also decided to develop a list of additional book ideas. If you have a book you want to suggest, send your book idea to Beth by May 5th. Please include a short summary of the book. Beth will put the list together so we can discuss book choices on May 12th.
Upcoming Meetings:
Tuesday, May 12,
at 6:30 PM
via Zoom. We will read a lighter book suggested by Karen for our May meeting:
The Sage’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for the Second Half of Life
by William Martin
Tuesday, June 9,
at 6:30 PM
- Book will be decided at May meeting
We are interested in having additional TTN members join our group. We meet the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:30 PM.
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EXPLORING FOOD SIG
Submitted by Kathleen Peterson
The Exploring Food SIG participants spent the month of April "staying at home" and trying to figure out what that means when it comes to food: shopping, handling, sourcing, preparing, sharing, enjoying, and staying well.
We have some questions, some answers, some hints and ideas. With that in mind, the next Food SIG meeting will be held:
Friday, May 8,
1:00-3:00 PM via Zoom. We will share our thoughts and ideas and review some excellent resources that were provided by Chris DiPietro, Food Scientist and co-leader of this SIG.
Please join us if you are available and interested in this topic. You are welcome to join us even if you don’t normally attend this SIG. RSVP to Kathleen Peterson. You will then receive a Zoom meeting invitation via email about a week before the meeting. We will include basic Zoom instructions along with the invite.
If you have any questions about this SIG, please contact Kathleen Peterson at
[email protected]
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FINANCIAL SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
On Tuesday, April 21, thirteen women met via Zoom. We did a touch base with questions suggested by Julie including “How to support small local businesses”, “How have personal budgets changed”, “How are values changing”, or “What are we dreaming about?” Some ideas shared were supporting organizations we love and fit with our values by purchasing gift certificates, memberships, food and product, or making donations; paying to watch theater video performances; purchasing Farm Box for summer; and buying online from smaller stores.
Our topic was “Cutting the Cord” led by Jean Forrey. Jean had decided to get rid of her expensive cable. She worked with a company called Cable Alternatives and hired them to help her make decisions and execute the complete plan. The company even helped her exit her contract with the cable company. It was difficult to get rid of her home phone since she had that phone number for a long time. She purchased a TIVO box to record shows. She also has explored streaming services and noted that they are much more flexible to start and stop. She was happy with the company and is saving about $140/month. Debra shared her experience of getting out of a Direct TV contract.
We also briefly discussed the stock market which set an all-time high on February 19 and had a recent low 35% below that one month later on March 23. We focused on the history which shows the stock market has always recovered. The stock market has already recovered over half of its loss which seems crazy given our current situation. Cyndy shared articles that state it is because the stock market is looking way into the future and is confident that companies will recover. In addition, the government has stepped in and provided trillions of dollars to help the economy recover. This action likely will result in increased inflation in the coming years.
Our May meeting is
Tuesday, May 19
, 6:30-8:00 PM via Zoom. Topic will be Annuities with Jan Weller.
Our June meeting is
Tuesday, June 16
, 6:30-8:00 PM. Topic and location TBD.
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
[email protected]
if you are interested in joining us, have ideas for topics, or have questions.
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THEATER SIG
Submitted by Robin Getman
Theater SIG events are suspended until further notice. In the meantime, you are
enthusiastically
invited to shelter-in-place for an uplifting 16-minutes with actor John Krasinski, his wife Emily Blunt, and surprise guest, Lin Manuel Miranda, from “Hamilton”. Here’s the link:
For more information about TTN Theater SIG events, please join us on our private Facebook group:
- Search “TTN Theater MSP” on Facebook, or insert this link to access the private group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttntheatermsp/
- Not a member of the private FB group yet? Simply request to join the group. The group administrator will receive notification of your request, accept your request, and, you’re in!
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TRAVEL SIG
Submitted by Marilynne Roberts
Join us via Zoom for “Road Scholar Adventures” on
Wednesday, May 27
, 6:30-8:00 PM. Marilyn Doyle, local Road Scholar ambassador, will describe her experiences with Road Scholar and other travel, and discuss ideas for how to enrich our own travels. She has participated in four Road Scholar programs. Road Scholar describes itself as a "University of the World - Inspiring Instructors, Spirited Conversations, New Friends, New Experiences - being a Road Scholar encompasses the best of the university experience." Find more information at
https://www.roadscholar.org
We might not know when we can get back out there, but we can think about where and how we would like to go, and ways to prepare. This will be a Zoom meeting and all TTN members are invited to join us. Zoom information will be provided a few days prior to the meeting.
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URBAN HIKING SIG
Submitted by Cyndy Nelson
Due to coronavirus, spring startup of this SIG will be delayed. Make sure to get out and enjoy spring on your own as exercise, fresh air, and sunlight will help us all to cope with this challenging situation.
This seasonal SIG gives us the opportunity to explore and/or introduce others to new locations in the metro area. Our hikes last about 60-90 minutes and we walk at a moderately brisk and steady pace. All are welcome to join us as we walk and talk. We sometimes end our hikes with a stop at a local establishment for a coffee/drink/ice cream.
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WRITER’s SIG 1
Submitted by Julie Efta
We plan to meet via ZOOM every Friday in May at 10:00 AM. Some meetings will be one hour for a shorter check in. Alternate Fridays we will share our writing and meet for two hours. We are a closed group and look forward to meeting safely in person soon.
We encourage and will assist others to create more writing groups in 2020!
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