September Virtual Social: De-kryptoniting your favorite junk foods

The September virtual social was on de-kryptoniting (making healthier) your favorite junk foods.  Knowing this is a vast topic, we began by pondering what treats our ancestors ate before these treats became processed, extruded and unhealthy. Then we looked at favorite modernized unhealthy treats and suggested replacement ingredients.  Replacing ingredients often saves money and time. It also gives us health, focus and energy instead of sucking it out of us. 

Some suggestions during and after the social were: Using stevia, monk fruit, dates, and coconut to replace depleted sugars and chemical sweeteners. For example, our ancestors didn’t have Sprite, but they had lemon, soda water, and stevia. And we could replace depleted salts and chemical salt-substitutes with original/natural salts and salt substitutes, like mined, mineral or sea salts, miso, vinegar, sumac, lemon, and onion. 

Here are 8 initial de-kryptoniting tips. Enjoy!

1. Observe (w/out judgement): What do you eat or drink most often that you know is unhealthy? (Remember: leave judging in the courts, and drama on the stage.)

2. See what unhealthy ingredients can be replaced (processed milks, preservatives, chemical flavorings/colorings, trans fats, depleted sugars, salts and starches.).

3. Imagine our precious ancestors (say, 10 generations back) eating. How would they make and eat your favorite junk food?  Try their ingredients. For example— a candy bar: Stuff a walnut & unsweetened chocolate into a date— add a dash of mineral salt, optional. Wow! 

4. Ponder healthy preindustrial (ancestral) condiments: roasted sesame seeds/tahini, chilis, mustard, fire (or organic liquid smoke), mineral salts, lemon/lime juice/zest, sumac, stevia, dates, fermented salsa, miso, nato, and live flavored vinegars & pickles. 

5. Check what percentage of your food is green vegetable and mushrooms. 

6. Check what percentage of your food has pre- and probiotics (for a healthy gut). 

7. Check what part of your 24-hour day gives your gut a full rest (intermittent fasting). 

8. If you think you may have any eating disorder, smoke, or over-drink, seek help from professionals and healthy loved ones.

Many thanks to SSTB member Daisy Birch, a diversity, health, and executive coach, for hosting this social. Daisy practices both virtually and internationally.

Make your own! Our daily condiments carousel: (clockwise): Lemon, nutritional yeast, chili’s, pink salt, black pepper, homemade vinegar, olive oil in spray bottle, roasted sesame seeds, black mineral salt, sumac, fresh onions/pepper, some stray things we’ve pickled, blenderized mustard seeds & vinegar. The saffron rock candy on the sweets shelf is for the rare stomachache. We’re just trying out the Bragg herbed salt substitute. 

Congrats to our winners!

The Membership Team concocted a second Scavenger Hunt and we had three winners! 

But first – what were folks hunting for? And what did they find?

Players searched the hOurworld database looking for members who could satisfy certain requirements. Here are some examples of the questions:

• Long ago, you used to play bridge.  Now you and some friends want to get back to it.  But you definitely need a refresher.  Which member can help?

• You’d like to stretch your body and try some yoga, but don’t want to have to leave your home.   Is there someone who would work with you via Zoom?

• You just got back from a trip to IKEA and want to assemble your furniture finds!!  Who might be able to help you?

These, and several other questions, were posed and answered by Brandi Burke-Hicks, Rachel Heckscher, and Fred Shuback – each of whom earned a bonus hour by playing.  Hopefully, while searching, they found some offers that appealed to them on which to spend their extra hour !

We’ll likely be doing this again next year, so be on the lookout for Scavenger Hunt, edition 3!

Summer social walk

In August, Charlotte Cook led a small group of timebank members on a summer social walk around Buddy Attick Lake in Greenbelt. The weather was perfect, conversation flowed, and new friendships developed. They walked at a leisurely pace along the 1.5 mile trail, stopping to enjoy the view and take photos of monarch butterflies, water lilies and a heron in the lake. Following the walk, they went to the Greenbelt Farmers’ Market. It was a lovely morning indeed! 

If you would like to lead a group to your favorite walking destination, let us know at silverspringtimebank@gmail.com.

Summer 2022 Virtual Socials

At the June Virtual Social, “Discovering the Best of Ourselves,” host Anna Doroshaw led a discussion on personal strengths and talents. She first invited participants to reflect on times when we have felt energized and “in the flow” as well as when we have felt drained and blocked. She noted how this is often related to whether we are engaged in activities that are aligned with our strengths and talents.

Anna shared some tools that can be used to learn more about where we, as individuals, shine brightest. The better we know ourselves, the more likely we can offer the best of ourselves while drawing out the best in others.

The July Virtual Social featured a discussion of "Good Books, Good Food, and Peace," hosted by Mary Liepold. Participants each talked about a book that made a lasting impression, including such varied selections as The Velveteen Rabbit, Diet for a Small Planet, The Chosen, and a series of Star Trek books. We then discussed food memories which included preparing our own specialties, sharing meals with special people, and dining in memorable locations.

Peace was our third topic, and the group’s interpretations included places we can go to be at peace, activities that help us feel peaceful, and how we work to promote peace in the world. It was an enriching evening, full of both introspection and inspiration.

Timebank members who host our Virtual Socials get to share an area of interest informally, meet new members, and reconnect with past exchange partners. They also earn hours for their time hosting plus prep time. There is always a member of the timebank’s Events Team on hand to tend to the Zoom and answer questions. Past hosts have enjoyed the experience and encourage other members to write to silverspringtimebank@gmail.com to discuss hosting a social.

Fall 2022 Scavenger Hunt!

Would you like an extra timebank hour to spend on a hair trim, learning to play bridge or pickleball, or could you use help assembling your IKEA furniture?  Did you know that there are timebank members who can fulfill each of these requests? You can earn a Bonus Timebank Hour by taking part in our Fall 2022 Scavenger Hunt!

The hunt takes place on hOurworld.  Log in to look for the answers (and also get some ideas for what offers or requests YOU might post).
Most of these questions ask you which SSTB member can provide a certain service. There may be multiple members who can do that --- you don't have to find them all, one will do. (Hint: Check the Offers tab, search bios under the Members tab, or just use the Search box!)

List your answers in an email and send to US.  Deadline is FRIDAY, October 21, 2022.

We'll get back to participants in early November with the answers and how to record your bonus hour.  Let's get started!  

1. We’re hosting an anniversary dinner for good friends. Is there someone who could make a laser-cut wooden cutout saying “36 years together!” to use as a cake topper (it’d also be a great memento for them!).

2. Your kid loves nature and you’d like to plan a child-centered nature activity for them and their friends. Who can offer some suggestions on where to go and how to do this?

3. Long ago, you used to play bridge. Now you and some friends want to get back to it. But you definitely need a refresher. Which member can help?

4. You looked in the mirror and think it’s time for a hair trim. Who has the skills and equipment?

5. You’d like to stretch your body and try some yoga, but don’t want to have to leave your home. Is there someone who would work with you via Zoom?

6. Oh dear, your car battery has started acting up. Does it need to be replaced, or could it be something else? Who has a screening device for batteries?

7. You’ve recently retired and now that you’re home full-time, you’d like the place to be more peaceful and welcoming. Which timebank member(s) can help you with decluttering?

8. Pickleball/pickle ball is all the rage these days! You’d like to try it --- is there someone who could show you how?

9. You just got back from a trip to IKEA and want to assemble your furniture finds!! Who might be able to help you?

10. You’re submitting a paper, or an article for a newsletter. But first, you’d like an “eagle eye” to look it over. Can you name a member or two who could proofread it for you?

11. Who are the 3 newest members to join the timebank, as of the day you submit your answers to the scavenger quiz? Hint: Use the Members tab.

12. You’re going to the University of Michigan for a college visit. What Michigan timebank member offers lodging? (Hint: Under the Services tab, click Inter-trade, and search Offers)

13. Where would you look to find out how many exchanges Don Slater has done and how many times he responded when emailed? (Hint: the Profile page is the info other members can see about you – go to Don’s Profile and click on Achievements)

14. You received a notice that the offer you posted is about to expire. Do you know how to change the expiration date on your offer? (Hint: Under the Services tab, click Edit My Offers, and then what’s the next step?)

15. An upcoming SSTB event is the OCTOBER Virtual Social --- do you know what date it’s scheduled for? (Hint: click on the Home tab and look under Announcements)

Thanks for participating!!  Mail your answers to US by FRIDAY, October 21, 2022.

Member Spotlight: Sharon Englisch

Sharon was very excited to share this Eastern Hercules Beetle with her pre-school students.

Do you need a ride to the airport? Sharon Englisch, a vivacious, 2-year member of the Silver Spring Timebank, is the person to contact. She is a part time preschool teacher who divides her time between that and other work - driving people to doctors’ appointments and caretaking for a couple elderly clients. She enjoys the flexibility of not having a full-time job, and the variety of things she is able to do with this arrangement.

Sharon offers translation of German to English as a timebank skill, with help from her German husband. Her most engaging time bank exchange so far was translating a series of old letters which were written in German beginning about the time Hitler was elected chancellor of Germany.  Quoting Sharon, “Reading and translating many letters with the hindsight and horrors of WWII, my husband and I were anxiously awaiting the next letter, fearful for the safety of the writer and his family.”

In addition to the things already mentioned, Sharon earns hours by supporting local exchange activities. In an opposite exchange, she had a member help organize her basement when she felt overwhelmed by the job.

Another great interest is hiking and leading hikes, which she has done for the timebank. One of her favorite hikes is the Underground Railroad Trail in Sandy Spring, which is close to her home. When I discovered that Sharon lives near me, we arranged to meet for a hike of this trail. It was a very pleasant hike, and I learned things from Sharon about the trail that I had not previously known.  

Sharon led a group of timebankers on a hike at Lake Needwood, too.

In an early exchange, Sharon learned to play pickle ball from Gina Ottaviani. She still enjoys playing pickle ball with Gina and, as a bonus, they have now been friends for a couple years! They also volunteer together at Charity’s Closet in Savage Mill. This isn’t Sharon’s only volunteer activity. She has also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Olney Days, and helping an Afghan family resettle.

Sharon grew up in Greenbelt, MD, traveled around several states and countries before settling down with her husband in Maryland. She studied at the University of Maryland and took their German classes while living in Germany. She and her husband have two sons, one attending Montgomery College, and the other who just graduated from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM. 

Sharon was introduced to SSTB when she met Laura Kranis at a marketing research focus group. In 10 minutes or so, Sharon was sold on the idea of timebanking. She was really intrigued with the concept of exchanging hours for various things. Additionally, it fits well into her schedule. She also feels that exchanges provide everyone, not just herself, an opportunity to give and to receive which engenders wonderful feelings. 

She very much likes getting to know new people, and consequently, looks forward to many future time bank exchanges.  

Many thanks to SSTB member Donna Sasser for writing this terrific Member Spotlight.

Looking Forward, Looking Back: SSTB Social Celebrates our Own Lucky Seven

The Silver Spring Timebank’s Virtual Social on March 27, 2022 celebrated seven years of growth in community and commemorated the “father of Timebanking,” our late great neighbor Edgar Cahn.

Six of the main founders who attended shared origin stories with twelve other attendees, each of whom had stories about their own Timebank experience. Even those present at the very start – co-founders Mary Murphy and Anna Awimbo (each credits the other with the plan’s inception) -- must have been astounded by the range of exchanges, events, and connections produced in this fruitful first seven years.

Co-founder Tina Slater began to list some highlights: potlucks and happy hours, clothing and book swaps, tool and kitchen gadget swaps, holiday decoration and toy/game swaps, Skill Shares, Repair Cafés, game nights, Service Socials, new skills developed, a vast array of services completed – and friendships developed with like-minded people, as co-founder Marjie Ford emphasized. Each event helped established the timebank’s community presence, which attracted more members: Jacqie Wallen learned of the timebank from advertising for the Arts/Crafts swap. Charlotte Cooke read the Washington Post article featuring the SSTB and joined soon after.

Anna Awimbo and Kathy Jentz at a SSTB in-person social.

Appreciation was the flavor of the day, with special thanks extended to our many community partners; to Robin Handleman (who called in from the Philippines, where it was 3 a.m.); co-founder Christy Batta, who contributed our logo and other eye-catching elements of professional design; Kathy Jentz, swap queen and organizer extraordinaire; Jay KapLon and co-founder Jonathan Bernstein, tech wizards; Jonathan, also, for infectious enthusiasm with the County and community organizations; Mary Campbell, everyone’s favorite for mending; Laura Kranis, for decluttering tips and team leadership; Saunya Connelly, for Twittering and raising funds that even an alternative economy can’t do without – and many, many more.

The final section of the two-hour conversation was devoted to gathering thoughts about the future of the timebank as well as on-the-spot plans for exchanges (cooking, sewing, repairs, and custom artwork!):

Each evolution of hOurworld, our global platform, creates opportunities that didn’t exist in 2015. And now that we’re all proficient on Zoom, e-seminars are a possibility, easily set up as a “one-to-many” exchange. Expanded hour-sharing, perhaps through our Community Time Chest, may be another option and could provide services to elderly community members. We could also tap into the energy of teenagers as members (with proper permission and oversight). Other members could organize a bulk-buying group – less expensive and more eco-friendly. Another thought was to keep expanding our range of services to include the more unique and imaginative, partly as a reminder that there really is no end to what is possible in a timebank, even after seven years.

In folklore, as in gambling, seven is a lucky number. Brain science validates common law, describing seven as the age when parts of the brain devoted to relationships flourish. What a bright future we have then, after such a marvelous beginning!

Many thanks to SSTB member Mary Liepold for writing this wonderful article!