September Newsletter (2014)

"Fall" - Into Your Community

I hope that everyone had a great summer!  Now that we are back from our vacations and outdoor adventures, it is time to settle into the routine of normal life.  The air is getting more chill and it is time to connect with our neighbors.  Thank you to all of our TimeBank members who came out to the Annual Meeting and enjoyed the pool at Nancy and Vic's home one last time.  We also successfully made a showing at the Green Cruise in Ferndale to showcase TimeBanking's part in sustainable and local living.  Our Community Garden culminated in an excellent "Taste of the Garden" picnic this month which showcased dishes made from our garden goodies and the cutting of the watermelon in the garden.   This garden is an excellent resource for our families and our neighbors, we hope to have even more people in the garden next year.
 

Roasted Beets and Greens made by Wendy Appleton for the Taste of the Garden Picnic.


Members enjoying a taste of the garden on a sunny, crisp day. 

The crowning glory of the garden, one large watermelon. 

The watermelon was juicy and very sweet, even though it had a light pink interior. 

Tom Giese made an eggplant tapenade and homemade bread from the community garden vegetables. 

Tom Maclaney plays the recorder during the Taste of the Garden picnic. 

  

What We Are Doing Next

Great opportunities to engage with fellow TimeBankers and exchange hours are coming up! 

October 2014 - Halloween at the "Y":  Join us at the South Oakland YMCA for the annual Halloween Party.  The TimeBank has traditionally had a large turnout of members to assist with running the games, passing out candy and painting faces.  Last year we also had a member help out greatly in the haunted house with real props!  The event is traditionally the Friday before Halloween and the final date will be emailed out in October.  This is a fun way to earn hours while enjoying the cute costumes and great community interaction.

November 14th - Chili Cook Off:  The temperature will be dropping but things will be heating up at the 2nd annual Chili Cook off at Jen's house.  Whip up your best batch of Chili and see if you can take the grand prize and championship from Tom G.  Look for a sign up email to come around as we get closer to the date.  Children are welcome to attend with their families and there will be activities for them as well.

December 12th - Cookie Exchange:  Last year's cookie exchange was a smashing success!  Bring one type of cookie and leave with tons of different types.  This event will be at Jen's house and will be kid friendly.  Look for a sign up sheet to be emailed out as we approach the date.   

 

Items of Interest for YOU to Know

• The YMCA is eager to see TimeBank members at their facility using time dollars to enjoy classes, rentals and free swim time.  Make sure that you have an updated picture of yourself added to the hOurworld software and then print your member ID card from your profile page.  Bring that card in with you to the YMCA to show them that you are a Royal Oak - Huntington Woods TimeBank member and you can start enjoying all the "Y" has to offer.  If you need any help at all with this process, contact Rachel and she can get you started or print the card off for you.

• You can now offer and request exchanges GLOBALLY through the hOurworld software online!  If you don't want to go global at this time, you simply do nothing and everything will stay as it was.  Your information will not be shared with anyone outside of our local timebank.  In the event you would like to start offering and requesting exchanges outside of Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, you can make any offer "Global" by clicking on the earth icon when you create the offer or request.  If you would like to learn more, contact Rachel Reyst-Carroll to set up a time for an orientation.  This is a great opportunity for us to exchange with other timebanks in Michigan and to see what TimeBanks are offering in other states or other countries.  If you have any questions, let us know!