TTM Reskilling for Transition 2015

Greetings! Welcome to “TTM Reskilling for Transition” new for 2015.  This new name incorporates the word “Transition” – a mission-based-need voiced at the Jan. 31 Strategic Planning Workshop.  We define “Reskilling” as “practicing and teaching one another household and community necessities”.  While “Re-skilling” suggests “re-learning of older and lost skills”, we need new technology skills also, for energy, water purification, etc – and new social media skill for sharing the message.

After driving the TTM Reskilling group for two years, I recently created a roadmap for others to take up the wheel:  A Three Point Template for Action.  People can work together and in tandem, practicing basic household skills regularly.  We can also create our special-topic workshops at any time, knowing the larger group will lend support.

Action Item 1: TTM Double-Batch Cooking Weeks – Many of us LOVE to cook together in large groups and we have had some great times doing that.  I look forward to, eventually creating a much larger community cooking program, however, want to promote small group practice that is easy to schedule and takes place in our own homes and / or a nearby neighbor’s home.  So, I hereby declare, on behalf of TTM, that the 2nd and 4th weeks of every month are: “TTM Double-Batch Cooking for Transition Week”.

And here is how it works:

 

• partner with a friend or neighbor – look for reminders and ideas in TTM newsletter
• choose three or so recipes to double or triple, confirm shopping list with friend
• select locally sourced, organic produce (to the extent possible):  shop at Martindales, Swarthmore Co-op, any grocery store organic section; use the Forks Farm Buying Club Facebook Group to source grassfed PA-raised meat and produce.
• split the cost with your cooking partner; schedule and prepare your food together
• take photos, send them to me, I will post them twice monthly on the TTM website
• this batch cooking process tried and tested by Donna C. and me, during February.  We scheduled ahead, cooked double-batches of hearty soup, corn-bread, salads and batches of cooked dry beans.  Our sessions were about one and a half hour from start to finish.  One caution, especially for me; it’s tricky trying to talk and cook at the same time, so stay focused!!

Action Item 2: Clothing & Gear Repair Workshops – This is a hand skill workshop for anyone who wants to fix seams, hems, straps, zippers, buttons, etc. on their clothing and gear, such as bags, backpacks, tents, etc.  I will start this off in my basement sewing workshop. Bring your own projects, equipment and a sewing machine if you need one.  I will be working on my own projects.  I will help you a bit, but these workshops are intended for you to do your own project.  Mark your calendars for the 2nd and 4th Saturday afternoons, 2pm – 5pm.  My alternative will be with a Thursday night.  I look forward to others offering their homes also.  I will confirm place and rsvps during Thursdays and Fridays of each 2nd and 4th week.

• We start Saturday, March 28th, from 2pm to 5pm.
• Email me RSVP to me by 8pm Thursday on any 2nd or 4th week; space is limited.

Action Item 3: Workshop series.  Our workshop series deserves to be repeated!  Please contact me to facilitate a workshop of any topic.  Past topics include bike repair, fermenting, carpentry skills, cooking of every kind, canning, pickling, knots for weight-bearing, life-saving and basic sewing.  You name it, we do it.  Your project idea: home preparations, candles, yardening topics;  you call it and and we will work together to  schedule, write, post and run it.

-Kathy L.