TimeDollar Connections

Soltane Bakery

2011-08-02T13:03:00.000-04:00

Cheers from Coffee & Croissants

Soltane Breads & Spreads is the name of a new bakery and coffee shop in downtown Phoenixville, PA, not far from Camphill Soltane. "'The success of this initiative within a very short time span is an invigorating testimonial to the support that Phoenixville gives to the Soltane community and to the Camphill movement,' said Shelley Burtt, executive director of Camphill Foundation. Breads produced use only organic and whole-grain flours. The majority is naturally leavened, and all are baked in a wood-fired oven. The regular breads are Country Sourdough, Soltane Round (a large whole wheat loaf with a signature 'S'), Olive Levain, Baguettes, Roggenvolkonbrot and Whole Spelt-Kamut. Mark Doberenz, Breads & Spreads' head baker, explains that croissants have been a popular item among bakery's patrons. The Camphill handpicked crew works in perfect symbiosis to roll out dough, manning the cutter to create croissants and putting the final egg wash touch. Coffee is another item that since day one has been a true success. Breads and Spreads menu features a variety of coffees from Stumptown roasters, including Ethiopia Duromina, Costa Rica Torres and Hairbender espresso blend. Stumptown coffees are labeled as 'direct trade,' underscoring the type of relationship the roaster and the farmer practice. Payment goes straight to the farmer without any intermediaries. Stumptown coffee is renowned among coffee connoisseurs for its quality, flavor and the sustainable growing practices that characterize its production." More on this story here, and the Facebook page here.

Rays of Sunshine: Our Members

2011-03-04T18:15:00.004-05:00

As the temperatures slowly rise, the level of activity also builds for the Phoenixville Area Timebank. There are many more member requests and offers than there were just a few weeks ago. The “Give 20 " event last week at Iron Hill Brewery was a success with a good turnout of new faces and old friends. Speaking of friends, expect to meet some new ones through our Member Spotlight feature!

Member Spotlight on Gail Fletcher - Career Consultant, Business Advisor, Entrepreneur

If you're lucky, every so often you meet someone who helps you through a major challenge in life. That person offers encouragement, helps you see your true potential, gives hope and stimulates you to feel and be empowered. We are lucky to have someone who fits this description in our midst at the Phoenixville Area Time Bank in Gail Fletcher.

Those who know Gail say the following about her: "she's a mover and a shaker," "she helped me see new opportunities," "she's doing great things for Phoenixville."

There is genuine appreciation for her professionalism, her business expertise arising from advising companies from start-ups to the Fortune 100, and willingness to help others. Gail is an uber-experienced career coach who offers consultation using Five O’Clock Club strategies, a reemployment method recognized for superior results.

Her current project is TargetWorks, a community re-employment series developed at The Phoenixville Community Health Foundation Leadership Academy. This ten-session program focuses on meeting the specific needs of its participants rather than a one-size-fits-all approach so often seen with other re-employment services. Her efforts are helping people in the community which makes it stronger and better for all.

Gail has a special offer for PATB members which includes a two hour assessment if you're in between jobs, underemployed or looking for a new opportunity. To contact Gail through the PATB site, go to the "Give & Receive" tab, select “Business/Miscellaneous," and choose "Your career: what's next?"

Gail’s offer to members exemplifies the concept “currency of caring,” which is what our Time Bank is all about!

Coming Events

Saturday, March 5 at 4:00 p.m. - Time Bank Social at Artisan's Cafe in Phoenixville
Monday, March 7, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. - Membership Committee Meeting at Carla's
Saturday, March 12, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. - Introduction to Time Banking, Phoenixville Library

April 11 - Save the Date!
The founder of Time Dollars is coming to our area. Come to Phoenixville on Monday evening, April 11 to hear Edgar Cahn speak at our Time Bank's Annual Members' Meeting. Edgar first came this way February, 2004, and a group of us were so inspired, we formed a Kitchen Cabinet and started the Valley Forge Time Bank (now Phoenixville Area Time Bank). We're inviting all the Time Banks in the area, and hope you can join us! More information to follow. Go to www.timebanks.org for a preview - there's a video of Edgar Cahn.

Here Comes the Sun

2011-02-14T07:39:00.011-05:00

What a winter! After holiday excitement, we relaxed in the cold calm of winter. Sure, we went through the day-to-day motions of life, but the mode of existence was chilling out (literally and figuratively.)

The sun has now moved higher in the sky. Ice is melting, bears are stirring, and honey bee queens are laying young in the hives in preparation for a busy spring. This is the time when we wake up from a winter of inertia as the longer hours of sunlight increase our energy levels.

What will you do with your increased energy?

How about helping the Phoenixville Area Time Bank with an small infusion of your precious time and vitality?

Rise - Come out to the PATB's "Give 20" social event at the Iron Hill Brewery on Wed., Feb. 23. While you can use the voucher between 5:00 and 10:00 p.m., many are planning to come between 5:30 and 6:30 to meet with friends, enjoy delicious food and handcrafted libations. The PATB will receive 20% of food sales to help with operating expenses. Make sure to bring your Give 20 Voucher and invite some friends to join you.

Shine - Attend PATB meetings to lend your voice and help us create an exciting new year. We need your support to produce events that build PATB community spirit and serve the greater community.

Great ideas came out of the "Mystery Meeting" in Jan. for special events, outreach, and fundraising. These include a night school intro to the PATB, partnering with other non-profits to sponsor family friendly theatrical events, hosting home parties to introduce friends to time banking, reaching out to associations where members have affiliations, hosting a fashion show, garden tour, and more!

Ignite - Let's quickly fulfill member requests within our skill set. Let's also introduce friends and affiliates to the PATB, and make new friends through the PATB community.

Make time for your time bank. We need your radiant energy!

Upcoming Events

PR/Marketing Committee meeting

Thursday, Feb. 17; 7:00pm - 8:30 pm
Artisan's Cafe, Bridge St, Phoenixville

Board Meeting
Monday, Feb. 21; 7:30pm - 9:30 pm
Customers Bank, 99 Bridge St, Phoenixville, PA

Iron Hill "Give 20" Event
Wednesday, Feb. 23; 5:00 - 10:00 pm
Iron Hill Brewery - Bridge St, Phoenixville

Sunday Social
Sunday, Mar 6; 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Artisan's Cafe, 236 Bridge St, Phoenixville

Membership Committee Meeting
Monday March 7; 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Introduction to Time Banking
Saturday, March 12; 2:00 - 3:30pm
Phoenixville Public Library, Phoenixville, PA

It's Time to Plant Some Seeds

2011-01-31T21:21:00.008-05:00

"All the flowers of all of the tomorrows are in the seeds of today."
~Chinese Proverb

As we grow the Phoenixville Area Time Bank (PATB), there are more and more opportunities for people to connect, share, and exchange an ever growing variety of talents. The easiest way to help the time bank grow, spread, and thrive is to tell people about it! Do this and you will plant some "seeds" of growth for the time bank.

PATB member, Brendan Tracy, did just that with his beautifully written article about the PATB at Patch.com. It's a must read, and the perfect link to send to friends and neighbors in the area to introduce them to the benefits of time banking.

Check out Brendan's article:
http://phoenixville.patch.com/articles/time-banking-in-phoenixville

What I love about the Phoenixville Area Time Bank is the opportunity it affords to learn from others. Teaching someone a new skill is like planting a seed of change in their life. I recently made a request asking someone to teach me to cut hair. Margo responded, and she taught me how to cut my husband's hair, which turned out looking pretty good! With what she taught, I was able to cut my son's hair too. Given that it costs about $18 for a men's cut with tip, and there are 2 people needing haircuts about every six weeks, I expect to save over $275 per year in hair cuts - all for just one time dollar!

Please spread the word about the PATB, share your talents, and help us plant some seeds!

Here's some opportunities to get the most out of your membership, connect with the community, and share it with your friends:

Sunday Social
Sunday, Feb 6, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Artisan's Cafe, Bridge St, Phoenixville

Monthly PATB Orientation
Sat., Feb. 12, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Phoenixville Public Library

Iron Hill "Give 20"
Wednesday, Feb., 23 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Iron Hill Brewery, Bridge St., Phoenixville.
Meet your friends at a wonderful restaurant! Iron Hill donates 20% of the food tab to PATB.
Vouchers will be available soon!

PATB Annual Members Meeting
Monday, April 11, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Phoenixville YMCA, Child watch multipurpose room.
400 E. Pothouse Rd., Phoenixville

The All Time Bank Night Out
Saturday, May 28, 5:30 p.m. onwards.
Come to a potluck at a Time Bank member's home and bring the family!
Contact Margo for more information.

For more information on events, visit the Phoenixville Area Time Bank website.

Volunteers are Key - Let's Prepare for a Bountiful Year

2011-01-18T20:01:00.021-05:00

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Gardeners spend time in winter preparing a master plan for the coming spring. The gardener's goal is to create a bountiful and sustainable harvest, getting the most from their plants and land. They do this with a creative spirit and careful planning. They look at every little aspect of opportunity to get the most out of their garden. They know that once the seeds are sown, they need to tend the garden or the plants will not yield the desired harvest.

For members, the Phoenixville Area Time Bank (PATB) is our special garden. We sow the seeds of creativity, helpfulness, goodwill, community, caring, and friendship. These seeds have grown into visible manifestations of our work and caring, but just like a garden of plants that needs tending, our garden needs your help to plan for a bountiful year.

Please make time for our special garden, and come to this important meeting:

Join the PATB Board of Directors for the "Mystery Meeting" on Saturday, January 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Customers Bank Community Room. (99 Bridge Street, at Starr Street)

The board needs our creative spirit to help prepare the way for 2011 to be a bountiful year for the PATB. Let's sow the meeting with ideas, hopes, and recommendations to boost community awareness, enhance fundraising revenue, encourage member participation, and “crack the nut” of financial sustainability for the Time Bank.

Come and help us cultivate the future!

Tales from the Tardis

2011-01-12T19:37:00.023-05:00

The Phoenixville Area Time Bank reminds me of the British TV show, Dr. Who. The doctor traveled through time in his Tardis, which closely resembled a strange blue telephone booth.

Two definitions from the Google Dictionary define "tardis" as:

A time machine
A building or container that is larger inside than it appears to be from outside

Therefore, Tardis = Time Bank.

Members do not actually time travel, but we do morph time into meeting our needs. Besides sounding very futuristic, it's almost factually correct, so let's check off that definition.

The PATB meets the second definition because it's a much bigger organization than it appears to be. A new member will meet a few people who suggest they join, and it seems like this great little group of people but, surprise - the PATB is 175 members strong and growing! Check off this definition too.

Here are some great "Tales from the Tardis" for you to peruse and enjoy.

Birgit proved herself to be the Dr. Who of drains with a visit to Laura.

"I had a plumbing issue (clogged sink). I put out a request for someone who might know how to snake the drain. I received a quick response from Birgit, a time banker with a plethora of handy-woman skills. She arrived, tools in hand, and not only quickly fixed my issue, but taught me the skills to do it myself next time! Now I'm thrilled with the help I received and empowered for the next time."

Carla exchanged time for travel. How very futuristic of her.

"I asked for a ride to the Wayne R5 Train Station, so that I could get to Narberth for a dentist appointment and visit with my mom. I had a number of positive responses which was great! I chose a new member to do the exchange with to help get her going with the time bank."

Margo compressed work time and then made work travel.

"I had to do a quick turn-around on a mailing for the Lyre Association, and five people responded to my request for help stuffing, labeling, and stamping large envelopes to send a publication out to US and international members. I took up three people's offers of help, and we completed the main job in 1 hour & 15 minutes! Then Michelle drove me to the post office, where I bought additional postage and, with Michelle's help, finished the mailing."

So , the next time you make time fit your needs, instead of the other way around, tell us about your temporal distortions (or just let us know how your last time dollar exchange went by filling out your survey when your time dollar transaction is complete .)

And, remember to make time for the Brainstorming session with the Board on Sustainability on Sat, Jan. 29, from 9 am to noon at Customers Bank – 99 Bridge St., Phoenixville (left entrance by ATM machine.)

January Sunday Social

2011-01-05T08:14:00.003-05:00

The 1st Sunday Social at Artisan’s Café on January 2nd was a small gathering, but fruitful and fun, mixing business with pleasure. First to arrive with Margo, were Dave and Melody, who were invited there specifically to talk about the PATB website and blog management. (Margo, as Coordinator, gets spread too thin to keep up with some of the ongoing maintenance tasks, and she’s thrilled to have Time Dollar help.)

Will joined us next and then Erin. They took up a board game (Will’s passion) after getting acquainted, with Erin handily winning by 50 points or more.

Next to join were Lisa and soon Judy, both bringing many topics to the table (forestry, birding, PA gas drilling, Mummers Parade, Colonial Theatre discussions, Green Team, etc.)

Erin updated us on the family (that Fran has been advocating for) that was left homeless after their apartment burned down before Christmas. PATB members have been sharing gifts and lending a hand to this family – a single mom with two kids, ages 5 and 11. Erin has been especially generous, offering free child care to the mother, Sandra, so she can continue to work. If anyone knows of a 2-bedroom apartment for around $650 a month, please let us know and we’ll pass the word on to Sandra. (Contact the Time Bank at 610-608-9281 or timedollar@verizon.net.)

The wonderful thing about these informal meet-ups is the chance for PATB members to “put a face to the name” of a fellow Time Bank member and get to know others better. The next 1st Sunday Social is Feb 6th, 4-5:30 pm. We hope to see you there!

New Year, New Blog, New Member

2011-01-03T14:05:00.006-05:00

Greetings Fellow PATB Members,

A new year can bring new opportunities and this happened for me in a big way – I joined the PATB and became a blogger for this great community organization in the same week!

I’m so excited to join the PATB and the feeling reminds me of my drive across the country this past Summer with family. Just thinking about the trip made me anxious because there were so many possibilities of routes to take, places to stay, and things to do and see. I felt totally overwhelmed by the planning it would take to create a successful trip. As it turns out, the trip was a blast and the anxiety melted away when I realized there was freedom to plan everything on the fly. We lived in the moment and enjoyed every minute of the adventure!

Joining the PATB gives me that same sense of excitement for another adventure chock full of possibilities. After completing the necessary forms, I perused the website and was amazed to see the many services offered – what a great group of diversely talented individuals belong to the PATB! I’ve seen requests for services arrive via email and they seem magically answered almost immediately. This is a truly connected community that embraces the freedom to live in the moment!

Together, in 2011, let’s grow the PATB and continue this vibrant exchange of our best gifts: ourselves, our ideas, our services, and our time.

Mel Bowers – PATB Member & Blogger

Melody got a passion for computing from working at a leading technology company in consumer sales and marketing. She currently works in desktop publishing and manages two websites. Her favorite activities revolve around being a wife and mother. She and her husband, Ben, keep honey bees and recently acquired a small farm which keeps them pleasantly busy.

Everyone Needs Support in Life To Be Successful - Time Dollar Community Is There!

2010-12-03T10:23:00.004-05:00

It may begin with physical support, someone to take care of us as a child and later, depending on needs, as an adult. We also have a basic need to know that someone cares, for it is this basic caring and respect for one another that will truly make a difference in our lives.

A Sense of Community is Lost
There was a time when our local communities provided this support, with each member contributing regardless of age or disability.

Yet as society and government grew, we began to pay people to provide support and our sense of community was lost in the process. This was never the intent, as social services were supposed to create additional support not replace our communities.

But the truth is most of us don’t even know our neighbors anymore, never mind other people in our town to help us out when needed. Simple tasks such as shoveling the driveway, raking leaves, or maybe buying groceries can be overwhelming if you have to pay someone because you can no longer do it yourself.

Time Exchanges Build Community
The good news is that time exchange groups are bringing our communities back. Their approach is to bring people together committed to supporting one another and building a community based on mutual respect.

Every member, regardless of age or disability, has something to offer based on their strengths and interests while in exchange, they receive donated services as needed . . . reminding us of a simpler time when people went out of their way for one another simply because they cared about the people in their community.

"It's About Time" Halloween Party & Silent Auction October 30th

2010-10-28T10:32:00.006-04:00

Come to the best party of the year!

Saturday, October 30th, 7 to 11 pm.

Join us in the lovely, spacious Franklin Commons

for an evening of dancing, friendship and fun. BYOB

The National Bird - Playing great dance music from all eras.

Enjoy healthy, local, delicious food catered by Annmarie Cantrell of Cucina Verde.

Wear your best costume and you may win the costume contest.

Studio photographs available!

Preview the Silent Auction and Basket Raffles at http://pa-timebank.org/

Purchase Tickets – $30 at the door or $25 in advance at http://patb.eventbrite.com/

Questions? Call 610-608-9281 -or- e-mail timedollar@verizon.net

The Phoenixville Area Time Bank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose members build community by exchanging services on an equal basis. A portion of the profits from this event will be used to support our ‘Helping Fund,’ which includes outreach to the most vulnerable members of our community – those with disabilities, the elderly, unemployed and convalescents.

TIME BANKS FOUNDER EDGAR S. CAHN ’63 TO DISCUSS LAWYERING AND SYSTEM CHANGE OCT. 7

2010-10-08T13:43:00.001-04:00

From: Yale Law School Publication, October 1, 2010

On Thursday, October 7, Edgar S. Cahn ’63, Distinguished Professor of Law, UDC School of Law, and Founder, Time Banks USA, will deliver a Dean’s Lecture at Yale Law School. The lecture is titled, “Co-Producing Justice: Lawyering and System Change.” Cahn will deliver the lecture at 12 noon in Room 120. Those planning to attend should RSVP to carolyn.poole@yale.edu.

Edgar Cahn is regarded as a founder of poverty law and a pioneer in creating clinical legal education. He is founder/co-founder of several programs, including the National Legal Services program as part of the War on Poverty, the Antioch School of Law (now the UDC School of Law); TimeBanks USA; the Time Dollar Youth Court; and CareBanks.

Cahn created Time Dollars, the only tax-exempt local currency now spread to 40 states and 32 nations. He has designed and launched TimeBanking pilots that have effectively addressed virtually every major social problem. His system, Co-Production, calling for the transformation of clients from passive consumers to active co-producers of outcomes, is emerging as the leading framework for system change. In 2008, he was chosen as an Ashoka Fellow to pioneer an adaptation of TimeBanking that would enable older adults and their families to pay for a form of long term care insurance with Time Dollars earned helping others. Montpelier, Vermont, just received a $1 million grant to pilot Carebanks for older adults in rural Vermont. In 2008, he also partnered with Phelps Stokes, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association and former inmates to develop the Homecomers’ Academy, a new vision of reentry that would enable those returning home to define themselves as community builders on a journey of service and learning.

Now, at age 75, Cahn remains active as Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of the District of Columbia School of Law. In 2008, his new Racial Justice Initiative has unveiled a breakthrough legal theory with potential to dismantle structural racism in juvenile justice and child welfare.

Cahn’s works include: Hunger U.S.A.; Our Brothers Keeper: The Indian in White America; Time Dollars; No More Throw-Away People; and Priceless Money.

Video: Time Bank stories

2010-09-22T20:12:00.011-04:00

Please enjoy the following video of interviews conducted by Alexandra.

Can't see the video above? Try this direct link.
You'll need to download QuickTime to view the video.

TIME DOLLAR EXCHANGE - IT WORKS!

2010-09-20T09:29:00.003-04:00

From Joel: People fight over taking care of our little poodle while we're away for vacations. We evaluate who is newer to the Time Bank, who might need the experience the most, and so on. Rosie Foster called us after we had been away for a day saying what a great dog he was! The whole thing was a pleasure.

From Carol: I requested help hammering my gutters back in, and I do not own a ladder. Mib kindly responded, brought her ladder and secured my gutters. Since it poured rain yesterday, I was able to see the huge difference the work made for the functioning of my gutters.

From Adam: I posted an offer of personal training and got a response almost right away. I am meeting my responder this week at the gym for our first training session, and hopefully it will work out, and I can help her learn some new things and provide tips on how to improve her training regimen. I'm excited about it and anxious to see what is next!

From Margo: The same morning I put out my request for help organizing my clothes, I got a phone call from Karen, who offered to come right over to help. She and I worked together on my clothes for 1-1/2 hours and – WOW, I’m so happy – I have 5 bags of clothing to take to Good Will! It’s fantastic – a real quick turn-around. I got two other offers of help from members, and have asked them to turn with me to another room in my house for de-cluttering.

TIME DOLLAR MEETUP REVIEW

2010-09-08T10:03:00.002-04:00

From Joel - 9/5/10: Sunday afternoon's Meetup was intimate, but lively. The occasion was the monthly Phoenixville Area Time Bank social, usually held every first Sunday at 4 pm at The Artisan's Cafe and Gallery on Bridge Street in Phoenixville. This time, we met at Wolfgang's Books across the street, since The Artisan's was in the process of moving next door.

Bev, a prospective member from Royersford, brought a pile of used books to the coffee table, and then Fran and her husband Rich joined us. Bev asked how she could learn more about what the Time Bank offers, so Fran and Rich shared the many services they had received--from electrical help, bicycle repair, and a weight loss program--to ride to the airport for their annual Time Share vacation. Bev was sold! She is joining the Time Bank.

We also talked about our October 30th annual Dance~Silent Auction coming up. Wolfgang's closes at 5:00 pm on Sunday afternoons. but we could have continued our conversations much longer and enoyed our meeting time. At any rate, it seemed right on this Labor Day weekend to stop when we did.

Hope to see you next at the next Meetup--the first Sunday of the month, 10/3 at The Artisan's, as usual!

Time Bank Meetup Review

2010-09-08T10:01:00.001-04:00

Summer Color from TimeBank Member’s Request

2010-07-25T09:34:00.004-04:00

Request from Emma: Do you have an abundant flower garden and enjoy making bouquets? I'd love a bouquet of fresh flowers that you pick from your garden. It doesn't have to be fancy - just good cutting flowers that will add beauty to our home.

I live in Phoenixville and we can set up a delivery time. Or, if you're near the library and can't travel, I'd be happy to walk over to you.

The Response: Thought I'd share this photo with you. This is just a glimpse of the many, many gorgeous flowers member Lael gave me in response to the above TimeBank request I posted.

She far exceeded my expectations. A wonderful request fulfillment!

How Are We Doing - Offers and Requests?

2010-07-08T10:05:00.003-04:00

• Thanks to a quick reply and multiple replies. We have our ride to and from the air port and also a back up person/ride should we need that as well. So many helpers I am thankful for.

• I requested a ride from my house to the Kimberton Fairgrounds for the first day of the Charlestown sale. Several members responded!

• I offered – multiple times - to exchange housecleaning for horse/pony riding lessons.Teen or adult would be fine. I run Spring Creek FArm EQuestrian CEnter
www.springcreek-farm.com and I need some basic house cleaning done. It's hard to realize that no one seems to want - even a summer job, especially a teen - performing
a service of which I'm sure many are capable in exchange for riding and/or time dollars.
Anyway - summer is almost upon us and I hope I receive some response. I may try re-posting.

• The community I live in recently sent out a letter to all residents stating that all rear patios and home sidings had to be cleaned by August 1. Last summer, having paid my neighbor who owned a power washer $60.00 to do the work for me, this year I decided to see if I could find someone in the Time Bank who owned a power washing machine and I would do the cleaning myself and save the expense.

I contacted Margo to see if she recalled who put a request or offer out about power washing as I recalled reading about a power washing request or offer several months ago. Margo referred me to PATB member, Fran, who had put out a request for power washing months ago. Fran referred me to 2 PATB members that responded to her request. I contacted Ruth first, as she lives minutes from me. Ruth owns a power washing machine and agreed to loan me her power washer for Time Dollars.

With the help of several Time Bank members, I was able to make the exchange rather quickly and save myself $60.00 in the process. It took me 2 hours to complete the task myself, but it was worth it (it's called pride of ownership!) Thanks to all involved in making this exchange happen!

Channel 6 Shoot—Thanks Everyone!

2010-06-14T14:35:00.004-04:00

FROM JOEL:

We'd like to acknowledge everyone who helped make the Channel 6 show "Mary Talks Money" TV shoot a big success.

We started at 13 Morgan Street—an interview with Margo on Time Banking, Patty (realtor) discussing "staging" the house for possible sale with Joel and Margo, Laura demonstrating the Community Weaver, and Maja with friend Mercedes (6th and 7th grade) earning Time Dollars by landscaping and cleaning up the back yard for a future party. Finally, Margo gave Maja a piano lesson!

Both Kelly (the interviewer) and Dan (the cameraman) loved the Time Dollar concept and were very flexible. Laura led them to Brad and Erin's to shoot Brad's plumbing service and Joel earning Time Dollars painting their trim. The party then moved to the Kimberton CSA, where Erik and Birgit showed Channel 6 the Community Supported Agriculture operation, and Joe explained how Time Bankers distribute a share of vegetables to the needy in Phoenixville.

Kelly and Dan were going to stop at the Library, where an orientation for new member was to take place, where Margo and Richard would have five prospective members sign up; however, they felt they had enough story to take it to Mary for a show in July.

The show will be aired on a Saturday evening at 7:30 pm. They will let us know the date, and we will announce it, so stay tuned. Again, thank you to all who helped!

UUFP/PATB COLLABORATION

2010-06-07T06:56:00.002-04:00

From Joel:

We heard a "tornado" was coming! so we stayed in the Social Room— all five PATB members who are also with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (UUFP) of Pottstown, who hosted the whole Time Bank at their facility in North Coventry— with wonderful dips, salads, and loads of desserts. We had a slew of kids in the playground (ages from 2-3 months to 14 years), running to and from the children's education rooms.

It was a wonderful celebration of the coming of summer and a new relationship between Phoenixville and Pottstown, via the Fellowship. Listen to the ideas and successful exchanges we overheard in conversations and in the go-round with the group to brainstorm ways to collaborate, expand and deepen our relationship:

· Create children's activity sessions over the summer, using the UUFP as home base! parents
with ideas can suggest the appropriate age for the activity they will lead
· Introduce Time Banking to the Pottstown clergy group to expand time banking in Pottstown
· Help Myra take furniture to the flea market
· Help one of our disabled children with a gardening project
· Help with the Dance coming up this fall
· Visit Lorraine and John's horse farm for riding (and "therapy")
· Start a food club -- cooking together
· High ladder work painting for Brad, our wonderful plumber

Two new families are joining as a result of this Social. Stay tuned! The Time Bank is expanding -- and we can't help it!

JACK'S 2ND ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY

2010-05-08T15:21:00.002-04:00

Saturday, May 15, 20103:00 – 6:00 pm 233 Greenwood Ave, Collegeville

Let's celebrate Spring, the beauty of flowers, and the design of a renowned garden guru. Join timebankers and friends in the picturesque setting of Jack Miller's Japanese garden.
Bring wine/any beverage, cheese or picnic dish –– and don't forget a chair or mat! Take a turn at the grill, and bring grill items to share if you wish!

Enjoy an afternoon full of fun, inspiration, talk, food and drink. You can meander or take an informative tour of Jack's moss garden on his 3-acre wooded property in Collegeville, filled with many rare varieties of Japanese maples, naturalistic stone sculptures, bamboo, flowering shrubs, and Quebec glacier rock. An extraordinary opportunity to visit with our generous host and experience some of his life's work.

Directions to the Garden of PATB member Jack Miller at 233 Greenwood Avenue,
Trappe (Collegeville)Located about ¼ mile off of Ridge Pike

Take Route 113 North into Trappe
Turn left onto Main Street (Getty garage on corner)
Pass flasher at Fifth Avenue & double light at Seventh Avenue
Go down a hillHalfway up the next hill, put your right signal on
Turn right onto Greenwood Avenue (before passing the church on corner)

Turn in at the sign “Garden Tours,” between mailboxes #229 and #233.The entrance to the garden is about 400 feet into the woods.

Park on the left, in front of the house and along the fence.Call 610-220-6172 for further information.

SATISFIED TIME BANKERS

2010-04-25T11:31:00.002-04:00

From Priscilla: I posted a request for transportation and companionship with a jazz enthusiast for an evening jazz performance at Camphill Village on March 20th. I received two responses-one by telephone and the other on the Time Bank website.

From Joel: One of our members with disabilities specifically requested she care for our dog while we were away on vacation. It is a "win-win," because she uses the Time Bank for wellness services, and needed to earn some Time Dollars. We love working with new members and our long-standing members who have disabilities or are disadvantaged in some way.

From Fran: I needed help with splitting an outlet into 2 outlets. My husband had started the task but didn't finish the job. His solution was to turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet that he was working on until he finished the job. After months of waiting for my husband to finish the task and give me back the use of the other outlets that were on the circuit breaker, I turned to the Time Bank for help. I posted the request and within 2 days Nick responded and came to my aid. Now I have all my outlets working and my sanity back. Thanks Nick!

Sphere College, a PATB Organization

2010-04-19T21:35:00.009-04:00

News about one of our organizational members . . .

LOCAL FREE COLLEGE MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY,
WELCOMES NEW FACULTY

Sphere College celebrates its first year in Phoenixville, with new faculty on board and a waiting list of students.

At a time when a majority of people believe colleges are more focused on the bottom line than on student needs, Sphere has seen its mission validated by a recent joint study entitled "Squeeze Play 2010: Continued Public Anxiety on Cost, Harsher Judgments on How Colleges are Run" [The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education and Public Agenda, Dec. 2009].

The Sphere College Program helps each student identify their passion, then gain skills to achieve their goal. For those wishing to integrate past accomplishments, life experience and the fruits of the Sphere curriculum into a new career, specialized training will provide an efficient avenue.

Prospective students are people of meager financial means, or veterans, artists, career changers and other talented people with varying amounts of formal education (including those holding college degrees), those who know they didn’t fit the generally accepted undergraduate model, and those who simply want to learn.

The professional staff has created a new norm, where arbitrary grading is replaced by individual guidance. That appealed to Dr. Michael Reddy, who joined the faculty in February. His credentials include a Ph.D. in cognitive science from the University of Chicago; he also served as Assistant Professor at Columbia University for six years.

For more information go to http://www.spherecollege.com or call Gail Fletcher at 610-331-0421.

Feedback from Our Members at the Annual Meeting

2010-04-14T13:53:00.006-04:00

We had about 40 attendees to our Annual Members' Meeting this year. About half of them helped answer a little questionnaire:

We asked members if they had used professional services for Time Dollars and, if so, had they then hired that provider (for cash), and if they would be OK with having our member professionals "promote" their businesses through the Time Bank.

-About half said they had used Time Dollars to pay for members' professional services, totaling around 26 hours

-The half who paid for members' professional services using Time Dollars then hired that professional

-Almost all said they would favor member professionals being able to promote their business through the Time Bank. Most of the favorable comments stated further that the arrangement (part Time Dollars/part market $) should be made clear in advance.

This was a sampling of 20 Time Bank members out of a total membership of 170.
Thank you to those who came out to our Annual Members' Meeting (35) and those who responded to the survey!

Yours, Joel

Lovers of Language Event

2010-04-01T13:45:00.006-04:00

From Sandra Williams - Time Bank member

Here is a notice from a friend, Jane Stahl, about an event you may enjoy!

Hi, Lovers of Language!
I'm hopeful you are available May 5, 7:00 p.m. for a special evening at Studio B in Boyertown.

Performance Poets: I've invited Sara Holbrook, a performance poet from the MidWest, to visit Boyertown for an evening "performance." She took my breath away a few years ago when she "performed" her poetry during a Janet Allen professional development workshop I attended at Twin Valley High School over four days in the summer dedicated to literacy--enhancing techniques to develop students' reading and writing skills. (I was not yet retired from teaching.)

Fun and Inspiration: One moment she had me laughing...a moment later I was next to tears. She's written many books of poetry largely for young people. I can forward her promotional material to you in another e-mail and suggest visiting her website--www.saraholbrook.com. I'll include one of my favorite of her poems in this e-mail.

Please join us: There is a limited market for lovers of language, so I'm a little worried about being able to secure an enthusiastic audience for her presentation for Wednesday evening May 5; I'll hope you're available and interested in attending. And I'll hope you'll be able to help me promote her presentation.

Please forward this information to anyone you feel may be interested.

Refreshments: We'll have some coffee and brownies or wine and cheese and enjoy her presentation. She's also bringing a colleague, so we'll have two for the price of one. Donations ($5) will be gratefully accepted toward her fee.

Hosting: Studio B is hosting her and her colleague at Twin Turrets during her visit which should provide her with beautiful memories of our special kind of place.

Topics: I've requested she speak to the joys and travails we all experience in our communication with one another and the necessity of being kind to one another and tolerant of our many differences; I'm sure she'll have interesting stories to share. She works poetry into her presentation/conversation.

A sample: Below is one of my favorite of her poems re: the power of words....

If I were a poem,
I would grab you by the ankles
and rustle you up to your every leaf.
I would gather your branches
in the power of my winds and pull you skyward,
if I were a poem.

If I were a poem,
I would walk you down beside the rushing stream,
swollen with spring, put thunder in your heart,
then lay you down, a new lamb, to sing you to softly sleep,
if I were a poem.

If I were a poem,
I wouldn’t just talk to you of politics, society and change,
I would be a raging bonfire to strip you of your outer wrap,
and then I would reach within and with one touch
ignite the song in your own soul.

If I were a poem,
I would hold my lips one breath away from yours
and inflate you with such desire as can exist
only just out of reach, and then I would move
the breadth of one bee closer, not to sting
but to brush you with my wings as I retreat
to leave you holding nothing but a hungry, solitary sigh,
if I were a poem.

If I were a poem,
my thoughts would finally be put to words
through your own poetry, I would push you that far,
if I were a poem.

Studio B
www.studiobbb.org
39A East Philadelphia Ave
Boyertown, PA 19512
610.367.8066
janeestahl@comcast.net

What Talented, Capable and Willing TimeBankers!

2010-03-18T08:46:00.003-04:00

From Fran: David responded to my email on Monday morning, and we made arrangements for him to come to my house on Tuesday night. David was able to fix 2 of my bicycles; one bicycle had a flat tire and the other bicycle had a de-railer problem. David is very knowledgeable about bicycles and had the tools needed to fix the bicycles the same night that he came to my house to see the bicycles. I would highly recommend David to perform bicycle repairs!

From Laura: I had a plumbing issue (clogged sink). I put out a request for someone who might know how to snake the drain. I received a quick response from Birgit, a time banker with a plethora of handy-woman skills. She arrived, tools in hand, and not only quickly fixed my issue, but taught me the skills to do it myself next time! Now I'm thrilled with the help I received and empowered for the next time.

From Carla: I asked for a ride to the Wayne R5 Train Station, so that I could get to Narberth for a dentist appointment and visit with my mom. I had a number of positive responses which was great! I chose a new member to do the exchange with to help get her going with the time bank.

From Erin: I requested a babysitter for two hours to watch my 5 month old so that I could do some yard work without having to worry about him. I received one call and two email responses! This was my first request, so I was glad to see such interest. I ended up receiving the services only 3 days after my request posted. Michelle was able to provide the service and showed up exactly when she said she would. The baby seemed to enjoy having someone new to play with, and I was able to get everything I wanted to done

From Nick: Penny had called me because her house felt cold, especially when southeast winds were blowing.

I suggested adding a $2K 8'x8'x36' double-film 10-mil polycarbonate low-mass isolated sunspace (13 4'x8' argon-inflated 2x4 panels) with a clear corrugated Dynaglas roof over the south wall with a passive plastic film damper over a hole at the top of the south wall and a foam board damper over a hole at the bottom with a $76 2-watt damper actuator and an $89 self-tuning proportional damper controller. The damper might move for 5 seconds every 10 minutes, using 2Wx5s/600s = 16.7 mW to move 8KBtu/h/(3.41Btu/h/W) = 2346 watts of heat with a COP of 2346/0.0167 = 138,002, vs a heat pump with a COP of 3 :-)

The sunspace would help Penny feel warmer and give her a place to start plants (she's an avid gardener) and give her 3 cats a place to play and poop and increase her net electrical income. Right now she sells and buys equal numbers of green and black electrons at 28 and 13 cents/kWh.

A new house might have less thermal mass, with a large unpressurized heat storage tank and a car radiator near the floor with its intake connected to a vertical duct on the inside of the south wall to another hole to the top of the sunspace and its outlet connected to another hole to the bottom of the sunspace. When the house is warm enough, the radiator heats the tank water using its 12V fans (20 watts in series.) When the house is too cool at night, another motorized damper on a vertical axis on the side of the duct swings open to expose the radiator inlet and outlet to house air and the radiator heats the house with the tank. A 13-gallon plastic pipe coil in the tank preheats water for showers.

From Margo: I had to do a quick turn-around on a mailing for the Lyre Association, and five people responded to my request for help stuffing, labeling, and stamping large envelopes to send a publication out to US and international members. I took up three people's offers of help, and we completed the main job in 1 hour & 15 minutes! Then Michelle drove me to the post office, where I bought additional postage and, with Michelle's help, finished the mailing.

Horse and Pony Riding Time is Here Again !

2010-03-17T09:38:00.000-04:00

Check out: www.springcreek-farm.com or lmcponies@aol.com to get information and updates.

Spring Creek Farm Equestrian

Beginner through experienced riders of almost all ages are welcome, and there are opportunities provided as to learn what goes on at horse farm"behind the scenes" as well.

Reviews of the February 20th Time Bank Evening Out

2010-02-27T12:06:00.001-05:00

From Laura: In February, we held our second “All Time Bank Evening Out” with several potluck dinners, each with a different theme for the night, occurring simultaneously at members’ homes throughout the area. Whether you practiced your moonwalk, dipped into fondue, or competed to be game champion, it was a great night out! (Pictured here are the “20s-30s Somethings” at Laura’s.)

From Rich: There were 6 of us, including Shari and her friend Liz, my friend Michele, Mimi and George (who left early to go dancing). I was challenged as a host, as I don't have much experience hosting, but we got by and had fun. There was plenty of food and laughter and the movie This is It was great!

From Joel: What a wonderful night! International cuisine, chamber music, two games of Scrabble going, good conversation . . . We had eleven in all -- new members (one joining) and some longer time members. It was a very good potluck! Shilpa and her friend Gracie shared Indian samosas for appetizers. Ellie brought fruit, to go with the three other desserts . LuAnn brought pulled pork, and Penny a chopped salad, and we put out some shrimp to go with the wines. After supper, people cleared the decks for Scrabble while LuAnn and I played a Ginastera flute duet (I on oboe). Not everyone had played Scrabble before, but we got our "house rules" together and completed two games at once. (The hosts won.) People came and went, but some stayed for more flute and oboe and talked into the night. Let's do it again!

From Denise: The Night Out is uplifting in the “Dull Drums” of February. It's a chance to connect with other time bank members and their friends and enjoy good food, drinks and games, in a warm home environment. I offered to host a fondue, which was attended by 15 people. My driveway is a bit cramped, and with the snow it was even more of a tight squeeze, but once inside we enjoyed the space, the food and the conversation. I was glad for the help the attendees gave me and for the variety and quantity of food they brought to go with the 19 different dipping sauces provided.

The evening was a success and lots of fun. If you came this year: Thanks and come again next year. To those who missed on this year’s event—plan on coming next year.
And to all—look for the many opportunities throughout the year to participate.

Think Spring!

2010-02-05T14:01:00.002-05:00

The sun is coming up earlier these days and it's staying light longer. Aren't we all thinking spring—even as a major snow storm is expected today! It’s usually a kind of blah time of year as we await the birds singing at daybreak and the bulb sprouts breaking through in our gardens. But, before that, we are fortunate to have the wonderful, annual All Time Bank Evening Out to look forward to on February 20th, which can provide warmth of another kind! This year, the event will again be held at various members’ homes with theme foods. Put that date on your calendars and stay tuned for details.

Speaking of which—visit often the TimeDollarConnections blog for information and updates and to enjoy the contributions from members.

Feedback is welcome!

Please consider sharing your own connections with services you have offered and/or received, as well as your impressions of one (or all) of the many possible social or fundraising events may attended.

Sandra

People Meeting People: Organizational Membership

2010-02-02T13:23:00.002-05:00

We were privileged to have two members of PATB who helped bring time banking to our area, and who are currently serving as coordinators, Margo and Joel, speak in our Fellowship in early December. They were urged to do so by Jean, who also had similarly urged me to look into the Time Bank for some time.

And rightly so! It is seemingly a perfect fit -- The Time Bank and UUFP (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown). The Time Bank is comprised of people who care about people, people who want to live in a community characterized by fellowship and service to each other—people like us in many, many ways.

We are now also exploring corporate membership for UUFP, which might allow us, for example, to swap a Time Bank meeting in our facility for some hours with folks who paint walls or trim trees or do any of the myriad things any church needs.

The Time Bank also allows individual members to contribute hours earned to the Fellowship. In this way we get to do good works and then choose to meet some personal need or allow the Fellowship to benefit from our labors.

Looking at the potential of UUFP joining forces with the Time Bank, individually and as a group, it is hard to see who is not a winner. I have already joined and hope that you will consider doing the same.

Blessings,

Reverend Dave
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown

Evening Out - Join us on Saturday, February 20th - Cara's Review of Last Year's Evening Out

2010-01-25T10:37:00.005-05:00

Last year was the first all time bank evening out.

We had several hosts, who offered their home, food and individual "entertainment themes." Everybody was encouraged to pick which they wanted to attend and coordinating went on from there.

It was great to get together in people's homes and eat each other's favorite dishes -our house was a Mexican theme -the best Mexican this side of the real place and tons of it -we all shared the leftovers.

Games were played; conversations were enjoyed; houses were warm and welcoming while the temps outside conspired along with leftover snow and ice to make getting up the hill to our house part of the excitement. It wasn't about work or services, even though that's also a part of the fun of time banking, but it was about getting to know each other in a purely delicious social setting.

I can't wait until the next all Time Bank Evening Out!

Another Story of Affirmation: Time Dollar Connections!

2010-01-19T09:44:00.004-05:00

From Alexandra

In September 2008, I lost my employment. I was panicky and distraught. Thank God for Phoenixville Area Time Bank and Jeff’s offer for personal business coaching. For me, the loss was more than financial. I was personally devastated and felt hopelessly lost. First Jeff helped me re-write my resume so that it highlighted my accomplishments and set me apart from the crowd. He also facilitated a process of writing an affirmation statement that was very specific to the goals I hoped to achieve. Jeff encouraged me to spend quality time daily, memorizing and envisioning the successful manifestation of that affirmation statement. Jeff worked with me for one hour a week for three months. He was exceptionally sensitive to my ever-changing moods and needs, yet firm enough to continually offer solid, practically grounded actions that kept me moving forward when all I wanted to do was go back to bed!

Today, Monday January 11, 2010, a company offered me a position that is identical to the affirmation statement. Need I say more?

Thank you, Jeff.

And, Hooray for Time Banking!!!

Social Connections

2010-01-12T10:04:00.001-05:00

There are many opportunities, not only to earn and spend TimeDollars, but also to connect with one another, meet new people and visit with old acquaintances, have a meal or snack together, attend a fundraiser (and dance the night away) and more. Here is a recent submission from Joel who attended the first monthly social gathering of the year:

"Several of us blew in (literally) to Artisans' Cafe and Gallery on Sunday, Jan 4th, around 4 pm for our first Time Bank Social of the year. Beth unveiled her fancy, new Scrabble set, and a low-key game ensued while we socialized. Paul barely beat Beth, Jean (his wife), and me. The longest word formed on the board was "shavings," but there were “poodles” and other creatures finding their space on the board. Beth proposes a regular game night once a month for PATB, either at Artisans or at Earth Mart.

Meanwhile, Paul, Myra, and Margo had a lively discussion on all the popular geopolitical and “true story” movies, including the history of Seabiscuit, at the next table!

The party broke up around 5:30, and we again went out into the windy evening.

Welcome to the two Pauls who are both joining the Time Bank this week.

We encourage you all to join us for the next first Sunday Social—on February 7th at Artisans—to meet fellow Time Bankers, have a snack, socialize. Maybe we'll play Apples to Apples next time!

The Phoenix Gets the Word Out

2010-01-07T14:32:00.008-05:00

Here is an excerpt from and a link to the article:

"Share Your Time with the Phoenixville Area Time Bank"

by Sarah Peppel

published Monday, December 21, 2010.

...the economy is causing more interest in this unique system of bartering time and even non-profits are tapping into the system as an organization. The membership has grown from 105 to 160 in the last year alone.

"it feeds people to share what they have to offer and do what they love," says [Margo] Ketchum. Being involved in the Time Bank helps you get to know your neighbors, save money, give what you want, get what you need, connect unmet needs with untapped resources and make your neighborhood a better place to live. You can even donate your hours of service to the PA Time Bank Helping Fund, which gives to those who need it."

http://www.phoenixvillenews.com/articles/2009/12/26/news/srv0000007110586.txt

Welcome to "TimeDollarConnections" Blog

2009-12-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

"We have what we need if we use what we have." Edgar Cahn (founder of Time Banks USA)

This is so true, not only of our time, talents, skills and abilities (the things exchanged through the Time Bank), but also of the good will, social connections, friendship and relationships developed among our members. There are so many experiences and stories to share. The PA Time Bank blog: "TimeDollarConnections" is being established to record some of the remarkable, unique and inspiring connections made among members. We hope you enjoy reading the stories and will consider sending in your experiences (300 words or less) to timedollar@verizon.net

What Goes Round Comes Round.....

2009-12-16T14:55:00.000-05:00

In the case of three Time Bank members, this expression only begins to touch on the positive circle of giving/receiving recently set into motion.

Christl, one of the first to join the Phoenixville Area Time Bank, has been baking delicious bio-dynamic bread as her contribution to earn time dollars. She had earned quite a few hours, some of which she generously donated for Kerry and Howard, who have experienced some challenges over the last year, including a serious illness. With ther family visiting for the holidays, there was not much time to prepare. Gratefully accepting Christl's Time Dollar gift, Kerry immediately put the call out for some assistance.

Even though this is a full and sometimes stressful time of year, John, a new member, quickly responded. He provided the services needed just in time to ensure the tasks needing attention in Kerry and Howard's home would be tackled before their family arrives.

Christl offers her wonderful homemade bread. She has also given extra hours for those members who, at times, are not able to earn Time Dollars, but, who, nevertheless, receive the help they need. John jumped right in to complete the circle, as well as to earn his own Time Dollars for future use.

This is just one of the stories that unfolds within the network of members who are making their own TimeDollarConnections. Tune in for more!