Page 39 - Sonoma County Gazette February 2020

All About Sebastopol’s Time Bank & How YOU Could Contribute.
By Shyama Blaise Lozier
When I was a child, I longed to be part of an extended functionally mature and loving village or clan. Suddenly, in the mid-1980s, I realized this had manifested. I lived and thrived
in a spiritual ashram community
for 11 years. Then I entered "the real
world" determined to create or find ...
something like that.
Voila! West County, Sebastopol.
There is just so much going on these days. It’s as if the world really has gone mad. If I read or listen to the news, I can almost guarantee, I start
to get some gnawing anxiety. I don’t know how the younger generation can process so much overwhelming information. I encourage us all to remember to take breaks from the madness. Get some time away from your electronic devices and instead maybe take a walk and watch the first flowers bloom. I promise you won’t miss anything. All the craziness will be right there when you plug back in.
Graton’s Got Talent! Graton Talent Show & Share
When: Sunday, February 16 Doors open at 3:30 show starts at 4:00-6:00 pm Where: Graton Community Club
I landed here in 2004. I took a leap
of faith, bought a home situated on
a somewhat yuppy cul-de-sac in Sebastopol, and prayed that I would settle. I did. I found easy-to-meet fellow mamas for friendship and support.
What: A time for us Graton folks to come share their talents. Anything goes, as long as it is family-friendly: dance, sign, poetry, joke-telling, sharing fun facts, sharing your paintings or sculptures, all talents wanted. All ages are welcome.
I found heart circles, our Sunday Sebastopol Farmers Market and summer concerts in Ives Park, to name a few community gems.
Infographic of how the Time Bank works courtesy of sebastopolarea.timebanks.org
We will have a popcorn machine and invite neighbors to bring a potluck appetizer and/or drink to share. Please bring your own glasses, dishwasher, let’s make this a zero-waste event. It’s not too late to and showcase your talent (kids too)
But when I learned about the
Sebastopol Area Time Bank (SATB), I became really excited. The time bank is a system whereby members can make requests for what they need and offers for services they are able to provide (sewing, cooking, ride to the airport, computer help... the sky's the limit). We exchange hours that are equally valued—no money involved.
Please sign up at stephanie@holymonkey.com or call 530-354-1646. We are asking for Talent shares to be no longer than 5 minutes.
Best of all, our time bank is essentially a well-supported, functionally mature and loving village. Imagine somebody comes over to help you with window coverings and becomes a good friend. Or you attend an event, make a few sweet connections with people, help with the dishes and go home feeling deeply nourished. These are the things that make our lives rich.
Trucking Occidentlal sewage to Graton? Not yet...the debate still rages on..stay in touch and leet me know what’s on your minds.
Please let me know if there is something that you would like me to know or write about. You can reach me butlersjennifer@gmail.com.
READ Jennifer Butler’s article on Prop 13 on page. 17
A short while back I joined the Member Relations team. Essentially we support members' positive experience and overall benefits of the time bank. Thus, I have the pleasure of meeting many members.
Like our young members, who are sharing their talents and adding so much to our diversity (the more diversity, the better!). And the elders... How about Sam (88) who wished to be part of a family with young children? He knew he would delight in exploring the wonders of the world with a toddler. Maude & Rick overwhelmed with three young ones, responded to Sam's request. They met, felt a mutual "Yes!" and over time developed a close and mutually beneficial relationship.
I participated in the time bank's Pilot Program whereby members care for the needs of our mamas with new babies. That was a super sweet service.
I see the family at the Sunday market and relish how happy we are to be connected. If my sharing waters a desire in you to support a mama with a new baby do give us a shout!
Our time bank works because people living here understand its value and put energy into it. The Sebastopol City Council committed to community a decade ago. They know that a small investment in the quality of our lives reaps benefits that outweigh the cost. The SATB empowers us by providing a vehicle to connect and help each other. People of all ages can participate, which makes us all healthier and more resilient. It's progressive. It works. And it's smart fiscal policy. Life is good here, and I am grateful.
sebastopolarea.timebanks.org MemberRelations@SebastopolTimebank.org
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