TDC CONNECTS
Our signature monthly gatherings bring members together for meaningful experiences. Each TDC Connects event features an inspiring speaker, an impactful larger group volunteer opportunity, or a hands-on workshop that fosters genuine connections while making a difference in our community.
Upcoming TDC Connects Events
Book Club: "Small Things Like These"
Join fellow TDC members for our February book club discussion of Claire Keegan's "Small Things Like These," a powerful novella that was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and named one of the New York Times' Best Books of the 21st Century. At just over 100 pages, this beautifully written story of a coal merchant in 1980s Ireland who faces a moral choice during the Christmas season is a perfect read for busy schedules.
What We'll Do Together:
- Connect over drinks and snacks
- Discuss the book's themes of conscience and courage
- Share how the story resonates with our own experiences
- Learn historical context from Arianne's expertise
Simple Stems, Shared Joy: A Floral Workshop
Join us for a meaningful hands-on workshop where we'll create beautiful flower arrangements to brighten the days of memory care residents. Led by Lucinda Chrislip, founder of the woman-owned Derby Farm Flowers, you'll learn how to craft elegant, long-lasting arrangements using affordable flowers similar to what you'd find at your local supermarket. Lucinda will share professional design techniques you can use again and again—proving that gorgeous arrangements don't require expensive specialty blooms.
What We'll Do Together:
- Learn simple techniques for creating balanced, beautiful arrangements
- Work with accessible flowers to create something special
- Create arrangements that will be donated to local memory care facilities through our partnership with Theo's Flowers
- Connect with other TDC members while making a tangible difference
About the Workshop:
No floral experience needed—just bring your creativity and willingness to make a difference. This workshop launches our new partnership with Theo's Flowers, bringing beauty and connection to those in memory care.
Past TDC Connects Events
Eat Smart, Sleep Deep, Think Clearly
Dr. Nina Frusztajer shared a practical, evidence-based look at how nutrition supports cognition, mood, and sleep in midlife. Drawing on her medical training and years of coaching women through life transitions, Dr. Frusztajer translated complex science into simple, sustainable strategies that help you feel sharper, calmer, and more energized every day.
We explored:
- How what you eat influences brain health, mood, and sleep
- Simple, sustainable habits to feel sharper, calmer, and more energized
- Ten pantry staples to keep on hand—plus three easy recipes to make from them
- Easy daily nutrition tweaks to boost focus, sleep, and overall well-being
About the Speaker:
Dr. Nina Frusztajer is a physician with a master's degree in nutrition and board certification in lifestyle medicine. She is the co-author of The Serotonin Power Diet, a certified life coach, cooking instructor, and yoga instructor. As a nutrition and weight loss coach, Dr. Frusztajer helps both women and men optimize their diet and lifestyle, implement scientifically based practices that are realistic, and focus on the connection between diet, the gut microbiome, metabolism, hormone balance, stress management, and brain health.
Serving with Heart at Rosie's Place
Our group prepared and served lunch through their Dining Room Catering Program. Members rolled up their sleeves to work together and made a meaningful impact. Following the volunteer shift, the group connected over an optional lunch nearby where we reflected on the morning's experience together.
What we experienced:
- Hands-on meal preparation and service for 100+ women in need
- Working alongside fellow TDC members in a meaningful team effort
- Direct impact in addressing food insecurity in our community
- Connection with members and shared reflections
Everyday Intuition: A Workshop for Clarity, Confidence, and Ease
Members gathered for an experiential workshop exploring how listening to intuition can bring more ease to decision-making and daily life. Michelle Cove led participants through practical exercises for recognizing and trusting the subtle signals we all carry.
What we explored:
- How intuition shows up in everyday life
- Moving from big decisions to small nudges
- Building trust in your inner signals
- Finding greater clarity, calm, and meaning
- Practical exercises for daily life
Harvest & Connect at Gaining Ground
Members gathered for meaningful farm work at Gaining Ground, followed by lunch together. All harvested food went directly to local food pantries and soup kitchens.
The Real Talk on Menopause
An informative and supportive discussion about menopause and its many aspects. Dr. Packard drew on over twenty years of experience to guide members through the physical and emotional changes of midlife.