THE SHED January 2024 Issue #14
Elgin Area Shedders Photo courtesy of Elgin Area Men’s Shed
Men don’t talk face to face; we talk shoulder to shoulder
& Community projects
Elgin Area Men’s Shed
Sherman Hospital Community Garden's compost bin and garden clean-up
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Facebook: @ElginAreaMensShed.IL
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USMSA 2024
GRAND TRAVERSE MEN'S SHED - The Grand Traverse Men's Shed volunteers to help with the "Project Feed the Kids" program at J&S Hamburg South in Traverse City, MI. 2,000 lunches are packed every Thursday morning to be given away to any child who needs a lunch. All they need to do is come to the outdoor refrigerator and grab a lunch bag. J&S is close to providing 200,000 total lunch bags to date.
Facebook Click Here
The Florida Shed hosts breakfast for teens at the Cabana Coloney Youth Center.
Aloha Community Shed, Honolulu, HAWAII Year 10 students of Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School accepting delivery of 2 raised planter boxes, proudly donated by Aloha Community Shed.
North Palm Beach County, FLORIDA
NPBC Website Click Here
Aloha Facebook Click Here
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Aloha Community Shed Hawaii
These Shedders enjoyed an amazing opportunity to pitch in some labor to the AOK Foundation Mini-House Build Project for Hui Mani' ai Aina Homeless Camp in Waimanalo
Veteran’s Garden Clean-Up. A joint
Ala Wai Elementary School received picnic benches. This was a joint project with the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset.
project with Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset.
Tour the Aloha Shed via video!
Click Here
Aloha Website Click Here
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Hopkins Area Men’s Shed (MN)
https://hopkinsmensshed.org/
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Ruston (LA) Community Men’s Shed
Ruston Facebook Click Here
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Honolulu Men’s Shed (HI)
Video - Building Community/
This is a video about Shedders helping their community, and each other
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Making Bat Boxes
Photos by David Smith and Mike’s birds, and www.tiket2.com.
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INTERNATIONAL Shed Projects - Canada
Naismith Men’s Shed is also selling their bat houses to the public (in Canada). They are about 16"x 30" and will hold 100 bats. They come completely finished and ready for occupation. The Bat Houses are finished in a deep brown stain, which helps control the temperature for baby bats. Installation instructions are included. “This is a fun project, and people like to own them.” - Bob Dickson, Naismith Team Lead Check temperature considerations and bat-specie specifics for your own Shed’s region. Habitat loss is a threat to these little creatures; when land is cleared, they lose their warm, safe, dry, and quiet roost spots. On November 29, 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the northern long-eared bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The bat faces extinction due to the wide-ranging impacts of white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease affecting cave-dwelling bats across the continent. The Naismith (Ontario, Canada) Shed was featured in The Millstone for making Bat Boxes. Bats are flying mammals that bring big benefits to the ecosystem: some pollinate plants, others eat insects, many serve as prey to other animals, and they also inspire scientific discoveries. Initially, the Hackberry Shed contracted with the Canadian Wildlife Federation to produce ‘maternity bat houses’ to support the bats, which are being decimated by white-nose syndrome, the North American bat disease. Hackberry eventually passed the building project over to a nearby Shed, the Naismith Men’s Shed, which then built additional boxes for the Mississippi Valley Conservation Assoc. (Canada). They have produced over 100 boxes. This spring, after lengthy discussions with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Naismith Shed created a newly designed model of ‘maternity bat houses’. These are made from local white cedar. The back panel and interior dividers are plywood, and the interior is roughed up with a special tool they designed. The boxes are hung approx. 15'+ off the ground with an unobstructed access to the door. Hanging the little houses on poles or installing them on south-facing (for temperature control) barn exteriors has the added benefit of limiting the predators that can access the boxes. Bat preservation websites can be consulted for further information.
Bats provide over 3.7 Billion dollars in pest control benefits to the US economy.
9 Hackberry - located in Carleton Place, ON - is named after a rare tree growing in the area, and Naismith (in Mississippi Mills) is named after Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. naismithmensshed.ca
The US movement is growing! 2024 USMSA Update from Mark Winston
Hello US Shedders! 2023 was a milestone year in many ways for USMSA. We were asked to be presenters at a number of national conferences and represented the US Shed Movement for audiences aligned with the American Society on Aging, Rotary, and the Men’s Health Caucus, as well as having an opportunity to enthusiastically share the US story with a group from Germany interested in starting the Shed Movement there. At one Zoom conference we attended, we met a woman from North Carolina who became a passionate supporter of the Shed Movement. She has now helped to launch three Men’s Sheds in a period of less than 10 weeks. Never have we seen this type of success before. Tammy Sutherland is now working on opening two additional sheds in North Carolina. In my own experience with the movement, I can unequivocally state that when women decide to assist in breaking the cycle of isolation, do not get in their way. As the late Louisiana Shed Founder Buelah Laster said, “Nobody better get in my way - I will run them over.”
A tip of the hat goes out to Nathan Sarea for his valuable contributions at the many national and international conferences we spoke at during these past months. Another tip of the hat goes out to Bob Jewell and Tommy Folk for hosting the Monthly Shedders Meetings. These workshops offer valuable exchanges of information for new and established sheds across the country. I would invite everyone to attend. “We Are Stronger Together.” And finally, USMSA welcomed new Board Member Sandra Manon. She is a mental health professional whom we met at one of the Monthly Shedder’s Meetings, and who has already redesigned and relaunched our new Facebook page! She is a true blessing to the movement. Happy 2024!
Due to the work of Lewis Bishop and Phil Smith , we have our first shed opening in Texas.
Dave Gilson is starting the first shed in California. Thank you, gentlemen, and congratulations!
A tip of the hat goes out to Jimmy Boyd for his help with the Men’s Health Network. Jimmy retired recently but his experience with Congress and various administrations is invaluable to our cause.
"“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis" by brightdrops is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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Media Focus on Sheds - TV spots
YouTube: “U.S. Men’s Sheds Association” - WGN News
Click HERE
The Aloha Community Shed appears in the video. Any Shed can add the link to their Facebook page!
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Aloha & North Palm Beach Co.
“We send out newsletters to all our members and also to the general community to keep them informed about what we are doing.”
“It helps keep everyone feeling as though they are a part of the Shed.” Bob Jewell
Local Sheds keep members informed by publishing digital newsletters Aloha: Website / Past Newsletters Click Here
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Offer Local Shed Newsletters
“The North Palm Beach
County Men’s Shed produces a monthly newsletter to keep members informed of weekly topics, activities, and local happenings. It’s distributed to all members digitally and posted on our website.”
- Steve Werner
https://npbc-mensshed.com/
North Palm Beach County Men’s Shed. Website: https://npbc-mensshed.com/
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3 NEW SHEDS NORTH CAROLINA Supply Men’s Shed Supply, NC. (NC Shed #1, US Reg. Shed 31) Sponsored by: Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. Leads: Pete Urgola This is the 1st North Carolina Shed! It will launch with a primary focus on ‘model trains.’ Leland Men’s Shed Leland, NC. (NC Shed #2, US Reg. Shed 32) Sponsored by: Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. Leads: Ken Graphics, Merlin Osgood, Ronald West This is the 2nd North Carolina Shed! It will launch with a focus on educational and social activities Calabash Men’s Shed Calabash, NC. (NC Shed #3, US Reg. Shed 33) Sponsored by: Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. Facilitator: Phil White, Co-Chair Richard Ward This is the 3rd North Carolina Shed and will launch with a focus on community service, socializing and fitness
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SHED SPONSORS
These 3 new North Carolina sheds are being sponsored by Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. Senior Center Site Directors: The Brunswick Center at Supply Director Melissa Starr, Asst. Dir. Leslie Doeing The Brunswick Center at Leland Director Brittany Steinkamp, Asst. Dir. Roberta Horn The Brunswick Center at Calabash Director Holley Joyce, Interim Dir. Heather Puglisi Sincerest appreciation to Tammy Sutherland for promoting Sheds in NC and continuing to open new sites in that state.
Sponsored Sheds are sites hosted by a Senior Center, or another non-profit organization, private business, or city-owned vacant property. Many Senior Centers offer Sheds space and other support. Shedders meet at the center, and may also meet at local restaurants, go to public events, or tour local attractions of interest. Some may also participate in off-site community-build projects. 15
Congratulations to the Grand Traverse (MI) Men's Shed, winner of a Precision Cares local award! This brief note about the Shed appeared on Precision Plumbing’s Facebook page: "Grand Traverse Men's Shed is a nonprofit 501C3. We are a social group that works on woodworking projects for other nonprofits throughout the community. Our focus is on senior retired men: giving them a place to go, something to do, and most importantly, someone to talk to. We are socializing and working shoulder to shoulder.”
Learn more about them here: http://www.gtmensshed.org/
Precision Plumbing and Heating Systems, Inc. makes a monthly monetary award to local charitable organizations. “Together, we are making a positive impact on our community.” https://www.facebook.com/PrecisionTraverseCity 16
Celebrating North Palm Beach County (FL.) Shed’s 5th Anniversary!
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This Shed meets on Zoom or in public spaces, and tours North Palm Beach County together!
Men’s Sheds change lives!
We’re boosting moods, self- esteem and general well-being.
We are creating a new circle of friends, and making use of our talents. We are about having a purpose, getting creative, enhancing health and helping the community.
It’s about having a laugh, enjoying people, and enjoying life.
“Starting Our Shed - Story #2
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FREE Start-Up Booklet - Click Here
Why a growing number of American men say they are in a 'friendship recession' Watch this Video! Shedder Phil Johnson promotes the value of a Shed!
PBS NewsHour 126,739 views Jan 17, 2024
American men are stuck in what’s been dubbed a friendship recession, with 20 percent of single men now saying they don’t have any close friends. More than half of all men report feeling unsatisfied with the size of their friend groups. Geoff Bennett traveled to Phoenix to take a closer look at the implications of male loneliness and how some men are confronting it.
PBS “Friendship Recession”
Also featured in this special broadcast was author Richard Reeves. He stated: “Sometimes, as men, we struggle to say ‘I need you’ ... We (in society) have a really difficult challenge right now to help men find places, spaces, and ways to be with other men and to sustain those male friendships. We do need to be intentional about male friendship, and intentional about combating against male loneliness and we have to create the spaces... because they are not going to create themselves.”
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Free Guide to Help Your Shed Start a Walkshop
The Irish Men’s Shed Association - in partnership with Healthy Carlow Mental Health Ireland and Get Ireland Walking - created these free “Walkshop Guides” - get yours today!
Click Here for the Free Guide
Then click ‘Setting Up Your Walkshop’ in the Google Search page to download the FREE PDF
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Link to “Shoulder to Shoulder Opera Clip” (26 min)
Watch Clip
Uploaded by UK Mens Shed Association. Photos used by permission of photographer Guy Harrop Directed by Brendan Wheatley
More info at: https://www.shedworking.co.uk/2023/02/shoulder-to-shoulder-shed-opera-tour.html or https://www.trip.com/events/shoulder-to-shoulder--the-mens-sheds-cymru-opera-20231115/
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“Shoulder to Shoulder” is a humorous, emotional and joyful story of real-life men overcoming loneliness and isolation. This Opera has captivated audiences throughout Wales. In a unique collaboration between the Men’s Shed Cymru (UK Men’s Shed Assoc.) and the Swansea City Opera, Shedders met with opera singers and shared some of their stories of the fun, camaraderie and purpose they found when attending their Shed. This Opera has been called “Touching and Amusing” and attendees are delighted by the beautiful music and professional performances. They are also enlightened by the Shed’s mission: to support isolated men by creating warm and welcoming spaces where friendships can flourish.
Photos used with permission - Guy Harrop
Directed by Brendan Wheatley
A Musical by Swansea City Opera, based on
Men’s Sheds Cymru and the great work it is doing.
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If you can make a 1-time or auto-monthly
donation to support the
National Shed Movement , we would appreciate it! Our Website accepts credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal.
dailydoseofReddit
Open Irish Central
Thank you!
https://usmenssheds.org/contribute/
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“What is a Shed?”
A Shed can be whatever it wants to be. Some have a ‘toolshed’, others meet at a Senior Center or other hosted site.
Some plan outings, some just heat up a pot of coffee. Some Sheds have guest speakers, others ask their own members to provide education or enlightenment. Some watch a YouTube and discuss its merits. Some folks get together because they have a common interest, like ‘model trains’
or ‘walking in nature.’ What can you expect?
Laughter, camaraderie and a renewed sense of purpose. Plus much, much more!
NEW US MEN ’ S SHED FACEBOOK PAGE
EST. 2024
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Please “Follow” the NEW USMSA Facebook Page !
On Jan. 1, 2024 we launched a brand new Facebook page. Please follow us!
Dan reached out to the USMSA Board to invite Shedders to contribute their original art via his website. He writes: Welcome to oldegoats.com, the free website for senior men. This site ENCOURAGES THE CREATIVE WORK OF SENIOR MEN Subscribe to this free website dedicated to improving the quality of life of senior men and check out the works of your peers. ALL CREATIVE WORKS WELCOME. You submit your work, and we will post it on the appropriate page. There will be no editing or judging. Email your work to dan@oldegoats.com This website belongs to all Olde Goats. It belongs to the happy Olde Goats who enjoy good health and to the Olde Goats who suffer from chronic loneliness because their lives were derailed by misfortune or illness. Medical research shows that they can reduce or eliminate their loneliness and feel better physically and mentally by getting involved (in person or online) with others.
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USMSA Board Members
Steve Werner: In 2018, Steve was instrumental in starting the North County Men’s Shed in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and in 2019 he joined the Board of the US Men’s Shed Association. Steve’s education is in Chemistry and Civil Engineering. His career includes working for an international petrochemical company and a major environmental engineering firm with responsibility for a division of 400 scientists and support personnel. Steve has traveled extensively throughout the world. His volunteer work has included teaching various merit badges to the Boy Scouts, serving as Vice Chair of a chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), he is a church elder, and he has served on his township Environmental Advisory Council. Mark Winston: Mark Winston, a Director of the USMSA, has worked in the Men’s Shed movement in the US for over five years and helped start the second Men’s Shed in Canada in 2014. Mark has been an entrepreneur for half his life and was a consultant in starting new businesses and raising venture capital. Mark’s motto is: “Helping others is the best thing you can do for yourself. We Are Stronger Together...” David Helmers has dedicated his career to the development of the Australian Men’s Shed Association. The idea of creating an Association to represent Men’s Sheds collectively and to freely share information between sheds was conceived at the National Conference in 2007. An estimated 3,000 Men’s Sheds operate in 12 different countries based on this uniquely Australian concept. David continues to peruse the development of Men’s Sheds. He advocates for social health and the prevention of social isolation that many men are vulnerable to following the loss of employment. Sandra Manon i s a member of the Four County Suicide Prevention Coalition as well as a 1st responder volunteer to the scene of a suicide through the Four County L.O.S.S team (Local Outreach for Survivors of Suicide). Sandra lost her dad at age 66 by suicide on September 10th, 2007 – World Suicide Prevention Day and it has become a part of her life’s journey ever since. It was her work on the Coalition that led her to the US Men’s Shed Association. Sandra is passionate about finding ways for people to engage in positive mental health and is a mental health speaker in Northwest Ohio. She is thankful for the purpose God had to use her pain to support and encourage others. Sandra has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Eastern Michigan University. Professionally, she is an Executive Administrative Assistant in higher education at Northwest State Community and is a trained Stephen’s Ministry Care Giver. When she isn’t working or volunteering she loves spending time with her husband Andy and 3 kids Kiersten, Emily & Jacob.
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Wed. Feb. 21, 2024 Time: 1300 (1:00) Pac.
Welcome What's new with you? USMSA - National & International News
EXPERT PANEL: “How we successfully use Facebook“ US Shed Facebook Administrator‘s Panel Moderated by Janice Altman Facebook Q&A Open Discussion This is also a great time to share and borrow ideas from your fellow Shedders!
Intended Audience: Facebook Administrators Shed Leadership Interested Shed Members Shed Board Members Emerging Sheds Senior Center Site Hosts
US Shed Workshop Co-Chairs: Bob Jewell and Tommy Folk Sponsored by USMSA ®
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85722723062? pwd=63O1uQY3Z3NKRYMvJzPLGbhxBWGaOK.1
Call-in Meeting ID: 857 2272 3062 Passcode: 803578
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ABOUT USMSA
Website: Facebook: email:
usmenssheds.org
Join the National Men's Shed Facebook Page!
shedinfo@usmenssheds.org
Board Members: Mark Winston, Steve Werner, David Helmers, Sandra Manon
Attributions:
This Newsletter has been provided thanks to private donations. Designed and Edited by Janice Altman Cover photo courtesy of Elgin Area Men’s Shed Photographer - an unnamed Elgin Shedder Back cover photo provided by photographer Dean Kirby / LA. Shed Photos of US Shedders provided by local sheds (Facebook)
Photo/Graphics Reprinted by permission:
Front Cover Photo: Compliments of Elgin Area Men’s Shed, & Shedders Steve Kramer and John Ziegler Back Cover: Ruston Men’s Shed (LA.) Photographer Dean Kirby, & Tommy Folk (subject) Pages 2-7 Photos from Local Facebook pages and Websites. Pages 8-9 Photos by David Smith and Mike’s birds, and www.tiket2.com. Bat Boxes (tree) David Smith "Tree with bat boxes in Hurscombe Plantation - geograph.org.uk - 4655923" by David Smith is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. (bat) "Fruit Bat (flying fox)" by Mike's Birds is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. (Bats) www.tiket2.com (fruit bats flying) "Bats flying" by USFWS Headquarters is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Naismith Shed images /bat boxes. Story inspired by https://millstonenews.com/mens-shed-builds-all-canadian-bat-houses/ Page 10 CS Lewis Quote and Art: "“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis" by brightdrops is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Page 11 WGN News broadcast. (screenshots from the video) Pages 12-13 Local Shed newsletters/from websites. Page 16 Precision Plumbing’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/PrecisionTraverseCity Page 17 Elgin story and Photos: by permission of Margo Vesely. Pages 18-19 Local FL. Shed original images. Page 20 PBS NewsHour video screenshots. Book cover Richard Reeves. Page 21 Irish Men’s Shed Assoc. (screenshots from the free Walkshop guide) Pages 22-23 Opera photos courtesy Guy Harrop. “Red Curtain” by Giovanni Urgelles "Red Curtain" by Acid Latte is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Page 24 - Cover image of Irish Central story. Tape measure: dailydoseofReddit Page 26 Facebook Logo: "facebook logo" by marcopako is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Olde goat images from his website. Pg. 27 Board photos obtained from the USMSA website.
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THE SHED January 2024 Issue #14
Ruston, LA Men’s Shed
Photo by Dean Kirby
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator