Time Trader Spotlight: Brittany Bakes (and more!)

 Time Traders often ask to see photographs of the work people offer in Community Weaver. It makes sense -- if someone is offering to make something, seeing a photo of their past work can help you decide if they are the right person for the job.

Periodically we will feature Time Traders here, offering descriptions of their Service Offers along with photos of their past creations. If you are a Time Trader with a talent you'd like to see in the Spotlight, email your photos to timetrader@familyservicerochester.org along with any descriptive information you'd like included. If you have been happy with a service provided by a Time Trader, please feel free to email the same address and any photos you may have along with a request that they be Spotlighted. We will be happy to post these items to encourage the community to take advantage of all the amazing talent Time Trader has to offer!

Today we are going to look at Time Trader Brittany, who has been a member since May 2012. She is unfailingly positive and enthusiastic, and has been a great addition to our community. Here, in Brittany's words, is a description of her experience as a Time Trader:

As far as what inspired me [to join], I was a new member to the area, wanted a way to meet more people. I have always volunteered in different facets and thought this was a great way to continue that, but also got a reward for volunteering.

Trades I've done:

- made frozen meals

- made thank you cards/every day cards

- pet sitting

- watered plants

- cleaned a garage

- made treats for parties, baked a cake

- called inactive members

- Family Service Rochester 2012 Father's Day celebration help

- helped pack up things for someone selling house

- helping someone place a Craigslist ad

- dining group

I have spent Time Credits on scrapbooking, graphic design, having my closet organized, and mending, to name a few.

Time Trader feels like a reward system to me. I can do things I like and in exchange have others help me with things I don't like so much or help accomplish tasks I've been meaning to get too. Especially when I can make treats and cakes, because I enjoy making them, but don't want to eat them all myself. It's been a great way to also get out in the community and meet all kinds of individuals.

Brittany has traded several times with Time Traders John and Sandy, and they have wonderful things to say about her:

We met Brittany shortly after she joined Time Trader last spring.  She proved a wonderful resource for plant care both inside and outside while we travel.

In November 2012, we were able to request her baking skills. That resulted in a yellow cake with caramel frosting for John's 70th birthday reminiscent of his childhood birthday cakes.  Brittany added colorful balloons and his aunt's words "John you'll always be young!" to the cake.

Then in February we enjoyed Pi Pizza at the dining event she initiated - and we made another TT contact.

PS: Her boyfriend, Mike, came over and in one visit fixed a bathroom fixture problem, a computer problem and gave me a simple fix to an electrical problem.  

Here's a photo of Brittany with John's birthday cake -- be sure to say hello if you see her at a member gathering!

Testimonial #2: L Coming together, weaving community

Last week a Time Trader let me know she had fallen and broken some bones in her right foot. As a result, she can't drive, can't shovel snow, and needs help with a number of basic things. I advised her to write some requests and post them on Community Weaver, and I featured some of them in the Service Update email that went out at the end of the week.
I received this email Saturday, and I wanted to share it with the community:

Hi Jennifer,

Time Trader is such a fantastic resource...... and there are good people everywhere.  I guess we never know when we will find ourselves in need of help/assistance from others.  I love making connections with others in my own community.

Friday was my first day back to work and J. brought me home at 1.  A. moved my snow Friday afternoon and said he will continue to do so.  He called before coming over and asked if he could pick up any groceries, but my neighbor had taken care of that.  I just might adopt him as my MN son since my own lives in Chicago.  K. is taking me to St Marys for x-rays early Monday morning and said she can drive me more places since she only works 4 days a month.  My neighbor is able to drop me off at work in the mornings next week and different UW employees are taking me home. 

I'll begin working on transportation for when my office moves on the 30th.  First, I'm going to call the receptionist in that building next week and find out if anyone who lives near me works out there.

A. offered to work on a banner for my Etsy store, also.

Forever grateful,

L.

Thank you, Time Traders! This is exactly what this community is all about, and I could not be more proud and grateful to be a part of it.

Time Trader Testimonial #1: A

Time Trader has been a great part of why I enjoy living in Rochester.
When I first came to Rochester, it was hard to meet people and feel like I belonged. Through Time Trader, I was able to feel more tied to the community. It gave me the opportunity to meet more folks through community events and individual projects.  I also had a chance to learn about existing organizations, including the Rochester Area Family YMCA, Family Service Rochester, and the Farmer’s Market. A couple of the folks I’ve met through Time Trader are now friends.  I got great project help assembling a swing set, gardening, and with child care among other projects.  I was able to assist with event planning, which I knew was an actual skill that I had.  I also learned that things I didn’t consider to be especially useful were valuable for others. For example, I was able to help someone out by sprouting seeds. It’s been a great resource. -A.




Thank you for your testimonial, A. It is great to know that one of our main goals, building community, is happening and making life more enjoyable in Rochester!