If the idea of using skills you enjoy in exchange for getting work done that you cannot do yourself sounds appealing, you’re invited to join the Conversation Cafe on Tuesday, February 4, beginning at 5 PM, at Graze Sustainable Table, 207 Main Street in New London. Sponsored by the Kearsarge Valley Transition Initiative (KVTI), discussion of “Sharing The Wealth: Community Time Banking” will be led by Lisa Conlan, former CEO of Timeberbanks USA, founder of a time bank in Providence, Rhode Island, and co-trainer of hOurworld cooperative, a software design non-profit that assists local communities in establishing time banks.

Put simply, a time bank is a local organization whose members agree to supply goods or services to one another in return for other goods or services. The value of the exchange is measured in terms of hours donated rather than in dollars, valuing the work one enjoys and the development of community relationships.

This event is the third in the monthly Conversation Cafe series planned by the Kearsarge Valley Transition Initiative to encourage local folks to think about how their communities can be more sustainable and resilient. The series offers an opportunity for residents to share conversation, a glass of wine, and some outstanding, specially prepared hors d’ouevres with friends and neighbors on a night Graze is usually closed.

Conversation and food begins at 5 PM. At 6 PM, Ms. Conlan will talk about the growing popularity of the time bank concept, how it works, and how it can benefit local communities. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions, continued discussion, and eating until 7:15 PM.

Since Graze is usually closed on Tuesdays, and in order to prepare enough food for everyone, it is suggested that to ensure a spot, those interested in attending call Graze at 526-2488 by 5 PM the preceding Friday, January 31, to make a reservation. The cost is $15 per person for food, with a cash bar.

The Kearsarge Valley Transition Initiative encourages the nine towns (including Andover) in the Kearsarge Valley to develop a greater reliance with local resources – food, energy, and human resources in particular – to address the impacts of such global issues such as economic insecurity, environmental instabilities, and dependence on non-renewable energy. For more information about KVTI and about the Time Bank effort, visit KearsargeTransition.wordpress.com, and check upcoming events at MeetUp.com/Transition-Kearsarge.