Dear Skyline Village Chicago, 

Greetings from the Skyline Village Board. Welcome to 2026! We expect we'll need to spend some quality time together this year. Watch for our newsletters and announcements. Join us at one or more of our events this year and let us know if there's an issue or speaker you'd like to see, email us at

 svcphyllism@gmail.com.



Ever Wonder if we're victims of ageism?

Ageism: prejudice, discrimination, or stereotyping based on age, through negative attitudes, practices, and policies, leading to poorer health, financial insecurity, and exclusion. Ageism manifests as condescending language, denial of opportunities and viewing older adults as burdens.

Scott Galloway is an entrepreneur, a professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and the host of multiple podcasts, including The Prof G Pod. His most recent book, Notes on Being a Man, was released in November and examines manhood in modern America. On December 5, a young man asked Galloway on his The Prof G Pod, ”How do I get more involved in politics?”

Galloway’s response “… because young people don't vote, old people keep voting themselves more money, right? $40 billion child tax credit gets ripped out of the infrastructure bill, but the $120 billion cost of living adjustment for Social Security flies right through. …our old people have figured out a way to vote themselves more money, and the fact that people under the age of 18 don't vote, the budget reflects values, and our values are that we don't really love our children.”*

Kudos to Scott Galloway for the wealth he's accumulated by manipulating the modern financial system, as he frequently tells his followers. But his statement pitting young against old using the antiquated idea that we old citizens are sapping federal dollars from the young shows a decided lack of intellectual sophistication and reality. 

Skyline Village Chicago wants to set the record straight. We've paid into Social Security all of our working lives. We reap the fruits of our contributions, but so do generations to come. 

First of all, yes, we old people vote. And yes, we are protective of Social Security and Medicare. We also want young people to succeed. We were young Pete Buttigieg’s largest voting demographic, long before he announced his Gray New Deal in Iowa 2020. We vote for child tax credits, volunteer at food pantries, tutor at public schools, babysit our grandchildren and are worried about not only ours, but future generations.

Secondly, we pay. We will pay the government $202.90 a month in 2026 for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor’s visits.That’s a 9.7 percent increase from 2025. We count on the yearly Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to offset the yearly Medicare increase. But this year, the Social Security COLA is only a 2.8 percent increase, posing a hardship for Social Security recipients who live check to check. Eventually, that young man will be hoping his Social Security COLA matches his Medicare increase. 

Third, don’t we all know the way to get involved in politics is to volunteer? What? Is that just a Chicago thing?

Sixty-one year old California-native and London resident Scott Galloway, may, as the years pass by, come to repent from lecturing the young that older adults are a burden to their financial futures. Chicago already knows better.

If you're inclined to state your case, Galloway's email address is officehours@profgmedia.com

*The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway: How to Get Involved in Politics, How Scott Galloway Writes, and How He Follows the News, Dec 5, 2025 Transcription available

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-get-involved-in-politics-how-scott-galloway/id1498802610?i=1000739823645&r=196.38 This material may be protected by copyright.

Women's Salon

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 3:30-5:00 PM

Host: Phyllis Mitzen

Facilitator: Roberta Cohen

Tuesday, February, 10, 2026, 3:30-5:00 PM

Join a Choir!

It's well established that singing in a choir provides many benefits, including "improved mental and physical health, enhanced social connections and the development of musical skills. It can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, improve lung and heart function, and strengthen the immune system. Socially, it fosters a sense of community, allows people to connect with others, and builds confidence. You can reap these benefits by joining the Sounds Good Choir, which meets Mondays at noon or the Good Memories Choir for memory-impaired which meets Tuesdays at 10:30. Both choirs rehearse at 4th Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut. The choirs are conducted by Jonathan Miller, "Leading singers in the choirs is the joy of my life. I watch faces light up as singers surprise themselves, blending into a three-or four-part harmony." 

Choir member Regan Burke, added, "I was one of those third-graders who was told 'don't sing so loud.' So I didn't sing at all. Now I'm 79 years old and have been in the choir for seven years. At a Christmas sing-along this year, a caroler next to me said, "You have a nice voice!" (Photo by Micah Marty) 

Sounds Good Choir next session will begin Feb 2. Good Memories will begin Jan 27. Contact (630) 395-9542 or  info@soundsgoodchoir.org for more information. Try the first rehearsal for free!

NCJW January Spotlight Salon

The Power of Music:

Unlocking Joy and Vitality as We Age

Please join us on Monday, January 26th to learn how choral music helps the mature brain musically and socially. This is our 3rd Annual Aging-themed Spotlight Salon in partnership with Skyline Village Chicago.

7 PM CST via Zoom

Register Here

Learn more about our featured speakers:

Jonathan and Sandy Miller founded the Sounds Good Choir after learning about research studies confirming that choral music helps the mature brain, both musically and socially. The Sounds Good Choir is for anyone over age 55 who wants to sing – no auditions are required!

Rev. Dr. Sandy Miller, a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, has been in private practice in the western suburbs for more than 30 years. Her work with older-adult choirs is a major pivot from her clinical work with children and adolescents. Continuing to research the impact of choral singing, Sandy is collaborating with Dr. Borna Bonakdakpour, neurologist and Director of the Music and Medicine Program in the Mesulan Institute for Neurology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. The “keeper of the culture“ at Sounds Good Choir, Sandy is the guiding spirit of the organization’s programs for people with memory loss and their care partner.

Over a 40-year career combining the roles of musician and nonprofit arts visionary, Jonathan Miller has conducted singers at all skill levels from complete beginners to professionals. In 1993, he founded the Virtuoso Ensemble Chicago A Cappella Group and served as its artistic director for 27 years.

"Dementia Friends" Information Session

January 29, 2026

10:00-11:30 am

Wintrust Bank Conference Room

190 East Delaware Place, Chicago

In Person Only. Free

Register HERE

Speaker: Susan Frick MSW, LSW, Director of Without Warning at Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center 

As Chicago's population grows older, so does the number of people with dementia. More than 230,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in Illinois. Research shows that more Medicare recipients worry about getting dementia than any other kind of illness. 

By becoming a certified Dementia-Friendly Community, Skyline Village Chicago aims to help the Streeterville neighborhood prepare for the growing opportunities and needs faced by people with dementia, their families, caregivers, employers, and the community as a whole. 

There are 48 certified Dementia-Friendly Communities in Illinois that have created informed, safe neighborhoods, respectful of individuals living with dementia.

Learn about how Skyline Village hopes to accomplish this vision and how you can participate in bringing this vision to life. We are building partnerships and compiling resources that already exist in our community.  

On Thursday morning, January 29th you will learn what dementia is and how simple modifications in behavior and communication can contribute to creating households and communities in which people with dementia are understood, supported, respected, and have opportunities to flourish.  

Skyliner Social

Every 4th Tuesday

January 27, 2026

February 24, 2026

4:30 - 6:00 PM

Aster Hall, 6th Floor

900 N. Michigan

Let’s get together. Deepen your connections, or connect anew with Skyliner friends. Kibbitz over dutch-treat drinks and nosh.

Free! Register HERE

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal

Orchestra Hall, 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Wednesday, February 18, 10am-12:30pm

Doors Open at 9:30 am

Skyline Village has reserved a limited number of places at the CSO Open Rehearsal on Wednesday February 18. Please respond by February 13 to let us know if you will be attending. Spots are reserved on a first come first served basis.

Klaus Mäkelä conductor

Sibelius Lemminkäinen: Four Legends from the Kalevala, Op. 22

R. Strauss Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40

Sibelius Musette from Suite from King Christian II, Op. 27

You'll get to see the conductor in action in this working rehearsal. The orchestra stops and starts throughout with comments from the conductor. CSO is not issuing tickets for this event. To gain access to the CSO concert hall, let the ushers know you're with Skyline Village and they will direct you.

Register Here for Free Ticket.

Watch for free CSO rehearsal tickets for March 25 with Maestro Riccardo Muti.

Lucky Penny Lunch

Skyline Village hosts a luncheon with speakers the last Friday of every month Watch your email for announcements.

Friday, February 27, 2026

Eggs, Inc. Cafe

680 North Lake Shore Drive

Illinois & Redistricting

Representative Kam Buckner, Speaker Pro Tem

Friday, February 27, 2026

Eggs, Inc. Cafe

680 North Lake Shore Drive

Every 10 years the maps for Congressional Districts are redrawn after the Census to adjust to the changing population. The President has asked some states to "redistrict" or redraw their Congressional Maps in order to gain more Congressional seats favorable to Republicans. 

To counteract the President's dictate, the Illinois General Assembly may vote to redistrict our Congressional maps, to gain another Democratic seat in Congress, in the spring, 2026.

Get the lowdown on redistricting from Representative Kam Buckner, the Speaker Pro Tem of the Illinois legislature. 

Bring your questions and curiosity: what other solutions is the state legislature envisioning to counteract Trumpist policies?

Message to Skyline Villagers from Representative Kam Buckner:

Skyline folks may know I like good music (remember when I came to the Beatles sing along?). But if there's anything that I like even more, it's good policy. 2025 has been full of it.

I can't tell you how proud I am of all we've accomplished this year. Between passing our historically transformative transportation bill, improving our justice system with the Homicide Data Transparency Act, and all the work we've done to fortify Illinois and our district against the crap Trump is throwing at us, we've had an incredible 2025 in the face of a hell of a lot of adversity. 

And I cannot stress how excited I am to build on this progress in 2026 and beyond. 

As Trump keeps going after our most vulnerable neighbors, it's more important than ever for states like Illinois to respond, and I'm locked in on making that happen. 



Register Here.

Eggs, Inc. Cafe

680 North Lake Shore Drive

Old Furniture Mart

(Note: entrances also on McClurg and Erie)

Dutch Treat. Order from the Menu.

Pay at restaurant

The Village Chicago

Skyline Village Chicago

Center for Life & Learning

present



“Are Your Emotions Aging Well?”

Friday, March 20, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.,

Gratz Center, 126 East Chestnut, Chicago

Join Skyline Village Chicago, The Village Chicago and the Center for Life & Learning in partnership with the Chicago Study on Longevity's expert presentation on emotions and aging. Watch for update and registration.

Collaborating Towards Creative Joy and Catalytic Change

By Chicago Architecture Biennial

840 N. Michigan Avenue

Thursday Jan 8 from 6:30pm to 8pm CST

"MacArthur Fellows Tonika Lewis Johnson and Amanda Williams in conversation about their collaborative project, "George for George."

Join the Chicago Architecture Biennial for a conversation between 2025 participants Tonika Lewis Johnson and Amanda Williams.

The two Chicago-based MacArthur Fellows will discuss George for George, their collaboration blending elements of two individual ongoing projects.... 

This conversation is moderated by award-winning journalist, author, and educator Natalie Y. Moore."

Century Summit VI

In collaboration with the Stanford Center on Longevity

February 17 & 18, 2026

Virtual from Stanford University

The Century Summit explores the implications of longevity and investigates how we can better support healthier, more productive, and more equitable lives. This year’s event will focus on rethinking how we develop and support talent across extended careers in an era of longer lives. 

Over the course of two days, we will explore critical questions: 

• How do we ensure that opportunity is not limited by age? 
• How can education and training adapt to careers that span several decades? 
• What role will employers, governments, and communities play in shaping systems that are both equitable and sustainable? 
• How can we design a society that prizes purpose, productivity, and connection across the entire lifespan?

I

Register for free virtual attendance below.

VIRTUAL REGISTRATION SIGN UP

Center for Life & Learning

Friday, February 20, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Gratz Center, 126 East Chestnut, Chicago

Love Your Brain

The Alzheimer’s Association will be hosting a lunch and learning entitled “Love Your Brain.” This free event is for anyone who wants to learn more about taking care of their brain at any age! 

Vote: Save this Information for Your Ballot

Primary Election March 17, 2026

• December 17, 2025 | First day to apply for a Vote by Mail ballot
• February 5, 2026 | Board of Elections begins to send out Vote by Mail ballots
• February 5, 2026 | Early Voting & Registration opens at downtown Supersite (137 S State St) and Board of Elections Office (69 W Washington)
• February 17, 2026 | Last day to submit paper voter registration forms (online and in-person registration remains available)
• March 1, 2026 | Last day for online voter registration (in-person registration is available through Election Day)
• March 2, 2026 | Early Voting & Registration opens in all 50 wards
• March 12, 2026 | Last day to apply for a Vote By Mail ballot
• March 17, 2026 | Primary Election Day (6 am–7 pm)

What’s on the ballot in Chicago?

US Senator

Illinois Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Illinois Attorney General

Illinois Secretary of State

Illinois Comptroller

Illinois Treasurer

Representatives in Congress

State Senator

Representatives in the General Assembly

Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of

Greater Chicago

President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners

County Clerk of Cook County

Sheriff of Cook County

Treasurer of Cook County

Assessor of Cook County

Cook County Commissioners

Commissioner of the Board of Review of Cook County

Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Court Justices (to fill

vacancies as needed)

Cook County Circuit and Subcircuit Judges (to fill vacancies as

needed)

Voters will also elect candidates for Democratic State Central

Committeepeople in each Congressional District, and voters will decide any

citywide or local advisory or binding referendum questions.

WTTW Voter Guide

The WTTW Voter Guide, sponsored by League of Women

Voters Cook County, presents nonpartisan information on each of the

candidates. 

Learn More About Judges

Vote for Judges and Injustice Watch are both great resources for

diving deeper into the judges on your ballot.

AGING AND LONGEVITY

Fortunately, It's Warm in Havana

In Cuba, New Year’s Eve comes with a symbolic reset: at midnight, people toss buckets of water out their doors or windows, washing away bad luck and emotional baggage from the year before. It’s a simple ritual, but one rooted in a powerful idea - letting go.

That kind of intentional mental “cleanse” matters more than we often realize. Chronic stress is linked to higher risks of depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline, and the American Psychological Association reports that over 75% of adults experience stress-related symptoms. Research also shows that practices tied to reflection, closure, or symbolic release can reduce anxiety and increase feelings of control and emotional relief.

You know, Mr. Potter in It's a Wonderful Life could have used a mental reset like this. The bucket of water might have frozen over in Bedford Falls, but Potter would surely have benefited from acknowledging the past and mentally clearing space for what’s next – assuming what is next is not shutting down the Bailey Brothers Building & Loan Association. 

While Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol redeems himself, Mr. Potter remains unrepentant. We wish all our neighbors a stress-free new year including the repentant scrooges and the unrepentant potters.

Video: Hearing and the Brain

Effects of Hearing on 

Cognitive Functioning 

Dr. Pamela Souza, Acoustical Society of America, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Knowles Hearing Center discusses individual auditory and cognitive abilities in order to customize hearing treatment. Professor Souza’s expertise is in hearing aids, severe hearing loss, hearing assistive technology, tinnitus management and patient education. Watch HERE

This mural really takes the cake. 🍰  Get to know 85 year-old artist and SAIC alum Gladys Nilsson, while she finishes her largest work to date. Now on view outside of the Modern Bar at the Art Institute of Chicago. Watch video HERE.

Senior Connected brochure now available

Free programs and services for individuals age 60 and older are available at senior centers, virtually, and by telephone. The brochure is produced by the Department of Family and Support Services, Senior Services Division, Area Agency on Aging. Check out its many services, including the Golden Diners program, senior well-being check, support for caregivers, and adult protective services.

Community Partnerships

Center for Life and Learning 4th Presbyterian Church: Website

Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease: website

Rush Generations Center for Excellence in Aging:  Website

Streeterville Organization for Active Residents: Website 

The Chicago Covenants Project: Website

Welcome to our Renewing Members

Thank you to our Donors:

We are grateful to all of our members and donors for your on-going support.

Artist: Anna Rappaport

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