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In This Issue
March Programs
April Highlights
Call Us. Join Us!
Village Sponsors

Edited by
Laurel Baer
Produced by
Megan Byrd


Village Programs 

 

Register for these programs by calling 773.248.8700 or 

 

Village Members receive registration priority.

 

Payment confirms your registration and is due in advance.


Let the Village office know if you need a ride!    

  

As the Village grows, from time to time, events fill up quickly. If this happens, you will be placed on a waiting list. Please remember to sign up early! You can do so by calling the office at 773.248.8700 or e-mailing celebrate@thevillagechicago.org.


Suggestion Box

The Village Chicago welcomes any comments, suggestions, or concerns. 

Please  click here to fill out our form to give the Village office your feedback. Thank you!
March Programs

Memoir Writing with Beth Finke
Mondays, ongoing
February 5-March 26, 2:00-3:30 PM
Hosts:  see web calendar
Members-$60 for the 8-session series
Participants write short pieces and share their writing on various topics, exploring events in their lives. Sessions are led by Village member Beth Finke, an award-winning author, teacher, journalist, and NPR commentator. These groups are currently wait list only. Please call the Village office to inquire about availability.

A Matter of Balance
Tuesdays, February 6-March 27,
12:30-2:30 PM
Center for Life and Learning
(126 E. Chestnut St.)
Members only-$40 for the 8-session series
A Matter of Balance is an eight-week evidence-based program that is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Each week, the class features an exercise component and discussion. This course is offered in conjunction with The Center for Life and Learning, The Skyline Village, and CJE Senior Life.
This program is now wait listed.

Bridge Basics
Tuesdays, Ongoing
March 6-27
5:00-6:30 PM
Host: Monika Betts
(N. Orleans St. & W. Willow St.)
Members only-$15 per session
This bridge group, led by bridge master Jane Kennedy, welcomes intermediate players. 

Wine and Cheese for Prospective Members
Thursday, March 15
5:30-7:00 PM
Hosts: Pam and Mel Washburn
(Lakeview Ave. & Fullerton Ave.)
This wine and cheese gathering for prospective members provides an opportunity to learn more about Village life as well as the chance to meet Village founding members and staff. 

Apple Store Tutorial: iPhone Battery Health & Data Storage
Sunday, March 18
8:30-10:00 AM
Apple Store - Lincoln Park
(801 W. North Ave.)
Members-free & guests-$10
Join us to learn the latest tips on battery management and how to get immediate data storage relief. Learn what you can do to optimize your battery and remove clutter from data storage. What apps use a lot of battery charge? Personal Hot Spots are great, but they use a lot of battery. When was the last time you deleted a text message? Are you overcharging your battery? Do you ever delete a photo? For instance, if you took an "in the moment" photo of a foot of snow and shared it with your family, now it's time to delete...before we get more!

Silver Screenings:  My Dinner with Andre (1981)
Sunday, March 18
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
The Admiral at the Lake
(929 W. Foster)
Members & guests-free
A comedy-drama directed by Louis Malle, written by and starring Andre Gregory and Wallace Shawn, who play fictionalized versions of themselves sharing a conversation at Café des Artistes in Manhattan.

Scrabble
Sunday, March 18
2:00-4:30 PM
Host: Carol Abrioux
(N. Sheridan and Foster Ave.)
Members only-free
Join this fun and friendly word game. Both novice and skilled players are welcome and invited to bring a snack to share.

Three Villages Together: Dinner at The Walnut Room
Wednesday, March 21
4:30-7:00 PM
The Walnut Room
Macy's Seventh Floor
(111 N. State St.)
Members & guests-$30 (includes tax and 20% gratuity)
The world-famous and iconic Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store-Marshall Fields. With Circassian wood paneling imported from Russia and Austrian chandeliers, the dining room is both elegant and comfortable. The Walnut Room is known for its Classic Mrs. Herring's 1890 Chicken Pot Pie. Our evening will begin with Sam Guard of Chicago Hyde Park Village sharing some of the historical highlights of Macy's on State Street (Marshall Field's Department Store) with a focus on The Walnut Room. Sam Guard, a long time Hyde Parker, has an interest and passion for the history of Chicago landmark buildings and is an engaging storyteller.
Reservation deadline: March 15

Life 3.0 Presents A Beautiful Mind: Meditation for Relaxation & Well-Being
Thursday, March 22
6:30-8:00 PM
Host: Karen Terry
(E. North Water St.
N. McClurg Ct.)
Members-$10 & guests-$15
Meditation is the ancient practice of focusing attention to reduce stress, elevate mood, and increase awareness. While simple to learn, meditation's effects can be profound and even life changing. Learn how to incorporate easy meditation techniques into your day in this gentle class led by Village member Sandra Kirmeyer. You'll leave refreshed, relaxed, and ready to make meditation part of your regular self-care.

iOS Tips & Tricks: Part I with MacTutor
Friday, March, 23
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Village Office
(2502 N. Clark St.)
Members-$10 & guests-$15
Apple just released its new operating system-iOS 11. Now it's time to explore the little and big ways iOS 11 will change your life. These are our favorite iOS 11 tips and tricks that we think you need to know about. Our instructor, Mr. Joe Daddezio, formerly of Apple Inc., was born and raised in Lincoln Park. During his career as The MacTutor, Joe has helped thousands of folks get more from their Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

Tiny Theatre:  The Green Book by Calvin Ramsey
Sunday, March 25
3:00 PM Performance
Pegasus Theatre
(1105 W. Chicago Ave.)
Members-$25 & guests-$27
Based on the historical publication  The Negro Motorist Green Book, the setting for this play takes place when an African-American family are celebrating the arrival of Dr. W.E.B. DuBois for a lecture. The appearance of a white visitor, who turns out to be a Jewish Holocaust survivor, sets off a chain of events that shows that racism and anti-Semitism cannot be ignored. Self-hosted dinner to follow at Italian restaurant D'Agostino's. There will be a Talk Back after the play and before dinner.
The reservation deadline for this program has now passed.

Life 3.0 Presents Connect With Cooking: Comfort Foods!
Monday, March 26
6:30-8:00 PM
Host: Karen Terry
(E. North Water St.
& N. McClurg Ct.)
Members-$25 & guests-$30
If food feeds the body, then comfort food feeds the soul, too. Join chef and Village member Jan Walters for a cooking class showing how to warm your heart as well as your stomach with easy, delicious dishes that put new twists on flavors we already love. Leave ready to raise the spirits of any size gathering-from one to many-quickly and creatively. Class includes education about the ingredients, techniques, and efficient preparation. Participants are invited to BYOB if they wish.

Gail Lucasik's White Like Herwith Dr. Tracy Vaughn-Manley
Thursday, March 29
5:45-6:45 PM - Dinner
7:00-9:15 PM - Author Event
Volumes Bookcafe
(1474 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Members & guests-free
Author Gail Lukasik will discuss her much talked about memoir White Like Her: My Family's Story of Race and Racial Passing. Gail will be in discussion with Dr. Tracy Vaughn-Manley, an Associate professor of instruction, in African American Studies at Northwestern University. This event is open to the public, but please register to join fellow Village members for a self-hosted dinner at neighborhood restaurant [TBD] at 5:45 PM.

April Highlights

Utility Bill Clinic
Thursday, April 5
6:00-8:00 PM
19th Police District HQ
Community Room
(850 W. Addison St.)
Members & guests-free
Co-hosted by State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz and Ann Williams, and The Village Chicago, experts from the Citizens Utility Board will show you how to cut bloated utility bills. Bring your own bills for a one-on-one consultation.

Chili Party
Saturday, April 7 5:30-8:30 PM
Host: Lois Stuckey
(N. Fremont St.
& W. Armitage Ave.)
Members-$15 & guests-$20
Join your fellow Village members for a social evening! Come hungry: chili, salad, desserts, and wine will be provided.

Cruise the Blue Danube with The Village Chicago in 2019
Tuesday, April 10
5:00-6:30PM
Host: Hollis Hines
(Chicago & Michigan Ave.)
Members & guests-free
The Village Chicago is planning its first river boat cruise in September 2019! Join us and our travel partner Mayflower Tours to learn more about this new adventure, which offers Village members the opportunity to experience together the Blue Danube from Prague to Budapest.
Note: If you are unable to attend this program, but would like to receive information about the cruise, please call the Village office.

How to Fall
with Balance Chicago
Saturday, April 14
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Balance Chicago
(1 E Erie St #225)
Members-$15 & guests-$20
Please join Chris Smith, stage combat instructor along with a Balance Chicago Physical Therapist as they teach you the safest way to fall to prevent further injuries. This will be an interactive class. Please wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes. Be prepared to participate in demonstrations if you want.
Registration deadline: April 10

Village Annual Members' Meeting
Tuesday, April 24
5:00 PM - Reception
5:45-7:00 PM - Meeting
Victory Gardens Theater
(2433 N. Lincoln Ave.)
Village members, sponsors & special guests-free
Join us at the Village Annual Members' Meeting - when our whole community will come together for an update on the "state of the Village" and a look ahead to our 10th anniversary year! Be sure to RSVP- space is limited!

Lettie by Boo Killebrew Followed by Storycatchers
Sunday, April 29
3:00 PM Performance
Victory Gardens Theater
(2433 N. Lincoln Ave.)
Members-$22 & Guests-$27
The long-lasting effects of the criminal justice systems on American citizens is the timely focus for this unique play. After serving seven years in prison, Lettie is released and struggles to make a fresh start. Her children, who have been cared for by her half-sister, want little to do with her. Her re-entry job is anything but gentle as she takes on the dark, harsh world of welding. Immediately following this performance of  Lettie , you are invited to stay for a half-hour public program about the work of  Storycatchers Theatre , an award-winning Chicago nonprofit that works with teens and young adults who are detained, incarcerated, or navigating reentry, to turn their personal stories into powerful musical theatre. For more information, click here.
Reservation deadline: April 16
____________________

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day! Be on the lookout for programming and one-on-one info sessions in April on advance care planning.

Ways to Stay Fit
  
Village Yoga Program
Mondays, Ongoing
3:00 - 4:30 PM
Yoga Circle
(401 W. Ontario)
Special yoga program led by
Village member Donatella Santoro and her colleague, Cheryl Hurst, both taught and inspired by Gabriel Halpern's yoga technique, will bring a self healing approach to yoga.  See  www.yogacircle.com
 for a list of prices and packages.

***

Pilates 
Eight-session series: 
Tuesdays, Ongoing 
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Studio 1002
(1002 W. Diversey)
Members only-$160 for the series of 8 sessions
Payment goes directly to Studio 1002. 

  
*** 

NIA
Eight-session series :
Thursdays, Ongoing 
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Church of the Three Crosses
(333 W. Wisconsin)
 
Members - $64 for the series of 8 sessions, or $10 per session;
Guests- $100 for the series of 8 sessions, or $15 per session.
For personal growth, body-mind-spirit fitness, and lifestyle practice fusing dance, yoga, and martial arts. Join in anytime! 

 
SPECIAL OFFERS
Check out these special offers for Village members to stay active.
 
Chicago Athletic Club
Click here for details on their discounted membership rates. Contact the Village office for information on obtaining a one-month free trial membership.

CityWide Super Slow
High Intensity Strength Training with Personal Trainers. 
1901 N. Clybourn Suite 201 
773.281.7569 
Monday - Friday 6 AM - 8 PM 
Saturdays 6 AM - 3 PM 
Members will receive a complimentary one-hour introductory session -- a high intensity personal training session tailored to each individual. A $75 value. Or members can purchase a gift certificate for $75 which includes one introductory session and three personal training sessions.  This is for new clients only and the offer ends 12/31/17. 
Chicago's premier SuperSlow® facility, where high intensity training generates the fastest and greatest results!

XSport Fitness
Click here for information and a printable flyer you can redeem for a discounted gym membership. Contact the Village office for information on obtaining a 7-day trial membership and special rate for Village members only.
Leadership

Board of Directors 
Kathleen Kologdy,  President
Mary Ann Schwartz, Vice President
Nancy Felton-Elkins, Vice President
Alan T. Lougée, Vice President 
Joan Goldstein, Secretary
Karen Terry, Secretary
Richard W. Sullivan, Treasurer
Ruth Ann Watkins,
Immediate Past President

Donald M. Bell
Judy Carmack Bross
Patricia Clickener
Charles G. Cooper
John Craib-Cox
Thomas C. Eley III
Hollis Hines
John Kingsley Holton, Ph.D.
Bruce Hunt
Beth Burn Joosten
Ira Kohlman
Joe Lane
Bob Spoerri
Ann Taboroff Rusnak
Leatrice Berman Sandler
John M. Simonds
Mary Ann Smith
Melville Washburn
 
Advisory Council
Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD
Robyn L. Golden, LCSW
Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD
Michael Spock
 
Founding Executive Director
Dianne S. Campbell
  
Partners

The Village uses an asset-based approach to identifying first-rate resources for members, leveraging existing strengths within our communities. This approach has led to the formation of strategic partnerships with two organizations chosen for the breadth and depth of their capabilities and their recognized expertise in the health and well-being of older adults.

CJE SeniorLife™
Click here for more information.
 
Rush University Medical Center 
Click here for more information.
 
March / April 2018
Village Mission: The mission of The Village Chicago is to enhance the quality of life and the well-being of individuals as we live longer so that we remain integral, vibrant and contributing members of our communities.

Dianne Campbell
( Mark Brown Photography, 2017) 
Dear Village Friends & Neighbors,

What exactly is well-being?

This is an important question because everyone, throughout life, is entitled to a sense of well-being. But what is it? How do we get it? Do I have it? Do you? ( Click here to take a well-being self-assessment).

The Village Research Committee defines well-being as follows:  "Having the personal resources (including psychological, spiritual, financial, social and physical) needed to face changing life circumstances with resilience, optimism, engagement, purpose, self-acceptance, positive connections and choice."

We are using this definition to make sure the Village continues to develop the range of resources that our mission pledges to provide - resources that enable individuals to stay in charge of their journey - whether they are in the middle of it or near the end.

Having the tools and resources to take charge of your healthcare and deal with life situations such as a leg broken skiing or long term/ chronic situations is an important aspect of well-being. We know healthcare systems do not serve passive patients well. They work best when patients are informed in their decision making and take charge of their healthcare with the expectation that their doctors and care providers engage in that practice with them.

This newsletter highlights the Village's Healthcare Advocacy Initiative, which has completed its first year. Guided by a committee of 17 volunteers and staff, representing a depth of experience and knowledge about healthcare ( click here to see the Committee member profiles), the Initiative has launched a plan to educate and support (and learn from Village members) as they access and navigate the various aspects of their healthcare.  

The Initiative offers ways for members to take charge of their health: when needed, to get help; and if desired, to give help - all with the goal of supporting each other's well-being and growth.

Over time we hope that this Initiative will not only impact our members but also our greater community. Join us!



Sincerely,
 





Dianne S. Campbell
Founding Executive Director

P.S. -- This is the first in a series about how the Village supports well-being.  The May newsletter will address loneliness and social connection.
New & Returning Members

The Village welcomes these new and renewing members. Thank you all! Click here to view new and renewing members.

Introducing the Healthcare Advocacy Initiative

There is a growing body of research demonstrating that individuals can improve or maintain their sense of well-being by building confidence that their healthcare needs will be met. That is the goal of the Village's Healthcare Advocacy Initiative. Healthcare and wellness are complex and this initiative was created to support well-being by helping people navigate these complexities and to experience the best quality of life that they can, no matter where they are on their journey.

Navigating Healthcare with Someone at Your Side

You are not alone...

Navigating a healthcare system, even when you're feeling well, can be complicated, daunting, and unsatisfactory. The Healthcare Advocacy Initiative has four ways to help:
  1. The Healthcare Ally Team
  2. The Connector Team
  3. Programs, Events and Activities
  4. Resource Development
What follows is a brief description of these four components of the Healthcare Advocacy Initiative; some stories about the impact the program has had on both the Village members who benefit from them, and the volunteers who helped create them and make them work; and ways for you to be a part of this empowering initiative.

1. What the Ally Team Does
 
Allies are volunteers who support members by helping them think through what they want to get out of their healthcare interactions. This can include guiding them to the information they need to make informed and confident healthcare decisions; facilitating awareness of relevant Village resources and support services, and note-taking at healthcare interactions
Ally Story

The Ally Program
by
Helene Berlin

After hearing Village staff and members discussing the planned ally program, Dick Sullivan, a Village board member, saw the potential value of the ally role and became involved in development of the program. For several years, Dick was a long distance "ally," to his mother and her husband, making regular trips between Chicago and Cincinnati where they lived. After her husband died, Dick worked with his mother, now 101 years old, to bring her to Chicago and find an independent living facility that would be a good fit.
 
Dick Sullivan and Sarah Brunner
Dick sees the role of an ally as many-faceted and tailored to each member seeking assistance; the mix of tasks can be very different from one person to another. "Allies are empathetic and tactful and act as a friend as well as ally," Dick observes. 
 
And he sees the role as supportive rather than medical. For example, if facing a planned hospitalization, the ally can help the member plan and think through how to prepare for it - from "Do I know what I need to do to prepare for my surgery?" to "What will my recovery look like and what kinds of supports will I need to have in place?" to "What happens to the dog while I'm not at home?" The ally is there to support the member in making informed and confident healthcare decisions, reducing excess worry and surprises along the way.  
 
Sometimes that "thinking through" requires the expertise of a professional health care consultant or advocate. Marjorie and Harvey Freed, one of the founding families of the Village, sought support when Harvey's mobility issues became more acute and their home care needs changed.
 
Marjorie and Harvey Freed
When it became apparent to Harvey that assisted living was the most appropriate next step, Marjorie chose as her advocate a professional healthcare consultant who has, over the past four months, assisted the couple through a range of decisions that had to be made. The advocate worked with them to understand what type of facility and approach to care would be best for both his needs and Marjorie's as the major overseer of his care.   Her advocate understood the subtle differences between facilities and helped Marjorie to determine selection criteria. Armed with this understanding, when Marjorie visited several possible facilities she understood the differences in their approaches. "This kind of assistance was extraordinarily helpful in choosing The Selfhelp Home (a Village sponsor)," Marjorie emphasizes.

" What strikes me is that the options are limited out there, particularly for finding and evaluating facilities. You need to know more than just what is available; you need to know the real differences and advantages of different facilities." When you work with someone who is empathetic, you really feel supported," Marjorie says of the experience.
2. What the Connector Team Does
 
Connectors are volunteers who establish on-going, one-on-one relationship with members who want to feel more connected to others, to the community, and to resources. But it's more than that. Connectors are matched with members with whom they share common interests so they can enjoy spending time together over lunch or coffee and develop a mutually satisfying relationship.

Connection Story

The Connection Program
by
Niki Fox

Jim Reedy came to the Village looking for a volunteer opportunity that would contribute to his sense of purpose by providing a deeper connection with other older people. After being "retired a long time and blessed with great health", this 78 year old former state caseworker was drawn to the Village by his affinity for older people as he was raised by his grandmother. Jim worked with the Village office team to find a good fit for his desire to work regularly with one or two members to build rapport and a relationship. As it often is with the Village, the opportunity for a great match presented itself, in this instance through member David Janik.

David Janik and Jim Reedy
David joined the Village a year ago through the encouragement of a Village member and dear friend. With a recent cancer diagnosis and not exactly sure what the Village had to offer, he did know that he needed transportation to and from treatment appointments. "I had always taken public transportation to my appointments and I felt trepidation about asking for help at first," says David. As he became more accustomed to asking, and experiencing the kindness of the volunteer drivers, he became more and more comfortable.

The office team saw an opportunity to connect Jim's interest in building a relationship with David's need for transportation by having Jim drive Dave to his appointments on a regular basis and both agreed. David has come to understand that Jim wants to be helpful; and that when he says "let me know if you need anything", he genuinely means it. Jim has come to understand how good it feels to create an ongoing relationship through volunteering. "My life is further enriched in knowing David, sharing interesting stories and histories. We can relate to each other."

David appreciates that the Connection Program, the Village team, and his new friend Jim demonstrate a "can do" attitude in their helping spirit by figuring out how to do it together -  learning to be comfortable in asking for help, and comfortable in relying on each another. Starting from a simple ride request, Jim and David have developed their alliance into an ongoing, mutually beneficial connection that looks and feels exactly like what the Connection Program is all about.

How You Can Be a Part of the Ally or Connector Team

Volunteer allies and connectors are supported by The Village Chicago team and receive special training for their role. You do not have to be a Village member to volunteer. There will be an Ally Training session in early April. For more information, contact Sarah Brunner in the Village office (773.248.8700) to learn more.
3. Programs: Events and Activities

The Village develops on-going and special one-time events and activities that support the education and health of Village members - programs such as a fall prevention program "A Matter of Balance;" a Hearing Health Information Session and Screening; "Walk with a Doc;" and on-going Yoga, Pilates, and NIA classes. These events and activities provide the opportunity to increase members' baseline knowledge of health issues and to find community through attending programs and classes with each other.

Program Story

Village member Chris Hackney
(Photo by Diana Philips, 2018)
Program Development
by
Mel Washburn


Creating Programs

Chris Hackney has been a Village member for three years. She worked as a Registered Nurse for many years but then an interest in technology led her to a position as Director of Information Technology at a hospital from she is now retired. As a Village volunteer Chris has been working with Carolyn Johnson to review Village programs - all the things that appear on the Village monthly program calendar - looking at variety, attendance and other factors to help determine how well Village programming is serving the needs of the membership. One of their findings is that there already exists an extremely broad range of topics being addressed by Village programs. With respect to health and healthcare, Chris says "This analysis will identify what's missing so we can provide programs that are appropriate for people in all stages of life." Asked about the personal impact this work has had on her, Chris says "I value serving as a Village volunteer because it allows me to help others while making me aware of things I'll need in order to have a better quality of life as I age."
 
Attending Programs

" I laughed out loud ..." says Village member and Memoir Writing Instructor Beth Finke,"... "when a member told me she was taking a class to learn how to fall. Really? Who needs lessons? I do that naturally!"

Beth Finke prepares to fall
(Image courtesy of Balance Chicago)
In 2015, Beth fell while walking and broke some bones in her left hand. In January, 2018, the Village and one of its sponsors, Balance Chicago, offered a free, one-hour class entitled "How to Fall." Beth, who is blind, said the instructors did an excellent job of describing their actions aloud as they demonstrated ways to avoid injuries. Beth even volunteered to try out some of the techniques herself before the entire class. Lessons from that class have stayed with Beth to this day: "fall on your meaty parts" and, if you feel yourself falling, don't tense up -- give in to the fall. Beth now keeps these lessons in mind every day when she's walking with her seeing-eye dog, Whitney. (Read Beth's full story here.)

Note: Balance Chicago will once again offer a class on How to Fall on Saturday, April 14. Click here for more details.

How You Can Help Develop Programs

Village events and activities that support health and well-being are member driven and developed in the Village Services Committee. Put your creativity to work and volunteer for this committee by contacting Sarah Brunner in the Village office at 773.248.8700.
4. Resource Development

silver-keyboard2.jpg
Resources are everywhere - but searching is arduous and time-consuming. Over the past nine years, the Village has been identifying, vetting and consolidating resources so members have quick and reliable access to them. They come from strategic partnerships with major healthcare institutions such as Rush University Medical Center; from  Village sponsors  and collaborators; from members' personal experiences and recommendations; from the office team and from volunteers - all contributing to a comprehensive array of trusted resources. So whether the need is for a reliable caregiver, a thoracic surgeon, or a pharmacy that delivers, through the Village network, a resource can be found.

Be a Resource!

Village partners, collaborators and sponsors are important resources for members, providing education and guidance on important health and healthcare issues. To find out how you can become a trusted and valued resource to our community of members, please contact Sarah Brunner in the Village office at 773.248-8700.

Everyone Can Be a Resource

Ask for help! Village members who participate now or in the future can enrich the program by being a part of it. The very act of receiving help can be an act of giving because it is through each other's experiences that all of us learn and grow.
The Healthcare Advocacy Program - 
A Community Collaboration

Members, volunteers, the office team, partners and collaborators, community resources - all the individuals and organizations that make up the Village community contribute to the Healthcare Advocacy Initiative. It is an outgrowth of the Village's spirit of volunteerism, interdependence, and a non-stop exchange of ideas.

Village News & Upcoming Events
 
Save the Date!
The Village Chicago 9th Anniversary Benefit

Join us on Wednesday, June 6 to discover why the Village has much to celebrate - and to relax and laugh with The Second City Touring Company's "Cure for the Common Comedy."
 
The Second City never fails to entertain with the new art form they created in 1959 - improvisation -  thrilling audiences worldwide with their distinctive form of social and political satire.

 
Beautiful New Venue!

This fun-filled event will be held at the newly renovated Theater on the Lake (Fullerton and Lake Shore Drive) - a prairie-style historic landmark with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline. Reception, raffle and a silent auction with fabulous get-aways and local experiences at 5:00 PM with the program and performance to follow.
 
This will be night to remember! Want to know more? Visit the Village website or call the Village office at 773.248.8700.

Interested in being more involved?

Join the Host Committee or be an Event Underwriter (click here)
Become a Village Sponsor ( click here)

Questions?

Contact Yoon Tae Chong, Fund Development & Administrative Coordinator, at ychong@thevillagechicago.org or 773.248.8700.

The Village Chicago Presents a Series of Events on Longevity

Science is making unprecedented progress in increasing length of life. This series of events will bring in renowned experts to help us explore some of the fascinating aspects of what is being learned about longevity.

Living longer raises some questions that each of us must answer. What do we do with those years? How do we plan for them? The Village Chicago bridges the gap between science - why we now live longer and how we experience those dividend years with a unique array of resources and companions to help you find your own way to navigate the new longevity. Here is information on the first event in the series.
 
S. Jay Olshanksy
Living (Well) to 100--What's Possible?

What is the human expiration date?  What are zombie cells?  If you had a pill that could slow down biological aging, when would you take it? At 25? 45? 65?

Join The Village Chicago for an evening with S. Jay Olshansky, Professor of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago and one of 12 scholars in The MacArthur Research Network on an Aging Society. Dr. Olshansky will discuss aging - a topic that impacts each of us - and what we can and cannot do to increase our health and longevity. He will also demonstrate what the human body would look like if we were designed better, and address new developments in aging science that lead him (and fellow researchers) to believe we're on the verge of a breakthrough that could slow biological aging for most people.

Come hear one of the world's most trusted (and entertaining) authorities on  longevity on the topic of increasing health span - the healthy, productive time in life -that would begin with generations currently alive and continue for all that follow. Click here for the event flyer.
 
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Francis W. Parker School, Diane and David B. Heller Auditorium
2233 N. Clark Street
5:30 PM Networking / doors open
6:00 - 7:15 PM Program
Members - $8 & guests - $12:00
Students - free
Click here to register  or call the Village office at 773.248.8700.

Annual Members' Meeting Tuesday, April 24!

Once a year we come together as a community to share each other's stories and catch up on recent memorable, innovative and exciting developments within the Village - plus this year - a glimpse ahead to our 10th anniversary in 2019. There will be a reception from 5:00-5:45 PM with the program to follow, ending at 7:00 PM at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. Please RSVP so we can reserve a spot for you.


Cut Your Utility Bills!

State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz and Ann Williams with The Village Chicago are hosting a free utility bill clinic on Thursday, April 5 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the 19th District HQ Community Room, 850 W. Addison.

There will be experts from the Citizens Utility Board to discuss a wide variety of utility bill issues including how to cut bloated phone bills. "Utility bills are some of the most difficult documents to read," says Representative Feigenholtz. "This clinic will teach residents how to look at their utility bills and locate some charges that they may be able to eliminate."

Please bring you utility bills with you for a one-on-one consultation. Click here for the event flyer for more information, or contact Rep Feigenholtz's office at 773.296.4141 or Sara@StateRepSara.com .
What is The Village Chicago?

The Village Chicago is an innovative, not-for-profit membership community that helps members navigate the new longevity by connecting them to each other and to trusted resources that support vibrant, secure later lives. Members value a unique array of programs and activities, the certainty that someone is there to help, and the kind of neighbor-to-neighbor connections that last a lifetime. Our Member-Plus program enables all neighbors regardless of income, to join and engage fully in Village life. Volunteers along with a small, nimble staff respond to each member's interests and requests with personal attention. By leveraging the talents, wisdom and skills of older adults, we have become an important asset to each other and to our communities, and a model for the future. Together, we are inventing a new future for older adults in America.  

Serving Chicago's neighborhoods from South Loop to Edgewater and beyond, our Village is a unique resource--professional yet neighborly and close-by--valuable to you right now and as your needs change.  

Call us! Join us!
773.248.8700
 
2502 N. Clark Street   
Chicago, IL 60614
p. 773.248.8700  f. 773.248.8181

Call us! Join us!

 

Joining The Village Chicago


Membership is available to people 50+ living in Chicago's north side communities from River East to Edgewater and beyond. For your convenience, you can click on the membership application below, or if you prefer, call the Village office for other options. A reduced-rate program, Member Plus, is available for those on limited fixed incomes.

After becoming a member, we will welcome you and connect you to the specific people, activities and services that fit your unique interests and needs. Our goal is always to help you explore possibilities and support your choices so you can live the life you wish to live.

 

Download Membership Application

 

Click here to pay and join online

  

Favorite Pastime Groups for
Village Members

Basic Meditation 
Join this group, hosted by
Ellen Stone Belic, to learn and practice basic meditation techniques. This is a great opportunity to start or renew your practice - and to experience the joy and multitude of benefits of meditation. The next session will be led by  Sandra Kirmeyer on:
Tuesday evenings (5:45 PM set up; 6 PM start): March 20
Saturday mornings (9:45 AM set up; 10 AM start): March 31
If you would like to attend or receive notices of upcoming sessions,  e-mail Ellen at ellen@stonebelic.com

 *** 
Bridge 
This group regularly meets on
Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in members' homes, usually with three tables. The next meeting will be hosted by Diana Philips  on March  21 . If you are interested in joining, please contact
Diana Phillips at  dsphillips44@gmail.com

 *** 
Just Restaurants 
We are fortunate to live in one of the world's great food cities and our vibrant restaurant group takes advantage of all there is on offer. From BYOB to BBQ, French to fusion, seafood to steak--we try them all. If you want to receive information about these outings, please contact Helene Stoffey at hlnstvns@gmail.com
 
 *** 
Knitting with Friends
The knitting and crocheting group meets most Wednesdays from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at Sister Arts Studio (721 W. Wrightwood). Beginners and experts are welcome to join. The group will be working on their own projects -- and if asked, will make items for those in need such as the hats, scarves, and mittens they made for the Night Ministry. Bring your needles and yarn, maybe even some coffee or tea. Sister Arts Studio will be happy to supply needles and/or yarn, patterns, and tips. For more information, please contact Beth Hickey at 
Beth Hickey at bethhickey37@hotmail.com

***
Saturday Afternoon at the Movies 
Each Wednesday, Village member Mel Washburn sends an email to all members of the group. This email selects one of the films being shown at the Landmark Century Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.) and suggests a time on the following Saturday when members of the group will gather to watch the movie. On that Saturday, members come to the Cinema and watch the movie. After the film, they gather in the bar/lounge area of the theater for a self-hosted beverage and lively discussion of the movie.
If you would like to be added to the email list for this group, please email Mel Washburn at melville.washburn@outlook.com .

***
Six at The Table
With this group, you will have an opportunity to share a meal with three or four other members several times throughout the year. Everyone in the group hosts one meal for six and it can be anything the host wants -- brunch, lunch, dinner, or a picnic -- whatever suits you. Once the date and type of meal is announced, members of the group sign up -- first come, first served.
Note: this group is currently full through Fall 2018.

Village Sponsors