Note From Skyline Village Chicago President Phyllis Mitzen |
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While we have much to be grateful for as we emerge vaccinated from the cocoon of isolation of the pandemic year, we mourn the endless cycle of gun violence, misuse of force and racial injustice. Skyline Village Chicago remains committed to explore and educate ourselves on the complex issues to which there are no simple answers.
The leaders we respect have told us justice only works when people decide not to be cynical and passive, but instead involved and compassionate. Whether it’s peaceful protest, meaningful dialogue, educating ourselves, community volunteering and action, or letters to your local and state representatives, we believe that each and every ounce of our time matters. Become acquainted with programs, resources and organizations that are helping fix the broken systems of injustice and oppression. We’ve listed a few below.
Meanwhile, stay safe and close to your families and loved ones. We hope you find peace, strength and love with those around you. We hope to see you on our Zoom events, and hopefully soon in person, if ever so tentatively.
—-Phyllis Mitzen, President Skyline Village Chicago
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Thank you for supporting Skyline Village Chicago
Please consider making a donation to help us keep our virtual doors open.
Annual Dues $75 per individual, $100 per couple
Mail check: Skyline Village Chicago, PO Box 11606, Chicago, IL 60611
Our 501C3 status affords members tax deductions to the extent allowed by law.
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COVID-19 AND PANDEMIC SHUTDOWN |
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Traveling!
What are you looking forward to? Share your thoughts with us for when you take your vaccinated body out for a stroll or on a trip.
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Skyline Village Chicago is using Zoom to connect with members and friends. Please join us at one of the following. |
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Monday, May 3, 4:00-5:00 pm
Register HERE in advance of the event.
Maggie Brown, Singer/Songwriter, Actress
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Quaker Oats retired Aunt Jemima in 2020 as a response to systemic racial injustice brought to light in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder. Chicagoan Nancy Green was one of the original Aunt Jemimas. Maggie Brown (daughter of Oscar Brown, Jr.) advocates for raising the visibility of Nancy Green through original songs, music and portrayal of this legendary woman.
This event coincides with the "ReIMAGINE Aunt Jemima" exhibit at the Carter G .Woodson Library through July 2021.
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What’s Happening in Springfield? |
Monday June 14, 4:00 -5:00 pm
Zoom Event is free but you must register in advance HERE
State Representative Kam Buckner returns to Skyline for an overview of issues moving through this year’s Illinois General Assembly.
Great Lakes: Rep. Buckner, whose district runs along Lake Michigan from the Gold Coast to the Chicago Skyway, is leading the newly created Lake Shore Caucus, a group whose General Assembly members represent the shoreline. What does this mean for the lakefront?
Redistricting. The US Census count is complete and it's time for the General Assembly to redraw the legislative and congressional district maps. There have been thirty public hearings on the “remap”. The deadline to have maps complete is June 30. What happens next? Will Illinois’ gerrymandering be eliminated?
Qualified Immunity. The anti-racism police reform plan that passed in January includes a new task force to study the issue of qualified immunity. Qualified immunity is a judicial practice that protects police officers from financial civil lawsuits for violating a citizen’s constitutional rights. Why is it important to study this issue?
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Women’s Salon Zoom
Second Tuesday of Every Month, 3:30-5:00 PM
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SVC members gather in conversation monthly to increase their awareness of cultural and societal notions on aging. If you’re interested in joining us and are not already on the Zoom list, contact info@SkylineVillageChicago.org and write SALON on the subject line.
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Weekly Zoom Chat
Every Friday 4:00-5:00 PM
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Check in for a backyard over-the-fence chat on how you’re getting along during the Shutdown and what strategies you’re using to stay sane and healthy. If you’re not already on the Zoom list, contact info@SkylineVillageChicago.org and write Friday Chat on the Subject Line.
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Aging Brain and Body Series |
Aging Brain & Body Series presented by the Chicagoland Villages Collaborative. Skyline Village Chicago, Hyde Park Village, South Loop Village, and the Village Chicago have collaborated for a series of Zoom programs on the Aging Brain & Body. The first event was Connecting Through Communication for Families and Friends of Persons with Dementia, featuring Northwestern Medicine’s Dr. Angela Roberts. Click HERE to view the recording. Feel free to copy the link to share with friends, families, and colleagues who wish to learn more about this important topic.
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Illinois Criminal Justice Reform Bill:
State Senator Robert Peters (D-13th) explains the landmark anti-racist Illinois Criminal Justice Reform Bill. Click HERE for video.
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The Evanston Restorative Housing Reparations Project:
Evanston historian Dino Robinson described how the program repairs injustice to historically redlined Black families, how the program is funded and why this is happening now. Click HERE for video.
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Anti-Asian Hate: Bystander Training |
In response to the rise in anti-Asian harassment, Advancing Justice Chicago is partnering with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and Hollaback! to offer local interactive online bystander intervention trainings to help people identify hate incidents as they happen and take action safely and effectively. At the Skyline Zoom event, we learned five strategies for intervention: distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct; and how to prioritize your own safety while intervening. For information on bystander trainings email: antihate@advancingjustice-chicago.org
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Marilyn “D” Clancy, author of “Our Chicago”, former executive director of the Chicago Tourism Council gave an absorbing presentation on Chicago author, Lorraine Hansberry. |
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A MORE LIVABLE (COVID) CITY |
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Show off your Livable City
Museums? Long walks? Restaurants? Send us a photo of what you’re doing or planning to do as it gets warmer. Show us your livable city. Send to info@skylinevillagechicago.org
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A city’s livability directly reflects the relational health of neighbors |
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Streeterville Neighbors Association Public Art Project “What Means Light”
How many times have you walked down St. Clair Street and noticed the art display inside the fenced garden of The Arts Club of Chicago on the South East corner of Ontario? On your next walk, take a few minutes to study the current display, “What Means Light”.
The current installation is the work of Columbian born Paola Cabal. The piece offers a unique opportunity to stop and reflect on the passage of light in this space over time. Cabal spent several days in 2019 photographing the space from dawn to dusk to capture the way light transforms it over time. By viewing the installation, you can see this transition and take time to reflect on your own day as you see the shadows move.
Eight towers provide first a reflective view of the brick wall behind them over the course of the day. Look for the shadows of the trees. Another side of the tower provides an illuminated yet reflective view of the streetscape on the other side of St. Clair as seen from inside the Club. Be sure to look for elements of the building façade. Also take a minute to peek on the backside of the columns to enjoy a view of the Arts Club book collection, which is illuminated at night. While the streetscape and books are backlight photographs, the brick panels were hand painted over four months.
A native of Bogotá, Colombia, Paola Cabal has lived in Chicago since 2001 and teaches at the School of the Art Institute.
“What Means Light” is on temporary display until the end of May but don’t wait till it’s too late. Take time to view it at different times of the day but particularly at dusk. The Garden is used for temporary installations in the hope of engaging people passing on the sidewalk to take a moment and reflect.
The Mission of the Streeterville Public Art Project is to promote awareness, appreciation and investment in Public Art in Streeterville. If you would like to know more about The Streeterville Public Art Project contact us at SNA60611@gmail.com
Here is a link to a conversation with the artist Paola Cabal and Janine Mileaf.
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Navy Pier, The Lakefront Walk and Chicago Parks are Open! |
Following its temporary closure since Labor Day, Navy Pier will begin its phased reopening at the end of April.
The initial phase, which begins April 30, restores public access to the following: parking garages at Navy Pier, Polk Bros Park, Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, the pier's North and South docks, Pier Park, select rides and attractions, East End Plaza, tour boats and cruises, the new Sable hotel, and select restaurants at limited capacity.
In celebration of the reopening, Navy Pier will host a 10-minute fireworks show every Saturday in May at 9 p.m. Guests will be allowed to watch the displays from Navy Pier's open spaces.
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While no one can guarantee your total safety, you can reduce the chance of being a victim by making it more difficult for a would-be thief or attacker. Wear a whistle when taking a walk. |
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Let’s create walkable winters in Chicago |
Act now! Sign petition demanding the City of Chicago prepare a plan and allocate the resources to make municipal sidewalk snow clearance a reality by next winter. It’s not too early!
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Depression Buddies
Depression Buddies is a link on Nextdoor, sprung out of Covid survivors with lingering symptoms. Others expressing pandemic fatigue and depression have joined in the conversation. They say “walk-n-talks” are the best remedy. Check it out to find others nearby who are looking for someone just like you to walk with and talk to.
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Many of our friends are conducting online classes and events. Click into their newsletters and websites for information.
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Forward Chicago Website
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The Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy Website
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Beth Finke MasterTeachers™: Website
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Center for Life and Learning 4th Presbyterian Church: Website
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Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease: website
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Rush Generations Center for Excellence in Aging: Website
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Streeterville Organization for Active Residents: Newsletter
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AARP Chicago Newsletter
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Sounds Good/Good Memories |
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Chicago Henge
Nancie Thompson
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Happy Spring! Walking home from early dinner in April, I happened upon hundreds of photographers lined up on east/west streets to take pix of the Chicago Henge (see description below)….our version of StoneHenge. My own not-very-good picture taken on Randolph street a few minutes before 7 PM is attached.
CHICAGO HENGE can be seen during the Spring Equinox and the Autumn Equinox, which is when the planet’s equator receives the most sunlight. When that happens, the Northern and Southern hemispheres get the same amount of day and night. Because of Chicago’s grid system, the sun will set and rise and line up with the city streets facing east and west. Anyone can catch a glimpse by going to one of these streets and looking east or west, according to the planetarium.
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NEW
Rosalie S Harris
RENEWING
Penelope Bingham
Nancie Thompson
Nina Appel
Valerie Yaffe
Ariani Friedl
Joan Levin
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Annual Dues:
$75 Individual, $100 Couple
Send a check to: Skyline Village Chicago, P.O. Box 11606, Chicago, IL 60611
Join online:
Email us:
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Original watercolors by Anna Rappaport. We thank her for her contribution to the Skyline Village Chicago newsletter. |
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The Skyline Village Chicago community of older adults engages
in cultural, educational and social programs. We are active, informed
and connected advocates within our unique, vibrant high-rise neighborhoods.
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Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved |
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