Dear Members,



The topic of April’s Skyline Village Chicago Women’s Salon, facilitated last month by Pat Bardenett, focused on how changes that happen to us as we age mean that we may not be able to do what we used to do, or not to it as well. We discussed how we deal with these changes – some of us accommodating to the new reality, some of us pivoting to new things that gave us satisfaction, and some doing both. And for many of us, how that can sometimes be difficult or sad. 

Just last week Amanda Erickson’s April 27, 2025 article appeared in the The Washington Post entitled “These experts on aging, now seniors themselves, see things differently.”  It was almost as if she had eavesdropped on our conversation, and then went to talk to some aging experts who had grown old in the field of aging. In her article Amanda addressed many of the issues we had raised in our Salon conversation.

The moral of her article is that we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves as we attempt to grow old gracefully. Featured in the article is Robyn Golden, LCSW, Assoc VP of Social Work and Community Health at Rush University Medical Center, (and friend of many of our Chicago area Villages). Now in her 60’s, she recently took up Pickleball. While her younger classmates kept on improving, she reached a plateau and felt discouraged. But she loved playing and friends encouraged her to keep playing. Her perspective on what constitutes wellbeing as we (and she ages), has evolved. Another example in the article is Psychologist Robyn Esty, age 90, who suggests that we find a project we care about so that we can stay in better mental and physical shape. And Harvard psychology professor Ellen Langer, age 78, proposes that we focus on what we are able to do, not what we can’t.

Your Skyline Village Chicago board agrees with all of these experts, and our efforts are designed to support one another and enhance our quality of life in our community. We attempt to do this by offering you unique cultural, educational, and social activities created to take advantage of the vast resources of our vibrant city. We want you to stay actively engaged and connected.

We urge you to carefully review Skyline Village’s calendar and to join us in activities that appeal to you. If you have ideas about programs you’d like us to consider, and if you want to join in the planning (part of the fun), please let us know. Our aim is to grow old together in a dignified, purposeful way. Together we can do great things–and be joyful as we do so!

Respectfully,

Your Skyline Village Chicago Board

Women's Salon

Skyliner Social

Every 4th Tuesday

Next is Tuesday May 27, 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

Lucky Penny Lunch

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

Register here for May 30 lunch.

Join us for a conversation with

Eric Zorn

Friday, May 30, 1:00-2:00 PM

Former op-ed columnist and daily blogger for the Chicago Tribune, Eric Zorn specialized in local news as well as politics.

Read Eric Zorn on Substack: https://ericzorn.substack.com/

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

220 S. Michigan Ave.

Rehearsal

Saturday June 28

1:30-3:00PM

Register Here for Free Ticket.

50th Annual US Aging Conference on Aging in Chicago July 19-23 - Volunteer opportunities

The 50th annual conference for USAging, the Association of Area Agencies on Aging is being held here in Chicago on Saturday July 19-23. There will be numerous sessions that relate to programs and services that the Federal Government has traditionally funded (Senior Centers, home delivered meals and nutrition programs, SHIP, Ombudsman, job training, research on how we grow old, and so much more). Sign up to volunteer and you can get free admission for a day. https://www.usagingconference.org/volunteer

Water Works Branch is Open!

163 E. Pearson

(312) 742-8811

waterworks@chipublib.org

Hours: 10:00 am-6:00 pm, 4:00 Saturday and Sunday

The librarian at Water Works, Lexi Naples, has started a jigsaw puzzle lending library. He'll take donations of puzzles too. He plans to start Library Things, a lending library of items we don't want to purchase because we only need them once or on rare occasions, or would like to try out before purchasing. Items that have been suggested so far include: Sewing Machines, Hand Mixers, Label Machines, Knife sharpeners, Binoculars. Contact Lexi Naples with your ideas of what “things” you’d like to borrow from the library.

Dr. Ison : Flu & Virus Update April 10, 2025

Watch Video Here

Lucky Penny Lunch April 25:

Death Doula Pat Bardenett offered these resources.

RESOURCE LIST FOR END OF LIFE PLANNING

• Green Burials of Love, LtD Information on traditional and green burials
• Funeral Consumer Alliance https://funerals.org
• End Well https://endwellproject.org “A nonprofit on a mission to transform how we think about, talk about, and plan for the end of life.

Books

• Barbara Karnes BKbooks.com Retired Hospice Nurse has several pamphlets helping to guide you through the last weeks, days, hours before death.
• A Beginner’s Guide to the End/BJ Miller, MD & Shoshana Berger Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death. Briefly Perfectly Human/Alua Arthur Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End.
• Death The Final Stage of Growth/Elizabeth Kubler-Ross The Good Death/Ann Neumann An Exploration of Dying in America Staring at the Sun/Irvin D.Yalom Overcoming the Terror of Death Peace & Grace at the End/Pat Bardenett & Leighton Clark A workbook for making peace with your life.
• PBS Documentary Facing Death https//www.pbs.org/video/frontline facing-death Ted Talk Alua Arthur Why thinking about death helps you live a better life.

Lucky Penny Lunch March 27

State Senator Sarah Feigenholtz

Lucky Penny Lunch February 28:

Alder Brian Hopkins

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

Thank you to our Donors:

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

RESOURCES FOR CHICAGO IMMIGRANTS

Many Chicago residents know people or rub shoulders with people everyday who may need help with or have questions about immigration issues. The Chicago Sun-Times launched La Voz Immigration Resource Guide to help us help others.  Each section of the La Voz Immigration Resource Guide is compiled through research, expert interviews and input from community partners and immigrant advocacy groups. As immigration laws and local services evolve, the Sun Times is committed to keeping this guide accurate and relevant. 

Disclaimer: This information in the La Voz Immigration Resource Guide is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently, and individual cases vary. For personalized legal assistance, consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited legal service provider.

Navigation (leer en español) Immigration Enforcement | Housing | Health | Work | Education

Immigration and law enforcement Chicago is a sanctuary city, which means local police do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on immigration enforcement. However, ICE still operates in the city. If ICE comes to your home, workplace, or stops you on the street, knowing your rights can protect you. You do not have to open the door or answer questions without a warrant signed by a judge. You also have the right to remain silent and refuse to sign any documents without a lawyer. If you or someone you know is detained, it’s important to contact a local immigration lawyer right away. There are community organizations in Chicago that can help, offering legal support and resources to protect your rights. Stay informed and know how to respond if ICE comes to your neighborhood — legal help can make a big difference!

• How do local sanctuary laws protect immigrants?

Housing and rental assistance Finding stable housing in Chicago can be challenging, especially if you are new to the city or don’t have a credit history. But there are rental assistance programs, emergency shelters and affordable housing options available for immigrants and asylum-seekers. This section explains how to access temporary housing, search for long-term rental options and understand your rights as a tenant. In Illinois, landlords cannot discriminate against you based on immigration status, and you do not need a Social Security number to sign a lease. You’ll also find information on how to apply for public housing programs and avoid rental scams.

• Do immigrants qualify for rental assistance?
• How do I help an immigrant family find an apartment to rent?
• What documents do immigrants need to rent an apartment?

Work and finances Finding work as an immigrant in Chicago depends on your legal status, but there are opportunities for everyone. If you have work authorization, you can apply for jobs in most industries. If you are undocumented, you may still have options like freelancing, day labor, or starting your own business. This section covers how to apply for a work permit, where to look for job openings and how to avoid wage theft or exploitative employers. It also explains labor rights — even undocumented workers have protections under Illinois law — and provides resources for job-training programs, gig work and small-business support.

• How can an immigrant apply for a work permit?
• What is a credit score? How can immigrants build credit?

Health and wellness Health care in the U.S. can be expensive, but Chicago has free and low-cost clinics that serve everyone, regardless of immigration status. You do not need a Social Security number to receive medical care at many community health centers. This section lists hospitals and clinics where you can get general medical care, prenatal services, vaccinations and mental health support. It also explains who qualifies for Illinois Medicaid, including expanded health care options for undocumented children and seniors. If you are uninsured, you’ll find resources for emergency care, sliding-scale clinics and prescription assistance programs.

• Can Immigrants visit the doctor? Do they qualify for health insurance?

Children and education All children in Illinois, regardless of immigration status, have the right to attend public school for free. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of citizenship to enroll your child. This section walks you through the Chicago Public Schools enrollment process, including required documents, like proof of address and vaccination records. It also explains how to access bilingual education, special education services and free school meals. If your child is new to the U.S., you’ll find guidance on how to help them adjust to school and succeed in their education.

• Should immigrants send their children to school? Can ICE agents enter a school?

Artist: Anna Rappaport

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