As we struggle with the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, we remain focused on strengthening the Chicago community. We lament the loss of life, particularly among our front-line professionals and the horrific deaths in senior living facilities. The Village Chicago is committed to helping older adults maintain their independence, stay healthy, expand their social connections and be motivated by their sense of purpose.
Two short months ago, Village staff and volunteers began working remotely, mastered a previously unknown technology called Zoom, tripled down on our outreach to all Village members and their families, connected with donors, sponsors, partners and friends, dramatically expanded virtual events, and with your support, maintained our relentless focus on content, community and connection.
We also work to keep older adults safe and engaged at home by delivering groceries, prescriptions, and supplies, coupled with a myriad of virtual events and healthy activities. This month we are expanding our Health and Wellness content to include Brain Health and Memory Loss programming to help families and care partners manage complex challenges.
We are excited to report that member engagement is at an all-time high and many say that more than ever, they feel they are a part of a connected network. We have a continuous influx of member emails, grateful messages, and creative offers to help out, or share some exciting news.
This is a time of great innovation and entrepreneurial trial-and-error---and the results are very exciting. Record attendance for some of our virtual events demonstrates that we are reaching people who were not engaged previously—especially those with mobility considerations---and that video technology makes it possible for us to stay connected, support one another and have fun.
Our grateful thanks to all of you in the Village community for your volunteerism, compassion, and financial support. If you would like to help us keep the community safe and engaged, please consider a gift in support of our work.
Warmest wishes,
Darcy Evon and The Village Chicago
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Becoming the Change We Want
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"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I can’t do much about the crisis we are in, but I can use my time to show who and what I care about." -- Liz Metzger, Village volunteer
Change brings opportunity. It inspires introspection, creativity, innovation, and action. We do what humans do -- we pivot, adapt and learn. We plan for a better future. We answer our personal calls to action, dig deep for empathy, and seek the change we want.
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A Personal Call to Action - Volunteerism
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"When the stay at home order was put in place in March and neighbors started to grasp the precautions necessary to stay safe, everyone’s thoughts immediately turned to one another and how we could safely support members of our community. While physical interaction was halted, social connection and a genuine care for one another exploded. This is the common thread in all that we are experiencing presently - the desire to be helpful, sharing ideas with others, and acting in a way that benefits one another. Using our community strengthens our community."
--
Niki Fox, Director of Member Services
We are grateful to the many Village volunteers who are always there and who continue to step up and answer the call.
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Kathie Kolodgy is an attorney and the Immediate Past President of the Village board and part of a 3-generation Village family. Here she relates what her personal call to action has been and why she made and donated all those beautiful masks!
"When I originally learned about the Village, it was a concept new to me, but particularly intriguing because we had just moved to Chicago with my parents. The idea that there was a “place” where older people could meet, socialize and learn together, and where adult children could go for resources was revelatory. We immediately became involved and from day one, the Village provided a level of reassurance that we would be able to resolve any problems we encountered with things like arranging care-giving for my dad.
"Because the Village had provided us with real value from day one, I felt called to pitch in where I could. Now, volunteering with the Village is simply part of life here in Chicago – it allows me to interact with other members – smart, funny, kind and interesting people. I never would have had that opportunity if I hadn’t gotten involved with this organization. And the idea of helping to build an intergenerational community is inspiring to me – I’d like to be part of making that a broader reality.
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"Making masks was appealing because like everyone else, the pandemic left me feeling completely unable to control what was happening day to day. Sewing has been a lifelong hobby, and is satisfying because, unlike the practice of law, it provides instant and tangible results. Mask-making was something concrete that I could do that provided practical help to others.
"I would love to see Chicago truly become an age-friendly city - not just with curb-cuts and other accommodations in our physical landscape, but with real changes to our social structures to encourage people of all ages to look past our differences and to realize our common ideals and interests. And it’s exciting to me that the Village is leading the way."
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Liz Metzger is an Occupational Therapist and a long-time Village volunteer. She was the Village’s first intern in 2009 and has stayed connected to the Village through volunteering, committee work and is one of the founders of the Bridging Generations Board – a group of young adults who want to engage in meaningful intergenerational relationships.
Liz says that this ‘stay at home time’ has been challenging. She misses a routine and working with patients in a traditionally hands on way but recognizes that the physical contact may put their health at risk. So she has volunteered to be one of the people making phone calls on a regular basis to Village members. This gives her back some of the routine she enjoys and also satisfies her desire to help.
Liz grew up in a Chicago high rise surrounded by older people and has always cherished her relationships with them. She says, "I want all that knowledge and experience in my life. Right now, I can’t do much about the crisis we are in, but I can use my time to show who and what I care about."
And furthermore, she says, "There’s the resilience thing. When I speak with the Village members, I get a different perspective on what’s happening right now and can believe that somehow everything will be OK. And if I lose that perspective, I just pick up my phone and check in with a Village member. It never fails."
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Gemma is a volunter driver.
Gemma Adams came to the Village more recently. Her personal call to action came all the way from Ireland. Her entire family including her parents live there. Gemma says, “Since I can’t be involved in their day to day lives, I really wanted to help others in their place. Through conversations with her passengers, Gemma has been educated and inspired about the possibilities for her own later life.
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Bob Hernquist is also a volunteer driver and has been since the Village first opened.
Bob and his wife Dorothy were among the very first people to join the Village in 2009. They joined not only because they loved the idea of community but because they wanted the opportunity to volunteer. Bob’s call to action has changed over his 11 years of volunteering. At first it was simply a desire to be of help – but as he did it, he found that he was getting at least as much out of it as his passengers. And now, with rides to appointments and social gatherings out of the picture, Bob is still out there shopping for and delivering groceries to friends and neighbors.
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Empathy, social and emotional skills are all hot topics lately. Most think of them as admirable human emotions, but they are more – they are real skills that enrich our relationships with others in all settings.
The term empathy is relatively modern and rather complex containing emotional, cognitive and ethical elements.
A recent article in Forbes states, "Simply defined, empathy is our desire and willingness to see as others see and to feel as they feel."
Empathy is a capability we all have. Some think of it as a "soft skill" but it is not – it is crucial to leading effectively.
You probably are already a leader in your workplace, but leaders are also needed in families, households, condo boards, committees, places of worship and more. Successful leaders rely on both cognitive and emotional empathy, finding the balance between leading from the head and leading from the heart. Here are six ways to build and express greater empathy as a leader and a friend:
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- Invest time understanding concerns, spoken and unspoken. Be fully present for people.
- Connect on a human level that demonstrates compassion.
- Rally others behind people-centered goals.
- Prioritize self-care and role model well-being
- Promote connection to the mission and belonging to a team.
- Nurture hope, spread optimism
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Empathy and Social Change
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Nancy Doyle, PhD is a neurodiversity researcher and writer in the field of diversity and inclusion. She believes that the pandemic may help to change attitudes about impairment and disability.
She points out that there is a difference between being impaired and being disabled. Many individuals are hearing impaired, but if everyone were taught sign language at an early age, the hearing-impaired would not be disabled. The possibility of being impaired but not disabled is of special interest to people over 50 because 83% of all disabilities are acquired, and the average age of acquiring them is 53.
Doyle writes, "We are currently working in an environment that is not ideal for the vast majority rather than an unseen minority. Now everyone is disabled."
Knowing what it feels like to be limited presents an opportunity to work with this increased insight and empathy and to consider what we will do in the future. We can notice those who have thrived at this time, build on what enabled them to thrive, and keep our options open once we regain the ability to choose.
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Celebrating Connection and Flattening the Loneliness Curve
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In a recent issue of Next Avenue, Encore.org CEO Marc Freedman and youth development advocate John Gomperts made this statement:“...we face the intersection of two deadly epidemics: COVID-19 and loneliness. One is deadly now, the other a slow-motion threat of equal consequence.” And they issued this challenge: Where’s the social stimulus plan? How to create a village for all ages?
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The good news is that we are rising to the challenge - there are ample signs that change is happening organically. It is beginning to look as though distancing is bringing us closer together.
Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy says, “This sudden disruption to American society could instead be an opportunity to reflect and reorient. It could trigger ... a resurgence and a revival of social connections.” The data and an immense quantity of anecdotal evidence indicate this is happening:
- The week of March 14-21, Zoom had 62 million downloads
- According to AARP, 51% of older Americans purchased a tech product in the past year
- The importance of digital readiness for medical appointments, entertainment, education, social engagement and shopping has been clearly demonstrated.
While technology has enabled these connections, the motivation comes from our hard-wired need for community. Dr Murthy says, “When facing … life-changing events, many of us take a second look at the value of relationships,” something he's seen firsthand in conversations with patients reflecting on the end of their lives.
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The Real Narrative About Life After 50
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The Village Chicago is out in front of this burgeoning connection and engagement revolution because we are a well-established community, already providing social, practical and technical support. Add to that our remarkable multi-generational community of members, volunteers, staff and supporters and you have a template for success:
- Within days of the "stay at home" order, we had contacted all member households
- Unprecedented numbers from our community have stepped forward to make calls, make deliveries and create new ways to be connected.
- We are holding more virtual events every week and attendance is increasing.
We are a community of people of all ages taking charge of physical distancing with commitment, compassion and creativity. This is the real narrative about life after 50.
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Resilience means you’ve learned how to overcome obstacles, understand that change brings opportunity and are able to “stay calm and carry on.” These three individuals have learned well.
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A Journey Through COVID-19
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Mike Knezovich is married to the Village’s revered memoir-writing instructor, Beth Finke. Beth is an award-winning author, teacher, journalist, and a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant. She also happens to be blind. Of concern right now is that she has Type I Diabetes which puts her at great risk if she contracts COVID-19.
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Mike Knezovich and Beth Finke
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Their journey began on March 17, Election Day. Mike and his doctor hoped that his severe chills and fever were the flu, but he was told to “assume you have COVID and self-isolate at home.” From their isolated locations in their apartment Beth and Mike texted back and forth; he had no appetite but could manage Gatorade and bananas. Mike felt weak and dizzy and one day he passed out – he on one side and she on the other side of a door, unable to help each other. Mike managed to get himself up and into bed and then to the emergency department where he was tested, found positive and admitted.
After 7 days, Mike was released from the hospital, not to go home, but to a local hotel. This was for Beth’s protection. He remembers, "I was picked up in a City of Chicago van driven by a firefighter, dropped off at the hotel’s service entrance where I was greeted by someone in full haz mat and shown to a rather nice room. Three times a day, someone dropped off a bag with a meal outside the door, and once every day someone called and did a symptom check." The entire 4 days he was there, he never saw a living soul. On April 4, he emerged to a completely deserted Michigan Avenue and went home.
Mike is still recovering. He still has extreme fatigue and his breathing is not back to normal. Reflecting on the experience, he says, "Even thought it was a slow motion version, 'just in case' can happen and we both need to know where things are and what to do. And he has mixed feelings about his experience. "I kind of feel as though I’m wearing a scarlet letter. On the other hand, I have been brought to tears by how good people can be."
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Barbara is mostly retired from a career in financial consulting and has been a Village member for 10 years.
"Like everyone else, I am struggling to figure out how to face each day with as much optimism and grit as possible. I miss so much, particularly eating good food with friends. Perhaps I underestimated how important this is. So I decided that I would use this opportunity to call my favorite places and fortunately for me they are open and deliver.
"Among them is The Gundis on Clark, a Turkish/Kurdish cafe whose owners are Kurdish and Mexican; this is an interesting family and I have gotten to know the owner and consider her a friend. I visit this cafe after my physical therapy and consider the visit part of my healing. Another favorite is Sapori. I have celebrated my birthday there with my Village friends for at least 10 years. I consider all this as part of being in community and that sense of being a part of this is supporting my well being through all this "crisis."
"Once this is over and it is safe to go out, I plan to have a celebration of life party and invite all my Village friends.
"Another way I am coping is to practice gratitude with everyone I have contact with whether the service providers on the phone or those I see in my lobby. Does it help? I hope so; gratitude is like a verbal hug and we all need lots of hugs right now. I am grateful you are reading this now and hope to actually see you in the near future."
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Larisa has been a Village member since 2014. She sent these two emails to the Village expressing gratitude for a volunteer, and for one of the free Cubii Jr. seated elliptical machines that the manufacturer donated to the Village.
"Wanted you to know what a terrific person Carol Hitchie is! You knew that already, but having had numerous other shoppers, before this pandemic, want to express my gratitude toward her for the great shopping she did for me! She is so intelligent, resourceful and thoughtful sometimes making selections of items not even on my list, but work out so well!
Plus, she shared important actions that I must take. Her wisdom has lifted my spirits, and given me the courage I need to get some important deeds accomplished. She is an ANGEL!"
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Here is Larisa's message after receiving her Cubii Jr. machine:
"Enjoying the Cubii. The PT… helped me set it up in front of the TV, so at night while watching I use the equipment. Starting slowly at first...works out the kinks in my knees where the cartilage is missing! After a few minutes, pain in those spots disappear, am able to roll along and pick up the pace a bit. I feel the movement helps with my circulation especially in the feet and muscles around the calves. I must keep moving to prevent leg cramps at night!
Thank you for all your efforts on my behalf. Much appreciated. Stay safe, stay home!"
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First Virtual Potluck a Hit!
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On May 6, The Village hosted our semi-annual potluck on Zoom! We had a great turnout, special guests, and delightful conversations. Break-out rooms on Zoom served as small "dinner parties," where members and guests had a chance to become better acquainted. Our first-ever virtual potluck was a big success! Our esteemed guest speakers, Dr. James Galloway and Dr. John Holton (pictured above), provided an interesting and insightful discussion of the coronavirus and health disparities. Feedback was terrific and we received several good ideas to further enhance our virtual events!
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Save the Date -
The Village Chicago is Throwing a Party!
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On
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 The Village Chicago will celebrate 11 years as a member to member network of friendship, engagement and services for people over 50.
There will be an exciting program, an auction with highly desirable items, a raffle and a performance of Broadway hits by the super talented Lyric Opera Stage Artists. For more information, contact The Village Chicago at 773.248.8700 or [email protected].
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Every week we are adding more virtual programs via Zoom, including these upcoming events you can register for today:
- (5/21) Short Story Intergenerational Discussions
- (5/22) Birdwatching Tips with David Baker
- (5/22) Virtual Wildflower Walk and Talk
- (5/23) Saturday Afternoon at the Movies - California Split (1974)
- (5/24) Virtual Tiny Theatre Presents: Victory Gardens' Fun Home
- (5/26) Exercise at Home with Jill Stein
- (5/26) Trivia Night!
- (5/27) New Member Mix & Mingle
- (5/28) The Health App with MacTutor
- (5/28) Great American Read Book Club
All virtual events require registration, so be sure to RSVP today! Participants will receive an email confirmation with details for joining via Zoom. See
our web calendar
to RSVP or email us at [email protected]!
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Village Member Pastime Groups
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Are you...
Looking for a new career, about to retire, wondering what's next? Seeking companions that share your interests? Searching for a way to utilize your abilities? In need of occasional help? New to Chicago? Worried about changing needs? An adult child with aging parents?
Village members are part of an inclusive, intergenerational community, connected to others and to the resources that support growth and well-being as we navigate life after 50 together.
Join us for
upcoming virtual info sessions on June 4 and 18! For more info and to RSVP, please email Jonathan Tague at [email protected].
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Leadership of The Village Chicago
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Board of Directors
Karen Terry,
President
Nancy Felton-Elkins,
Vice President
Ruth Ann Watkins,
Vice President
Charles G. Cooper,
Vice President
Angie Levenstein,
Secretary
Richard W. Sullivan,
Treasurer
Kathie Kolodgy,
Immediate Past President
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David E. Baker
Donald M. Bell
Patricia Clickener
Thomas C. Eley III
Glen Gabert
Judith Gethner
Bruce Hunt
Ira Kohlman
Therese Meike
Gail C. Moss
Linda Randall
Leatrice Berman Sandler
Wally Shah
Bob Spoerri
Lois Stuckey
Janet Walters
Melville Washburn
Joyce Winnecke
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Advisory Council
Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD
Robyn L. Golden, LCSW
Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD
Mary Ann Smith
CEO
Darcy L. Evon
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The Village Chicago is a member-to-member network of friendship, engagement and services for people over 50. We support all aspects of well-being through social engagement, an extensive services and referral network, lifelong learning, health and fitness, intergenerational relationships, work and purpose.
2502 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
773.248.8700
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