A bi-monthly roadmap for navigating longevity
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Entering this season of gratitude and giving has us thinking...what happens when people give of themselves? What is the real impact on those doing the giving and on those who receive? We found a story that inspired us to look at volunteering and giving in a new way:
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On a volunteer trip to paint houses, Jose, the local host asked the group: “Why did you come here?” They looked at each other hesitantly “--we want to make a difference...we feel we should give back...”
Jose nodded and stated, “I want you to know that your presence here today is entirely unnecessary.” This was not the welcome they had expected. Then he said:
“You are here to connect with a family, so pause in your work and talk to them. You are here so they know that someone somewhere else thinks about them. You are here to be affected, to learn about someone you don’t know, to challenge your assumptions, open your mind. We are not here today to complete a task; we are here to know and be known.”
This issue of The Navigator celebrates people in the Village community who, through volunteering and giving, have been transformed by knowing and being known. These experiences break down barriers allowing for deeper human connection and ultimately, greater impact. This is how “programs” become movements like the Village movement, now fostering the growth and well-being of older people across the country and here in our own communities and families.
And it all starts when one individual sets out to know and be known.
In this issue, we also celebrate the individuals, foundations and companies that are helping to keep The Village Chicago strong through their generous financial support.
Click here to see our Honor Roll of Donors for FY2018.
We are beyond grateful for the support of so many of you reading this. We all treasure our connection and wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.
With kindest regards,
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Dianne S. Campbell
Founding Executive Director
Image courtesy of Mark Brown Photography, 2017
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The Village's small office team...
... respond to 100+ member service requests per month
... support an average of 30 programs, events and gatherings per month (interesting content, venue, refreshments, name tags, rides, getting the word out, cleanup, evaluation)
... make sure there is paper in the copier, the bills are paid and there is someone who knows each member to take every phone call?
Volunteers, that’s how.
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Village member volunteers preparing a monthly calendar mailing. From left, top: Pam Zolnay and Patricia A. Ivy; From left, bottom: Bruce Wagner, Joy Marks, and Maryann Murphy.
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Village volunteers are a diverse group including members, non-members, partners and collaborators; people who are working, retired and in transition. They are all ages – some as young as high school and college students. The Village matches volunteers with work that is satisfying to them so everyone benefits from their contributions.
Click here to see the many ways to volunteer for the Village).
They give time, knowledge, connection, expertise, skills, experience, training, insight -- all for the benefit of others.
And when volunteers and those they help “belong” to each other in a community like the Village, volunteering can have a profound impact on the volunteer, causing important or lasting change. It can be transformative.
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The Washburns
by Laurel Baer
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Or perhaps you already know them -- Mel, Pam and their daughter Kristen who lives in California. Long time Village members, Pam and Mel have been a generous and compassionate source of hospitality, friendship, and support to the Village and its members from the very start.
Last month Mel received a diagnosis that is being aggressively treated with a regimen requiring periodic short term hospitalizations. Now suddenly, they are the ones who need help because in addition to his own illness, Mel supports Pam who lives with Multiple Sclerosis.
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True to his direct, honest, “get it done” nature, Mel called the Village office team to let them know -- and also sent an email explaining the situation to the members of the Village groups with which he is closest -- the Monday Memoir Writing group, Great Books, Great Conversations, and Six at the Table.
He said, “I expected to hear from maybe 10 or 12 people, but in fact, 38 people responded immediately. Some came from people I knew only slightly and that really surprised me.” (Those who know the Washburns will not be at all surprised.)
From the group of volunteers who had stepped forward, the Washburns and the office team put together a plan for surround care -- transportation, errands, and visits.
Two friends who live in the same building immediately designated themselves “Team Washburn.” In addition to being right there for Pam during Mel’s hospitalizations, they, along with Mel’s daughter Kristen and the Village would serve as back-up. Kristen’s peace of mind was relieved by this arrangement, “It’s one thing to want to help, but it’s quite another to have the proactive Village staff with the skills and experience to organize reliable, caring support for as long as it is needed.”
This is all happening right now, as you read this: the sense of trust and belonging flowing between the volunteers and the Washburns, the community of caring and hope surrounding them -- is a gift to everyone involved and to all of us who witness it.
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Bob Hernquist
by Bruce Hunt
Among those who volunteered for Mel and Pam is Bob Hernquist who has been a volunteer driver for the Village for many years and over that time he has experienced a lot. Bob appreciates straight talk, and he is convinced that such talk is more likely to occur when the conversation is between just two people. So when Bob offers himself as a driver for Village members who need a ride to some destination, he gets to know them a bit.
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Not that he avoids group settings, but he does note that when there is a crowd, much of the talk is "small," at least to start with. Driving gives him a chance to meet a lot of different people and sometimes there is a special connection that leads to deeper friendships and then to a dinner date at the Hernquist home or to a wide ranging exploration of shared interests, like the theater. “When it’s just the two of us, people are more likely to get down and personal.”
Sometimes the occasion for the ride becomes the topic of conversation, and Bob hopes to make his passenger feel better about the medical appointment and to remind them that they are not alone.
Philosophically, he observes: “And sometimes I just don’t feel like meeting the commitment I have made to give someone a ride. But then I recall the great line from Shakespeare, that all the world is a stage and this is the price I pay for admission to the theater.” You are right, Bob. The play’s the thing.
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Beth and Natalie
by Bruce Hunt
Beth Hickey is a knitter. She participates in a Village knitting group each Wednesday at the Sister Arts Studio on Wrightwood. She delights in helping others learn the craft.
So when Natalie, who is coping with the early stages of dementia, expressed an interest in learning to knit, Beth was eager to respond. Initial conversations convinced both Beth and Natalie that working one-on-one would be best.
They decided on weekly meetings (usually on Friday) when Beth would come by to visit. In time, the knitting seemed less important than the lively exploration of their joint experiences in Detroit (Beth picked up on that when she noticed a Detroit wall hanging in Natalie’s space) as well as their personal histories.
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Beth Hickey (center) at a meeting of the knitting group. Photo by Diana S. Phillips.
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What began as a teacher/student contact has evolved into a deep and mutually satisfying relationship. They both look forward to their weekly time together and even though Beth typically signs in at the Sunrise for an hour-long visit, their conversations usually last longer. But they have developed signals that let each other know when it is time to wind down.
They have also learned to communicate more directly with each other. Beth cited an example when they were sharing their assessments of opera. Natalie observed that she liked the “idea of opera.” Later on, reflecting on this conversation, Natalie confessed that was her way of saying she didn’t want to hurt the feelings of Beth, the opera lover.
When asked how her experience with Natalie had influenced her, Beth responded: “You know, I’m not sure I have words for that. I just really like her. I enjoy her company and I admire her tenacity when it would be so easy to give up.”
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Linda Randall
by Laurel Baer
Village member Linda Randall is a psychotherapist who spearheaded the creation of a small women’s group where the participants can just talk -- talk about what is happening in their lives, what is troubling them or bringing them joy -- a place where they are fully accepted -- a place of trust, safety and honesty.
She wanted to share her skills as a therapist to help others but something happened that she didn’t expect.
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She found that she was benefiting from it as much or more than the group members. It was different from her professional counseling where her patients are mostly younger than she is. She found extraordinary comfort in being with women her own age going through the same passages. She says, "I don’t like surprises and this is preparing me for what’s coming. Instead of having to guess what it’s like to care for a significant other or receive a frightening diagnosis, now I know."
The experience of being with people her own age who open up, are not afraid to push back, nor offended by being pushed, was one that she had never had before, and it changed her.
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Leslie Knight
by Laurel Baer
After 43 years in the non-profit sector, Leslie Knight was facing retirement with one great concern. Her career had always provided a built-in sense of purpose and she was concerned about losing that. She had been VP for Member Relations at Leading Age and as her retirement approached, she spent some time visiting member organizations with the thought of perhaps finding some volunteer opportunities.
On a visit to Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services*, she met Carrie Shaw, CEO of Embodied Labs.** Carrie has developed a way to use virtual reality technology to help family and professional caregivers understand their patients in a new and enlightening way. Caregivers can now virtually experience impaired vision, hearing loss and dementia – a breakthrough at the intersection of the current dominant issues in aging services: workforce/caregiving, use of technology and dementia.
The connection between Leslie and Carrie was instant - both professionally and personally and they were soon off and running. Leslie helps Carrie bring her ideas to those who can best use them – and Carrie provides Leslie with a sense of purpose that couldn’t be more suited to her if she had designed it herself. Leslie attributes this to her commitment to being open and intentional about finding purpose in her retirement.
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From left: Carrie Shaw, Gail Steingold, Leslie Knight, and Bill Lowe. Photo by Diana S. Phillips.
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Leslie says “This experience has changed me. It has made my transition to retirement immediately positive. Carrie lost her mother two years ago and there is also a nurturing aspect to our relationship. Despite the difference in our ages, we are now friends because of our shared interests. And I am helping advance this important program – it all brings me great joy.”
* CMSS is a Village sponsor
** Carrie Shaw was recently part of a panel in the Village’s Longevity Series. See article in Village News below.
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These stories show how giving can be transformative for individuals. The beauty is that these acts are occurring within a community, the Village, where we are committed to each other’s well being. It is exhilarating to watch the positive impact extend beyond the people involved to families, friends and in some case, to the entire Village community and beyond. Over time, these individual acts set in motion a process that makes our Village a part of larger movements that are contributing to positive change throughout society -- even the whole planet! Meet the Green Team.
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The Green Team
by Mary Kaye
Nothing builds friendships like working together for a cause. Nothing knits a group to a community like Village friends working together to accomplish a community good. The Green Team, a newly inaugurated action group, is destined to do both.
With the help of long-time environmental activist and Village member Rick Stuckey, the team took shape and is now under the guidance of Cynthia Linton and Joe Womack, with their sights set on climate change, environmental actions, personal awareness of waste, and community education. The team will work in support of the Sierra Club, Climate Reality, politicians keyed into environmental problem-solving, and local and national organizations dedicated to planet preservation. The focus of the team, according to Cynthia, will be event-centered with Sheila Ganch and Linda Eisenberg heading up the programming.
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Cynthia’s commitment to environmental responsibility moved up a notch after she was trained in 2017 by Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, an activist movement that has spread worldwide. She and Joe were trained in the process and are bringing that training to the Village team.
The Village members who form The Green Team already share a concern for and commitment to the environment. Now they have joined their considerable gifts and talents into a force for positive change throughout the community and beyond.
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This issue of The Navigator has been edited by Laurel Baer and produced by Megan Byrd
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Don't Miss Event! Innovation for the Ages
The Village is teaming with Chicago Innovation and The Retirement Research Foundation for the third annual Innovation for the Ages event featuring talks by “ageless innovators” from the fields of advertising, technology, fashion and finance who don’t know the meaning of the word “retirement.” Instead, they are constantly re-inventing themselves by focusing on innovation, taking risks and doing things differently. Wednesday, December 5, 5:30-8:00 PM at the Metropolitan Club.
Purchase your tickets through
Chicago Innovation. (Village members and sponsors may call the Village office to obtain an exclusive Village discount code for themselves and their guests.)
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Village Receives Challenge Grant from The Retirement Research Foundation for #ILGIVE* on #GivingTuesday
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We have been selected to receive a dollar for dollar matching grant up to $5,000 for gifts to the Village received on or before November 30, 2018. Your help makes it possible for us to continue to support the growth and well-being of people in later life. To make a contribution,
click here
. Thank you for your support!
*
#ILGIVE is part of #GivingTuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is a global day of giving that harnesses the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities.
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Save the Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2019
On that date, the Village will present the third in its symposium series on Longevity at an event featuring renowned social entrepreneur, thought leader, writer, and founder of Encore.org, Marc Freedman. More to come!
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Village Launches Third Memoir Writing Group
This program has been so popular among Village members, that there are now three groups meeting weekly to share stories about their lives. Learning to know each other through these stories has led to a feeling of closeness among the participants that keeps them coming back for more, year after year.
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Fall Potluck for Village Members
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Twice every year the Village holds a potluck where members come together to talk and catch up as they share delicious home cooked food. At the upcoming Fall Potluck, members will learn results of the just-completed Member Satisfaction Survey which was conducted to learn from members how well the Village is fulfilling it’s mission as it applies to each of them. There was keen interest in the survey -- close to 50% of Village member responded. No doubt, lively conversation will ensue!
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Village Holiday Craft Bazaar
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Are you looking for unique, handmade gifts this holiday season? Buy local and support Village artisans, crafters, and makers of every kind at the Village Holiday Craft Bazaar! Attendees can purchase one-of-a-kind gifts and seasonal treats from Village member vendors selling weaving, sculptures, table decor, pottery, jewelry, scarves, greeting cards, knitwear, granola, soup, bread, pastries and more! There is no entry fee and complimentary cookies and hot beverages will be available to shoppers. Bring your friends and family! Saturday, December 1, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM, Symphony Residences of Lincoln Park, 2737 N. Southport Ave. While registration is not required,
click here to sign up and you will receive an email reminder the week of the bazaar.
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Mark Your Calendar! Village Programs
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As winter approaches, the Village program calendar offers many opportunities for engagement, including a seminar about managing money in retirement, a docent led tour of the historic Second Presbyterian Church, and much more!
To view the full calendar of upcoming programs,
click here.
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Village Member Pastime Groups
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Are you...
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 navigating longevity together.
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Leadership of The Village Chicago
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Board of Directors
Kathleen Kologdy,
President
Nancy Felton-Elkins,
Vice President
Beth Burn Joosten,
Vice President
Alan T. Lougée,
Vice President
Joan Goldstein,
Secretary
Karen Terry,
Secretary
Richard W. Sullivan,
Treasurer
Ruth Ann Watkins,
Immediate Past President
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David E. Baker
Donald M. Bell
Judy Carmack Bross
Patricia Clickener
Charles G. Cooper
John Craib-Cox
Thomas C. Eley III
Hollis Hines
Bruce Hunt
Ira Kohlman
Angie Levenstein
Gail C. Moss
Leatrice Berman Sandler
Bob Spoerri
Melville Washburn
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Advisory Council
Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD
Robyn L. Golden, LCSW
Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD
Mary Ann Smith
Michael Spock
Founding Executive Director
Dianne S. Campbell
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The “new longevity” means that later life can span 30 years or more. Whether we’re working, retired or farther along on our journey, we all seek well-being, to be valued and to contribute. The Village Chicago is an inclusive membership community of people 50+ that provides services, expertise, social connection, engagement, volunteer opportunities and health/well-being resources - all to support members’ growth and quality of life, keeping us connected to each other, our communities and the city as we navigate longevity together.
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