“I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.” – Langston Hughes

August 27, 2025

Dear friends,

With Labor Day on the horizon, we can look forward to some relief from the heat. At the Village, we have spent the summer coming up with some very hot ideas and really cool activities.

Just before I arrived, the Village kicked off the season with the annual Members' Meeting. This year the PowerPoint presentation tradition was broken with an engaging event where over 100 community members and guests mingled one-on-one with our committee chairs, board members, and each other. Much more fun!

Our Solo Agers group is gathering momentum, with members collaborating to develop specially designed programs and opportunities for connection and mutual support. Keep an eye out on the calendar for more Solo Agers events this fall.

The popular monthly Happy Hours continued with a summer vibe, attracting convivial groups to just relax, chat, and enjoy each other's company. A good summer all around.



And now, after three months with the Village, it is very clear to me that there is nothing else quite like our "for members, by members" organization. We have all come together for the same things: social connection, community, and friendship. It is our responsibility to make sure that Chicago’s older adults know the Village is here for them. Everyone needs a Village. The Village Chicago is ours.

Warm regards,

Molly Conley, Executive Director

What's Hot Besides the Weather?

Lots of things. In this issue of the Navigator, we have put together a series of things to do and things to think about as we enjoy the last days of summer.

Those Special Times at Sleep-away Camp

Remember the smell of wood smoke and melting marshmallows, dewy early mornings - and that special friend you made? It's all still there - now for adults. The Wall Street Journal reports that "Adults are going to sleep-away camps to make friends. It seems to actually work." Liam Macleod, a longtime camp professional and marketing director at Camp No Counselors says, "....there is a powerful people connection that forms at camp. It’s camp magic and it’s hard to replicate in the regular world.” Accommodations range from the basics to very fancy glamping." Here is a useful tool from the American Camp Association to help find a camp that suits your interests and budget. Maybe next summer....

Climate Change in an Aging Society

Living in Chicago, we have been spared some of the terrifically hot weather that other parts of the country have experienced. The CDC confirms that heat can be dangerous - and how to stay healthy through extreme heat seems intuitive: stay cool, hydrate, limit sun exposure - all effective and sensible.

However, science and medicine have made much progress in understanding how the warming climate can pose threats to our bodies. Harvard Medicine reports: "... it can be hard for even healthy older adults to tell when it’s too hot or if they’re dehydrated." Older bodies hold more heat than younger ones and glands don’t release as much sweat which can strain systems from the cardiovascular to the immune.

Of most importance is the finding that certain medications frequently taken by older adults can contribute to heat intolerance. These include several classes of drugs: antihistamines, diuretics, certain blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and certain stimulants. As always, it's wise to consult your health care professional to see what's right for you.

Little Victories

Here's a lovely idea proposed in the New York Times a few weeks ago. Melissa Kirsch writes, "We tend to confine our parties to milestones and cultural events, but there are countless micro-occasions worthy of commemorating." And, she says, "... it seems unnecessary to let the calendar totally dictate when we raise a glass or kick up our heels. "... there’s so much else out there that’s worthy." She has some interesting suggestions: "A New Haircut Party sounds fun (you tried a new style, you look great) as does a My Back Pain Finally Went Away Party (has there ever been a more profound reason to exult?). New tattoo, old tattoo removal; the puppy spent a full night in the crate; no cavities — let’s rejoice!"

And for those of us who don't like hot weather, we might celebrate the first morning we wake up to temperatures in the 50's by sharing hot chocolate with friends. Ahhh. Mmm.

Personalized and Precision Medicine

Personalized and precision medicine are at the center of today’s hottest healthcare conversations. The two terms represent the evolution of thinking in medicine that began in 1999 upon completion of the Human Genome Project when it became possible to target drugs for unique genetic profiles and the Wall Street Journal announced "a new era of personalized medicine."

Currently, the preferred term is precision medicine which the National Institutes of Health describes thus:

"Historically, doctors have had to make most recommendations about disease prevention and treatment based on the expected response of an average patient. Precision medicine is an innovative approach that takes into account individual differences in patients’ genes, environments, and lifestyles." 

The variations in treatment are not "personalized" for each individual, but are made more precise by identifying subgroups of patients with similar profiles.*

The NIH "All of Us" project is providing the large, diverse database needed to make advances in precision medicine - and the data has already made an impact. For example, a study using All of Us data identified that DNA variations are linked to different health problems in people with type 2 diabetes so that doctors can match the best diabetes treatment to each individual and potentially prevent associated conditions.

This is exciting and encouraging! Read more here and here.

* Individualized treatments are being developed in the fields of oncology, rare genetic disorders, and other fields of medicine.

A Rising Tik Tok Phenomenon: Granfluencers (Grandparent Influencers)

Since 2021 there has been a 57% rise in Boomers on Tik Tok and older adults are becoming highly popular content creators. The number one spot is held by Grandma Droniak with almost 15 million followers. Now 95 years old and in a nursing home, she reports with humor on her life including a recent post on why she dumped her boyfriend writing "Tell your grandpas I'm on the market again!"

The concern is that these posts are inadvertently reinforcing ageist stereotypes or reinforcing the false notion that still doing the things young people do is the be-all of successful aging. The focus on positive experiences can hinder acceptance of the challenges of aging that are needed for a truly inclusive society.

Despite these concerns, the consensus that emerges in an extensive search engine exploration of granfluencers is that they do challenge negative stereotypes about older adults by showcasing vitality and creativity. They foster intergenerational connection, and encourage followers to live without fear of judgment. See some of the top granfluencers here.

Image Source: The Guardian

The Village Chicago Annual Fundraiser!

On Tuesday September 30, at The Arbory, the Village will celebrate our 16th annual fundraiser, “Many Voices, One Song”. With an exciting live auction, games, entertainment, food, and drink, you won’t want to miss this special event.

We are excited to bring the fundraiser to a new venue, The Arbory, a beautiful, airy space that we think you’ll love. And the staff members who selected the new caterer came back from the tasting with big smiles!

This event is important because the Village is important. We care for and about the interests and needs of each individual member and their families. But more importantly we have created a community where people know, support, and care for one another through social connection, volunteering, and shared learning. It's the kind of community anyone would want to grow up and grow older in. There’s truly nothing else like us.

So join your voice with ours to raise a song of belonging, empowerment, and impact. Everyone matters. Be part of it. Just click here.



Direct Underwriting Opportunities for the Fundraiser

A high impact way to support the Village is to underwrite some of the event costs so that more of the funds raised can sustain our programs and services. These underwriting sponsors will be recognized in the event program, acknowledged from the podium during the event; included on the event web page and in follow-up communications; and remembered by a grateful community as someone who helped make the event successful and fun while making the Village stronger. Please reach out to Molly@thevillagechicago.org to discuss underwriting opportunities.    

• Catering - Food and Beverage costs - $14,000
• Event Venue and Staffing - $6,000
• Equipment Rental - $2,000
• Auction Software - Essential for managing online and live auction bids efficiently - $2,000 
• Entertainment - Performers - $1,500
• Printed Materials - Graphic Designer - $500 Invitations and mailing - $700
• Photographer - Professional event coverage - $500
• Raffle Prizes - Five exciting items for raffle draws - $500 each prize

Board News

The Village is growing and actively seeking strong leadership to help guide our mission. We currently have board positions available and welcome individuals who are passionate about supporting older adults and their families. If you or someone you know may be interested, please reach out to me directly at molly@thevillagechicago.org.

Officers

David Baker,

Chair

Judith Gethner,

Vice Chair

Liz Metzger,

Secretary

Thomas C. Eley III,

Treasurer

Joan Goldstein

Kathie Kolodgy

Karen Terry

Board of Directors

Don Bell

Jacie Brandes

Stefanie Clark

Tom Pasker

Lois Stuckey

Vamse Kumar Subbiah

Carlos Terrazas

Advisory Council

Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD

Robyn L. Golden, LCSW

Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD

Executive Director

Molly Conley

The Village Chicago is a community of people who choose to share interests, experience, and friendship as we age. Together with a professional staff, volunteers, and an extensive network of services and service providers, we offer new social connections, lifelong learning, opportunities to find purpose, and support through life transitions.  Everyone needs a Village - who's yours?

2502 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614. 773.248.8700

www.thevillagechicago.org