Village Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE
Fitness
October Events
Favorite Pastime Groups
November Preview
Call Us. Join Us!
Village Sponsors
New and Renewing Members

Edited by
Laurel Baer 
Produced by
Alejandra Povedano 
 



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VILLAGE PROGRAMS 

 

Register for these programs by calling 773.248.8700 or e-mailing 
[email protected]

 

Village Members receive registration priority.

 

Payment confirms your registration and is due in advance.

Let the Village office know if you need a ride!    

  

As the Village grows, from time to time events with limited attendance are fully subscribed with a waiting list.  If you wish to participate in any event, please sign up early. You can do so by calling the office at 773.248.8700 or e-mailing [email protected].


WAYS TO STAY FIT

     

NIA

Eight-session series:
Thursdays, Ongoing 
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Church of the Three Crosses
(333 W. Wisconsin)
New series starts November 20  
Members - $64 for the series of 8 sessions, or $10 per session;
Guests- $15 per session. 
Join in anytime! For more information about NIA, click here

***

Pilates
Eight-session series: 
Tuesdays
Through November 11 
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Studio 1002
(1002 W. Diversey)
New series starts December 2
Members Only - $160 for the series of 8 sessions
Payment goes directly to
Studio 1002. 
 

SPECIAL OFFERS

Check out these special offers for Village members to stay active.

 

Chicago Athletic Club

Click here for details on their discounted membership rates. Contact the Village office for information on obtaining a one-month free trial membership.

 

XSport Fitness 

Click here for information and a printable flyer you can redeem for a discounted gym membership. Contact the Village office for information on obtaining a 7-day trial membership. 

OCTOBER EVENTS  


Memoir Writing I
Thursdays, Through December 4
(excluding November 13 and November 27)   
2:00 - 3:30 PM 
Host for October 30: Judy Roth  
Members - $60 for the series;
Guests - $80 for the series
 
Participants write short pieces on various topics and share their writing - exploring events in their lives. Sessions are led by Beth Finke, an award-winning author, teacher, journalist and NPR commentator. 

***
    
Haunted Histories
at the Red Lion Pub
Thursday, October 30  
5:30 - 6:30 PM 
Red Lion Pub  
(2446 N. ) 
Members & Guests - Free
Self-hosted dinner to follow at Red Lion Pub 
FAVORITE PASTIME GROUPS FOR VILLAGE MEMBERS
All groups welcome new participants.

Basic Meditation

Join this group, led and hosted by member Ellen Stone Belic, to learn and practice basic meditation techniques. Sessions are occasional Saturday mornings. This is a great opportunity to start or renew your practice -- and to experience the joy and the multitude of benefits of meditation. For information, please e-mail Ellen at [email protected].

***

Bridge

This group meets Mondays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in members' homes, usually with three tables. The next meeting will be hosted by Dianne Campbell on November 3. If you are interested in joining, please contact Laura McCormick at [email protected].

***

 

Just Restaurants
Our vibrant restaurant group takes advantage of all our great food city has to offer. From BYOB to BBQ, French to fusion, seafood to steak--we try them all. If you want to receive information about these outings, please contact Krys Lordahl at [email protected].

***

Knitting for a Purpose
The knitting and crocheting group meets most Wednesdays at Sister Arts Studio (721 W. Wrightwood). Beginners and experts are welcome to join. The group makes hats, scarves and mittens for the Night Ministry--or a project of your own interest. Bring your needles and yarn, maybe even some coffee or tea. Sister Arts Studio will be happy to supply needles and/or yarn, patterns and tips. For more information, please contact Beth Hickey at [email protected].

***



Movie-Goers

Every Thursday when the weekend movie listings come out, Catherine Rategan e-mails a suggested movie for that weekend, along with a time for the group to meet. The group may follow her suggestion or decide by consensus on another choice. To add your name to the list, please contact Catherine Rategan at [email protected].

NOVEMBER PREVIEW 

     

LGBT Movie Encounters:

Torch Song Trilogy 

Sunday, November 2

1:00 - 3:30 PM

Center on Halsted 

(3656 N. Halsted)

Members & Guests - Free

This film series examines the role of Hollywood in the emergence of the LGBT community into mainstream society. Second in the series comes
Torch Song Trilogy. Harvey Fierstein brings his 1982 Tony Award winning play and performance to the screen using most of the play's actors, many of the hysterical one-liners, and all the cynicism and courage a gay, Jewish, drag queen from Brooklyn could have. Discussion to follow the film. Click here to read Ira Kohlman's notes on the film and here for a printable flyer on the series.
Next month's film will be
The Kids Are Alright on December 7.

***

At Last: A Tribute to Etta James
Sunday, November 2
3:00 - 5:30 PM
Black Ensemble Theater
(4450 N. Clark)
Members - $40; Guests - $45
This production spans the decades of Etta James' early years with Chess in the 50's and 60's, her reign as a leader in rhythm in blues during the 70's, her fight to get back on top in the 80's, and her phenomenal comeback in the 90's, along with the various successes and failures she experienced before her passing in 2004. Come celebrate the extraordinary journey of one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century.

***

Memoir Writing II with Beth Finke

Mondays, through November 10 

2:00 - 3:30 PM

Host for November 3: Pam Washburn 

&

Memoir Writing I with Beth Finke

Thursdays, through December 4

(excluding November 13 & 27) 

2:00 - 3:30 PM

Host for November 6: Kathy Zartman 

Members - $60 for the series;

Guests - $80 for the series

Participants write short pieces on various topics, exploring event in their lives. Sessions are led by Beth Finke, an award-winning author, teacher, journalist, and NPR commentator.


***

Great Books, Great Discussions

Monday, November 3 

7:00 - 8:30 PM
Hosts: Kathy & Jim Zartman
&
Wednesday, November 5
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Host: Estelle Spector 

Members Only - $30

 The reading for the Monday group will be "Not a Good Girl" by Perri Klass and "For the Relief of Unbearable Urges" by Nathan Englander, with a discussion led by Don Whitfield. The Wednesday group will be reading "The Inherited Clock" by Elizabeth Bowen, and all participants are asked to prepare a question to contribute to the discussion.

  

***


Women's Discussion Group:
Reflections on a Career
as a Court Sketch Artist

Tuesday, November 4
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Chicago History Museum
(1601 N. Clark)
Members Only - Free
Self-hosted lunch to follow at North & Clark Cafe
Join Andy Austin as she reflects upon her career, spanning over four decades, spent as a Chicago court sketch artist. Andy has covered many high-profile cases during her distinguished career, including the conspiracy trial of the Chicago Seven and the trial of disgraced governor Rod Blagojevich.

***

Bridge Basics
Tuesdays, Ongoing
5:00 - 6:30 PM
Host: Monika Betts
Members & Guests - $15 per session
This bridge group, led be coach Jane Kennedy, welcomes intermediate players looking to sharpen their skills.

***

Showboat Series

Wednesdays, through November 12

12:00 - 2:00 PM

Gratz Center, Fourth Presbyterian Church
(126 E. Chestnut) 

CLL & Village Members - $15 for the series;
Guests - $25 for the series

Payment goes directly to the CLL.

On December 12, 1927, the musical Showboat opened at the Ziegfeld Theatre in NYC. Eighty-seven years since, the show is still being performed in venues ranging from BBC radio broadcast to the Lyric Opera stage. Member John Craib-Cox invites you to explore this musical from its original production, through the years of changing adaptations, to present day reboots.

***

Death Cafe:
An Informal Conversation About Death & Dying
Thursday, November 6
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
North & Clark Cafe
(1601 N. Clark)
Members Only - Free
Join this discussion-based group for an opportunity to discuss death in a safe and confidential atmosphere. Share stories, experiences, beliefs and concerns while listening to the perspective of others. Member Catherine Rategan says this program "offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to talk honestly and candidly with other Village members about a subject that's often considered off-limits. In this safe environment, we were able to give voice to some of our deepest fears and share many of our cherished hopes about end-of-life issues. I recommend it highly, no matter what your age or whatever the state of your health." Please note that this is not a counseling or bereavement group. 

***

Finances After 50:

Making Your Social Security Decision  

Thursday, November 6 

5:30 - 7:00 PM

Charles Schwab - Lincoln Park 

(870 W. North)

Members & Guests - Free

Beverages and appetizers will be served 

When should you consider taking (or putting on hold) your Social Security benefits? A member of Charles Schwab's Financial Planning Team joins us to help explain Social Security. Learn about eligibility, how the Social Security Administration calculates your retirement benefit, options to consider when deciding to retire, and strategies to help optimize Social Security benefits. Click here for a flyer with more information about this series.

***

Voice Your Choices
Friday, November 7
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
St. Pauls Church
(2335 N. Orchard)
Members & Guests - Free
Loretta Downs and Daryl Holtz Isenberg will address advance healthcare, the Five Wishes form, how to select surrogate decision makers and how to talk to our loved ones about our end-of-life wishes. You do not need to attend the October 27th "Oh, Just Bury Me in the Backyard" event in order to participate in this presentation. Click here for a flyer with more information.

***

Tour of the Art Institute's
Armor Department
Friday, November 7
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Art Institute of Chicago
(111 S. Michigan)
Art Institute Members - Free;
Village Members & Guests - Free if accompanied by Art Institute Member. Otherwise tickets are $12 for seniors and $18 for adults.

Self-hosted lunch to follow at the Institute's newly modernized cafe.
Enjoy a guided tour of the armor exhibit that is currently featured at the Art Institute. Member Hugh Brodkey will be giving the tour, so don't miss out!

***

Grand Dames of the Gold Coast
Saturday, November 8
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Meet at 1200 N. Lake Shore
Members - $25; Guests - $28
Chicago historian and fourth generation Chicagoan Sally Kalmbach will discuss the roles elite Chicago women played in social reform and World War I on this one-of-a-kind walking tour.

***

Olive Oil Tasting
Sunday, November 9
5:00 - 6:30 PM
Oh, Olive!
(904 W. Armitage)
Members - $10 Guests - $20
Appetizers wills be served.
Join us for a tasting of various ultra premium olive oils from around the world. Indulge in appetizers made from the Oh, Olive! oils and vinegars and take home a free 60ml bottle of one of their natural olive oils to use on your own cooking.

***

Your Medicare Options
Monday, November 10
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Village Office
(2502 N. Clark)
Members & Guests - Free
Join CJE SeniorLife Consumer Assistance staff in a discussion about your Medicare questions and options during this year's open enrollment period.
Following the talk you may sign up for a free individual consultation on November 11 (appointments available from 12:00 - 4:00 PM) at the Village Office with Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) trained staff from CJE SeniorLife to assist you in answering any additional questions you may have.


***

Banjo Night

Monday, November 10 

6:30 - 9:00 PM

Chief O'Neills

(3471 N. Elston)

Members and Guests - Free

Self-hosted food and beverages.

Join members Jack Hartray, John Buenz and the Windy City Jammers, a merry band of musicians playing songs from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Sing along to their fun mix of banjo, guitar, accordion and brass instruments.

 

***

Coffee for Prospective Members
Tuesday, November 11
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Village Office
(2502 N. Clark)
Members & Guests - Free
This informational gathering is a great opportunity to learn more about Village life. Enjoy a morning pick-me-up while getting to know the office team, including our Executive Director Dianne Campbell.

***

Men's Discussion Group:
The Great Chicago Freight Tunnel Flood of 1992
Wednesday, November 12
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Chicago History Museum
(1601 N. Clark)
Members Only - Free
Self-hosted lunch to follow at
North & Clark Cafe
Join Joe Jacobazzi, the Chief Engineer of the US Army Corps of Engineers in Chicago, for a fasctinating presentation on the efforts to save the city from one of its greatest disasters, a tunnel beneath the Chicago River which opened into a breach that flooded basements and underground facilities throughout the Loop with an estimated 200 million gallons of water.

***

Poetry Discussion Group

Wednesdays, November 12 - 19

Hosts : TBD   

Members - $10 per session 

Guests - $15 per session 

Come join this vibrant poetry discussion group to discover the pleasures of poetry. Each week we will read and discuss a few poems to understand this written art form and reflect on how poetry captures so many human experiences. The instructors, Maureen and Todd, will encourage participants to share their opinions and preferences. Though not required, participants are welcome to write their own poems and share them with the group. No previous knowledge of poetry is necessary - just a curious mind!

 

***

 

Walk & Stretch

Thursday, November 13

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Meet at Lincoln Park Conservatory

(2391 N. Stockton)

Members & Guests - Free

Join Eric Johnson of mvmtRevolution for a fun, active morning walk through Lincoln Park's scenic gardens and South Pond. Eric will talk about the benefits of stretching and lead members through a great total body stretching routine built to help prevent injuries while keeping your muscles loose and strong. All abilities are welcomed and encouraged! Rain (as stretching can take place in the Conservatory) or shine! 


***

 

Chicago Humanities Festival:

Anjelica Huston

Friday, November 14

6:00 - 7:00 PM

First United Methodist at Chicago Temple

(77 W. Washington)

Members - $30; Guests - $36

Join CHF Program Director and former WBEZ host Alison Cuddy for an intimate conversation with the legendary Anjelica Huston. The Academy Award-winning actress and writer will discuss her new memoir Watch Me at the Chicago Humanities Festival. This second volume explores her relationship with Jack Nicholson, her rise to stardom, her work with the greatest directors in Hollywood, and her love affair with her husband.  

 

***

 

Silver Screenings:

Missing

Sunday, November 16 

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The Admiral at the Lake

(929 W. Foster)

Members & Guests - Free

Optional brunch to follow for $15.

Join us as we continue the series "Films of Jack Lemmon" with Missing. Lemmon was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a desperate father searching for his son, who went missing during a U.S.-backed military takeover in Chile. Click here to read Mel Washburn's notes notes on the film.

***

Fall Potluck
Sunday, November 16
4:30 - 7:30 PM
Church of the Three Crosses
(333 W. Wisconsin)
Members Only - Free

Join your friends at the Village for a night of great food and fun at this seasonal get-together, with special guest and acclaimed journalist Rick Kogan. Bring your favorite fall dish and a beverage to share. 

 

***

Caregiving 101
Wednesday, November 19
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Rush Professional Building
(1725 W. Harrison)
Members & Guests - Free
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Learn about community resources, managing care after a hospitalization, strategies to better organize the help you provide and ways to care for yourself in the midst of it all.

***

Alaska Travels: Three Trips, Three Ways

Sunday, November 23

2:00 - 3:30 PM

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

(2430 N. Cannon)

Members & Guests - Free

Tails, talons, totem poles and more! Enjoy Alaska three ways in this 90 minute talk and slide show by Village members Rick Stuckey, Betty Kolb, and Tom Campbell who explored Alaska in different ways this past year. Stay to view the hallway photography exhibit Take Flight! Alaska from Above: Photography by Mark Reed and explore the Nature Museum.  

 

***

Tiny Theater: Great Expectations

Sunday, November 23

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Strawdog Theatre

(3829 N. Broadway)

Members - $20; Guests - $25

Self-hosted dinner to follow the performance

Join us for this clever adaptation of Charles Dickens' massive masterpiece, and appreciate the performances as just nine actors play over 40 different roles.

 

*** 

 

Thanksgiving Eve Potluck (Especially for New Members) 

Wednesday, November 26

6:00 - 8:30 PM

Hosts: Dianne & Tom Campbell

Members Only - Free

BYOB 

Join us for good fellowship and a Thanksgiving Eve potluck feast. The Campbells will provide grilled turkey and stuffing. Please bring a side dish or dessert and a favorite Thanksgiving memory to share.

LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors 
Ruth Ann Watkins, President
Mel Washburn,Vice President
Mary Ann Schwartz, Vice President
J. Dirk Vos, Vice President
Barbara Koren, Secretary
Robert Spoerri, Treasurer

 

David Baker

John A. Bross

John Craib-Cox

Charles G. Cooper 

Joan Goldstein 

Jack Hartray

Hollis Hines

Bruce Hunt 

Kathleen Kolodgy

Joe Lane 

Alan Lougee

Joseph Loundy 

Charlotte Newberger 

Marcia Opp

Mary Ann Smith 

Lois Stuckey

    

Advisory Council

Neelum T. Aggarwal, M.D.   

 Henry B. Betts, M.D.

Robyn L. Golden

Robert B. Lifton

Joanne G. Schwartzberg, M.D.

Michael Spock

 

Immediate Past President  

Katherine Zartman

 

Dianne S. Campbell

Founding Executive Director   

CALL US! JOIN US!

Joining Lincoln Park Village

Membership is available to people 50+ living in Chicago's north side communities from River East to Edgewater and beyond. For your convenience, you can click on the membership application below, or if you prefer, call the Village office for other options. A reduced-rate program, Member Plus, is available for those on limited fixed incomes.

After becoming a member, we will welcome you and connect you to the specific people, activities and services that fit your unique interests and needs. Our goal is always to help you explore possibilities and support your choices so you can live the life you wish to live.

 

Download Membership Application 

 

Download the form to pay via auto-withdrawal through your bank account.  


Village Sponsors

 

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine  

 

New Admiral Logo







October/November 2014   

"It's one thing about getting older. You see more... Everyday I'm continuing to see things.

That's why there are new paintings."

--Ellsworth Kelly, Artist, 91.

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

The Village is now embarked on its sixth year with 400 members, good financial health, more connections, more programs, more volunteers--more and, we believe, better everything.

 

From the start our founding members had a positive attitude about what the Village could accomplish and about inventing the best long life possible. We know attitude matters and indeed there is more and more evidence that what you think--you become. Findings about the aging brain continue to debunk incorrect beliefs--in some cases researchers are finding that there are a number of ways in which the brain actually improves with age--and reinforce the power of one's attitude/belief system.

 

One article in this past Sunday's issue of The New York Times Magazine focused on the anti aging benefits of positive thinking. The article--"What if Age is Nothing but a Mind-Set"--features Ellen Langer's experiments that have shown that mental attitudes might reverse some ravages of old age. Village board member Kathie Kolodgy and I had the good fortune of hearing Langer speak last week in Nashville, where we were the guests of LeadingAge, and we were struck by how our Village's asset-based attitudes and approach mirrors her work. Read the article here.

Another article--"Old Masters"--in the same issue celebrates men and women in their 80s and 90s who are deeply engaged in the work they love. Instead of retiring, they "reign" and you can enjoy their portraits here.

The reason the people in these articles resonate so powerfully with us is that they have attitude--and so do we. Join us! 

 

Dianne S. Campbell

Founding Executive Director

Welcome New and Renewing Members 
Susanne & David Baker
Donald M. Bell
Charlotte Brauer
Giovanna Breu
Judy & John Bross
Susan Burke
Kathy Cool
Chuck & Nancy Cooper
Sylvia Decker
David & Sheila Ganch
Thomas Hall & Diane Graham-Henry
Beth & Fred Joosten
Hyma & Ravi Kandula
Raphael Kaplan
Colleen Leahy
Linda Levine
Judi Strauss & Larry Lipkin
Krys Lordahl
Dotty Mayer
Shirley Mohill
Joan & Harold Olin
Anna Perlberg
Nathaniel Polster
Esther Saks
Diane Shopiro
Susan Stodolsky & David Cramer
Janet Swenson
Nancy Tsao-Wu
Donna & Dirk Vos
Peg Walker
Pam & Doug Walter
The State of the Village 

The Village plays an important and unique role in creating a better future for older adults. We always knew that we would have to do this ourselves - and so we are. As former Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said about the Village movement on

CBS News Sunday Morning "Such grassroots solutions will be the answer because federal officials just don't want to deal with the crisis in long term care."

What is being accomplished here is far beyond "long term care." The Village is a unique resource, because nowhere else can you find in one place all that the Village offers. As Crain's Chicago Business reported in their August 4, 2014 issue, "A new model of senior living  is taking hold across the country, with one in Lincoln Park at the forefront." Read the article here.

 

In her report to the Village Board of Directors at its annual meeting on October 6, President Ruth Ann Watkins highlighted some of the past year's achievements. Here are those highlights with some real life illustrations of the impact they are having on the lives of Village members and the community.
Making It Happen  

"A unique element underpinning our accomplishments to date continues to be an attitude of 'if we can dream it, we can make it happen' and we have worked very hard at making it happen. Key to 'making it happen' has been the rich array of talents, wisdom, experiences, connections, energy, commitment and leadership within the Village. Our multi-talented, tireless founding Executive Director, Dianne Campbell, and our talented, inter-generational office team of staff, volunteers and interns are exceptional. Leadership at all levels of the organization from a savvy board of directors, dedicated committee and task force leaders, and volunteers who give of their time and talents are the ingredients that bring the Village to life." -- Ruth Ann Watkins

 

Some of the People Who Make Things Happen

The Village has attracted some very special people whose wisdom, skills and dedication make the wheels turn and move us through each day and into the future. 

 

Leadership - Retiring Board Members

Grateful thanks to the four retiring board members who have helped lead the Village to its present solid state.

 

Harvey Adelstein

Harvey joined the board when the Village was an idea that was yet to become a reality and he worked hard to make it so. His extensive background in labor law in both the public and private sector, his commitment to building community and to the vision have enriched the board deliberations and decisions. He co-led the Village's first Membership Committee, has been an active member of the LGBTQ Task Force, an effective recruiter of board members and a valued resource and counsel.

 

Armand Cerbone, Ph.D.

Through Armand's professional experience as a psychologist, his nationally recognized advocacy for the inclusion of people who identify as LGBTQ, he educated the board about the issues facing aging LGBTQ individuals and led the development of the inaugural LGBTQ Task Force. His understanding of human behavior; group dynamics and the impact of participation and inclusion on the well-being of individuals; and the value research has in relation to the Village mission brought depth to the board discussions and to efforts to diversify programs and membership in the Village.

 

Char Damron

Char's background in organizational development and char change management combined with her extraordinary people skills and commitment to a greater cause has contributed significantly to realizing the vision and mission of the Village. She led the creation of the Program Committee from its first meeting in December 2008 to the force it is today, providing programs that reflect the diverse interests and talents of the membership and are the envy of other Villages. As an innovative, thoughtful leader and skilled facilitator, she co-led the strategic planning process that led to the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan which currently guides the Village. She has effectively led critical board brainstorming discussions and deliberations and has served as a resource to board colleagues and other Village members.

 

Marjorie Freed

From the time she embraced the vision of a Village for Lincoln Park, gathered thoughtful leaders in the neighborhood, and hosted the now famous first organizing meeting, Marjorie has nurtured the development of the Village. Through her intuition, hard work, community and entrepreneurial experience, she persuasively used her diverse network to engage many in the Village development and growth. As a founding board member, her gracious and wise counsel has guided us in working to fulfill the mission of the Village and its vision to serve as a model for the nation.

 

Leadership - New Board Members

Our three new board members, as of October 6, represent the wider geography into which the Village has grown--they reside in 60610, 60611 and 60618. Welcome to these new board members whose experience and insights will help guide our Village over the years to come.

 

Charles G. Cooper

Chuck joined Helene Curtis, Inc. in 1953, retiring in 1996 as Chief Operating Officer after successfully  negotiating the company's sale to Unilever. Since then he has  been a Partner at GCG Partners, a consumer packaged goods investment/consulting business. Throughout his career, Chuck has served on various boards including Sportsmart, Inc., Devon Bank, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, and CJE. He co-produced a documentary film: In Our Own Hands: The Story of the Jewish Brigade in WWII, which ran on the PBS Network.

 

Joe Lane

Joe began his career at The First National Bank of Chicago, serving as VP and head of several industry groups and holding various international banking positions. He then held several positions, including founding the Project Finance Group with ABN Amro Bank, N.V., and Managing Director, Global Integrated Energy Corporate Finance. Since retiring in 2002, Joe has held various consulting and board positions, including Business Development Consultant for Accenture; a board advisor and consultant to Marathon Capital, and is currently a member at The Civic Federation. Joe maintains an affiliation with Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management as Guest Lecturer; as Member of Kellogg's Pete Henderson Society; and is presently a member of Northwestern's Leadership Circle.

 

Bruce Hunt

Bruce Hunt studied at the McCormick Theological Seminary. After graduation, he lived in the Sheffield neighborhood, and served as president of Sheffield Neighbors Association in the 1970s. He serves on the governing board of the Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church and is a supporter of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. Professionally, Bruce had a 35-year career as a management and organizational development consultant including Director of the Management Development Seminar of the Industrial Relations Center of the University of Chicago; a senior consultant with Harbridge House and later with Price Waterhouse Coopers. In the 90s he helped a number of businesses create an inclusive climate that encouraged women and people of color to contribute fully to the organizations' missions. In 2008, he earned the Kathryn Cook Award for teaching excellence and leadership.

 

Volunteers

The Fine Art of Volunteering
by Catherine Rategan 
Volunteering is one of the ways that members give back to the Village so they can be a part of the wide range of programs, services and community activities that form the foundation of Lincoln Park Village life. Volunteer A uses his car to pick up members and drive them to various destinations, mostly (but not
Photo by Hollis Hines. 
always) related to Village activities. Volunteer B is available to do house sitting, pet sitting and gardening for Village members. Volunteer C is tech-savvy and lends his expertise to members who need help with their computers and electronic devices. Volunteer D cooks up a storm for community kitchens. Meanwhile, Volunteer E makes it her business to visit home-bound members who are recovering from illness or injury.

 

These disparate member activities are just some of the wide range of volunteer functions; together, they demonstrate the help available to Village members from other members and also from nonmembers. More than 120 Village members volunteer in some capacity, and their efforts are supplemented by another 15 volunteers who are not members.

 

While each month is different, a look at a single month offers an overview of volunteer activities. In September 2014, for instance, the office received 110 service requests. Eight-two of them (74%) were completed by volunteers. 

 

"The opportunities to volunteer with the Village are almost limitless," says Sarah. "It depends on your interests. We hope our members will volunteer to do not what they're willing to do, but what they want to do"

 

How to volunteer? It couldn't be easier. Just call the Village office at 773.248.8700. "We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers," Sarah maintains. "Giving back in the form of volunteering shapes our organization to be the success it is."

A Helping Hand... In The Village Office

by Bonnie Kepplinger 

Monna Ray has given Lincoln Park Village a helping hand (Palmer Method, cursive) since its first year of operation. She addresses envelopes for the

many thank you notes and other mail, as well as proofreading the Member Memo, answering phones and running errands. An avid reader of the New York Times, Monna reports to the office articles that have special resonance for Villagers concerned with the quality of life and decisions that support that quality in later years.

 

"Service is a very important part of my life," says Monna, who worked for DCFS and has been a member of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church since 1971. "Volunteering helps me feel connected and valued," adds Monna, who regards her Wednesday afternoons working for the Village as "a joyous endeavor."

 

In addition, Monna acknowledges the advantages she enjoys of being a Village member: "the quality of people, their interesting careers, and their ability to look at getting older as a time for reflection." In particular, she cites the memoir class as an opportunity for a diverse group to share such reflections. "We all have many stories," she concludes, and the Village is certainly an important part of hers.

 

...In the Community

by Catherine Rategan

In a program called Chef for a Night, Village member Mia Miller heads up a team of mostly volunteers who cook and serve dinner each month for guests of Lincoln Park Community Shelter for the homeless at Fullerton and Geneva. Miller does the planning and
Photo by Jessica Brewer.
shopping for the meal, which is cooked and served by a corps of nearly one dozen volunteers, mostly Village members. They get a head count in advance--usually about 40 guests plus Shelter staff and the volunteers themselves--then do the cooking, serving and clean-up. The ingredients are paid for by the volunteers. "I'm not a fancy cook, but I prepare food that's tasty and healthful," says Mia. "It's really fun, and everyone gets along marvelously." To join the team of volunteer Shelter chefs, contact the Village office at 773.248.8700.

 

Office Team

Sarah Brunner (Member Services Coordinator), Alexa Workman (Administrative Coordinator), Chelsea Johnston (Social Work Intern), Alejandra Povedano (Administrative Associate), Sheila Castillo (Social Work Intern), Megan Casey (Communications/PR Intern). 

The Village's office team does so much every day. They help fulfill member requests and answer questions; they keep track of everything: pictures,  event registrations, membership prospects--you name it. They produce all the Village's written and electronically distributed materials (Member Memo, this Newsletter, the monthly event calendar, event confirmations and more.) They are always there, always helpful and get us through each day.

Support  

"Most encouraging in relation to recognition of the value of the Village are the number of individuals, households, organizations, and foundations who made contributions in support of the Village. A significant feat for a young organization!"--R.A.W.

 

Membership fees cover less than 50% of the Village's operating budget so that support from members and the community are vitally important. This fiscal year, that support set a Village record. The most important outcome of this achievement is that it allows us (as it has from the day the Village opened its doors) to provide confidential financial assistance to 20% of our member households so that all who wish to, regardless of income, can join and integrate fully into Village life.

 

Last year the Village achieved 100% participation in the annual board fund, and held an extremely successful Fifth Anniversary Celebration and Benefit which raised 62% more than the previous year. All in all, the Village received:
  • 228 gifts from individuals
  • 21 gifts from organizations
  • 4 gifts from foundations
  • 10 gifts in memory of an individual
  • 9 gifts as tributes
  • 9 Legacy Circle planned gifts

With thanks and gratitude, we recognize each gift in this honor roll of Village supporters.

Collaboration   
"Collaboration has been a key element to building community. This year... we have forged several new relationships such as The Second City, Center on Halsted and University of Illinois Circle Campus... We continue our collaboration with the University of California-Berkley to determine factors that contribute to a village's success, are in our second year of participation in a study being conducted by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and served as a beta site for the development of an app designed to facilitate physical, social and mental health behaviors." -- R.A.W.

Center on Halsted

The Village's relationship with the Center on Halsted serves as an example of how and why we collaborate. The goal of this collaboration is to help the Village better engage and respond to the needs of one of our constituencies, the LGBTQ aging community, by providing resources and programming for members of both organizations. Thus far in this new collaboration our two organizations have co-hosted a screening of the award-winning documentary Gen Silent and are in the midst of a three-part LGBTQ movie series. Click here for more information. Future plans call for additional programming, sharing resources and supporting the Center's Homeshare program.

 

Intergenerational Collaboration--Our Secret Sauce

The Village has intentionally torn down the walls that separate the generations so we are always operating with the wisdom of experience and the energy of youth. Young adults permeate the Village from the high school kids who volunteered at last June's fund-raiser, to the series of outstanding MSW candidates who have served as interns and part of the office team from day one; to a group of too-young-to-join volunteers.

 

And then there are those Walter Payton College Prep kids. For the last two years, Village members have Dick Karlov with student at Walter Payton been able to receive tech assistance of any kind they wish from students at Walter Payton College Prep. This year, when the teacher who had been coordinating the program stepped down, the students themselves kept the program alive by finding another teacher to head it up at the start of 2015. Those students must agree with Gloria Steinem's idea, "Across generations there is as much to learn as there is to teach."

What They're Saying About the Village 

There is nothing else like a Village. It is the only place where you can feel a sense of community; and find programs and activities that engage and educate; and know there are trusted resources to help if you need them; and encounter a variety of ways to use your knowledge, be useful and give back. Each one of these Village benefits can change a life for the better as you can see from these stories.

 

Community

"The heart of what we do continues to be providing value for our members to enhance well-being and quality of life by connecting people to each other, providing choices and opportunities to be vital, contributing members of their communities through programs and services and opportunities to use their talents in meaningful ways. This year we have seen growth in the number, creativity and variety of programs and interest groups that have developed. A real sense of community is palpable."--R.A.W.

 

Nowhere is this more evident than among the men and women who gather every Monday to play bridge. This is a "Favorite Pastimes" group and once it started, reverted to the members to keep it  organized and on-going. This has worked well--the group that started with one table some three years ago now on most Mondays consists of twelve people playing at three tables.

 

The bridge group has become a little community

Photo by Hollis Hines. 

of its own with members sharing their life news--a son's wedding; a trip to visit grandchildren; a death in the family; a successful back surgery; the long-hoped-for sale of a home.

 

Recently sixteen people gathered as the guests of The Clare and regular player, Sharon Hart. Sharon joined the bridge group when it first started at a difficult time in her life and for her it was a loneliness buster. She says, "I met some wonderful people and some of them have now become close friends. Even with the others, I feel connected to a group of incredible people that I would not have known if it weren't for the Village."

 

Programs and Events

Village members dream up and organize a wide variety of unique and engaging programs month after month. For example, over the last three months there were an average of eight on-going programs each month - programs like Memoir Writing, the Men's Discussion Group and NIA. (And that doesn't include the member-run Favorite Pastimes Groups like Movie-Goers and Scrabble). Over those three months there were also an average of 8 new programs per month - things like Finances After 50 with financial specialists from Charles Schwab and a behind the scenes tour of the Merchandise Mart.

 

But the true significance of this rich array of activities is best expressed by member Elanor Reiter who explains the impact they have had on her life and that of her husband, Harv,

 

"It is wonderful for us to have all these things to do that keep us interested and involved. Like Banjo

Photo by Megan Casey.

Night, which satisfies that need for nostalgia and the wonderful evening with the music of Cole Porter and the lovely dinner afterward right on the lake. These are magical evenings--they are like bubbles--full of light and color. And the kindness of people openings their homes to all of us for the Shakespeare reading and for gourmet dinners! There was the trip to see the orchids and the Kungsholm puppets and other wondrous adventures. It's just like it was when we used to travel--it satisfies our need to see new things and meet new people--but now we do it all within the Village. If it weren't for the Village, we would not have known about these things and even if we did, we would not have been able to get there. It isn't just the programs, but the ability to get there with volunteer drivers that is keeping us active and going and doing."

 

Giving Back

The gifts, talents, wisdom and experience of Village members have been shared not only within the Village but have been marshaled to reach out into the community at large. This is one of the things that the Village does best--leveraging the wisdom, skills and experience of older adults for the benefit of all.

 

Services

Services and help are only one of the many reasons that people become Village members--but for those who need it, it can make all the difference.

Photo by Paula Weiner. 

Just ask Paula Weiner who does not like to ask for help,  and is far more used to giving it than receiving it. But now that she has Parkinson's, the assistance she needs is no more than a phone call away. The Village has been able to surround her with services and resources so she can stay healthy, active, engaged--and independent.

  • Volunteer drivers take her to art therapy, support group meetings and appointments. They also take her to Village events such as last year's fifth anniversary celebration and a Thanksgiving gathering at Ann Sather's.
  • Village helping hands have washed her windows and done other household chores.
  • Village volunteers drop by and visit with her.
  • The Village connected her to Donatella Santoro, a yoga teacher who is currently completing her 500-hour certification. Donatella is giving free sessions to Paula customized and in her home, including pictures to help her practice on her own.

Paula says, "The kindness and helpfulness are exceptional." 

Community & Village News  
Village Member Marcia Slater Johnston Recommends an Outstanding Holiday Fair

On Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, SOAR, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, will host the sixth edition of Artisan Market Streeterville, believed to be the first downtown holiday market of the season. The event will be held at the Ryan Family Atrium in Lurie Center of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior. Admission is free.

 

Jewelry designer Irene Newman, co-founder and chair of this year's Market, will join more than 35 returning and 20 new artisans offering merchandise in a wide range of prices. Categories are Jewelry, Clothing & Accessories, Vintage, Two-Dimensional Art and Photography, Home D�cor and Children's, Goods. The Clare Lounge, hosted by the high-rise senior living community, this year's Precious Gems sponsor, is a new feature. A panel of recognized art jurors joined SOAR committee members to choose artists for the coveted spaces. Thirteen artisans will sell food to eat in or at home and holiday gift packages. A portion of event sales will benefit SOAR's neighborhood programs.

 

Discount parking is available at 321 E. Erie--just $10.25 for 12 hours with validation at the Market. For the first time, shuttles will operate every 20 minutes to and from the Market. For more information on this event (including shuttle stops) click here.


Looking for Affordable Housing or Do You Know Anyone Who Is?

The CHA Waitlist Lottery registration is open now through November 24 for the three types of housing opportunities: Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (formerly Section 8) and Property Rental Assistance. This is the first time low-income families and individuals have the opportunity to apply online for all three affordable housing wait-lists on one registration form.

The public housing wait list has not been open since 2010 and the Housing Choice Voucher wait list has not been open since 2008.

All registrations received during the four-week waitlist opening period will have an equal chance of being selected for the electronic lottery. The random lottery will take place in early 2015 and those selected will be eligible for one of the three housing programs.

For the easy, free and convenient online registration, visit www.thechawaitlist.org or call 312.971.7700.
 

Out and About: Recent Village Events

Check out a few things that our members have been up to this month. For more information on what's happening around the Village, visit our Facebook page.

 

Members enjoy gathering for low-key play readings.  
The picturesque North Pond is a wonderful setting to practice fly-fishing.
 
Instructor Meg Dillow provides personalized attention to those in her weekly Pilates class.
Photos by Megan Casey.
 


What is Lincoln Park Village?

 

Lincoln Park Village is a leader in the nationwide Village movement. It is an innovative, nonprofit membership organization, shaped by its members to create possibilities and choices for our lives. As a volunteer-based community, we provide stimulating, challenging activities and programs, help if it is needed, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to contribute and build for the future. Our Member-Plus program enables all neighbors regardless of income, to join and integrate fully into Village life.

 

By leveraging the talents, wisdom and skills of older adults, we have become an important asset to our communities and to each other. Together, we are helping invent a different future for older adults in America.


Serving Chicago's North Side neighborhoods from River East to Edgewater and beyond,  our Village is a unique resource -- professional yet neighborly and close-by -- valuable to you right now and as your needs change

 

Call us! Join us!

773.248.8700

 

2502 N. Clark St.,  

Chicago, IL 60614

p. 773.248.8700  f. 773.248.8181

www.lincolnparkvillage.org 

[email protected]