IN THIS ISSUE
Favorite Pastime Groups
March Preview
April Preview
Fitness
Call Us. Join Us!
Village Sponsors

Edited by
Laurel Baer 
Produced by
Carmen Salas


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].


FEBRUARY EVENTS  
 
Memoir Writing I with Beth Finke
Thursdays, Ongoing
February 25 - March 10
2:00 - 3:30 PM
February 25th Host: Jim & Kathy Zartman
Members Only - $60 for the series 
&
Memoir Writing II with Beth Finke
Mondays, Ongoing
February 29 - March 14
2:00 - 3:30 PM
Location: Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church
Members - $60 for the series; Guests - $90 for Memoir II only
 
Explore Hausermann's Orchids
Friday, February 26
11:00 AM - Depart to Villa Park
Hausermann's Orchids
( 2N134 N. Addison Rd, Villa Park)
Members - free; Guests - $10
Self-hosted lunch at Casey's Restaurant (415 E. North Ave., Lombard, IL)
Explore Hausermann's Orchids Greenhouses that are awash in brilliant colors at the height of the orchid season and take advantage of their annual sale.  Note: carpooling will be coordinated, please indicate if you can drive when registering. 
 
Olive Oil Tasting
Friday, February 26
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Hosts: Doug & Pam Walter
(Clark & Fullerton)
Members only - free
"How can anything -- especially an olive -- be "extra" virgin? What is extra virgin olive oil?? How can you tell if that's what you are buying, and why should you care? Village members Pam and Doug Walter will share what they have learned cultivating olives and making olive oil from their olive grove in Tuscany. We'll have a blind tasting of several different olive oils, including oil from their recent harvest, to hone your tasting skills.
Wait list only.

Boost Your Brain Series
Saturdays, February 27-April 16
(except March 26)
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Village Office (2502 N Clark)
Members - $32 & Guests - $48
Research suggests that much of our risk for dementia is due to lifestyle behaviors we can change. The Village is partnering with Mather LifeWays and UC-Berkeley in a research study to measure the impact of this eight-week course to help participants learn about important scientific findings related to "brain-healthy" behaviors. 
A few spots left!

Apple Store Tutorial: 
Introducing the Apple Watch  
Sunday, February 28 
8:30 - 10:00 AM
Apple Store - Lincoln Park 
(801 W. North Avenue)
Members & Guests - free
Members and guests will enjoy a quiet atmosphere at this workshop, which will focus on ways your iPhone and Apple Watch can help monitor your activity, health, and medical well being. Apple store staff will talk about the built in Health app, Medical ID, and the activity monitoring features of the Watch. The Apple store will have Apple Watches for people to use! Space is limited.

Great Books, Great Conversations 
Monday, February 29
Hosts: Kathy & Jim Zartman 
Wednesday, March 2
7:00-8:30 PM
Host: Charlotte Brauer
Members only - $30 for the book. Discussions are led by member Mel Washburn (Wednesday) and Don     Whitfield (Monday). The Monday group will be reading "Guests of the Nation" by Fran O'Connor and the Wednesday group will be the reading "Distributive Justice" by John Rawls.
FAVORITE PASTIME GROUPS FOR VILLAGE MEMBERS
Basic Meditation 
Join this group, hosted by Ellen Stone Belic, to learn and practice basic meditation techniques. This is a great opportunity to start or renew your practice - and to experience the joy and multitude of benefits of meditation. The next session will be on Saturday, March 5. Arrive at 9:45 AM for setup, meditation is from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. If you would like to attend or receive notices of upcoming sessions, 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 Wally Shah and Liz Ware on February 29th. 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 Helene Stoffey at [email protected]

*** 
Introducing "Stammtisch" 
Member Brigitte Erbe has started a stammtisch, which is the German word for a "regulars table" and describes a friendly get-together on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 PM at La Creperie, 2845 N. Clark Street. The next group session will be Tuesday, March 1st. The group will meet for dinner and a roundtable discussion of a group-selected topic of interest. Brigitte will send out a notice at the end of each month to those who have signed up. Each roundtable will be limited to 8 participants, first come first served. She is hoping to have a list of about 20 interested people as not everyone will be able to come every month. If you would like to attend the next session and/or become a member, please contact Brigitte at [email protected]

 *** 
Knitting for a Purpose 
The knitting and crocheting group meets most Wednesdays from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at Sister Arts Studio (721 W. Wrightwood). Beginners and experts are welcome to join. The group will be making hats, scarves and mittens for the Night Ministry. 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].
MARCH PREVIEW
Women's Discussion Group: Lynn Cutler on Women and Politics - "Looking Back, Looking Forward"
Tuesday, March 1
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Chicago History Museum 
(1601 N Clark)
Members & their Guests - free
Self-hosted lunch to continue the discussion at North & Clark Café. 
Lynn leads a discussion on why it's important to be involved bringing the unique perspective she gained as a county commissioner (first woman elected to county in 1974); a candidate for Congress in Iowa; a senior staffer to President Clinton on Intergovernmental Affairs; Senior Adviser to the Chief of Staff for Native Americans and Senior Adviser to the Vice President for Women's Issues. Just retiring from Holland & Knight as a Senior Policy Adviser, Lynn says, "Come on in - the water's fine." A rare opportunity to discuss women in politics from an insider's perspective.

Bridge Basics
Tuesdays, Ongoing
March 1 - 29
5:00 - 6:30 PM
Host: Monika Betts
(Sedgwick & Eugenie)
Members only - $15 per session
This bridge group, taught by Jane Kennedy, welcomes intermediate players.

Death Café: An Informal Conversation about Death & Dying
Wednesday, March 2
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
North & Clark Café 
(1601 N. Clark)
Members & Guests - free
Self-hosted food and beverages. 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. Please note that this is not a counseling or bereavement group.

E Pluribus Unum: The Immigration Conundrum
Thursday, March 3
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
&
Friday, March 4
8:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Thorne Auditorium, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law 
(375 E. Chicago)
Members-$20/day; Guests-$30/day (price includes box lunch)
The 7th Circuit Bar Foundation presents a two-day symposium featuring panels of the country's top immigration legal minds who will explore key issues such as the birthright citizenship debate, family reunification, and border security and humanitarian considerations. A rare opportunity to hear the best thinking on immigration.  Click here for agenda of the program. This just in: Senator Durbin will be speaking on Friday, March 4.

Tech Help Tutoring with Walter Payton Prep
Bruce Wagner with student at Walter Payton
Friday, March 4
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM- Tech help
12:00 - 1:00 PM- Lunch with our tech tutors
Walter Payton College Prep
(1034 N Wells) 
Members only - free
A group of students at Walter Payton College Prep is dedicating an entire day to help those in their community, and has invited the Village to take part. They wish to share their expertise to help with your technology questions, and are able to provide one-on-one assistance. Come with your own laptops and/or mobile devices or use the computers provided at the school. Following the tech help you are invited to join the tech tutors for a pizza lunch.

Dressing Downton:
Changing Fashion for Changing Times
Friday, March 4
1:30 - 3:30 PM
Driehaus Museum
(40 E. Erie)
Members only - $17.50 tour + $55 optional tea
As the Downton Abbey series comes to an end, celebrate with a visit to the Driehaus to view several dozen of these fantastic costumes and drink a toast to the series at "high tea" after the tour.
Wait list only.

Lunch For Prospective Members
Saturday, March 5
12:30-1:30 PM
Village Office
(2502 N. Clark)
This informal lunch gathering for prospective members provides an opportunity to learn more about Village life as well as meet Village executive director Dianne Campbell. Delicious soups and sandwiches will be provided.
 
A Matter of Balance
Tuesdays, Ongoing
March 8 - April 26, except March 15
1:30 - 3:00 PM 
Center for Life and Learning Fourth Presbyterian Church 
(126 East Chestnut Street)
Members and CLL Members - $40
A Matter of Balance is a seven-week program that emphasizes practical strategies in order to reduce the fear of falling, in addition to increasing activity levels of older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Each week, the class features an exercise component and discussion.
Wait list only.

Men's Discussion Group:
The Eastland Disaster
Wednesday, March 9
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Chicago History Museum
(1601 N Clark)
Members only - free
Self hosted lunch to continue discussion at North Clark Cafe.
Hear the author, former  Wall Street Journal editor and reporter Michael McCarthy discuss his  New York Times best selling book:  Ashes Under Water: The SS Eastland and the Shipwreck that Shook America, the sinister story behind the 1915 sinking of the steamship Eastland in Chicago, with more passenger fatalities than the Titanic (a stunning 844 people), and Clarence Darrow's bizarre role in helping the Eastland owners beat criminal charges. 

Silver Screenings II: 
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Thursday, March 10
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Brookdale Lake View 
(3121 N. Sheridan) 
Silver Screenings I: 
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Sunday, March 20
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Admiral at the Lake 
(929 W. Foster)
Members & Guests - free
Optional brunch to follow for $25 at The Admiral. Reservations for brunch are required.
Join Village members and guests in the new film series of "Five Great Road Movies About The Great Depression". A Cohen Brothers film about an

AARP: Life Reimagined Checkup
Saturday, March 12
9:30 AM-12:30 PM
AARP Illinois
(222 N. LaSalle)
Members and Guests - free
Exclusive session for Village members and guests that provides a step-by-step approach to help you discover possibilities, prepare for change and make your ideas for work, health, relationships or finances real. You'll receive expert guidance and resources to help you assess your situation through personal reflection, insightful activities and thoughtful conversations.

Apple Store Tutorial: Videography
Sunday, March 13, 8:30-10:00 AM
Apple Store-Lincoln Park 
(801 W. North Avenue)
Members only - free
Participants will enjoy a quiet atmosphere at this workshop, which will focus on  how to use iMovie on the iPad and iPhone. We will make a short video, learn how to back up and edit footage and use other simple techniques like adding titles, creating transitions and cropping. Participants can bring video they've shot previously or we'll shoot new footage at the store.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices to the store; the store does not have loaners for this session.
 
Tiny Theater: 
The Explorers Club
Sunday, March 13
3:00 PM - Performance
Windy City Playhouse
(3014 W. Irving Park)
Members - $18; Guests - $23
Self-hosted dinner to follow performance at Beograd Cafe and Restaurant ( 2933 W Irving Park).
A British men's club hysterically approaching modernity and the horror of including a woman in the group. NY Daily News says "Brace for comedy! This hijinks-happy cocktail is big fun".

Banjo Night!
Monday, March 14
7:00-9:00 PM
Chief O'Neill's 
(3471 N. Elston)
Members & Guests - free
Join members John Buenz, Jack Hartray and the Windy City Jammers, a merry band of musicians playing great classic hits, for an evening of good cheer. Self-hosted dinner.

Important Legal Topics for Older Adults and Caregivers
Wednesday, March 16
1:00 - 3:00pm
Rush University Medical Center
(1725 W. Harrison,  Searle Conference Center, Brainard Conference Room)
Members & Guests - free
This program will focus on the legal aspects of end-of-life
health decisions. The discussion will include important
information about advance directives, power of attorney, and living wills.
 
Irish Dinner at Whole Foods
Thursday, March 17
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Whole Foods - Halsted & Waveland
(3640 N. Halsted)
Members only - $25
The talented Whole Foods chefs will prepare an Irish meal and dessert with wine pairings for each course.

Kungsholm Puppet Opera
Saturday, March 19
12:00 - 3:30 PM
Rolling Meadows Park District -Lower Level 
(3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows)
Members - $12; Guest - $14
Combine Opera and Puppets for a delightful program. Selections from Operas are followed by lighter fare. After the show there is a behind-the-scenes tour to see how these puppets come to life. Note: carpooling will be coordinated, please indicate if you can drive when registering. Reservations by: Friday, March 11.
   
Scrabble
Sunday, March 20
2:00 - 4:30 PM
Host: Shirley Haas
(Diversey & Sheridan)
Members only - free
Both novice and skilled players are welcome to join in on this fun and friendly game. Tables are set up by experience. Beverages are provided, but guests are asked to bring a snack to share. 
APRIL PREVIEW
Chicago Architecture Foundation: Private Pedway Tour
Friday, April 8
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Block 37 Shops 
(180 N. State)
Members - $14; Guests - $19
Self-hosted lunch to follow the tour at Aqua Tower.
Get an introduction to the design and history of the underground Pedway system and its unique surprises. Explore the Pedway from Block 37 to the Aqua Tower. The Pedway isn't entirely underground but sometimes leads to a skywalk or a street level arcade. If you've always wondered about the Pedway but were hesitant to explore, this is your chance!
Please note: very limited 
accessibility
. Reservation deadline: March 25th

Spring Members' Potluck with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
Wednesday, April 20 
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Church of the Three Crosses
(333 W. Wisconsin)
Members only - free
Join us for good food, fellowship and intellectual fare!
 
2nd Annual Members' Meeting
Thursday, April 28
5:00 Reception
5:30 - 7:00 PM Meeting
Victory Gardens Theater
(2433 N Lincoln)
Members only - free
Come hear about the state of our Village and share your ideas about the current and future
direction of the Village.

WAYS TO STAY FIT

     

NIA

Eight-session series :
Thursdays, Ongoing 
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Church of the Three Crosses
(333 W. Wisconsin)
 
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, Ongoing 
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Studio 1002
(1002 W. Diversey)
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

Contact the Village office for information on obtaining a one-month free trial membership.

 

XSport Fitness 

Contact the Village office for information on obtaining a 7-day trial membership. 

LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors 
Ruth Ann Watkins, President
Mary Ann Schwartz, Vice President
Kathleen Kolodgy,  Vice President
David E. Baker,  Vice President
Joan Goldstein, Secretary
J. Dirk Vos,  Treasurer

John A. Bross
Charles G. Cooper
John Craib-Cox
Nancy Felton-Elkins
Jack Hartray
Hollis Hines
John Holton
Bruce Hunt
Joe Lane
Alan T. Lougee
Joseph Loundy
Charlotte Newberger
Marcia Opp
Leatrice Berman Sandler
John Simonds
Mary Ann Smith
Lois Stuckey
 
Advisory Council
Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD
Robyn L. Golden
Robert B. Lifton
Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD
Michael Spock
 
Immediate Past President
Katherine Zartman
 
Dianne S. Campbell
Founding Executive Director
  
February 2015
Village Mission
To enhance the quality of life and the well-being of individuals as they live longer, so that they remain integral, vibrant and contributing members of their communities. 

 
Dear Neighbor,
 
Village members are remarkable and generous in sharing their skills and talents, and the collective force of these contributions makes the Village an asset that enriches our communities in many ways.

Not only are some 45% of our members sharing their gifts by volunteering in one or more aspect of Village-building--from spearheading the programs and activities that create neighbor-to-neighbor connections, to brainstorming ways to meet the increasing demand for transportation services--they are the heart of all that goes on and inspire all that we do.

This newsletter highlights, in part, the work of a group of Village members who are building programs and supports for members who are navigating the transition between the second and third stages of life - frequently from career to "what's next?" - a process not driven by age - but by life goals. They call themselves the Life 3.0 Task Force. They understand the opportunities that longer life affords. They also understand that transitions into new opportunities are often uneven journeys and that the Village can inspire and support. Their efforts will forge new opportunities for our members and new alliances and partnerships for the Village. We welcome your ideas and participation. Join us! 
 
Dianne S. Campbell
Founding Executive Director
 
P.S. In celebration of the Life 3.0 Task Force, we have a limited number of signed copies of Chris Farrell's book, Unretirement, available in the Village office for $15 each.    
Welcome New and Renewing Members 
The Village welcomes these new and renewing members. We are proud to report that 90% of members chose to renew their Village membership this past year. Thank you all!

Village Services
Over the past 12 months, the Village has responded to over 1,000 service requests by connecting, recommending and supporting members. Some service requests are simple - some are more complex. Here are some of the more unique recent requests we have fulfilled:

-- One of our young volunteers helped a member organize her home library ... in alphabetical order!
-- One of our tech tutors helped a member Skype with a friend she hadn't seen in over twenty years.
-- A Village member volunteer helped jump start a fellow member's car on a cold winter day.
-- A Village member volunteer helped a fellow member make canapes for a holiday gathering.

Each one of these interactions is one small piece of the whole that is our Village community and the give help/get help idea that is at the heart of Village life. It happens through the Village.
Life 3.0 Reboot, Reframe, Reinvent
by Bonnie Kepplinger

"To retire" is now an active verb. And it's often being replaced by a new verb, "to unretire." The Village's recently formed Life 3.0 Task Force is creating programs and resources to help members navigate the transition between what are commonly referred to as the second and third stages of life, typically from career to "what's next?" This new task force, which bubbled up from the Village's former Transitions Task Force, addresses the needs of members who have recently retired or are about to retire.

Village board member and healthcare attorney Kathie Kolodgy, chair of the Life 3.0 Task Force committee, says, "Last year Village members were captivated when Chris Farrell talked about his book Unretirement. We wanted to build on the idea and provide more to our members."

Now in 2016, Life 3.0 will be bringing a lineup of programs and events  for members and their guests curious to explore new work and volunteer opportunities as they transition, often from long-time careers, into new opportunities, challenges, and territory. One of these will be "Going Boldly Forth," a series of informal "Ted Talk"-like speakers who will share their adventures and self-discoveries and will include time for discussion and networking.  Our kick-off speaker will be John Huston, Polar explorer and author.

The year's activities will culminate on Tuesday, December 6 when the Chicago Innovation Awards and Lincoln Park Village will host "Innovation for the Ages," a celebration of "ageless innovators" who have successfully launched a new product, service, business or non-profit after the age of 60. The event will be held at the Chicago History Museum and include a cocktail reception, time for networking and a panel discussion featuring five or six 60+ year old innovators who have reinvented themselves and defied the stereotypical path to retirement.  More details about this exciting event to come. 

What's next for you? The Village can help you find out with Life 3.0. Reboot, Reframe, Reinvent. Join us.

Life 3.0: A Sample of Things to Come
Here are some examples of what is in the works for Life 3.0

I. Life Reimagined Exclusively for Village Members and Guests

For the first time, the Village has linked up with AARP to present this special program. If you are thinking "what's next?" in your life, you are invited to seize the opportunity of this turning point and attend a Life Reimagined Checkup . Research shows that tackling the personal reflection necessary for making or dealing with this kind of major life shift is a daunting task.

Life Reimagined was launched by AARP in 2013 to provide a personal guidance system to help people navigate transitions and live their lives to the fullest. Backed by decades of research, Life Reimagined introduces a powerful step-by-step approach to help you discover possibilities, prepare for change, and make your ideas real.

At this Checkup you'll receive expert guidance and resources to help you assess your situation and work along with support from your peers pursuing similar goals for work, health, relationships and finance. We will guide you through personal reflection, insightful activities and thoughtful conversations.

Through online and offline experiences made up of tools, experts and community, Life Reimagined helps people reflect, evaluate priorities and take action to navigate transitions and new life phases.
This free Life Reimagined session will be held on Saturday, March 12 from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM at 222 N. LaSalle Street. For more information and to register for this session, click here.


II. Beyond the Bucket List: The Surprising Potential of the 3rd Third of Life
by Lois Baron

Village member Karen Terry says, "According to a hospice nurse, an overwhelming number of dying people express the regret that they had not had the courage to be themselves. As a life coach, Karen helps people maximize their human potential and is currently pursuing a doctorate in transformational leadership coaching. S he started to think about how she might use her skills to help people make the most of this last third of our lives. To that end and as part of the Village's Life 3.0 program, she is developing an interactive workshop (possibly a series) for the Village community.

Starting with a personal inventory, workshop participants will be asked to consider what they have and have not done well and where they are now. What are their real values? Have they been living an authentic (for them) life?  

Through individual and group exercises, lectures and discussions, participants will be helped to find personal answers to these questions. The goal is to find maximum pleasure and meaning in life when external definitions of our identities have changed or no longer pertain. Participants will develop their intellectual and emotional capacities to find internal definitions of themselves and what is meaningful to them in life. As Karen says, "Don't leave anything on the table." 
Figuring Out What's Next: Three First Person Stories.
I. David Baker: Now Is the Time
by Katherine Zartman

Village board member, David Baker, is 9 months away from retirement. Since 1995, his position as Vice President for External Affairs at Illinois Institute of Technology has included responsibilities for governmental relations, marketing and communication. During his tenure, he led in creating the acclaimed IIT University Technology Park, serving as Executive Director for the last ten years. In addition to professional accomplishments, David has always been heavily involved in non-profit organizations and served in leadership positions on numerous boards. Now 73, he is approaching a major transition in his life.

Optimistically, this talented leader looks forward to new opportunities, but not without some anxiety. Perhaps for him, the greatest challenge is the process of choosing which path to take. David has prepared for this unusually well. Twenty years ago, he made a conscious decision to better balance his career and personal life. He and wife Susanne, a DePaul faculty member, are the parents of two children, and he decided he needed to allocate his time more equitably among work, family, and avocations, get more sleep and stop being a workaholic.

Gardening and birding have always been interests. In his early 60's, he went through "a pre-retirement surge" and, again consciously, decided to add to his other pursuits, taking up fly-fishing, golf and trumpet. Today, he is still passionate about golf and playing the trumpet, especially in the New Horizons Band at DePaul. The fly fishing? Not so much. In any event, he is glad that Lincoln Park Village, through Life 3.0, is taking seriously the challenge of supporting members as they re-imagine their lives and move enthusiastically into the future.
 
 
II. Cheryl Cornell: "I don't have a bucket list."
by Bruce Hunt
 
Village member Cheryl Cornell has had her own consulting practice for more than 25 years helping people (a remarkable variety of people, including poets) clarify and deliver their message. These days her communication work is particularly challenging because all of us are flooded with information and the need to focus on "the message" is imperative. Cheryl loves her work because over the years she has acquired a network of really interesting people who educate her as she observes them practicing their presentations. She has cultivated those relationships over time and has helped her clients to learn new capabilities, so they look to her when taking their next step. It is also evident that she enjoys being with these folk.   
 
Now Cheryl is stepping into a transition stage. She is continuing to do work she loves only she does not have to do so much of it. "I can say 'no' from time to time, just not too often so that clients know I am still available."

Cheryl has never been defined exclusively by her work. "Balance" is a key word for Cheryl in her life. She loves being with her one-year old grandson and has just returned from a ski trip with her daughter. Even at the peak of her professional engagement, she figured out ways to pull off lengthy and adventurous family vacations. "I don't have a bucket list, because I am doing the things I wish for all along the way."
 
When asked what advice she has for people entering this new phase of adult life she quickly declared: "Compose a skill- based resume. Don't just list accomplishments or titles. Demonstrate what it is you can do." No doubt her own skill-based resume, would put "listening" high on the list. She works at it and she does it really well.
 
 
III. Jane Anderson: Re-Channeling Her Energy and Skills
by Bonnie Kepplinger

"I recently retired from my job, but I certainly haven't retired from life," said Village member, Jane Anderson, formerly a business analyst and project manager for a global commodities brokerage subsidiary of a bank. Her work in computer systems, which involved working with business units to define requirements for new applications, testing the programs and teaching how to use the new applications, required 50-60 hour work weeks.

Jane, who began working as a kindergarten teacher, then became an auditor, then a systems business analyst and finally a consultant, has proven her adaptability and skills range. Her next work chapter will no doubt expand that range while capitalizing on her experience. "Working for a global commodities firm provided me an opportunity to partner with colleagues from around the world, learning about their cultures and traditions."

"What's next," she adds, "will hopefully be an opportunity to continue to learn, grow and explore new options." Now she's taking a sabbatical: traveling, reading and getting a knee replacement. After that, Jane plans to re-channel her energy and skills in a job that addresses community needs and offers an opportunity to give back, perhaps working for AmeriCorps Vista.
Resources to Help You
I. Chris Farrell Podcasts

Based on the themes of his book, Unretirement , Chris Farrell has developed a series of eight podcasts describing  the stories of older adults moving into new lives. The inaugural podcast features Tene Wells who unexpectedly lost her job at age 56. She is on a journey to work with low-income families-especially in African-American communities-to accumulate assets. You can listen to her story here .

Other podcasts include the story of a former public relations specialist turned small farmer; a former airline mechanic with an unretirement business restoring vintage motorcycles; a Taiko drummer taking a creative artistic leap at age 60; the creation of a multigenerational home outside Washington D.C.; a professional nanny earning her certificate to teach quilt making; a 73 year old Uber driver; and a recently retired Minnesota State Supreme Court justice turned mentor.

Each approximately half-hour episode includes an interview with an expert offering insight and practical tips and the answer to an unretirement question by Chris Farrell. You can subscribe to the series at iTunes here.

II. Books and web sites


Breadth and Depth
With over 430 members living in 18 zip codes across Chicago's north side neighborhoods, the Village is able to provide broad access to resources and innovative programs such as Life 3.0. At the same time, our shared sense of community is being enhanced by the creation of neighborhood circles that foster deeper neighbor-to-neighbor connections and new friendships among people living near each other.

Neighborhood Circles
by Mel Washburn

Celebrating Chinese New Year.
Last year, through the leadership of member Mary Ann Schwartz, the Lake View Circle was formed so Village members who live in that neighborhood could get to know each other better through informal, low-key get-togethers and activities. The Lake View Circle has two basic guidelines: first, that they hold one or two events every month and, second, that all of their activities take place within Lake View to help members develop a deeper connection to their neighbors and their neighborhood.

Go Cubs!
So far, the 55 Circle members have enjoyed several informal get-togethers at one another's homes, an outing to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play, meals at local restaurants, and a special presentation by their Alderman, Tom Tunney; they have also toured significant public spaces within their neighborhood, such as the new wing at St. Joseph's Hospital and Mt. Carmel Church, with attendance at all these events ranging from 6 to 30 people.  

Now, a new circle is in formation among Village members who live north of the River and south of North Avenue, spearheaded by Near North residents Hollis Hines and Barbara Manning. Barbara offered to hold an initial meeting at her home and of the 30+ Village members invited, twenty-one attended the initial meeting on January 21. 
 
Much enthusiasm was expressed for the idea of a Near North Circle. The Circle's first purely social event took place at Hollis's home on February 2: twelve members met to share a meal and discuss the outcome of the Iowa caucuses, which had been held the night before.  And a second event is already in the works: Village member Jo Mooney has organized an outing to the Jazz Showcase in mid-March to celebrate trumpeter Bobby Lewis' 80th birthday - complete with reserved seating and a special group ticket price.  
 
As Leo DiVita, a Village member who attended the first two events has remarked, "... a nice group of people came each time ... it's always nice to know your neighbors."
Village News
Save the Date: Tuesday, June 21
7th Anniversary and Benefit!
A7 Save the Date

Join the celebration at an evening of music from the great American songbook by  performers from the marvelous Ubique Cabaret Theater in a beautiful new party space at 825 W. Erie (just steps west of Halsted).

Mark your calendars - more to come.



VIP Pilot Program Off to a Great Start
Since January 1, every Village member has a VIP Membership card which entitles them to discounts at now over 30 restaurants and specialty shops in Lake View, Lincoln Park and Streeterville. Restaurants like Ann Sathers, Devon Seafood Grill, Red Lion and Vinci; specialty shop like Aaron's Apothecary, Dilly Lilly, Spare Parts Boutique and Spice House. Every week members are reporting how much they are enjoying he added value of discounts at some of their favorite establishments.  
See the complete list of participating partners here.

Snapshots from Village Events:

Krys Lordahl and Carol Brookes enjoying the Winter Soup Swap hosted at the home of Janet Ohlhausen.


Village members enjoy a private tour of the Stony Island Arts Bank on Tuesday, February 23.
 
"The tour was terrific. This should be a tourist destination spot and a regular Village event." - Elanor Reiter
What They're Saying about the Village
... About a Tiny Theater event:
"Noel Coward's Fallen Angels was wonderfully and playfully executed this past Sunday at its last production at the Greenhouse Theater in our neighborhood.  Many thanks to Bobbe Wolfe for organizing this and many other enjoyable theater outings in the past." - Carole Howard

.. About the video link the Village sent out with our New Year greeting:
"Love the video and love the impact the Village has made and continues to make in shaping positive attitudes and action in aging with dignity, grace, and joy. Cheers to the Village team for making a measurable difference." - A member

"Thank You!!  The video and message were beautiful." - A member

... About the formation of the Near North Circle:
"What a great idea! I look forward to meeting some folks in our neighborhood." - A member

... About the  Village VIP Membership Card Program
 
Tom Kuczmarski, Co-Founder of the Chicago Innovation Awards, and President of Kuczmarski Innovation says, "Lincoln Park Village has once again demonstrated how vibrant, creative, and innovative it is! The new VIP member discount program with local merchants is an excellent innovation which provides real value to its members while at the same time supporting the local retail community!"
 


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 Street   

Chicago, IL 60614

p. 773.248.8700  f. 773.248.8181

www.lincolnparkvillage.org 

[email protected] 

 

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

 


 

The Terry Group

 

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine  







 


 
Wellspring Personal Care



John Irwin Real Estate
Baird & Warner