November December 2016 Newsletter
In This Issue
MessageBoard
Message from the
Skyline Village Chicago Board
Dear Members and Friends,
 
In mid-October I represented Skyline Village Chicago at the annual convening of the Village to Village Network (www.vtvnetwork.org) held this year in Columbus Ohio. I was moved by the Keynote Speaker, Ashton Applewhite who some of you may have heard speak at 4th Pres earlier this year. Ashton wrote "This Chair Rocks: How Ageism Warps Our View of Long Life". I recommend this lively and highly readable book. It will raise your consciousness to this insidious form of bigotry that is hard to avoid in our youth-obsessed culture.

It was exciting to hear about the research being done on Villages. I learned that despite efforts, being inclusive continues to be a hurdle for many villages. There was a lot of discussion about the role that the Village Movement plays in making cities Age Friendly. I joined a group taking a Walk Audit around the Convention Center where we assessed that block's walkability. AARP has a Walk Audit Tool Kit that we can use here in our community. I have several if anyone is interested in performing one.

Later that week I attended the AARP Age Friendly Conference and came away with this quote "Good Cities are not where poor people have cars, but where rich people use public transportation." It will take both a top down and a bottom up approach to make our city GOOD FOR 8 AND GOOD FOR 80.  I came away from that incredibly stimulating week feeling that Skyline Village and our village partners can play a role in making this happen.  
 
Skyline is looking for more of our members and friends to become active.  If you don't get a call from us in the next month, call us at 312-957-6060 or write to info@skylinevillagechicago.org.  We want your ideas as we are in the process of planning our programs and growth for next year.

Phyllis Mitzen
SVC Board President.


Phyllis at Conference

Dianne Campbell - Lincoln Park Village, Susan Alitto - Chicago Hyde Park Village, Susan Bridge - Beacon Hill Village,
Phyllis Mitzen - Skyline Village Chicago

Phyllis Mitzen, Ashton Applewhite


GoodTimes
Good Times with Skyline Village Chicago
Skyline launched our first annual pre-Halloween party, a delightful opportunity for our members to get together and meet old and new friends. Thanks to Nina Appel for arranging for us gather in her building's beautiful party room. Thanks to everyone who attended for bringing gifts that we will add to our donations to Between Friends. 

Speaking of Between Friends, thanks also to knitter extraordinaire Conny Tozer for bringing the Sticks and Strings team back together again after a lengthy hiatus. If you like to knit, crochet or do needle work, this group is for you, Along with the creations we make for ourselves and our families, we enjoy producing hand made gifts for Between Friends each year.


Did you enjoy one of SVC's events and want to tell us about it? Do you have some pictures to share? We'd love to have your reviews and your photos for the newsletter and website.  

Email to:

Be sure to include the event you attended and the names of the folks in the photos


Event Recap: Don't Fall in Love With Your Medicare D Plan
 
SVC partnered with CJE Seniorlife, The Clare and Lincoln Park Village to host our 5th annual Medicare D Program at CLL on October 26th just as enrollment opened. Trained and experienced SHIP counselors Kate Paz from Mather LifeWays and Esther Craven from CJE SeniorLife, provided valuable information about this year's Medicare D Program. They told us that the insurance and pharmacy companies are working more closely together, which may or may not benefit us as consumers. They encouraged us to carefully review our plans and our medications on their formularies, and the pharmacies covered in the plan. The message was clear. We must be informed consumers. 
 
If you want more information or help sorting through the information to decide on a plan, contact CJE SeniorLife at 773.508.1000 and tell them that you want to talk to a SHIP counselor regarding your Medicare D plan. SHIP Counselors are trained by the Illinois Dept. of Insurance to provide you with an unbiased source of information. You can also go to www.medicare.gov. It is easy to navigate and packed with information. 

Bottom line:   BE AN EDUCATED CONSUMER and DON'T FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR MEDICARE  D PLAN. 

NewsWeCanUse
Skyline Village Chicago
News We Can Use
If you find something you think would be beneficial or interesting to fellow members, please email it with News We Can Use in the subject line.


"Age itself confers very effective coping mechanisms upon ordinary people."
             Ashton Applewhite

OurFavoriteThings 
  Skyline Village Chicago 
Our Favorite Things
SVC Favorite Thing:
Tech Support

One of my favorite things is having a tech support person who has infinite patience with, and even special pricing for seniors.  Even though my grandchildren are always willing to give a 30-second explanation of anything on my computer or iPad, Eileen makes it clear if it takes much longer, and makes house calls in our area:
 
Eileen Gallagher
PC Does It
312.718.8639


Submitted by: Judy Karlov


Do you have a Favorite Thing to share? Perhaps you particularly enjoyed a show or exhibit, discovered a new favorite product or service or have a fantastic place to take visiting grandchildren. Please send it to us for the next newsletter, with Our Favorite Things in the subject line.
   

Disclaimer: Skyline Village Chicago thanks its members for sharing recommendations.  These recommendations do not constitute endorsement by SVC.

MemberNews
SkylineVillage Chicago Member News

Member News is for announcements regarding our members, like birthdays, anniversaries, condolences and requests. 

A big anniversary coming up? Need suggestions for incoming visitors? Announce or ask here.

Email us your items with Member News in the subject line


SocialGroups 
Skyline Village Chicago
Social Groups
DiningClub 
SVC Dining Club

Mon. November 7,  5:30pm
McCormick & Schmick's
41 E. Chestnut

Please  register on our website by Saturday Nov. 5   

Mon. December 5,  5:30pm
Frankie's Scalloppine
900 N. Michigan Ave. 

Please register on our website by Saturday December 3 

or RSVP by email to Charlene Connarty at 
diningclub@skylinevillagechicago.org


SkylineBG
More Than A Book Group 
 
A group of Skyliner book lovers got together to discuss ways to revitalize our Book Group.  We plan to relaunch it in early 2017 and are firming up the book selections through June. We are always open to your suggestions. We plan to include selections each year by local authors who can join us for our discussion, starting with "Born Colored: Life Before Bloody Sunday" by Erin Goseer Mitchell. Watch for our relaunch notice in early December.  


If you are interested, click here to email us. Please  put SVC Book Group in the subject line and share your thoughts.  


Phyllis' book recommendations: 

"This Chair Rocks:  A Manifesto Against Ageism" by Ashton Applewhite
"The Fountain of Age" by Betty Friedan 
  

"All aging is 'successful' - not just the sporty version - otherwise you're dead."

               Ashton Applewhite
SticksStrings   

Weds. November 16, 3:00pm
30 W. Oak Street
Host: Gay Roberts

For the second year, the knitters & crocheters of the Sticks & Strings group is donating their time and yarns for Between Friends. Phyllis Mitzen, Conny Tozer, Gay Roberts have created hats and scarves from favorite yarns. Our departed member Sandy Gold, knit and contributed many lovely items as well.

When victims of domestic violence and their children leave an abusive relationship, they often leave with the clothes on their backs. Our donations help the children stay warm when they arrive during cold weather.

Between Friends is a nonprofit agency dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and building a community free of abuse. For over twenty years, Between Friends has provided a safe, violence-free, supportive, self-help environment for individuals and families in crisis. 

If you're interested in joining our group, contact Conny Tozer at connytozer@yahoo.com

MahJongg
Thursdays
11:30am - 3:00pm
Prentice Women's Hospital Cafeteria
250 E. Superior, 2nd floor 

The Mah Jongg group is currently full. If you are interested in joining this group or creating another Mah Jongg Group, please contact ckoenig943@gmail.com
 
What Groups or Bulletin Boards Would You Like to Have?

Would you like to start a Bridge group? Or maybe your bridge game needs a substitute. Looking for fellow aficionados of poetry, board games, folks to walk with? Would Skyline members like to have a bulletin board for finding fellow game aficionados? 

Tell us what groups or bulletin boards you would like to see and if you would like to manage one .


"It now horrifies me that, in the spring of 1986, that 'You're Only Old Once: a Book for Obsolete Children' by Dr. Seuss, was number one on the best seller lists for some weeks. Denial of our aging by trying to appear or act 'young' is a mockery and denial of our adult personhood and the years of risk, pain, joy and learning that got us there - a denigration of our grown-up selves."

Betty Friedan
CommunityPartnerAnnouncement
SVC Community Partner Announcements
The Cook County Elder Justice Center is looking for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), as a staff member is retiring.  

Interested parties should contact :
Circuit Court of Cook County Elder Justice Center
Judge Patricia Banks
312.603.9233 x6447


Membership 
Skyline Village Chicago 
Join us!
SVC New & Renewing Members

Ariani Friedel
Jim Ross
Anna Rossiter
Regan Burke
Carol Koenig
Anna Kucinskis

T hank you to all of our new and renewing members. You are the core of our Village.  

Join Skyline Village  Chicago

Annual Dues
$75 Individual
$100 Couple

Send a check to:
Skyline Village Chicago
P.O. Box 81334
Chicago, IL 60681 

Call us:   312.957.6060

Join online

Email us 





EventCalendar
Skyline Village Chicago 
Event Calendar
Skyline & Partner Events
November 2016

Click underline to jump to event details
(Note: Internal links don't always work on mobile devices.)
2
Weds, Nov. 2, 3:00pm
200 E. Delaware Place
7
 5:30pm, McCormick & Schmick's 
 41 E. Chestnut
16
3:00pm
30 W. Oak Street

18
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ditkas, 100 E. Chestnut
 
 
Skyline & Partner Events
December 2016

Click underline to jump to event details
(Note: Internal links don't always work on mobile devices.)
5
 Weds. December 5, 5:30pm, 
McCormick & Schmick's 
 41 E. Chestnut
13
Tues, December 13, 
Lunch 11:30am 
Fooda, 900 North Michigan, 4th Floor
Music:  1:00pm, 6th floor

Tues. December 13, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
200 E. Delaware

 
 
Skyline Village Chicago 
Event Calendar
Community Events
November 2016
Click underline to jump to event details
(Note: Internal links don't always work on mobile devices.)

7
11:45am - 1:15pm
The Clare, 55 E. Pearson

8
Lake View Musical Society Performance
1:00pm
900 North Michigan, 6th floor

11-13
Friday 2pm - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
Superior & Fairbanks
12
5:00pm
Logan Center for the Arts
915 E 60th St
15
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Courtroom 2005
14
11:45am - 1:15pm
The Clare, 55 E. Pearson
18
6:00pm
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph
20
7:00pm
Fourth Presbyterial Church
126 E. Chestnut
 
21
11:45am - 1:15pm
The Clare, 55 E. Pearson

25
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Millennium Park,  201 E Randolph

28
11:45am - 1:15pm
The Clare, 55 E. Pearson

29
Seniors in the Workforce:
Knowing Your Rights
12:00pm - 1:30pm,
Daley Center,  Courtroom 2005

 
 
Community Events
December 2016

Click link to jump to event details
(Note: Internal links don't always work on mobile devices.)

2
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Millennium Park,  201 E Randolph
5
The Clare, 55 E. Pearson

9
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Millennium Park, 201 E.  Randolph

10
Saturday, December 12, 8:00pm
Fourth Presbyterial Church
Michigan/Delaware
12
11:45am - 1:15pm
The Clare, 55 E. Pearson
16
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Millennium Park,  201 E.  Randolph
22 Encore Illinois Holiday Performance
Thurs., December 22, 2:00pm
Fourth Presbyterian Church,
Buchanan Chapel, 126 E. Chestnut

         

Events 
Skyline Village Chicago
Event Details
SVC Events are in Green
Encore
Encore Illinois 
Gold Coast Chorale, Fall 2016
Rehearsals:  Mondays through Dec.15  
11:45am - 1:15pm
The Clare, 55 East Pearson

Performance December 22, 2:00pm, 
Buchanan Chapel, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut, Chicago

Presented by: Encore Illinois

The Gold Coast Chorale continues rehearsals for the upcoming holiday concert featuring all six combined Encore Illinois Chorales. The concert is December 22, in Buchanan chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church. The concert is open to the public and admission is free.


For more information or if you are interested in joining future sessions of the Gold Coast Chorale go to  www.encoreillinois.org 

 dcaseexhibitions
DCASE Exhibitions

Maria Pinto: 25 years
Through January 8, 2017
10:00am - 6:30pm, Holidays 10am - 4pm
Gallery at the Water Tower 
806 North Michigan

Maria's first 25 years at the intersection of art and fashion.
Click here for more information


For a list of DCASE exhibitions  at the Cultural Center and other locations, click here.

CarolingBean
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Fridays, November 25 - December 16
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph
Presented by DCASE

Bundle up and get ready to belt out some holiday classics at these festive events that are part concert, part sing-along as local Chicago choral groups lead hundreds of celebrants in song. 

Admission is free.

Click here for more information.

 DCASEdaily2
DCASE: Daily Programs at the Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E has wonderful programming every day. 

Click here for the daily program schedule through December.

 Tree103
Chicago's 103rd Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 18, 6:00pm
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph

The City of Chicago is proud to present the 103rd Anniversary of the Christmas Tree Lighting in Millennium Park.  The ceremony will feature a performance by the international percussion sensation created by Luke Cresswell and Steve NcNicholas, STOMP along with a special appearance by Santa Claus. 

Click here for more information

BellaMessiah 
Bellavoce Performs Handel's Messiah
Saturday November 20, 7:00pm
Fourth Presbyterian Church
126 E. Chestnut

Handel's Messiah has been a favorite of audiences since it was first performed in 1742. Bellavoce, Chicago's premiere professional chamber choir performs with the Callipygian Players, using only period instruments. Hear the Messiah as you have never heard it before

Click here to purchase tickets.

LVMS
Lake View Musical Society
Lunch Time Performance
Tuesday, November 8
Tuesday, December 13
1:00pm
900 North Michigan, 6th Floor

Presented by: Lake View Musical Society

Spend your lunch time listening to gorgeous music. The performers may be a surprise, but they are always incredible.

MunchMusic
Munch & Music
Tuesday, December 13
Lunch: 11:30am
Fooda, 900 North Michigan, 4th Floor
Music: 1:00pm, 
900 North Michigan, 6th floor

Presented by: SVC and Lake View Musical Society

Lunch and a live performance. What could be better than that?  We'll meet at Fooda on the 4th floor for a Dutch Treat lunch at 11:30am, then go up to the 6th floor for a some free musical deliciousness from the Lake View Musical Society at 1:00pm. Afterwards we'll have dessert and coffee.

There's no cost other than buying your own lunch but registering helps us grab tables and seats.

RSVP at RSVP@skylinevillagechicago.org or click here to register on our website.
SOARArtisan
8th Annual SOAR Artisan Market
Fri. November 11, 2pm - 8pm
Sat. November 12, 10am - 5pm
Sun. November 13, 10am - 5pm
Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Superior & Fairbans, Main Floor

Presented by: SOAR

The Eighth Artisan Market will showcase the work of more than 60 of the area's most creative and interesting artists who work in a variety of mediums: unique jewelry, distinctive wearables, great pieces for the home and so much more. 

A percentage of the artists' sales goes to SOAR to fund their many local programs and initiatives in the Streeterville area.
 
ACapellaYouth
Chicago a Capella
Youth Choral Festival Concert
Saturday, November 12, 5:00pm
Logan Center for the Arts
915 E. 60th Street

Presented by: Chicago a Capella

Participants in the Youth Choral Festival join Chicago a cappella on stage for a concert at the Logan Center for the Arts.  The performance is the finale to the sixth annual Youth Choral Festival, a daylong event where area student ensembles work with Chicago a cappella directors and singers in workshops, master classes and rehearsals. The concert will feature all participating student ensembles, our High School Intern ensemble, and Chicago a cappella-each performing alone and together as a large festival choir. 
 
Click here to purchase tickets

ElderCourt1
Senior Awareness: Prescription Drug Misuse and Adverse Effects 
Tues. November 15, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Courtroom 2005
Registration: 312.603.9233

Senior Awareness: Prescription Drug Misuse and Adverse Effects Topics to Include: 
  • Substance abuse, misuse and dependency
  • Adverse effects 
  • Prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and poly-pharmacy issues 
Click here for the seminar series.
FridayForum1
Friday Forums            
Topic: What is Elder Court?
Fri., November 18
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ditka's, 100 E. Chestnut

Join us for our monthly Friday Forum.  Guest speaker will be the Honorable Judge Patricia A. Banks, Presiding Judge of the Elder Law and Miscellaneous Remedies Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. Judge Banks will describe how the court was developed, the Elder Law Clinic, the educational programs offered to the public,  and the kinds of cases she hears in the court.  This is a resource you will want to know more about. 

Lunch is Dutch Treat, plus $5 to cover the cost of our private room at Ditka's. 

Register here by Thursday, November 17  or email  RSVP@skylinevillagechicago.org

ElderCourt
Seniors in the Workforce: Knowing Your Rights
Tues. November 29,  12:00pm - 1:30pm
Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, 
Courtroom 2005
Registration: 312.603.9233

Presented by: Circuit Court of Cook County Elder Justice Center

Seniors in the Workforce: Knowing Your Rights Topics to Include: 
  • Workplace Rights 
  • Age and Disability Discrimination 
  • Employment Services for Seniors 
Click here for the seminar series.
Holidaysacapella
Holidays a Capella
Sat. December 10, 8:00pm
Fourth Presbyterian Church
Michigan/Delaware

Presented by: Chicago a Capella

Brighten your winter night with holiday tales from the Old World and the New, including stirring folk tunes, Renaissance treasures, and familiar Chanukah melodies and Christmas carols.

Click here for tickets and for the other six scheduled holiday concerts.

WomenSalon 
SVC Women's Wine & Cheese Salon
The Women's Salon meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month. 
Tues. December 13, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
200 E. Delaware

Presented by: Skyline Village Chicago,
Host: Phyllis Mitzen
   
Our Women's Salon will reconvene in December. Join fellow members for a lively discussion about what it means and how it feels to be an Aging Woman -- our hair, our outspokenness, our invisibility, our wisdom, our ... 

RSVP at RSVP@skylinevillage.org with Women's Salon in the subject line or click here to register on our website. 

SVC members and their guests only   

Every month
Register:    Call 888.600.2560
or email   teltopics@matherlifeways.com

Presented by: Mather Lifeways

To register online or download the current schedule of Telephone Topics, go to http://matherlifewaysinyourneighborhood.com/telephone-topics/

All calls are free.

Handy Tips with Nail Polish
  • Coat the frayed end of thread with clear nail polish to make it easier to thread hand or machine needles.
  • No more yucky tasting envelopes. Use clear nail polish.
  • Tighten buttons by painting the tops and bottoms of sewn buttons.
  • Secure tiny screws on your glasses with a dab of clear nail polish.
  • Differentiate similar looking keys with colored nail polish.
  • Tired of cans of cleaning products or shaving cream leaving rusty rings? Paint the bottom edge with clear nail polish.