Blog

This Here is “Forward Chicago”

October 12, 2015·0 comments

by Roger Wright

The sign on the door says “C’mon In!”

You walk into a Forward Chicago gathering, an autumn harvest potluck. Following the flow of Helene and Richard’s home, the doors in the back thrown open to the lush green trees, poised for change, to their boat dock and the gently rushing waters of the North Branch of the Chicago River. That river like a timeless steady greeting saying, “Here? You belong. You are welcome here.”

Helene is known for hosting wonderful potlucks.

If the question is, “What is Forward Chicago?” — you see the answer as Helene offers up a delicious tour of the harvest table groaning with the abundance of food from every corner of the globe. Swedish meatballs, chili, salads, roast chicken, Indian.

You see in the harvest table that Forward Chicago is a local community devoted to the inclusion of all ages. Community connections. Community action, engagement and influence. You look around the room and see ages 8 weeks on up through 80 years and above. All ages.

Forward Chicago Activities, Lifelong Learning

Us, and the Universe: A Day at Adler Planetarium

September 27, 2015·0 comments

by Pat McFarland

Tuesday, Sept. 3 — a warm, sunny day in Chicago.

Forward Chicago members and Dr. Daniel Grin (the “Pied Piper of Physics”) were “working out” of the Sulzer Library, Adler Planetarium and Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP) at the University of Chicago grant to educate seniors about the workings of the universe.

That meant we were all at the Adler Planetarium Science Lab viewing colliding solar systems in 3-D, viewing a distant galaxy’s “family photos” of newborn planets, and witnessing a Red Giant Star navigate its way thru those terrible teens on its way to becoming a neutron star.

We “interrogated” Dan and his co-presenter, Eric. They were both charged with being incredibly well informed, possessing unlimited patience, and having an abundant talent for presenting understandable explanations. A view of the dome show and then a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline from the Adler created an outstanding ending and “closed the case.”

This is a true story from the files of Forward Chicago and expresses the genuine excitement, energy, appreciation and just plain fun we all had at this museum. Dan and his associates from KICP and the University of Chicago are dedicated to advancing our comfort and understanding of where we are in the universe — and help us feel we all are really part of the same world.

Join our next exploration on Oct. 6 at Sulzer Library at 6:30 p.m. for the next event in the Astrophysics for All series. Dr. Richard Kron from the University of Chicago will discuss “The Realm of the Nebulae.”

Read Pat’s previous post about what inspired her interest in learning more about the universe.

Lifelong Learning, Reflections

The Ring, the Story and the CFO: How Uncle Frankie Dealt With Ageism

September 17, 2015·0 comments

by Roger Wright

Uncle Frankie, at 75, in his crisp red tie and blue jacket, wearing his Semper Fi Ring and sitting in the tan vinyl booth just after the breakfast rush at the “Beef and Brandy” Restaurant on State Street in Chicago:

His reflection in the mirrored wall picks up the wisps of grey hair. Strangers, like the four men in the next booth who could be his grandkids, would guess Frankie was 60. They’d never say 75. Or believe that he hadn’t had a steady job in eight years.

And the young men would be beyond shocked if they looked up to see that Frankie was discreetly watching them in the mirrored wall and listening to every word they said.

Frankie, with 40 years as a chief financial officer for two of the world’s top consumer product goods firms, had been let go in a venture capital hostile takeover just about the time the great recession hit full stride. He was 67 years old and the new owners wanted “fresh blood.” Or put another way, Frankie was simply too old.

Forward Chicago Activities, Lifelong Learning

Curious About the Universe? Board the Bus to Adler Planetarium!

August 28, 2015·0 comments

Hubble Space Telescope composite image from Hubblesite

Hubble Space Telescope finds rings of dark matter — part of the “Cosmic Wonder” show at Adler Planetarium.

by Pat McFarland

I love driving down a road with a canopy of trees overhead and looking at the beautiful summer shadows they cast. Seldom do I think about what’s above those trees besides clouds. Everyone’s schedule is so crowded and distracting that it’s hard to think about anything except the next 45 things we need to get done before dinner.

During one such day, as I tried to calm my irritation at a driver who had just cut into my lane, I remembered reading a self-help suggestion which went like this: Gravity is holding you on this one continent, which is on this one planet, which is in this solar system, which is only one of millions in this universe and you REALLY want to get bent out of shape by another “earthling’s” rudeness?

Other than calming me down, it did start me thinking about this mysterious sky of ours and what’s in it.

Our tour guide, Daniel Grin.

To be honest, I have always had some interest in this stuff anyway. The fact that as I sit here typing, planets have started being born, gigantic stars are exploding and just maybe another civilization is moving forward or ending, really does change my perspective. These are some of the reasons I have been excited about the Astrophysics for All Lecture Series at Sulzer Library.

Sponsored by the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP) at the University of Chicago, Sulzer Public Library and Forward Chicago, the series is presented by scientists who help us understand their work exploring outer space — like using a baking loaf of raisin bread to explain the universe.

I can’t say I understand everything they tell us, but what I have learned makes me think about the “universe and me” more often. The next presentation will be Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Sulzer Library.

But wait, there’s more! Join us on a trip to the Adler Planetarium on Thursday, Sept. 3, for an all-day experience!

Arts & Culture, Chicago History

Introducing a New Photo Blog: Virtual Chicago

July 16, 2015·2 comments

Welcome to the new Forward Chicago blog, Virtual Chicago. My name is Matt, and I’m a freelance photographer and owner of MBA Photography.

I’m a resident of Chicago (eight years), apartment dweller in the 47th Ward (four years), dog dad, and husband. I’m a Forward Chicago member because I care about my community and recognize the positive benefits of living in a place that is diverse in age.

By trade I work in education. By passion, I do photography. I’ve been all over the City of Big Shoulders with photos taken in all 77 of Chicago’s neighborhoods, from Rogers Park to Riverdale, from East Side to O’Hare. This blog is my contribution to Forward Chicago. With each post, I’ll share a new photo and a short sketch of the neighborhood.

I’d love to get feedback. If you know the neighborhood the photograph is from, what’s been your experience there? Are there any fun personal or historical stories you could share? I love Chicago history, so this is an open invitation to any history buffs!

For Week One, here’s a local shot of Lincoln Square from the roof of the new(wish) Mariano’s.

Health & Fitness

UIC Research on Preventing Falling Seeks Volunteer Participants

July 14, 2015·0 comments

Clive Pai in front of walkway for training seniors not to fall. Photo / Roberta Dupuis-Devlin/UIC Photo Services

by Jean Rogers

Do you worry about falling? Would you like to help answer the questions: Why do people fall? What can we do about it?

Accidental falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults; they can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you would you like to help researchers learn how to reduce the incidence of falls, here’s an opportunity for you to make a difference by volunteering for a promising research project.

Community Events, Local Programs & Services

Come Support the Restoration of the #11 Bus: CTA Hearing July 15

July 11, 2015·0 comments

The Crosstown Bus Coalition (including supporters of the #11 bus in our community) is continuing its work to reinstate two vital city bus routes.

Please join us July 15 when the Crosstown Bus Coalition will address the CTA Board. Come stand with the speakers and show your support for bringing back the bus routes on Lincoln Avenue and 31st Street.

The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. at 567 W. Lake Street. Here’a a flier (pdf) if you’d like to distribute this information.

We’re carpooling — please email info@forwardchicago.org if you would like a ride!

Plus: Read more about the No. 11 bus issue on our advocacy page.

Arts & Culture, End-of-Life Matters

Get Tickets for “Forget Me Not” – DuSable Museum of African American History

July 6, 2015·0 comments

Garrett Davis’ award-winning stage play “Forget Me Not” will be performed July 14-15 at the DuSable Museum of African American History (740 E. 56th Place). The play is sponsored by African Americans Against Alzheimer’s.

Tickets for the July 15 performance are sold out, but you can still purchase tickets for the 2 p.m. show on July 14 at the African Americans Against Alzheimer’s event page.

From the show description:
Read More

Uncategorized

Finding new in the old.

June 16, 2015·0 comments

Well our world has been washed after last nights storms and gully washer. Doesn’t the sky look blue today? Even with my cataract clouded eyes it is blue and fresh. The excitement of the storms did not equal the last 10 minutes of the Stanley cup finals– tho.