The Chicago Bar Association, AgeOptions and AARP are presenting a program on July 18 entitled “Learn To Be a Powerful Advocate: Bringing the Aging Agenda to Legislators and Policy Makers.”  The program will be held at the CBA Building, 321 S. Plymouth Court from 10:00 am-3:30 pm on July 18.  This one day advocacy training will include a discussion of issues and training on advocacy techniques.  Learn what you need to do to make sure Policy Makers hear and listen to advocates of the senior programs, services, benefits and supports that are vital to older persons.  Legislators, representatives from the Executive Office, and advocates are being invited to help the metropolitan senior community to refine and expand advocacy skills in an era where advocacy is more important than ever.  The cost of this program is $15 (scholarships available).

To  RSVP contact Karen Abee, Executive Assistant, AgeOptions at (708)383-0258 or karen.abee@ageoptions.org.

When I first got back to Chicago for the summer, I was frantically busy, putting off visiting with friends and family as I prepared to sit for the LSATs. It wasn’t until after I had left the LSAT testing facility the next week, clear plastic bag full of pencils in hand, that I finally had time to breathe a sigh of relief, check my voicemail, and start to enjoy my time in Chicago.

The very next evening, I found myself sitting in the Davis theater with my friend Matt, and I finally felt truly home. Matt had driven down from Sauganash, parked on my street, and taken the 15-minute walk to Lincoln Square with me, as we’d done so often in high school. Matt and I, like so many others before us, had fallen prey to the quaint charm of the Davis, whose unbeatable matinee prices and Lincoln Square location were absolutely irresistible to a pair of high school kids looking for an adventure. This particular movie wasn’t especially good, but it barely mattered to us—we were happy to be in good company, at the theater that had become so familiar and so beloved.

After the interminable movie had finally finished, we left the theater, and decided on a whim to get gelato at Paciugo (my tiramisu-cinnamon-chocolate crunch combo was delicious). We spent the walk home trying to pool our considerable stores of movie knowledge so that we could determine what the director could have done to save the unfortunate film we’d just seen, and we finished the stroll back home laughing and trying to lick the last bits of gelato from our spoons. Matt got in the car and drove back to Sauganash, but I got to stay in the neighborhood, delighted and relieved to be back where I belong.

– Annie M.

Eight gleaming black Steinway concert grand pianos sat on the one stage, waiting to be brought to life by more than fifteen pairs of hands that filled ears and hearts with incredibly moving…and funny(!) music. Sunday, May 27, at Symphony Center was a seven hour music marathon presented to the fortunate people of Chicago, free to all.  Emanuel Ax, “poet at the piano” according to Tribune critic Howard Reich, hosted the event which celebrated piano compositions called etudes, often the bane of the beginning piano student. An etude is a “study” in which the composition focuses on techniques that a student should master at the piano. The piece is not merely mechanical, however. The techniques are couched in a lyrical, musically constructed piece which has beauty in and of itself. The Keys to the City programs ranged from classical and modern etudes to blues, boogie, and rock and roll.  Those who attended the day-long celebration could choose any seat in the house, from front row center to box seat. AND…you could get a free piano lesson! Don’t scoff!  Manny Ax (the name he is affectionately known by) says, “You are never too old to learn to play the piano.” Research from Northwestern University shows that music instruction has a positive impact on the brain (Chicago Tribune, March 28, 2012).

We Chicagoans may have had our name muddied by some public officials, and we certainly have issues to address regarding jobs, education, accessible housing, and responsible spending, but I think this city is one of the best places in the world to live. What great offerings are here, enticing people from the ‘burbs, from Houston, Texas, and from other locales to soak in these experiences!

– Jean Anderson

The Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief Grant program is ending July 1, 2012 because the General Assembly did not appropriate funds for fiscal year 2013. However, it is not too late to apply for assistance this year. Applications postmarked by Saturday, June 30 will be processed on a first come basis.

To be eligible for the Circuit Breaker property tax grant, license plate discount and Ride Free Transit card through the end of the 2012 calendar year, your total income in 2011 must have been less than:

• $27,610 for a household of one
• $36,635 for a household of two, or
• $45,657 for a household of three

Don’t wait to file online or print the forms from the Illinois Department on Aging here.

Hey! Listen to THIS! Armed robbery, child sexual abuse, lotharios, teenage sexploits, imprisonment, types of marbles, childhood “Come to Salvation Redemptions”…no, this isn’t the 6 o’clock news, nor is it the lowlife TV programming offered to the viewing public. This was GeNarrations, a joint project with the Goodman Theatre and the Chicago Senior Satellitessituated throughout Chicago. On Thursday, May 24, the North Center Senior Satellite location at Irving and Western presented a program of nine seniors who recorded and then shared their stories based upon experiences that changed their lives. The whole program was not only funny but also moving!

If you are a child of the radio days, when we anxiously awaited the next segment of the Lone Ranger or Sky King or the Cinnamon Bear, here is an opportunity to relive the excitement of listening to stories that captivate your imagination and attention, stories told by the people whose lives were ultimately and dramatically changed. These stories revealed strength, wisdom and endurance against some of life’s most challenging experiences. And, as well, some stories recalled wonderful childhood moments, growing up in Chicago neighborhoods where the biggest challenge was finding the best place to play a game of marbles with exotic names like rubies, toothpaste, aggies, crystals and cat’s eyes.

DO NOT miss the opportunity to hear these tales again. Three writers selected from Senior Satellites throughout the city will read his or her story at the Renaissance Room in the Cultural Center, Michigan and Randolph, on Saturday, June 9th from 10 am ’til noon. The North Center Satellite will host another reading on Sunday, June 24th from 1 to 4 pm., featuring, among others, Nicole Hollander, the cartoonist who brought us the inimitable “Sylvia.” The writers’ program at the Satellite will take a summer hiatus but will resume in the fall. If you would like to join a writers’ group, please contact Liza Martin, Satellite Director, for more information. You can reach her at 312-745-4015.

– Jean Anderson

Parking was easy, free and right out front on Ravenswood. We got in the door and it was just a delight. There was someone playing the guitar and people of all ages all around. I’m not sure if they have an elevator – so we took the stairs, which were fine.

The studios are on the second and third floors, and are divided by category. There are studios for painting, screen pressing, bead making, sculpture, fabrics and quilting…the list goes on and on. Most of the studios had students that take the classes there doing their art! There were snacks in each area too, so that was a nice treat for early evening.

The artists who teach and practice at Lill Street also have studios where they display and sell their art. Wow – are there some talented folks there. I just loved so many things – ceramics, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, paintings – it was so fun to talk to the artists, and a what a feast for the eyes. I know where I will be going for my next gifts for family and friends!

Not only did I love looking around and seeing the art – I was also inspired by what people were doing. I am thinking of taking a class there – they have beginning classes all the way to advanced. I always hear that learning is lifelong, and when you are doing something new, sometimes it helps to have some guidance and others to go with you.

In short – I had a lovely time at Lill Street Open Studios. I did not buy anything on my first visit and there was no pressure to do so. I will definitely be back – it is so nice to support our community and I always am happy when I see all types of people of every age doing what they love. Go check it out!

Open Studios are held at Lill Street Art Center on the first Friday of every month.

– Karen Kolb

I am obsessed with The Book Cellar bookstore. Not only is it an excellent place to peruse for books, cards, and other interesting bits, not only do they have a great café, but also they have wonderful events. I have been to book readings of all types there – it is such a nice place to meet your neighbors and learn at the same time.

Imagine my delight when I looked at May’s calendar (link to month calendar) and saw that the Book Cellar was hosting a reading of Paul Virant’s new cookbook The Preservation Kitchen. I’m not sure if you have heard of Chef Paul – he has a lovely restaurant in Warm Springs that received a Michelin star last year, and his second restaurant, Perennial Virant is in Lincoln Park right at the end of Lincoln. It gets lots of great reviews both from me and, ahem, the real reviewers.

Chef Paul’s new book features, as the title suggests, lots of recipes and stories about food preservation, eating foods in season, and then preserving what is in abundance. At the book reading Chef Paul spoke about growing up and preserving foods with his grandmothers. He recalled the excitement of opening up something that had been made and then put away for sometime in the future. His book offers photos and very specific directions on how to preserve food of all types – pickles, preserves, and more.

The photos in the book are also lovely and were actually all shot at the restaurant as well as events – like a farm dinner in Southern Illinois.

We also had the opportunity to try some of Chef Paul’s preserves with fresh yogurt and a shortbread cookie. Yum! It is not every day that you get a chance to chat with a well-known chef (he has been on TV and written about far and wide!) let alone get a chance to meet other folks in the neighborhood who share your interests.

I took my sister and 2 friends with me – the Book Cellar is so low key and welcoming, everyone loved it. Imagine my surprise when I unexpectedly saw another friend there – now I know we share a love of food. Who knows, perhaps we can get together and make some lovely pickles to enjoy all year. Whatever happens, I’m starting with tomatoes. Summer foods in Winter. I can’t wait!

Want to start a canning club? Get together and share your experiences and recipes with others? Let us know at ForwardChicago – we’ll get a group started!

Oh, and the Book Cellar – if you haven’t been there recently – get back – it is a gem!

– Karen Kolb

Help Wanted

Looking for a Challenge?
Need mature, responsible individual to care for
gentleman with chronic health condition.
Must perform as patient advocate, nurse, nurse’s aide,
counselor, social planner and activity director,
financial manager, driver, scheduler, exercise coach.

Position requires experience setting up and giving medications,
cooking, housekeeping and doing laundry.
Prefer licensed driver who is also willing to do yard work
and light maintenance chores.

Hours
Round-the-clock, 7 days per week.

Compensation
Room and board.
Satisfaction for a job well done.
Hugs (optional).
Sorry, no salary or benefits package
available at this time.

Job Classification
Caregiver
Parkinson Disease: Caring and Coping
National Parkinson Foundation 2007
Updated by D. Breslow 2010

Even in a tough job market I’m not sure you’ll get many applicants, other than Mother Theresa. An irony is that those who land the job are not applicants but conscripts, caring for a family member with a chronic, progressively debilitating disease. Forty-four million people in the United States, one in four households, are caring for someone over the age of 50. Additional statistics reveal that one third of caregivers are 65 and older; 80% care for patients in long-term home care; 40% are still raising children, and half still hold jobs; and 75% of caregivers are women.

As the “Help Wanted” ad indicates, the job is demanding and consuming. Finding the “new normal” in a caregiver’s life was a major issue addressed at the Caregivers’ Conference at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, given on April 14, 2012, and funded by the Healthcare Facilities Expo.

Diane Breslow, Coordinator for Northwestern Medicine’s Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Movement Disorders Center, and Trupti Patel, (Master’s in Public Policy, Northwestern University), dedicated funds for a symposium for caregivers of PD patients in order to educate them about not only the tasks for which they are responsible but for the coping strategies to keep balance and hope in their lives.  When a family member begins this new journey as caregiver, it ordinarily starts through a gate of anger and frustration; and it isn’t until one realizes and accepts the “new normal” that the caregiver can rediscover a different sense of purpose.

A free, monthly Support Group offered at Northwestern Hospital encourages caregivers to determine how to maintain meaningful activities that bring renewal and endurance to accept what one didn’t expect.  The PD Support Group also provides excellent opportunities for social interchange among PD patients, exercise, art therapies, and education on leading research in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s.

Please consult the following websites for further information:
Care Finder: www.alz.org
Caregiver’s Handbook:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/special_health_reports/Caregivers_Handbook
You may also contact Diane Breslow at dbreslow@nmff.org or (312) 503-4397.

I worked for Playboy Enterprises as an Assistant Production Manager and retired in Jan 2011 after 26 years.

When I started in 1984 our offices were at 919 N. Michigan, years later we moved to 680 N. Lake Shore Drive.  The office space was very nice, light and pleasant. The executives had offices with glass windows facing the atrium.

The Production Department was responsible for receiving all the ads for each issue, which was part of my job. I also was responsible for various monthly reports and getting quotes on special invitations and Christmas cards for Mr. Hefner.  Layout of the book, inserting cartoons, and typesetting was all part of this department.

This was the best company to work for.  It was very casual, no dress code and everyone was very friendly. We had deadlines, but we all knew what needed to be done and when. Some people thought that Mr. Hefner was not that involved, but he was very involved in everything that went into the magazine.

We had a lot of parties, such as Halloween where employees dressed up. Mr.Hefner came to the last one in 2010 with his girlfriend, 2 sons, brother, and secretary.  Lingerie parties, some of the women that appeared in Special Edition would come as well.

Cube crawls, pizza parties, great Christmas parties, some in the office. Plenty of food, crab claws, shrimp, beef, mashed potatoes in Martini glasses. lots of dessert and of course drinks.  It was never wild or rowdy it was just a fun time.

It was a great 26 years, I could not ask for a better place to work.  It’s sad that the company is moving to California.

– Char Kawa