The Village Chicago

Crossing the Bridge
2025-07-16 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
Location: via Zoom
Members & guests: free.

Death Cafe has evolved! Crossing the Bridge is a safe space to share personal feelings about death as we support and learn from each other. In addition to exploring our own thoughts, we talk about books, films, legislative developments, organizations, and other topics related to death and dying. All are welcome!

Weekly Walks around North Pond
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Meet in front of North Pond Restaurant, 2610 N. Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL, United States
Spring is nearly here, and with it the return of our weekly North Pond walks! Enjoy some exercise and conversation every Thursday morning with new and established friends. Registrants receive ongoing reminders, including cancellation notices for inclement weather – no need to register each time. Path is paved and accessible for those using mobility aids.

Coffee Chat BYOC
2025-07-17 10:30 - 23:30, 2025-07-31 10:30 - 11:30 | IL
Location: via Zoom

Members only–free. To RSVP, please scroll down. The day before the discussion, a confirmation email will be sent to registered attendees with additional details to join via Zoom.
An informal ’round table’ morning coffee chat via Zoom with fellow Villagers to catch up on local issues, share your opinions, ideas, memories, have some laughs and increase your ‘people connections’ through laughter and fellowship. All are welcome!
OPEN TOPIC
Instead of selecting a predetermined topic, we invite members to pour yourself a cup, and let the conversation flow naturally! Registration required and space is limited.

Advanced Care Planning: Preparing for Future Medical Care
2025-07-17 16:00 - 17:00 | IL
Members & guests- free! Virtual, via Zoom.
Online registration for this program has closed. Please use this Zoom link, or Meeting ID and PW if you would still like to attend! Don’t hesitate to reach out to info@thevillagechicago.org or call 773-248-8700 if you have any questions.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86195494416?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 861 9549 4416
Passcode: CAV
*This program is brought to you by the Chicago Area Villages Collaborative, as the first session of our End-of-Life Series. Stay posted for information about our August, September and October sessions of this series.
Join us for an informational session about planning for end-of-life care, including how to communicate and document your wishes and values with your healthcare team. Advance Care Planning is for everyone, not just those with a serious illness. An illness or injury can often come without warning. If you plan now, you can make sure that the medical treatment you get in the future will be the treatment you would want. We will provide an overview of Illinois’ advanced care planning documents including Living Will, Power of Attorney, Practitioner’s Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment, and more. Attendees will get early access to sign-ups for individual consultations, including guided completion of advanced directives and document sharing with healthcare providers.

What is the Chicago Area Villages Collaborative?

There are eight “Villages” in the Chicago area, all part of the International Village Movement—grassroots organizations of older adults designed to help people age and thrive in their communities. Each Village reflects its community and leadership.

We invite you to contact a Village in your area to learn more about what we do and how you can join.

South Loop, Bronzeville: South Loop Village, https://www.southloopvillage.org/

Oak Park/ River Forest: Arbor West Neighbors, https://www.arborwestneighbors.org/join

South Side/Hyde Park: Hyde Park Village, https://www.chpv.org/

Far North Side: Edgewater Village Chicago https://www.evchicago.org/

North Shore suburbs: North Shore Village https://www.nsvnetwork.org/

Edgewater Beach Apartments: LiveAgeWell, https://www.liveagewell.com/

Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Loop: Skyline Village Chicago https://www.skylinevillagechicago.org/

Lincoln Park, Near North side: The Village Chicago https://www.thevillagechicago.org/

Short Story Intergenerational Discussions
2025-07-17 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-07-24 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-07-31 17:00 - 18:00 | IL
Members & guests–free. To RSVP, please scroll down. The day before each discussion, registered attendees will receive a confirmation email with a link to join via Zoom.
RSVP to Join! This is an ongoing discussion group. After you register, you will receive weekly emails with Zoom details and a link to that week’s story. While the group meets weekly, members and guests are welcome to drop in for one or all discussions.

Zoo History & Garden Tour + Lunch
2025-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Lincoln Park Zoo, Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests free. Lunch self, hosted.
This event is now full. Please call 773-248-8700 or email info@thevillagechicago.org to be added to the waitlist.
Step into the lush beauty and vibrant legacy of Lincoln Park Zoo like never before. In this exclusive, one-time program, journey through the zoo’s stunning gardens and uncover the rich history woven into its pathways. Hosted in partnership with the zoo’s horticultural team, including Emily Conn—Manager of Horticultural Records and Programs—this 45–60 minute experience offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the living collections and the stories they tell.
Accessibility Note: If mobility or accessibility is a concern, a shorter or modified route can be arranged—just let us know when you RSVP. We’re happy to tailor the tour to ensure everyone can take part in this engaging walk through time and nature at one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks.
After the tour, unwind just steps away with lunch at The Patio at Café Brauer. Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes in a scenic outdoor setting—perfect for continuing the conversation and soaking in the beauty of the day.

Conversational French
2025-07-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Chicago Public Library – Lincoln Park Branch, 1150 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Members & guests: free

Join member Beverly Livingston for a welcoming and informal French conversation class. This is a place to practice your speaking skills and learn some colloquial French. Various levels are welcome, but some experience is suggested. This event is accessible.

Monthly Game Day
2025-07-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Chicago Public Library – Lincoln Park Branch, Small Meeting Room, 1150 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Members & guests: free.
Join us for our monthly Game Day, where laughter, luck, and a little friendly competition take
center stage! This month, we’re playing Left Right Center — a fast-paced dice game that’s
easy to learn and impossible to resist. Bring your game face, a bit of luck, and get ready for a
great time with friends old and new.
No experience needed — just show up and play!

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies
2025-07-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests–free
Available to rent for $3,99 or buy for $9.99 on Amazon
Every Saturday afternoon, join fellow film aficionados of the Village for an in-depth discussion of films new and old, led by Village member Mel Washburn. Watch the selected film any time–or enjoy the discussion and be persuaded to view it after!
This week’s film is The Taste of Things: 2023, 2hr 16min, R.T. 97%,
Set in the late 1800s, the film is a love story between a head chef (Benoît Magimel) and his cook (Juliette Binoche). But more so, it’s a romance with food. Much of the film takes place in the kitchen with little to no dialogue. If you like French cooking and Juliette Binoche (who doesn’t), you’ll love this movie. The film won best director at the Cannes Film Fest, and was France’s choice in the Academy Award’s best foreign film category. Thirty years before this film, Director Tran Anh Hung (Vietnamese)’s debut film The Scent of Green Papaya was nominated for a best foreign film Oscar. Guess he makes great films about food. Bon appetit and Happy Bastille Week!

Sign into Summer - Beginner Sign Language Series
2025-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Artis Senior Living of Lakeview, 3535 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
Ready to learn a new skill that connects you to a whole new world? Join our Beginner Sign Language Series — a fun and interactive three-session journey designed to teach you the basics of American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re looking to communicate with Deaf friends, enhance your resume, or simply try something new, this welcoming series is the perfect place to start.
No experience needed — just bring your hands, a smile, and a willingness to learn. Sign up today and start speaking with your hands!

Brain Spa
2025-07-22 11:00 - 12:00 | IL
Members & guests–free. RSVP below!
This is a virtual Zoom session held every other week, open to anyone who would like to get connected to others, practice skills and exercise their brain. Join us for puzzles and challenges, storytelling and reminiscing in a comfortable and casual environment. These sessions will be an hour long and are meant to be fun and interactive. You don’t need to attend all sessions to participate, feel free to drop in whenever you would like!

Exercise at Home with Jill Stein
2025-07-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-29 13:00 - 14:00 | IL
Members & guests–$15* per class. Click here to register and you will receive details to join the class via Zoom. To join your first session for FREE, please email celebrate@thevillagechicago.org.
Come move your body and have fun! Work on functional/full body strength,joint mobility, posture, balance, pairing movement with breath, and core strength. This one hour class starts with warm up movements, moves to balance, posture and resistance exercises, and finishes with seated core and stretching exercises.
Class is done standing, using a wall and seated. Any standing movements can be mimicked in a chair if needed. Modify as needed, or ask for alternative movements during demos.
For the class, have a stable chair (like a dining table chair), and two light hand weights (two water bottles or two cans) to use for resistance exercises. Wear athletic shoes that secure onto your feet and have water to drink. Dress in clothes you can move in comfortably and dress in layers that are easy to remove if you get warm.
About Jill Stein
Instructor Jill Stein is a veteran group exercise instructor and personal trainer with over 20 years of experience and over 15 years experience working with older adults.

New Member Happy Hour
2025-07-23 16:30 - 18:00 | Aster Hall, 900 N Michigan, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests: free; drinks and snacks provided
Meet at 6th Floor Bar & Study of Aster Hall (900 N Michigan)
Whether you joined the Village in the past year or are an established member looking for new connections, this fun Happy Hour event is the perfect way to celebrate the growing Village community. Join us in welcoming our newest Village members!

Cancelled this week: Weekly Walks around North Pond
2025-07-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Meet in front of North Pond Restaurant, 2610 N. Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL, United States
Due to forecasted temperatures in the 90s and poor air quality, this week’s walk will be cancelled. See you next week!
Summer is here! Enjoy some exercise and conversation every Thursday morning with new and established friends at our weekly walks around North Pond. Registrants receive ongoing reminders, including cancellation notices for inclement weather – no need to register each time. Path is paved and accessible for those using mobility aids.

Oceanic Cognitive Concierge
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:30 | IL
Online registration is now closed for this event. To register please call 773-248-8700.
This one-time session will feature ocean-themed videos, oral readings, and guided discussions designed for individuals with memory loss and Language difficulties. Includes printable take-home activities to extend the experience at home.
Relax, reminisce, and enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the sea.
About the presenter: Julia Holcomb has been an occupational therapist for 18 years with experience in acute care, rehab, mental health and memory care. She has obtained her Bachelor of Art in English and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Julia’s been working for the Memory and Aphasia Care and Cognitive Concierge family of companies for 3 years and loves her job. Through Memory and Aphasia Care, she also does in-home care, clinic treatments and telemedicine sessions. When not working, Julia enjoys reading, watching independent films and cheesy reality tv, rooting for the Pittsburg Steeler’s, swimming, film photography and her daily Wordle/NYT Connections word games.

Short Story Intergenerational Discussions
2025-07-24 17:00 - 18:00 | IL
Members & guests–free. To RSVP, please scroll down. The day before each discussion, registered attendees will receive a confirmation email with a link to join via Zoom.
RSVP to Join! This is an ongoing discussion group. After you register, you will receive weekly emails with Zoom details and a link to that week’s story. While the group meets weekly, members and guests are welcome to drop in for one or all discussions.
This week the group is reading
Ribbons by Natalia Theodoridou

Memory Cafe
2025-07-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Chicago Public Library – Lincoln Park Branch, 1150 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Online registration for this event is now closed. Please call 773-248-8700 to register.
We are excited to invite you to attend this new program offering, in partnership with our local Lincoln Park Branch Library (1150 W Fullerton).
This monthly Memory Café offers a comfortable and supportive environment for individuals with memory loss and their care partners. Make friends, have lunch and have fun!
Activities at this event will be thematic and will include games, arts and crafts, music, and more. Friends, family members, and community allies also are welcome.

Mind & Motion
2025-07-25 15:00 | Belmont Village Lincoln Park, 700 West Fullerton, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Online registration for this event is now closed. Please call 773-248-8700 to register
Members & guests: Free.
Join us for a unique experience where movement meets mental agility. Each class blends physical activity with brain-challenging exercises designed to boost strength, sharpen focus, and build lasting confidence—all in a supportive and energizing environment. Perfect for those actively invested in maintaining cognitive health and preserving vital neural connections, this event is your invitation to move, think, and thrive.

This event is accessible. Ability to exercise is required.

The Magic of Rogers and Hammerstein at the Grant Park Music Festival, Presented by The Life 3.0 Committee
2025-07-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Great Lawn at the Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60602, United States
Online registration for this event is now closed. please call 773-248 -8700 to register.
Location: The Great Lawn at the Pritzker Pavilion
Members and guests: Free; Bring your own dinner, beverage and a blanket or fold-up chair
This magical night in Grant Park will feature the timeless melodies of Rogers and Hammerstein’s popular songs from The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Oklahoma and more. Join fellow Village members for an unforgettable summer evening filled with music, laughter and community. Bring your own dinner, beverage and a blanket or fold-up chair. We will provide the exact location details the day before the concert.

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies
2025-07-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests–free
Streaming on Amazon to rent for $3.99 or buy for $4.99. If you have trouble finding it, try typing “The Hundred-Foot Journey”
Every Saturday afternoon, join fellow film aficionados of the Village for an in-depth discussion of films new and old, led by Village member Mel Washburn. Watch the selected film any time–or enjoy the discussion and be persuaded to view it after!
This week’s film is: The 100 Foot Journey: 2hr 2min, R.T. audience score 81%

Continuing with our enjoyment of watching French cooking, here’s an adorable film about a displaced Indian family who moves a quaint French village and decide to open a restaurant. The only problem is that Helen Mirren owns a high-end, Michelin-star restaurant across the road, and she doesn’t like competition. Manish Dayal plays the young Indian cook.

Conversational Spanish
2025-07-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Village Office, 2502 N. Clark, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Location: The Village Chicago office (2502 N Clark St)

Members & guests: free

Join member Ray Enriquez for a welcoming and informal Spanish conversation class. Various levels are welcome – this is a place to practice your spoken Spanish whether you are just beginning or more advanced. Space is limited – register now!

Reimagining Aging
2025-07-30 13:00 - 14:00 | IL
Join us for this special presentation by Village Intern Banjo Ebunoluwa Idowu.
Aging is often viewed through negative stereotypes like being forgetful, slow or less capable and those beliefs can lead to loneliness, forgetful, low self-esteem, and age-based discrimination. But aging doesn’t have to be this way. Through activities like Brain spa and meaningful conversations with older adults, I’ve seen how staying mentally active and social connected can change the story. This project explores the effects of these harmful ideas and shares ways we can support aging with dignity, purpose and respect.
My name is Banjo Ebunoluwa Idowu but prefer to be called Gift. I am currently participating in the ASM Loyola summer internship “Practicing Democracy in our Communities”, where I was placed at The Village Chicago for my internship. I work remotely 3 days in a week and go into the office once a week. On Friday, I attend sessions at Loyola University as part of the program to continue learning an practicing important skills.

Short Story Intergenerational Discussions
2025-07-31 17:00 - 18:00 | IL
No meeting this week.
Members & guests–free. To RSVP, please scroll down. The day before each discussion, registered attendees will receive a confirmation email with a link to join via Zoom.
RSVP to Join! This is an ongoing discussion group. After you register, you will receive weekly emails with Zoom details and a link to that week’s story. While the group meets weekly, members and guests are welcome to drop in for one or all discussions.

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies
2025-08-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests–free
Available to rent on Amazon Prime for $5.99 or buy for $14.99
Every Saturday afternoon, join fellow film aficionados of the Village for an in-depth organic discussion of films new and old. Watch the selected film any time–or enjoy the discussion and be persuaded to view it after!
This week’s movie is The Friend (2024), 2hr, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, on Amazon and other streaming services
When a solitary writer (Naomi Watts) adopts and bonds with a Great Dane that belonged to a late friend, she begins to come to terms with her past and her own creative inner life. Also with Bill Murray and the cutest big dog ever! From directors Scott Mcghee & David Siefel (The Deep End, Bee Season — both great).
