The Village Chicago

Village Play Reading Group
2024-11-21 16:00 (America/Chicago)
CHANGE OF DATE
Thursday, November 21, 4:00 PM
Location: A Member’s Home
Members & guests: free.
This November join the fellow members and the Village Play reading Group in reading Almost, Maine by John Cariani. If you haven’t had a chance to participate in this incredible program, now is the time to give it a try!
This play is comprised of nine short and sometimes quirky vignettes about love and longing, friendship and isolation, melancholy and hope. The setting is a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter. As the northern lights hover above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.
Scripts can be purchased from Amazon – the ISBN No. is 978-0-82222-2156-2.
As a courtesy to the other readers, please plan to arrive on time and stay until we have finished the reading.

Short Story Intergenerational Discussions
2024-11-21 17:00 - 18:00
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.
Join the Bridging Generations Board for more short story discussions! For March, Women’s History Month, the group will read five short stories from a variety of women writers. Attendees of all ages are welcome to attend.
This week, the group will be reading Karen Russell (Novelist) – St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves

Conversational French
2024-11-22 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-06 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. Various levels are welcome – this is a place to practice your spoken French whether you are just beginning or more advanced. Space is limited – register now!

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies
2024-11-23 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-30 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests–free
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!
Check back for this week’s film!

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies
2024-11-23 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests–free
Available 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: Hard Miles (2023)

Hard Miles tells the uplifting true story of the bicycling team at a medium-security correctional school in Colorado. The film follows beleaguered coach Greg Townsend (Matthew Modine) as he rounds up an unlikely crew of incarcerated students for a seemingly impossible bike ride from Denver to the Grand Canyon.

Brain Spa
2024-11-26 11:00 - 12:00
Members & guests–free. To RSVP, please scroll down. The day before the event, a confirmation email will be sent to registered attendees with details to join via Zoom.
This is a virtual 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 brain games, storytelling and reminiscing in a comfortable and casual environment. These sessions will be an hour long and are meant to be fun and interactive. Drop in when you can make it, you do not need to attend every one to join.

Exercise at Home with Jill Stein
2024-11-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-12-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-12-10 13:00 - 14:00
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.

CANCELLED: Short Story Intergenerational Discussions
2024-11-28 17:00 - 18:00
Short Story Discussions is cancelled this week for Thanksgiving. Join us next time!
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: In-Person
2024-11-30 12:15 | Landmark Century Theater, 2828 N. Clark, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests– $11.50
Saturday Afternoon at the Movies is going to … the movies! Join the group for the 12:15 PM showing of Anora (2024) at the Landmark Century Cinema. After the film, the group will meet in the bar area of the theatre to discuss. No drink purchase required.
This week the group will be watching Anora (2024) in person! According to IMDB, “Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn, meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.”

Conversational Spanish
2024-12-02 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!

Monthly Intergenerational Trivia at D'Agostino's
2024-12-02 19:30 | D’Agostino’s Wrigleyville, 1351 W Addison St, Chicago, 60613, United States
Presented by the Bridging Generations Board

Members & guests: free; food & drink self-hosted

Test your trivia skills at this new monthly event! The first Monday of the month, BGB and Village members will be meeting at D’Agostino’s in Wrigleyville for a few rounds of trivia. All 21+ are welcome but RSVPs are required.

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Launched in 2019, The Bridging Generations Professionals Board is a group of young adults who firmly believe in the importance of multigenerational relationships at work and in the community. The events they have organized include book, short story and documentary discussion groups; intimate multigenerational dinners, community volunteerism, Trivia nights and more.

Beyond Time: A Smartwatch for Falls and Wellbeing
2024-12-03 11:00 - 12:00
Members & guests- free. RSVP below to register.
Tune into this virtual presentation about the Apple watch and it’s fall detection and health features! We will discuss how the Apple watch works with an iPhone to monitor falls, determine heart rate or irregular rhythm, fitness notifications and more. There will be plenty of time to ask questions and discuss other options or resources, tech or otherwise. If you are looking for support in the event of a fall, have an iPhone or are interested in purchasing one and want to tap into the available health features, this program is for you. Hope to see you there.
About the presenter: Gail Kovler has been providing independent computer consulting, primarily with Mac computers, for more than 25 years. She started consulting on computers, then widened this to include iPhones, iPods, iPads and Apple Watches as more devices came out. She has helped with networking, organization and tidying up systems, as well as troubleshooting. Gail is a volunteer with the Village and provides technical support for members as well as presentations like this one.

New Member Directory Help Session
2024-12-03 15:00
Location: via Zoom
Members only: free

The Village website now offers a new way to connect with other members. These virtual workshops will teach you how to log in to the updated Member Directory, set up a profile, and use the search features. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions and troubleshoot common problems. Join us to learn more!

Virtual Tai Chi
2024-12-04 11:00 - 12:00
Members & guests- free! RSVP below to register. This program will be held virtually via Zoom.
Tai Chi is a healing martial art characterized by slow, flowing movements that emphasize balance, flexibility, and coordination. It involves a series of gentle, continuous movements that engage the entire body, promoting strength and stability while calming the mind. Tai Chi is often described as “meditation in motion” due to its emphasis on mindful movement and breath. Benefits of Tai Chi:
1. Strength and Flexibility: Builds muscle strength, increases flexibility, and enhances mobility through slow, deliberate movements.
2. Balance and Coordination: Improves body coordination and balance, reducing the risk of falls.
3. Stress Relief: Calms the mind and relieves stress by focusing on controlled, meditative movements.
4. Mind-Body Connection: Strengthens awareness of the body and its movements, promoting mindfulness.
5. Mood and Energy Boost: Releases tension, elevates mood, and increases energy flow.
6. Joint Health and Circulation: Enhances circulation and supports healthy joints, easing stiffness and discomfort.
Qigong techniques in the Body & Brain class help amplify these benefits by focusing on energy flow (Qi), fostering both physical and mental well-being.
About the Instructor: Julia Chung, PhD, PCC, is a professional certified coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF), Sedona Health Coaching, and the ADD Coach Academy. Currently, she is the center manager and head instructor at the Body & Brain Center in Mt. Prospect, IL. Before devoting her life to coaching and holistic healing, she worked as a statistician in corporate America for over 10 years. Julia is passionate about sharing mindfulness with people in corporations who feel the need to reconnect with themselves to create a more purposeful work and personal life.

Holiday Candy Bag Making for Children
2024-12-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Village Office, 2502 N. Clark, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Registration for this event is now closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email info@thevillagechicago.org.
Let’s sweeten up a child’s holiday!
You’re Invited to a Sweet Holiday Volunteer Event!
Join us for a festive afternoon of giving back!
When: Wednesday, December 4th
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Village Office, 2502 N. Clark Street
Bring a bag or two of your favorite holiday candy and help us package treats for children in nearby group homes. All while enjoying holiday cookies, warm cider, and eggnog while we listen to cheerful holiday music and spread some joy!
Let’s make this season brighter together!

Great Books, Great Conversations
2024-12-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
Location: via Zoom

Members and guests – Free!
Come join the conversation! This discussion group is now in its thirteenth year, but new members are encouraged to join! Starting in December, the Group will be reading a new Anthology! “Immigrant Voices” available from the Great Books Foundation. This anthology includes short stories from major 21st Century U.S. immigrant populations relate experiences, challenges, and aspirations of contemporary immigrants.
This December, the group will be reading:

“Letting Go To America” by M. Evelina Galang
“Absence” by Daniel Alarcon and
“Mother the Big” by Porochista Khakpour

Coffee Chat BYOC
2024-12-05 10:30 - 11:30 | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
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.

Care Partner Support Group Info Session
2024-12-05 13:00 - 14:00
Members & guests- free! RSVP below to register.
Location: Via Zoom.

Join Us for an Engaging Informational Session on Our Upcoming Care Partner Support Group!
We are excited to invite you to an enlightening session about our upcoming support group designed specifically for those caring for loved ones with a dementia diagnosis. This is your chance to learn effective techniques for managing caregiving stress while connecting with a community that truly understands your journey.
Program Details:

Duration: 10 weekly transformative sessions, session duration to be determined, starting after the new year.
Guidance: Our discussions will be anchored in Dr. Edward Shaw’s The Dementia Care-Partner’s Workbook, covering eight essential needs, including sharing your story, addressing both your and your partner’s needs, and gaining insights into dementia, its symptoms, and the underlying neurology.

During this informational session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what to expect from the support group and have the opportunity to ask any questions before making your decision to join.
Cost: The program is available for just $30 for both Village members and non-members, which includes the workbook. We’ll take care of purchasing and distributing the books after registration, so there’s no need to read ahead—though you’ll be encouraged to explore each week’s chapter in preparation for our discussions.
Long-Term Connection: We envision maintaining the momentum of support beyond the initial 10 weeks, with optional biweekly or monthly meetings for those who wish to stay connected.
We would be thrilled to have you as part of Village Chicago’s third cohort of this impactful program. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your caregiving experience and foster lasting connections!

Village Scrabble Group
2024-12-05 13:00 - 15:00
Thursday’s Bi-weekly
Location: Member’s Gold Coast Home
Members & guests: free.
New members welcome! Love scrabble? Join a group of Village members for a fun bi-weekly game at a member’s home. Various skill levels are welcome though players should be familiar with the game. RSVPs are required for each session and space is limited – claim your spot soon!

Short Story Intergenerational Discussions
2024-12-05 17:00 - 18:00
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 will be reading: Emergency by Denis Johnson | Narrative Magazine (pbworks.com)

Graham School Info Session
2024-12-06 15:00 - 15:45
Location: via Zoom
Join the University of Chicago Graham School for an interactive, online information session. As one of the first university extension schools in the country, the University of Chicago Graham School has been at the forefront of adult learning since 1890. Established as one of UChicago’s three original divisions, our mission is to bring the University’s intellectual resources and distinctive scholarly approach to a broader audience.
Our courses are taught by field-defining scholars and renowned instructors, and our small classrooms mean that you have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with these pioneering thought leaders and educators.
Join Graham School Dean Seth Green and Cyril O. Houle Chair of the Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults, Noah Chafets, to learn more about the Graham School and our offerings ahead of the winter quarter.

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies
2024-12-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom, Chicago, IL, United States
Members & guests–free
Available on Amazon Prime to rent for $3.99 or purchase for $7.99. Also incuded in various subscriptions.
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 movie is Elf (2003), Will Ferrell, Bob Nerhart, Ed Esner, James Caan

Buddy (Will Ferrell) is accidentally transported back to the North Pole by Santa and raised by elves. After discovering he’s not an elf, he ventures to NYC to find his biological father, who not only doesn’t know he has a son, but is also on the naughty list. Oh no! But it all ends predictably well. Very silly. Very fun. If you’ve never seen it, it’s an enjoyable must … just like Christmas.

Happy Hour with the Life 3.0 Committee
2024-12-10 17:00 - 18:30
Members and guests: free. Registration is required.
Wine will be served, Please bring a snack to share.
Location: Home of Village Member, Gail Moss (Lincoln Park)
Join us for a casual, member-organized happy hour at a different location each month, with no agenda other than great conversation.
This is a recurring, in person event; once you sign up, you will continue to receive emails for upcoming events.
Life 3.0 is a lively, welcoming group who are exploring together how we want to live and work as we move into retirement and beyond. But mostly, we like getting together for some really good times!

Men's Group Holiday Brunch at the Chicago Yacht Club
2024-12-11 11:30 - 13:30 | Chicago Yacht Club, 400 E. Monroe, Chicago, IL, 60603, United States
Chicago Yacht Club (400 E. Monroe)
Members & guests – $72.10 (CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE)
Open to all Village members and their guests
It’s that time of year again! Join Rick Stuckey and the Men’s Group for a popular Village tradition – the Annual Holiday Brunch at the Chicago Yacht Club (400 E Monroe)! All members and their guests are welcome.
Cost includes a delicious buffet with salads, entrees, and omelet station; dessert; coffee, tea, and a full bar. It also covers the tax, tip and processing fees.
