By Judy Carmack Bross
On a birdwalk with The Village
Now 15 years old and riding a wave of momentum and energy, The Village Chicago celebrates with “Light Up the Night” on September 24 at the
Chicago History Museum. The fundraiser features Lyric Opera’s Ryan Opera Center singers performing music from favorite operas and musicals and a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception highlighting how much fun members and guests have when coming together.
David Baker, Board Chair, The Village Chicago; President Robert Manuel, DePaul University; Ira Kohlman, Co-Chair of the 2023 gala
The grass-roots, non-profit Village model originated in Boston in 2002 as a way for older adults to join with each other to support wellbeing. The Village Chicago is now one of the largest and most successful Villages in the nationwide Village Movement and offers more than 500 varied programs for its members yearly.
Event co-chair Judith Gethner told us, “The Village Chicago continues to look for ways to make our fundraiser more exciting and enriching. We have added Keith Jones, an incredible auctioneer, to our evening this year.” Co-chair Ira Kohlman added: “By having our silent auction online before the fundraising event, we have more time for socializing, nibbles with drinks, and games with prizes. It’s our biggest opportunity to raise the money that supports all our great work!”
Among the live auction items are sensational travel and local packages including seven nights in Ireland, Tuscany or Spain for four; five nights for two in Reykjavik, Iceland or St. Maarten; or “Experience Chicago,” with a Boca Progressive Dinner plus Steppenwolf, Goodman, Court Theater and Lyric Opera tickets.
Niki Fox, Executive Director
“The Village is an inclusive, energetic network of members, professional staff, volunteers, and community resources that welcomes people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds into this collaborative network of friendship and support so we can navigate life after 50 together. It is recognized as Chicago’s go-to resource for social connection, health, and wellbeing for older adults,” Executive Director Niki Fox told us. ” What drew me to the Village nine years ago as an intern is the concept that it’s intentional – a community built on choice.”
Fox told us more about the organization:
“There is a richness to our Village, a depth and breadth that comes from our collective experience of life. It includes the things that bring us joy like friendship, companionship, learning, and laughter as well as the transitions and changes that come with aging. There is tremendous power in these collective voices and perspectives.”
Fox shared a note that she received from a Village member:
“When I lost my business during the pandemic, I’d been a Village member for only a short time but I never felt alone. It was The Village that helped me find my sense of direction. I’m an active volunteer, helping others whenever I can. I like to attend the happy hours to meet and talk to new people. I also participate in the Memoir Writing group where we share our life stories, creating a sense of trust and closeness. To someone like me, it’s wonderful to have all this in my life.”
To look at the weekly Village events calendar is to understand the vitality of its resources and the ways members can tap into Chicago around them. CSO rehearsals to Forest Bathing—counteracting nature deprivation with a walk in the woods to improve physical and emotional health, a movie at the Landmark Cinema, a happy hour at the Bitter Pops, a weekly walk and a brain spa: these were but a few offerings from this week’s calendar.
Fox told us about the research component of The Village:
“The Village is unique in many ways – including our use of research. Our programs, services, and individualized attention for all life stages from adult children through later life transitions, come from the power of an intergenerational community where we are both the experts and the seekers of information.
“We are experts because of the lived experience and skills we share through relationships and partnerships – where ideas become reality through conversation, listening, planning, and effort.
“We are seekers of information because there is always more to learn. Information helps us maintain viability and momentum and it comes from
many sources – both outside our organization and within it. It ranges from formal studies to a mood lifting, joyful conversation with a volunteer whose timely delivery of a prescription provided much relief.
“We take pride in being part of the first generation who, as a function of our lived experience, can take a positive role in informing the public policy decisions that impact us as members of the aging community. We pay close attention to authors, articles, and important research being done in academic and other institutions.
Director of Health and Wellbeing Brooke Nanni told us “The Village conducts more than 70 special programs a year relating to brain health and
memory loss. Working with local and national experts, the Village is implementing brain health initiatives that may significantly delay the onset of dementia and related conditions, as well as improving overall health. In addition we offer individualized support to help individuals, spouses, and care partners navigate the transitions of care.”
Fox told us of discoveries that have influenced their understanding of later life and enriched activities and programming:
- Developing positive beliefs about age have such a powerful impact on health that they can increase life expectancy an average of 7.5 years.
- People consistently underestimate how much others like them. It is true across age groups and for strangers as well as acquaintances. Fortunately, science has also demonstrated that as you get to know someone better, the “liking” gap shrinks – another reason to stick with it and invest the time that may lead to a closer relationship.
- There is a science of human flourishing being studied at places like Harvard University that integrates data from empirical sciences (sociology, economics, medicine, etc.) to better understand major aspects of human wellbeing such as meaning, happiness, and sense of purpose.
- Results from over 3,000 studies identified a major role for the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and
treatment of illness across the lifespan.
The Village works hard to address isolation and loneliness. Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Village Board Member Liz Metzger: “Isolation is about where your body is. Loneliness is about where your mind is. As a result of the pandemic, there is now a great deal of attention being placed on how to address the challenge of social isolation. Now it is time to pay more attention to the growing numbers of individuals experiencing loneliness and empowering them to rebuild and establish their connections.”
Metzger shared this example from a Village member:
“I recently moved back to Chicago after many years and was concerned about being lonely. Then I happened upon the Village, and after looking
through the events list, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for, and more. I have new friends, and I’m making new ones every week. There is
always something to look forward to. The Village hasn’t just made a difference in how I feel about my life here, it has made all the difference.”
Village Volunteer Manager Tamara Draper told us: “Volunteers are essential to our mission, providing the support that nurtures connections,
purpose, and well-being. From driving members, to organizing events, leading programs, and offering direct assistance, our volunteers play a vital role. Our members also volunteer with a wide range of external organizations and local initiatives bringing their extensive skills and
experience to the community at large.”
Draper shared this message she received from a Village member:
“I have been a Village member for 14 years and my experience of the Village over those years has been all about giving and receiving. I have been happy to give time and energy to the Village by volunteering and serving on committees. And what I have received is new friends, new experiences like kayaking on the Lagoon, fun, and always warm support.”
For further information about the September 24th fundraiser, please visit www.thevillagechicago.org or call 773-248-8700.
