“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” Phil Jackson

August 14, 2024

Dear friends, 

The Village Chicago is now 15 years old and riding a wave of momentum, and energy. We have come into our own as the go-to resource for social connection, health, and wellbeing for older adults. Our strength lies in the fact that this unique and invaluable resource is us - our community of members, families, friends, supporters, and collaborators sharing our unique strengths with one another so that we all learn, grow, and thrive. 

On Tuesday, September 24, the Village will hold a very special fundraiser at the Chicago History Museum with entertainment by performers from Lyric's Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center.



Though these three organizations may seem different, we share core values that make us cherished institutions in Chicago: we have all created communities for connection, learning, and joy; we all collaborate with others to advance a cause in which we deeply believe; and we all can tell wonderful stories about how we touch lives.



Become part of our story - call us, or stop by and visit - and you're cordially invited to help us Light Up the Night! at our fundraiser!  

Warm regards,

Niki Fox, Executive Director

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 as we and our loved ones age. The Village Chicago was started in 2009 and is now one of the largest and most successful Villages in the nationwide Village Movement.

The Village is an inclusive, collaborative, and energetic intergenerational network of members, professional staff, volunteers, and community resources. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds into this collaborative network of friendship and support so we can navigate life after 50 together.

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 change that come with aging. 

Having this Village means that there is always a place to to be seen, heard, and appreciated. There is always a place where it is safe to be vulnerable, to ask questions, to find support. It's a place where all of us can contribute and engage - because we are the force that drives which way we go on our journey together. 

Member Stories

Solo Aging

"When I lost my business during the pandemic, I’d been a 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, with no familial support, it’s wonderful to have all this in my life." 

Inclusion

"Those of us aging in the LGBTQ+ community know a lot about inclusion. I remember back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I couldn’t even dream about rights or inclusion. I find it amazing now, to be among this group of people in the Village that are so open to listen and be a part of the issues that we in the LGBTQ+ community face today. And I feel touched that we can be so open and visible - to me, it still feels like a gift."

Support Through a Transition

"I had to move homes quickly and due to hip surgery realized I could not prepare for this move on my own. The Village staff spent some time on the phone with me, helping me sort through what was panic and what was actual need. It turned out that a few short hours with a couple of Village volunteers not only helped to get me back on track, but blessed me with some delightful and much-needed company in a moment of dire need."

The Chicago History Museum was established in 1856 and is now in its third home at 1601 N. Clark Street. It is the great repository of the history of Chicago housing a collection of more than 23 million objects, images, and documents that record the evolution of our city.  

Among this vast collection are items that bring historic figures to life - such as the artifacts that document the life of Abraham Lincoln - some of the most popular items in the Museum's collection. It contains not only hats and other personal items, but also his deathbed, the sheets in which he was wrapped, and the cloak that Mary Todd Lincoln wore to Ford's Theater that fateful night.

The Chicago History Museum also houses an architecture collection second to none. In addition to blueprints and planning documents for many of Chicago's landmark buildings, the Museum has photographs, real estate ads, newspaper clippings - the day to day context of Chicago's great buildings. Recently the Museum was able to provide the new owners of the Board of Trade building with the original catalog used to attract tenants in the 1930's. 

A collection of Chicago artifacts on display at the Chicago History Museum

Michael Anderson, VP of External Engagement and Development says, "Our exhibits are always changing which is a reason to visit often. Currently we have an exhibit, Designing for Change: Protest Art from the 1960's and 70's. The exhibition shows how art and graphic design were used by activists to express their vision for social change. It is relevant today because once again we are at an inflection point in our history when our democracy and freedoms are being challenged and tested. We want to be a destination for visitors to be inspired and learn more about Chicago history and each other." 

By providing The Village Chicago with a fabulous event and meeting venue, The Chicago History Museum demonstrates it is an inclusive, representative, and equitable institution that shares everyone's stories - including ours. 

Image source, lyricopera.org

Opera is about collaboration. To put on an opera requires the human voice, orchestral music, visual arts (scenery, costumes and special effects), a compelling story and sometimes dance. It is the combination of these elements presented in magnificent opera houses that results in the unique experience that is opera. 

Chicago is home to one of the world's finest opera companies - Lyric Opera of Chicago. Because it is the talent of outstanding singer/actors that makes each opera experience so resonant, Lyric is committed to providing the best training for talented, aspiring stars. In 1974 they created The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center to ensure the future of opera by identifying emerging artists from around the world, and providing them with comprehensive opera training and unique performance opportunities.

The impact of this training on the performers is life-changing.

Finn Sagal, Bass-baritone

"During my time at the Ryan Opera Center so far, I have gained insight into what a successful singer needs to be. They need to be true to themselves in order to be vulnerable and open on stage. They need to constantly workshop their craft, but learn to be in the moment when performing and speak their individual truth. The Ryan Opera Center is the perfect environment for me to explore my own voice and be the best singer I can be." 

Michael Banwarth, Pianist

"I’ve taken away so many wonderful lessons from my time as a pianist and coach at the Ryan Opera Center. It has been incredibly useful to see how a major opera company runs, and I have gained a real appreciation for so many roles behind the scenes and in music preparation. I hope to continue working in opera houses in the future, and now I have insight into the many hats a pianist must wear in the field, from accompanist to conductor, prompter, diction coach, and sometimes just a friend and supportive colleague who understands all the challenges that singers need to manage while mounting a production."

Lucy Baker, Mezzo-Soprano

"As an ensemble member at the Ryan Opera Center, I have had the privilege to sing in some of the biggest venues for me so far. I've learned to trust my artistry and what got me to this point, and know that I am able to fill these large spaces. In addition to getting to learn from some of the greatest professionals in the world, I have also had the great honor to be surrounded by so many talented young artists, all of whom I have been able to learn from."

By identifying emerging artists from around the world, and providing them with comprehensive opera training and unique performance opportunities, the The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center ensures the future of opera and its power to tell unforgettable stories and touch lives. 

"Light Up the Night!"



The Village Chicago invites you to a very special fundraising event.

Join us on Tuesday, September 24, 5:30-7:30 at the Chicago History Museum for a lively reception with delectable appetizers, drinks, games, prizes and an exciting raffle. There will be a live auction with amazing getaways and other extravagant treats followed by unforgettable entertainment by performers from Lyric's world-renowned Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center.

Become an Underwriting Sponsor or Join the Host Committee!

Click here to support The Village Chicago - a treasure to be sure - but also a unique community asset where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are respected and valued - a collaborative community where we recognize and engage one another's strengths so all can thrive. 

Get Your Early Bird Tickets Now!

Early bird tickets are $90 - $110 after September 6. Click here, email celebrate@thevillagechicago.org, or call 773-248-8700. 

Volunteers Wanted!

Volunteers are essential to the success of our upcoming fundraiser on September 24, 2024. From helping on the day of the event to ensuring everything runs smoothly, there are numerous ways to get involved and support this important fundraiser. Please contact the Village at info@thevillagechicago.org or call 773-248-8700 to sign up and be part of our amazing night.

Two Staff Promotions at the Village

Callie Alton Promoted to Director of Membership & Operations 

Callie Alton, who has been serving as Director of Membership & Engagement since October 2021, has been promoted to the role of Director of Membership & Operations. Callie says, "I'm looking forward to this new role which allows me to continue my engagement with members while also taking on larger projects like the development of our new website. It has been a journey from starting as a volunteer at the Hyde Park Village to my current position. I'm grateful to play a growing part in furthering the values of community, reciprocity, and age inclusion at The Village Chicago." 

Brooke Nanni Promoted to Director of Health and Wellbeing

“I am excited to be moving into this role. Since I joined the Village last May, I have enjoyed getting to know Village members while learning about our community and our programming. I've grown from each conversation, each presentation and each event. I look forward to carrying on the outstanding work that has already been done to make our Village a leader in health and wellbeing programming, as well as to learning from our community how we can enhance our programs moving forward. 

Board of Directors

David Baker,

Chair

Judith Gethner, Secretary

Joan Goldstein,

Treasurer

Kathie Kolodgy,

Vice Chair

Karen Terry,

Vice Chair

Don Bell

Jacie Brandes

Stefanie Clark

Carol Hitchie

Angie Levenstein

Molly Matthias

Liz Metzger

Gail Moss

Tom Pasker

Carol Stein

Lois Stuckey

Vamse Kumar Subbiah

Carlos Terrazas

Jan Walters

Mel Washburn

Advisory Council

Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD

Robyn L. Golden, LCSW

Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD

Executive Director

Niki Fox

The Village Chicago is a community network of friendship, engagement and services for people over 50. We support all aspects of well-being through social engagement, an extensive services and referral network, lifelong learning, health and fitness, intergenerational relationships, work, and purpose.

2502 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614. 773.248.8700

www.thevillagechicago.org