Center for Life and Learning

Center for Life and Learning Newsletter of the Center for Life and Learning Winter Summer 2013 2014 2011 Welcome! Established in 1965, the CLL is founded on a commitment to intellectual and creative challenge for its patrons. Each year more than 250 men and women age 60 years and more take advantage of daily opportunities to explore new interests, strengthen friendships, and continue to shape their lives and communities. Our annual selections in foreign language, arts, literature, history, architecture, computer instruction, and wellness represent the varied and shifting interests of our members. Our participants represent a wide variety of personal and professional backgrounds. All are welcome! Center for Life and Learning 126 E. Chestnut St. Chicago, IL 60611 312.787.4570

3 CLL Staff Julia Bergen, Co-Director 312.981.3386 jbergen@fourthchurch.org Call Julia to ask about classes or to sign up for a minicourse Ashley Elskus, Co-Director 312.981.3387 aelskus@fourthchurch.org Call Ashley to talk about membership or to sign up for an event Matthew Cook Healing Touch 312.981.3398 mattdan@ameritech.net Call Matthew to make an appointment Want to Connect? Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter! Email Ashley at aelskus@gmail.com with your email address. Visit our website at www.fourthchurch.org/cll for complete information on our program.

4 Participating in the CLL CLL Announcements Holiday Closings The Center for Life and Learning will be closed on the following dates: Christmas Holiday: Monday, December 23 Friday, January 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20 Volunteer Opportunities at the CLL! Interested in volunteering at the CLL? If you would like to help us by being a classroom host or greeter or assist with luncheons and registrations, we d love to hear from you! To find out about our volunteer openings and to be added to our volunteer list, please call Ashley at 312.981.3387. AARP Tax Assistance We are no longer offering the tax assistance service through the CLL. If you are seeking free tax assistance, please call AARP s toll-free number, 888.687.2277. Chicago Lights Gala Carnaval Friday, February 28, 5:30 p.m. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel (221 N. Columbus Drive) Don t miss this annual gala event that benefits Chicago Lights, the Lorene Replogle Counseling Center, and the Center for Life and Learning. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and dinner, dancing with the Ken Arlen Orchestra, silent and live auction with ABC7 Chicago s Ron Magers, and more! RSVP to Andrea Miller at 312.640.2576 (amiller@ fourthchurch.org) for ticket information.

5 Annual membership runs from September through August Individual Annual Dues: $200 / Individuals 85 and Older: $175 To learn about adjusted rate options, call Ashley Elskus at 312.981.3387. Included in CLL Membership Weekly Classes Multi-level French Growth of the Modern City Literature and the Arts Watercolor Painting Memoir and Creative Writing Current Events Drawing Fundamentals Creative Workshop (free) Bible Study (free) Weekly Exercise Toning Balls Pilates Resistance Bands Intermediate Tai Chi Chuan Range of Motion Minicourses/Events Free or discounted rate on all minicourses and excursions. Non-Member Opportunities Even if you are not a member of the CLL, you still get access to: CLL Minicourses 2 5 week series to accommodate busy schedules offered throughout the calendar year. More information on our minicourses can be found in this newsletter. Excursions and Special Events Plays, museums, gardens, and other engaging venues. More information on our excursions and special events can be found in this newsletter.

6 Annual Classes Annual Classes Annual classes are offered weekly September through June and are included in CLL annual membership. Experienced instructors offer college-level material and invite class discussion in a respectful atmosphere. Please stop by for an updated syllabus. French Language The CLL offers three levels of French language classes: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Come decide which is best for you! Mondays 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m. advanced, 11:00 a.m. intermediate, 12:00 noon beginner) Growth of the Modern City All things urban are explored in this diverse class. Mondays, 10:30 11:30 a.m. Toning Balls This chair-based class starts with seated aerobics to increase stamina, then uses lightweight toning balls for grip strength, shoulder mobility, and hand-eye coordination. Class winds up with seated abs, cool down, and stretching. Mondays, 10:30 11:15 a.m. Literature and the Arts The focus of this course is upon the joy of learning and discovery in literary and visual arts. Each meeting is rich with discussion. Mondays, 1:00 2:30 p.m.

Annual Classes 7 Pilates Resistance Bands This Pilates-based seated class focuses on upper body conditioning and hip strength with resistance bands and includes a warm-up and stretching. Tuesdays, 10:30 11:15 a.m. Watercolor Painting Emphasis is on the concepts of positive and negative painting, brush technique, color studies, and wet and dry application of paint. Students from all levels of experience are welcome! Tuesdays, 1:00 2:30 p.m. Intermediate Tai Chi Chuan This intermediate class is for those who have experience doing Tai Chi Chuan, a tradition of body movement that is a means of both focusing and relaxing for better balance and flexibility. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:45 3:30 p.m. Current Events Come together to discuss the daily headlines. Our instructor brings stories to discuss and open the group to full conversation. Wednesdays, 1:15 2:30 p.m. Memoir and Creative Writing This inspiring and intimate class helps you capture your life story as a legacy while clarifying what your experiences have meant to you. Wednesdays, 11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

8 Annual Classes Drawing Fundamentals Learn to translate what you see into a visual representation through the mastering of materials and the development of eye-hand coordination. Students from all levels of experience are welcome! Wednesdays, 3:00 4:30 p.m. Range of Motion An enjoyable challenge of chair and standing group exercise class which emphasizes core strength, balance, flexibility, and mental fitness. Thursdays, 10:30 11:15 a.m. Creative Workshop (free class) Bring your supplies and ideas to share in creative fellowship! All are welcome to work on individual projects or be inspired to create something new. Thursdays, 1:00 2:30 p.m. Bible Study (free class) Our interactive Bible study welcomes everyone who wants to learn more about Christian scripture and their own faith. Fridays, 10:30 11:45 a.m.

Minicourses 9 CLL Minicourses invite experts from the Chicago area to enrich our annual curriculum and engage learners in compelling topics. Minicourses Minicourses are open to all men and women ages 60 and more. To register for a CLL Minicourse, call Julia Bergen at 312.981.3386. Please note: Members of Fourth Presbyterian Church ( FPC Members ) may register at the CLL member rate! Immigration Today Mondays, January 27 February 17, 2:45 3:45 p.m. $30 CLL and FPC members / $35 guest registrants Our lecturer, Pastoral Resident Edwin Estevez, will explore one of the great debates that has been occurring in the United States: the debate around issues of immigration. Utilizing two optional books The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and So Far From God by Ana Castillo Edwin will lead us in discussing issues of identity, culture, and policy through the lens of fiction. This class will name some of the major issues that relate to immigration and the culture it creates and look at what some countries legislate in regards to restricting and encouraging immigration. Edwin Estevez is a Pastoral Resident at Fourth Presbyterian Church. He received his undergraduate degree in political science from Fairleigh Dickinson and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Seminary.

10 Minicourses European Cinema between the Wars Wednesdays, January 22 February 12, 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. $15 CLL, FPC, and Lincoln Park Village members $20 guest registrants John Craib-Cox, a longtime faculty member at the CLL, will take participants back to the early history of film. Focusing on European cinema after The Great War of 1918, this four-week class will look at how the films produced during that period were a reflection of the time. Each film will be preceded by a brief introduction, and a discussion will follow. Please feel free to bring your lunch with you! January 22 The Last Laugh (Germany, 1924) January 29 Grand Illusion (France, 1937) February 5 Alexander Nevsky (Russia, 1938) February 12 Rules of the Game (France, 1939) John Craib-Cox teaches graduate courses at the International Academy of Design and Technology, specializing in historic preservation, history of design and furniture, and retrofitting historic buildings to meet the American Disabilities Act standards. Lincoln Park Village members may register at the $15 price. Lincoln Park Village programs and events build the strong, lasting neighbor-to-neighbor bonds essential to sustaining a grassroots, volunteer-first organization.

Minicourses 11 Mindful Meditation Wednesdays, January 8 and 15, 10:00 11:00 a.m. $10 all registrants What is mindfulness and why is it important? The practice of mindfulness helps restore a balanced state of mind which leads to a reduction in stress and its accompanying anxiety makes physical pain more manageable, and improves decision-making. This two-week course will provide participants with a basic introduction to mindfulness meditation and practices to help individuals incorporate mindfulness into daily living. This course will be led by Stephanie Lagalo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation. Beginning Bridge Wednesdays, January 29 March 5, 1:00 3:00 p.m. $125 ($110 for repeat students) for 6-week series (includes text and materials) or $25 per class Learn the fundamentals of basic bridge: bidding, play, and defense. This course is designed for those who have never played and for those wanting to learn the modern methods of bidding. Audrey Grant s most current information and mechanics of the game are used. A minimum of eight students is needed to hold the class. Please preregister with instructors Ellen and Richard Gabriel at msbid1@gmail.com.

12 Minicourses Bridge: Intermediate Supervised Play Wednesdays, January 29 March 26, 1:00 3:00 p.m. $20 per class Join us for a brief lesson followed by supervised play. Hal Stern will answer questions on bidding, declarer play, and defense. Participants may sign up with or without a partner. Space is limited for these sessions. Please preregister with Hal Stern at harold.stern@att.net. Acrylic Painting on Canvas Mondays, February 3 24, 2:30 4:00 p.m. Create works of art using acrylic paint on canvas. Participants will learn, in a supportive environment, the acrylic process while utilizing new techniques and exploring color contrast and compositional strategies. Over this four-week course, participants will have the opportunity to complete three canvases. Students are required to bring their own supplies. A supply list is provided upon registration. Instructor Judith Renner is a longtime Chicago-area art teacher, who focuses on drawing and painting. She enjoys taking a personal approach to her instruction, giving each student individual attention while collaborating with the class on overall direction.

Minicourses 13 Beginner Tai Chi Chuan Tuesdays, February 4 April 8, 2:00 2:45 p.m. $65 CLL and FPC members / $75 guest registrants Tai Chi Chuan is an effective exercise for anyone seeking to enhance balance, strength, and coordination. It is made up of a fluid series of postures joined with deep-breathing exercises. Beginning students learn the history and fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan and will be prepared to join the intermediate class upon completion of the beginner series. A minimum of eight students is needed to hold the class, so bring a friend! Great Decisions Discussion Series Women and men: Tuesdays, February 4 June 10, 1:15 2:45 p.m. Men only: Alternate Wednesdays, February 5 June 11, 10:00 11:30 a.m. $65 CLL and FPC members / $75 guest registrants This lively and compelling U.S. foreign affairs discussion series is based on the Great Decisions curriculum published by the Foreign Policy Association. Participants are expected to read the prepared materials in advance to ensure thoughtful discussion. The Great Decisions book must be purchased at the Foreign Policy Association website (www.fpa.org) prior to the first class.

14 Winter Excursions and Events Winter Excursions and Events Our monthly luncheons and excursions are a terrific way to meet CLL members and visit new Chicago destinations. Registration for excursions and events is open to anyone age 60 and more who would like to attend. Registration is complete when payment is received. Events often fill up quickly, and RSVP dates are firm, so please make your reservations on time. To register for an excursion or event, call Ashley at 312.981.3387. Please note: Members of Fourth Presbyterian Church ( FPC Members ) may register at the CLL member rate! Reservation refunds will not be available past the RSVP deadline. Creative Workshop Thursdays, beginning December 5, 1:00 2:30 p.m. Please join us for a free, new annual class: a time to bring your supplies and ideas to share in creative fellowship! All are welcome to work on individual projects or be inspired to create something new. Working on a scrapbook? A scarf? A collage or drawing? Now is the time to flex your creative muscles!

Winter Excursions and Events 15 Nite Out at Mario s Table Thursday, December 12, 5:00 p.m. Come enjoy a night out of fun conversation and great food! Mario s is a local favorite in the Gold Coast. Along with offering authentic Italian food, fine wine, and a cozy bar, Mario s Table truly makes diners feel comfortable and welcome. Please meet at the restaurant at 21 W. Goethe. RSVP by Tuesday, December 10 Separate checks provided Afternoon Tea at the Drake Friday, December 13, 3:30 p.m. Continuing its longstanding tradition of afternoon tea, the Palm Court s Holiday Tea introduces festive holiday pastries, a harpist, and The 12 Days of Christmas by carolers who will serenade guests in the magnificently decorated winter wonderland. Please meet in the lobby of the Drake Hotel at 140 E. Walton Place. RSVP by Thursday, December 5 $52 all registrants

16 Winter Excursions and Events Annual Holiday Luncheon Thursday, December 19, 11:30 a.m. This year s holiday luncheon is not to be missed! Live piano music, the singing of holiday carols, and a short performance of The Night before Christmas from our very own Chestnut Street Players will be among the highlights. Come help us celebrate the end to a great year! We will continue the tradition of asking guests to provide a dessert for our dessert table. RSVP by Tuesday, December 10 $15 all registrants Nite Out at Rock Bottom Thursday, January 9, 5:00 p.m. Come enjoy a night out of fun conversation and great food! Rock Bottom offers classic American food and great craft beer. Please meet at the restaurant at 1 W. Grand Avenue. RSVP by Tuesday, January 7 Separate checks provided January Luncheon Thursday, January 16, 11:30 a.m. Come out for great company and good social time with friends. January birthdays will be recognized, so if your birthday is in January, let us know upon registration! A hearty pot roast is on the menu. Lunch will be held in the Borwell Dining Room. RSVP by Tuesday, January 7 $10 CLL and FPC members / $15 guest registrants

Winter Excursions and Events 17 Milwaukee Art Museum Wednesday, January 29, 9:30 a.m. The CLL is headed to Milwaukee! We will be enjoying a hearty three-course German lunch at the world-renowned Maeder s restaurant, and then we are off to enjoy a visit to the Art Museum. A docent-led tour will be available for those that would like one; otherwise participants are free to enjoy the museum on their own. Please meet in the Morse Lounge of the Gratz Center for departure. RSVP by Tuesday, January 14 $70 CLL and FPC members / $80 guest registrants; price includes lunch, museum docent, admission, and transportation 42nd Street at the Paramount Theatre Wednesday, February 5, 10:15 a.m. Enjoy a great Broadway musical at the historic Paramount Theatre in Aurora! The classic tale of Broadway, 42nd Street is the story of Peggy, a small-town girl who leaves the sanctity of family to pursue her dreams in New York. Filled with the biggest showstopping tap numbers on Broadway, 42nd Street is a true spectacle with its gorgeous 1930s costumes, beautiful sets, and musical hit after hit, all performed by the Paramount s full orchestra. Participants will enjoy a threecourse lunch at Ballydoyle Pub, across the street from the theater, before the 1:30 p.m. show. RSVP by Wednesday, January 15 $78 CLL and FPC members / $88 guest registrants; price includes ticket, lunch, and transportation

18 Winter Excursions and Events Nite Out at Hugo s Frog Bar and Fish House Thursday, February 13, 5:00 p.m. Since 1997, out-of-towners and locals have been hopping to this upscale seafood restaurant and piano bar for fresh fish and good times. Besides seafood delivered daily and the signature frog legs, guests can get steaks from the adjacent Gibson s. Please meet at the restaurant at 1024 N. Rush Street. RSVP by Tuesday, February 11 Separate checks provided February Luncheon Thursday, February 20, 11:30 a.m. Come out for good company and social time with friends. February birthdays will be recognized, so if your birthday is in February, please let us know upon registration! Chicken parmesan is on the menu. Lunch will take place in the Borwell Dining Room. RSVP by Tuesday, February 11 $10 CLL and FPC members / $15 guest registrants

Winter Excursions and Events 19 Auditions for the Chestnut Street Players! Thursday, February 6, 2:00 p.m. For two years the Chestnut Street Players have been entertaining the CLL with their wonderful performances. They are preparing for their spring show, Fibber McGee Goes Camping Thursday, April 3 and are in need of actors! No previous acting experience is needed, just enthusiasm and a love of the theater arts. There are also spots for sound effects, ushering, and sound engineers. Come and join them to create an oldtime radio show experience. All for fun and fun for all!

20 Winter Excursions and Events Health and Wellness Free Diabetes Presentation and Screenings Tuesday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Diabetes Presentation, Room 5F Diabetes and Bone Density Screenings, Room 5E All are welcome to attend a free presentation about diabetes, offered by CJE Senior Life. Following the presentation, free diabetes and bone density testing will be offered. No reservations required. For more information, please call Julia Bergen at 312.981.3386. Healing Touch Healing Touch is a gentle treatment for pain relief, calming anxiety, soothing depression, and overall relaxation. Clients maintain modesty by remaining clothed and using either the massage table or chair. Healing Touch is available at no cost to CLL Members, through the generosity of certified massage therapist Matthew Cook, although we suggest making a small donation after your session. CLL Members suggested gratuity: $5 Non-CLL Member Fee: $50 Appointments available Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. To contact Matthew for an appointment call 773.327.5248 or email mattdan@ameritech.net.

Annual Classes Monday Classes 10:00 11:00 a.m. Advanced French 10:30 11:30 a.m. Growth of the Modern City 10:30 11:15 a.m. Toning Balls 11:00 a.m. 12:00 noon Intermediate French 12:00 noon 1:00 p.m. Beginner French 1:00 2:30 p.m. Literature and the Arts Tuesday Classes 10:30 11:15 a.m. Pilates Resistance Bands 1:00 2:30 p.m. Watercolor Painting 2:45 3:30 p.m. Intermediate Tai Chi Chuan Wednesday Classes 11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Memoir and Creative Writing 1:15 2:30 p.m. Current Events 3:00 4:30 p.m. Drawing Fundamentals Thursday Classes 10:30 11:15 a.m. Range of Motion 1:00 2:30 p.m. Creative Workshop (free class) 2:45 3:30 p.m. Intermediate Tai Chi Chuan Friday Class 10:30 11:45 a.m. Bible Study (free class)

126 E. Chestnut St. Chicago, IL 60611.2014 312.787.4570 Winter Learning and Events