Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Vivan Maier Photography

The public is invited to a special presentation of Vivian Maier’s photographs by Mike Bullis at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Oak Park Arms Retirement Community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Maier was born in New York City in 1926 and grew up in France. She returned to Chicago in the 1950s, where she was a nanny for 40 years.

Maier strolled the city streets taking photographs of everything and everyone she came across. Maier had an eye for capturing the essence of all walks of life, from
women in pearls and lace on Michigan Avenue to the city’s gritty Maxwell Street Market. She also took photos in Europe and New York City, some of which are part of the collection.

Although Maier created more than 100,000 negatives, she rarely showed her work to others. Her body of work remained largely unknown and stowed away for years in a storage unit. After Maier stopped making payment, the unit was sold at auction in 2007 to Chicago historian John Maloof. He was the first to discover the photographs, but he knew nothing about who took them.

Maier passed away in 2009 — just days before Maloof learned her name and started looking for her. She was a resident of Oak Park.

Since then Chicago art collector Jeffrey Goldstein also has acquired a portion of the Maier collection.  Champions of Maier’s photography have been managing her archives and organizing exhibitions across the country and around the world.

She is now recognized as an amateur American street photographer and her work has gained critical acclaim.

Bullis is a digital artist and freelance designer. His specialties include photography, short film production and website. A graduate of the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa, FL., Bullis studied under digital and film masters Win Wollof, Joseph Gamble and Chris Collins. He is currently a member of Goldstein’s team, responsible for the construction and ongoing development of the Vivian Maier Prints Inc. website www.vivianmaierphotography.com.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

The public is invited to enjoy an intergenerational choral performance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Oak Park Arms Retirement Community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

The first and second grade elementary students from the Oliver Wendell Holmes School chorus will join the Oak Park Arms Chorus in the ballroom as part of the Arms’ Halloween Extravaganza. Both choruses will perform songs together (such as the Halloween classic “Monster Mash”) and individually. A solo by Howard R. McClain will also be featured, as well as a community sing-along.

The Oak Park Arms Social Programming Director, Desi Vasquez, has partnered with Anjali Asokan Karia, the Holmes School music director, for a captivating night of performances.

This is the students’ annual debut, and also the first time they will be singing in harmony together.

Festivities will also include a costume parade open to anyone interested in participating. The best-dressed winner will receive a prize.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The day’s events are free and open to the public. Reservations are requested. Call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Civil war reenactors Brian Flora and his son, Daniel Flora, will present a multimedia program titled “Illinois Soldiers in the Civil War: How Illinois won the war for the Union,” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

In their presentation, Captain Daniel Flora and Private Brian Flora of Company A, 20th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, will portray Union veterans who have just fought at the 1862 Battle of Shiloh.

A quarter of the 67,000 Union troops engaged at the Battle of Shiloh—the first truly horrific battle of the war—were from Illinois.

The program will focus on the role of Illinois soldiers during the War of Southern Secession, including who the soldiers were, why they fought, where they went and how they lived.

“One-third of all Illinois males (260,000) fought in that war; 35,000 died,” says Brian Flora, an Oak Park resident. “The significance of Illinois’ contribution to the Union victory has generally been under-appreciated.”

The 20th Illinois was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army from 1861-1865. It was organized in Joliet after President Lincoln’s urgent call for volunteers.

Brian Flora is a member of the Historical Society and his son, Daniel, is a history major at the University of Illinois.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear will feature “Pete Kelly’s Blues” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The group returns to Oak Park Arms with a show that includes live jazz music from the Dick Elliot Band, along with other sound effects.

Pete Kelly’s Blues was a radio series crime drama with a strong musical atmosphere. It aired from July-Sept., 1951. In it, musician Pete Kelly (starring Jack Webb) heads his own jazz combo, “Pete Kelly’s Big Seven.” The group worked in a speakeasy set in Kansas City in the 1920s. The plots usually centered around Kelly’s reluctant involvement with gangsters, gun molls, FBI agents, and people trying to save their own skins. Paying tribute to the real meaning of “the blues,” the endings of this show were known to often be downbeat and gloomy.

Though the series was short-lived, it inspired both a movie and television version of the show in 1955 and 1959 respectively.

Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear is radio troupe composed of Chicagoland professional actors and voice-over artists who share a common interest – to perform old-time radio programs for the community. Each donates talent and time for free. The group’s founders Ben Dooley and Pam Turlow, husband and wife, established a connection with The Oak Park Arms in September of 2002, when Turlow’s father became a resident. They’ve been performing at “The Arms” ever since.

Dooley and Turlow’s group pours in a lot of effort when creating a show. They browse through thousands of old time radio episodes, select a favorite, listen and type out the script. Many shows are not available in print and have to be painstakingly transcribed. Then they gather sound effects, rehearse and mount the show.

Sound effects were an important part of live radio shows, so the group performs them live. They have a real door for slamming, buzzers, a sound board and shoes for footsteps, and doorbells. In this particular show, a live band will also be on stage.

Dick Elliot started his band in the early 60s. Though there is only one original member left, the 10-piece band is still thriving. Elliot himself plays the bass, while other instruments include the trumpet, keyboard and the drums.

The band will consist of just three players for “Pete Kelly’s Blues.” They will be on stage with the radio troupe for the full performance, joining in periodically with music.

Though no stranger to performing at the Oak Park Arms, this will be the band’s first time on stage in conjunction with Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear.

“We really like to entertain seniors,” Elliot said. “So when the radio troupe sent us a copy of the tape, complete with music, we listened to it and we liked it so we jumped on board.”

The shows are very popular with residents and people from the community. Some bring their children to show them what “pre-TV” entertainment was like.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

A health professional will present a talk titled “Diabetes” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, in the Terrace Room at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The public is welcome to attend this free event.

Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood. Two common types of diabetes are: Type 1–an auto-immune disease where the body destroys insulin and Type 2—a disease characterized by insulin resistance.

According to a new study from researchers at the University of Chicago, if the current trend continues, the number of diabetes cases will nearly double in the next 25 years, rising from the current 23.7 million to 44.1 million in 2034.

The cost of treating this many people will triple, rising from $113 billion to $336 billion, and Medicare spending on diabetes will skyrocket from $45 billion to $171 billion. It’s the domino effect.

Over 20 million Americans are affected with diabetes, with over half of those cases occurring in people 55 or older. As people get older, their risk for type 2 diabetes increases. In fact, one in four people over the age of 60 have diabetes.

How does diabetes develop?

Food is broken down in the body to be used as energy. When food is digested a sugar called glucose enters the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas meant to regulate blood sugar. Because glucose is a source of fuel for the body, it is the role of insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into fat, liver and muscle cells to be stored for energy.

Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both. People with diabetes have high blood sugar because their bodies cannot move the sugar from the bloodstream through the body properly.

High blood sugar levels can cause several symptoms, including:

•    Blurry vision
•    Excess thirst
•    Fatigue
•    Frequent Urination
•    Hunger
•    Weight Loss

Older patients may have several co-existing conditions that can mask the symptoms of diabetes, making a diagnosis difficult. This can also affect the management of diabetes as people age. Treatment involving a combination of medicine, diet and exercise helps control blood sugar and prevents symptoms and problems.

If left untreated, complications may include:

•    Trouble seeing, light sensitivity or blindness
•    Sores and infections on skin and feet that could result in amputation
•    Nerve damage in the body
•    Kidney disease
•    Higher blood pressure and cholesterol
•    Heart disease and stroke

Luckily, there are a few things that can prevent such appalling numbers. A recent 10-year trial called the Diabetes Prevention Program showed that overweight people with elevated blood sugar levels who lost a modest amount of weight lowered their risk of developing diabetes by at least a third. People age 60 and over saw even more dramatic results, cutting their risk of diabetes during the study period by about half.

If everyone would take three easy steps, the surge in diabetes might be better controlled:

•    Lose weight.
•    Eat right (low fat, lower calories) most of the time.
•    Take a walk (or exercise) 30 minutes five days of the week.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Gene Doretti will present “Adventures in Patriotism” at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Doretti will honor victims of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 by presenting topics such as the history of the Statue of Liberty; Sydney L. DeLove’s “Can We Wave the Flag too Much’” General Douglas MacArthur’s speech, “Duty, Honor, Country” and a portion of the “Gettysburg Address.”

Originally called “Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks,” Patriot Day is designated in memory of the victims of Sept. 11. Since 2002, on this day the President requests that the American flag be flown at half-staff and a moment of silence is to begin at 8:46 a.m., the time when the first plane struck the World Trade Center.

The presentation will also feature music including the original 1897 Sousa’s Stars and Stripes and the original sheet music of Irving Berlin’s God Bless America.

Doretti’s interest in radio began in high school, and his first radio job was broadcast from the station at the Oak Park Arms Hotel.

He attended Northern Illinois University in the 1950s, majoring in speech and journalism. In 1960, he was offered a job at WGN, where he was employed for 31 years. Through his work he has interviewed countless celebrities and politicians such as John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.

Following his WGN career, he did voiceover work for radio and TV including commercials and industrial films.

Doretti, a former Berwyn resident, lives in Lombard.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

The Monday Night Concert Series continues with “The Jeremy Kahn Trio” by jazz pianist Jeremy Kahn at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Kahn and his group will perform some of the best songs of the 20th century. Referred to by Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich as “a rare and gifted pianist,” Kahn has played in jazz venues around the world and pit orchestras for theatrical events such as “Wicked.” He has also performed with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Joni Mitchell, Phil Woods, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Aretha Franklin.

After over a decade living in New York, this Chicago native has returned home and now lives in Oak Park with his family.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. Call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Visitors are welcome at the next meeting of the Mills Investment Club at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. New members are always welcome to join or visit.

The club group provides a fun, easy, way to learn about investing. Mills Investment Club combines camaraderie, education and buying power, and confidence.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. Call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

An event titled “Breakfast with the Doctor” with Dr. Maria Chon takes place at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 29, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The subject is feet, and free foot screenings will be available to all attendees.

The weight of the world rests on a person’s feet. Podiatrists can help older people stay on their feet and continue to be active. Feet change with the aging process and so does the ability to care for feet.

Some common foot changes include:

• decrease in the foot pad on the bottom of the foot
• calluses
• thickening or thinning of toenails
• arthritis
• swelling

Mobility can be affected by bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses and a multitude of other foot issues. Feet take a beating – five to seven times your body weight with every step, and start to break down late in life as the fat pad under the foot shrinks, tendons weaken and arthritis sets in.

If one has foot pain or any changes in the skin on the feet, a podiatrist can make recommendations to improve health.

Some common sense tips about good foot health:

• After bathing, one should dry well between the toes. This will decrease the development of athlete’s foot which can lead to further infection.
• Dry skin can be alleviated by using a moisturizing cream on the feet and legs.
• Toenails need to be trimmed. If health problems make it difficult to cut toenails, seek a professional, because if toenails are too long or thick, they can create more problems.
• Wear properly fitting shoes. Pressure from shoes or stockings can promote ingrown nails or cause sores to develop under the nails.
• Don’t let minor foot problems develop into large emergencies. If something is red, swollen and/or painful, consult your podiatric physician as soon as possible.

Dr. Chon has had an office in the Oak Park Arms for 14 years. It’s located in the south wellness corridor. Her office is open three days a week and she takes most major insurances. For an appointment, call 708-848-7334.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Mary Maryland, PhD, RN, will present a talk titled, “Sweet Dreams: How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep,” at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Dr. Mary, as she’s affectionately called, will present important information on the topic of sleep.

A National Sleep Foundation poll of older adults found a close relationship between the health and quality of life of older adults, and their sleep quantity and quality. It found that the better the health of older adults, the more likely they are to sleep well. Conversely, the greater the number of diagnosed medical conditions, the more likely they are to experience sleep problems.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends tips for better sleep:

• exercise in the afternoon,
• avoid stimulants such as caffeine for at least three or four hours before bed,
• go to bed at the same time every night and wake at the same time each morning,
• avoid alcohol in the later evening, and
• try taking naps, but remember that sleep in the daytime affects sleep at night.

After the presentation, Dr. Mary will answer questions from the audience.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.