Read more below about the past Chicago Bridge events from 2006-2007. Learn how the goup continued to develop.

Steering Committee Meeting

Next Wave  event: March 7, 2006

Chicago NextWave’s last steering committee meeting was 11/15/05.  Since it’s been a couple of months, we are considering holding a steering committee meeting Tuesday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at Costello’s, a sandwich shop at 4647 N. Lincoln. Costello’s phone number is 773 989-7788 and they are just steps from the Western stop on the Brown line. Ample parking nearby in Lincoln Square’s pay lots or on the streets. Your appetite for sandwiches and your ideas for NextWave are welcome!  For those of you who are looking to get involved, this is your chance – whether you are a prospective/new graduate or new to the field of aging, we look forward to meeting you!

Items for discussion

* Our connection to other NextWave groups across the country
* Involvement at the upcoming ASA/NCOA conference in Anaheim in 2006, and the ASA/NCOA conference that will be here in Chicago in 2007
* Dates for future meetings, and
* Any new topics that are brought forward

Results from Steeting Community Meeting

All present members collectively decided that we do not believe in limiting the people to our group based on age.  We seem to be more aligned with ASA’s idea of assisting people new to the field, regardless of age.  Since this does not align with San Francisco’s mission then we have no other option but to leave Next Wave and become our own separate entity. Amy W suggested that we do not cut ties with Next Wave and that we keep it cordial for we disagree only with the age specific mission statement of their group and hold no negative feelings towards its members.

As far as our relationship with ASA, perhaps they can help us in the future to meet our goals and we them in meeting their goals. Amy W. suggested that there be an umbrella group that connects all communities of “Emerging Professionals.” This piece could be ASA’s role, as it would meet their stated goals of building relationships with/ providing leadership opportunities for emerging professionals in aging.

CHICAGO NEXT WAVE changed name, affiliation, missions, and goals to the CHICAGO BRIDGE

 

CHICAGO BRIDGE EVENTS 2006

the Chicago Bridge Event : Wednesday, May 31, 2006
7:00pm
What: A meeting to welcome NEW members, review updates from the 2006 ASA conference in Anaheim, discuss plans for the upcoming year, and to discuss abstract submissions and participation in the 2007 ASA conference that will be here in CHICAGO!

We hope the Chicago Bridge will have a loud voice at the conference, this is your opportunity to get involved!
Where: Costello’s Sandwich shop
4647 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

the Chicago Bridge Event : Tuesday, July 25, 2006
The Chicago Bridge (formerly Chicago NextWave)
Presents An Evening with Anna Ortigara, Vice President of Campaign for Culture Change, Life Services Network

Anna Ortigara, a nationally recognized expert in eldercare, will speak with us about networking, career growth and ways to make your mark in the field of aging.

Please join us for this informal discussion and
networking opportunity.
Light refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, July 25 at 7 pm
AgeOptions
(formerly Suburban Area Agency on Aging)
1048 W. Lake St., Ste. 300, Oak Park

ATTENDANCE:  15/20 RSVP, plus 3

the Chicago Bridge Event : September 18, 2006 (CANCELED DUE TO INTERESTED PARTIES HAD SCHEDULING CONFLICT)
Steering Committee Meeting
Please join Chicago Bridge on September 18 for our next steering committee meeting.  We will discuss the history of The Bridge, future directions, and plan for future meetings.  Anyone interested in some behind the scenes involvement in the group is welcome!

Please RSVP to this email address if you plan on coming. If you can’t come but have some ideas for future directions or meeting topics/speakers, please send your thoughts to this email address.  Hope to see you there!

No one was able to make the steering committee meeting on 9/18, so Kate will develop a brief history to email to the group by the end of October.  Along with this history she will compile the various ideas and recommendations members have had over time re: their hopes and ideas for The Bridge.  Many suggestions included more speakers and opportunities for networking.

If you have any burning ideas, please send them to this email address by Sunday October 1.

Watch your email in October for this history and future of the group!

Anna-Liisa shared that she is working on a new flyer for The Bridge that everyone can use for outreach to attract new members.

the Chicago Bridge Event : October 29, 2006
ASA Partnership Discussion
We have a very exciting opportunity available to us, and we’d like you to be a part of it!  We’ve now been an active group and a strong presence in the Chicagoland area and at ASA for 4 years!  Over the course of the 4 years our level of activity has risen and fallen; and our meetings and speakers have been arranged by group members who volunteer to organize our events.

Recently, through discussions with ASA staff we have begun to toss around the idea of having a paid staff member to help keep our group together in order to continue providing us with speakers, networking opportunities, and information about the field of aging.  We also discussed the idea of getting some funding in order to send Bridge members to conferences and training events.  With the approaching ASA conference in Chicago, this additional funding is very timely.

So, we are hoping to apply for some funding, but we need your help!  ASA has offered to be our sponsor organization so that we do not need to become our own 501c3. We are to write up a brief, but solid proposal with some history of our group and thoughts on our path for the future, along with a wish list for funding.

Please join us to get an outline together for this proposal on Sunday, October 29th at 5:00 PM at LaVilla Restaurant and Pizzeria, 3632 N. Pulaski Rd. (near Addison and the Kennedy, 773-283-7980).

At the meeting we also plan to discuss the opportunities available to Bridge members at the upcoming GSA conference, the Governor’s conference, and the ASA conference that will be here in Chicago in March.  Additionally, many of our members are presenting at each of these conferences and we would like to find out who is presenting, and where, so we could provide support to one another.  There are also a few slots available for people who wish to sign up to do a presentation.

Please respond to this message to let us know if you will be at the meeting.  If you are unable to attend but have ideas let us know.  Also, if you cannot attend and are presenting at an upcoming conference, please let us know so we can share it with the group.

Attendance: 6/6 RSVPs + 1

the Chicago Bridge Event : October meeting follow-up questionnaire
Please see Member Survey: Strategic Planning 2006 for results!
We had a great meeting on 10/29 brainstorming about funding proposals.  There was much discussion about various funding sources, goals and management of a Bridge employee, and the pros and cons of having ASA as our fiscal agent.  We are continuing to explore the benefits of applying for funding and how funds would be used.

Please take a moment to answer the following questions.  We hope to have the input of many Bridge members as we move forward.  Be sure to reply by 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 5.  Thanks for your help!
1)  What work is needed to run activities sponsored by The Bridge?

2)  How would The Bridge use funds available from a grant? (e.g., website, promotional materials, speaker honorariums, etc.)

3)  What are the benefits and drawbacks of hiring a part time employee to organize The Bridge membership and activities?

4)  If hiring an employee is not an option, how should The Bridge delegate organization responsibilities amongst members?

5)  Other ideas or thoughts

Thanks again for your input and look for a summary of next steps in early December!

the Chicago Bridge Event: December 2006
Year-end meeting to review survey results rescheduled due to several family emergencies.  Meeting rescheduled to January 2007.

Chicago Bridge Events 2007

Planning Meeting / ASA Partnership Discussion

The Chicago Bridge Event: Sunday, January 21, 2007. Our last meeting regarding future plans for the Bridge (including the possibility of pursuing formal funding and staff) was canceled due to an emergency.  The good news is that those who could not make our December meeting but want to be part of this discussion have another chance to join us!

4:30 at LaVilla Restaurant (3638 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago)

Please RSVP by Saturday, January 20 and include your cell or home phone number.  If you planned to attend the December meeting and have already RSVP’ed for the January meeting, you do not need to RSVP again.

ATTENDANCE: 8/12 RSVPS

Future Plans

The group reviewed the survey results exploring the option of grant funding to support an employee to coordinate Chicago Bridge events and administrative work
The group felt that at the present time it is best to continue with a self-management organization structure

Regarding a partnership with ASA on an organizational level, the group felt it was necessary to develop a strong set of goals and monitor progress, then consider a partnership

The group agreed on the following goals for the Chicago Bridge

• to provide quality events that allow for peer connections, support, and professional learning opportunities
• to highlight the expertise of Bridge members by seeking them to volunteer as guest speakers for Bridge events
• to explore the professional connections of Bridge members by asking them for guest speaker ideas (e.g., seasoned professionals with whom they have a relationship)
• to encourage Bridge members to become involved in event planning at any level (e.g., emailing event ideas, offering event space, working with other members to plan events, helping with set-up, etc.)
• to explore eldercare locations that may provide room space for meetings (and when possible start such meetings with a time of volunteering with the elders)
• to continue to explore what Bridge members want and need from the group

the Chicago Bridge Event: Thursday, February 22, 2007
Guest speaker
The Chicago Bridge’s very own Dave Scott
Let’s Reenergize: How to Keep Committed to Your Position in the Field of Aging
Please join the Chicago Bridge as we kick off 2007 with sweets and support!

6:45 pm – 7:00 pm dessert, networking, and raffle!

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Bridge news and speaker

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly
355 North Ashland Avenue,  Chicago

Invite a friend!
Bring your business card for the raffle!
Organizer: Dave Scott
Snacks: Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly’s Dave Scott

ATTENDANCE: 5/9 RSVP plus 2

the Chicago Bridge Event: March 2007 ASA in Chicago

the Chicago Bridge Event: May 16, 2007
Chicago Bridge Presents
Conference in a Capsule
Come hear your peers speak about lessons learned and experiences presenting at the ASA/NCOA conference.

May 16, 2007
6:45-8:30 p.m.

6:45-7:00 p.m. – Networking and Mingling

7:00-7:45 p.m. – Debrief with Chicago Bridge ASA/NCOA presenters

7:45- 8:30 – Wrap up and Planning for next meeting

Lieberman Geriatric Health Centre, 9700 Gross Point Road in Skokie

Refreshments will be served
Organizers: Sari Shuman
Snacks: Kate Krajci

ATTENDANCE:  9/9 RSVPs

the Chicago Bridge Event: June 21, 2007
Summer Social
Organizer: Karen Kolb
Please join your colleagues on June 21 2007, the first day of summer, for a celebratory happy hour.
6 pm
Where: Plymouth Restaurant and Bar on the Rooftop deck
327 S Plymouth Ct
Chicago, IL 60604

5 RSVP

the Chicago Bridge Event: October 2, 2007
An Evening with Robyn Golden
Director of Older Adult Programs, Rush University Medical Center
Please join us as Robyn discusses her inspiring career path and ways to make your mark in the field of aging.
Tuesday, October 2
6:30 pm-7:00 pm Networking and refreshments
7:00 pm-8:30 pm Interactive discussion
Community Meeting Room of Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.

Robyn Golden, MA, LCSW, serves as the Director of Older Adult Programs at Rush University Medical Center. Robyn has worked in the field of aging for more than 20 years. She has been actively involved in service provision, program development, education, research and public policy aimed at developing innovative initiatives and systems integration to improve the health and well-being of older adults and their families.   In 2003-04, Robyn was the John Heinz Senate Fellow based in the office of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in Washington, D.C. In addition, she is the chair of American Society on Aging and is adjunct faculty at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration.

ATTENDANCE: 12/19 RSVPS, plus 5