2008-09 event history
Please see all the Chicago Bridge past events through 2008-2009
the Chicago Bridge Event: January 23, 2008
2008 Chicago Bridge Brainstorming SessionIt’s that time of year!
The time to get together for a brainstorming session on Bridge events for 2008!
Chicago Bridge can be oh so much more than a convenient way to learn about job opportunities. Come brainstorm with other members so that we provide events and services that YOU want!
Do you know a speaker who would be inspiring (it could even be you!)? Have a location to show off as an event host? Want to spearhead a group volunteer effort? Have a brand new out-of-the-box idea for peer support? Know a fun bar to meet at for a social networking night? Want to take on a more active role with the Bridge but aren’t sure how?
Now’s a great time to get involved!
Wednesday, January 23
6:00 PM
CJE SeniorLife / Bernard Horwich JCC
3003 W Touhy Ave, Chicago
Between Sacramento and Kedzie
Parking available
Accessible by CTA bus #11, 93 (if CTA cuts occur, these will not be in service)
Join us to plan events and the future direction of The Chicago Bridge! If you are not able to make it to the meeting but have ideas or want to volunteer in 2008, just reply to this message and your ideas will be discussed.
ATTENDANCE: 15/19 RSVPs, plus 1 (Sam del Rosario)
EVENT PLANNING
- The group reviewed past Chicago Bridge events as well as the group?s history. Present members agreed to continue to plan events that involve speakers, networking opportunities, social events, and volunteer/fundraiser events.
- The group brainstormed potential speakers. Ideas included: Phyllis Mitzen, Darby Morhardt, Joyce Gallagher, Terry Savage
- The group agreed that locations should be close to public transportation with easy parking. Several members have volunteered their locations. Kate K will put out a call for locations via the listserve, and will distribute this list to event coordinators.
- The group agreed that time of events should relate to potential distance traveled to the location. Group is aware that members work throughout the Chicagoland area, many traveling from the NW suburbs and the Loop. Events will generally be scheduled between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
- The group agreed that weekdays are preferred over week-ends.
- The group discussed the proposal from Dana, Amy E, and Karen that each quarter of the year should have one networking event and one speaker event.
- The group felt this schedule may be too much but that such a schedule should certainly be revisited in the future.
- The group agreed on the following events for the 2008 year. The members who volunteered to coordinate the events will work with each other to plan event details and will communicate them to the wider listserve closer to event dates.
- March 12: Launching the Leaders of Tomorrow: Networking and resume review for career changers and graduating students- Coordinator: Hartford Fellows (Jaimie, Kate P, and Jessica) and Claudia
- May 14: Celebration of Older Americans Month (external speaker event)- Coordinator: Claudia and Cynthia; Jaimie will talk with Darby Morhardt re: speaking
- June 8: Little Brothers ? Friends of the Elderly Chicago Chapter Walk in the Park event (join a Chicago Bridge team for this fundraiser!)- Coordinator: open
- September 10: Hone Your Networking Skills (internal speaker event)- Coordinator: Claudia
- October 15: Using foundations and grants (external speaker event)- Coordinator: Rob and Sam
- December 3: End of year social event- Coordinator: Libby and Amy W Sam discussed arranging social events to attend films, art exhibits, and other cultural events that relate to aging. The group felt this was an excellent idea and all members are encouraged to use the listserve to arrange such social events.
GENERAL FUTURE PLANNING
Dana, Amy E, and Karen recommended that a leadership subcommittee be formed to ensure the Chicago Bridge continues to meet the needs of members, stay on target with its mission, and ensure that leadership participation is divided among those interested and not overwhelming for any members. The group felt this was an excellent idea and the first subcommittee meeting will be on February 28.
The following agenda items from today’s meeting will be deferred to the leadership subcommittee:
o Outreach to professionals and students
o Revisiting connecting the Chicago Bridge to ASA
COMMUNICATIONS
Kate K proposed a change in format for listserve communications. The group discussed changing the Chicago Bridge’s communication platform from the private email address chicagonextwave@yahoo.com to a Google Group. Rob has used Google Groups and found it an efficient and effective way to network and disucss topics of interest. Kate and Rob discussed the benfits of this change, including:
o Single email address that will disperse announcements directly to all group members- this will make the technology/communications facilitator role more efficient and allow members to email all Chicago Bridge members easily
o Free Google Groups private website that will list each member individually by name, with their individual email address- this will allow group members to access each other’s personal email addresses in order to increase one on one networking via the web
o The Google Group can be a ‘closed’ group, so that members can be pre-screened before being allowed to join- this will allow for more privacy and limit spam
The group approved this change and Kate K will make this transition by the end of March 2008. An announcement will be sent to the listserve as well as simple instructions on how to use the new Google Group.
Kate K also discussed using the professional networking site www.linkedin.com to promote connections between Chicago Bridge members. Members are encouraged to add to their Groups and Associations? profile section the following group title: Chicago Bridge
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Amy E (Amy_R_Eisenstein@ rush.edu) reminds members that being involved in professional organizations is a great way to jump start your career and get to know others in the filed. Many organizations are looking for the involvement of early to mid-level professionals, as well as students, so get involved!
the Chicago Bridge Event: March 12, 2008
Organizers: Claudia Cook, Jaimie Edelbrock, Jessica Hoffman, Kate Pinnow
Resume Rendezvous
A networking event for students as well as early and mid-stage professionals interested in the field of aging.
Come share your expertise or jump start your career search!
If you would like your resume reviewed, please bring several copies for comments.
March 12, 6-8 pm
The Hallmark, 2960 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Free parking at the building and CTA accessible
ATTENDANCE: 60
Resume Rendezvous March 12th 2008 - Chicago Bridge Event Feedback Responses
1. Are there two or more people you will follow up with since attending this event?
a) Yes
b) Yes; 2 or 3 have already emailed me
c) Yes, There is a person I plan on following up with from the event itself and I received several names of people from fellow event attendees to follow up with. These attendees felt they had colleagues who could better help me in my job search. I feel I got a lot of networking/ connection from attending.
d) Two people have already contacted me and I got referral contact information to pass on to a friend who is looking for a job.
2. Do you feel more connected to the aging field after attending this event? If so, how?
a) Yes
b) Yes; I learned a few things I did not know before, such as that
Medicaid pays for residents of places like Plum Creek. This was news to me! I realized I have a lot more to learn. It was nice to meet so many people who care about our elders.
c) I thought this event increase my view of how many different jobs that are in the field.
d) Slightly more. I spent the whole time talking to people who are new to the field. So, I learned a lot about what people are looking for in the field. Hopefully, everyone will attend more Chicago Bridge events and I can get to know them as colleagues. I did have a few moments to reconnect with colleagues.
3. Was the location and time of the event convenient for you? If not, when and/or where would be more convenient?
a) Yes
b) Location and time were just fine; although I’d prefer to meet closer to NMH downtown if there is a convenient location!
b)I thought the space was amazing and very nice. It was quite far from where I work, but as I am way on the Westside, so is everything else. I would attend again in this location.
d) Yes. Location and time were great!
4. How could we improve this event? Any general comments welcome!
a) It was great!
b) No suggestions at this time; you did a great job!
c) I came late, so maybe I just missed this, but maybe starting the event with everyone stating their name and what they do/ where they work, especially the professionals. This way student might get an idea about who they might like to make sure to speak with.
d) I would have liked to see the list of the group beforehand. That way I could have referred people to others in the group when I learned about their interests. Thanks for your work on this event. I think it was a great success. Below are the answers, please not that I am a professional, so my answers might be a bit different than those of the students and new people who were the target group for this session.
e) It was a well organized event!!
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Leaders in Aging Career Panel
Organizers: Claudia Cook, Cynthia Phon. Host: Lindsey Lavery
Please join Chicago Bridge to discuss careers, trends, opportunities and network with others interested in the field of aging
Panel features: Darby Morhardt, Director, Education, Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Marilyn Vocker, Director of Social Services, North Shore Senior Center. Ann Censotti, Social Worker, Presbyterian Homes. Martha Miles-Jankovics, Geriatric Care Manager, LivHOME
***FREE food, wine and parking*** 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Lincolnwood Place, 7000 N. McCormick Blvd. (just south of Touhy), Lincolnwood, IL
17/26 RSVPs attended, plus 9 attendees without RSVP
the Chicago Bridge Event: Sunday June 8, 2008
Service Event: Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly Walk in the Park, Lincoln Park, Chicago
Organizer: Michael Kocher
Chicago Bridge members participated in community service by helping Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly as volunteers for their 2nd Annual Walk in the Park. Chicago Bridge members acted as route monitors helping keep the walkers on the right path and being available if any emergencies presented themselves. After the official duties were over, volunteers and walkers gathered for a picnic and music. The following members and a few of their friends participated.10
the Chicago Bridge Event: Thursday, July 24, 2008
Social Event: Annual Summer Social
Organizer: Karen Kolb 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Plymouth Restaurant and Bar (at Rooftop bar)
327 S. Plymouth Ct., Chicago (Loop) (www.plymouthgrill.com)
About 25 Chicago Bridge members enjoyed this informal get together!
the Chicago Bridge Event: September 17, 2008
Presidential Candidate’s Forum
Organizer: Karen Kolb
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Sulzer Library Auditorium
4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago (Lincoln Square)
In keeping with Chicago Bridge’s mission, we have invited representatives from both the Obama and McCain campaign to discuss their candidate’s stance on issues pertinent to older adults, respond to pre-chosen questions from Chicago Bridge members about aging issues, and finally, respond to Q & A from the audience.
Number of Group Members Present 15
the Chicago Bridge Event: Thursday, November 6, 2008
Working with Foundations: Guest speakers
Marilyn Hennessey, President of Retirement Research Foundation
Jim Durkan, President & CEO of Community Memorial Foundation
Organizers: Rob Mapes and Sam delRosario
6:30pm-8:30pm
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
355 North Ashland Avenue
Please join us for a lively discussion about what it’s like on the foundation side and how you, your organization, and a foundation can work best together.
Number of Chicago Bridge members were in attendance 14
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Social Event: Annual End of the Year Social
Organizer: Amy Wiatr
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Marriott Chicago Downtown (540 N. Michigan Ave., location of the Governor?s Conference on Aging)
Lobby Bar & Lounge
About 15 Chicago Bridge members gathered at the Governor’s Conference on Aging for informal networking and socializing. Much enthusiasm was shared regarding the 2008 Bridge year, as well as some great ideas for 2009.
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Chicago Bridge Annual Planning Meeting
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Event coordinator: Chicago Bridge 2008 Event Director, Karen Kolb
Location host: Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, 355 N Ashland Ave., Chicago (Heather Dudzinski)
Refreshments: Mather LifeWays
Event Planning, Participation, and Hosting for 2009
Leadership opportunities within Chicago Bridge
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Networking…the Nice Way
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Event coordinator and Presenter: Claudia Cook, MSW (Eldercare Consultant with LivHOME, Inc.)
Host Site: Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago (Courtney Bouker & Nicole Batsch)
Come learn how to build, maintain and succeed with your network.
Connecting to the world around you should be based on generosity, helping friends connect with other friends. Real networking is about finding ways to make other people more successful. It is about working hard to give more than you get. It’s never simply about getting what you want. (Keith Ferrazzi, author of “Never Eat Alone”)
25/45 RSVPs attended plus
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
ASA/NCOA Conference recap and social
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Event coordinators: Karen Kolb and Debbie White
Location and refreshments: The Methodist Home, 1415 West Foster Ave., Chicago
Join the Chicago Bridge as members Dana Bright and Karen Kolb discuss the 2009 ASA/NCOA Aging in America conference. Learn how to make the most of these large national professional conferences and discuss how the Chicago Bridge can be involved when ASA/NCOA is hosted in Chicago in 2010!
RSVP & attendance not submitted
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
2nd Annual Launching the Leaders of Tomorrow resume review 6:00-8:00 pm
Event coordinators: Claudia Cook, Jaime Edelbrock, Jessica Hoffman and Kate Pinnow
Host site and refreshments: The Hallmark Retirement Community
A networking event for students and new professionals interested in the field of aging. Come share your expertise or jump start your career search! >Students meet and mingle with professionals in the field. Start working on your resumes now and bring them to the event for review. >Professionals meet students interested in getting their foot in the door.
41 RSVPS
21 Students/Job Hunters
20 Professionals
the Chicago Bridge Event:Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Aging in Place panel discussion
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Event coordinator and refreshments: Mark Schmidt
Location host: Harold Washington College Center for Creative Aging, 30 E. Lake St., Room #1136, Chicago
Please join Chicago Bridge for a panel discussion on the financial aspects of helping older adults “age in place.”
Topics will include:
- Reverse mortgages
- Veteran’s Aid & Attendance
- Property tax breaks
- Home repair programs / grants
- Home Sharing program
- Utilities assistance program
- Life Settlements
- Chore assistance
RSVP:12
the Chicago Bridge Event:Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Supportive Resource and Job Hunter’s Roundtable
6:30- 8:00 pm
Event coordinators: Jaimie Edelbrock & Alix Burns
Host site: Alzheimer’s Association Greater IL Chapter, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800 Chicago
*At this roundtable job hunters in the aging field will connect to support one another, offer tips, strategies, and advice as they manage this job market.
* This is a great opportunity to share local aging resources you use in your job or are interested to learn or discuss with other emerging professionals in the field of aging
* On June 24th we will have the chance to connect, offer suggestions, share ideas, and act as a much need support system for each other.
Join us for a night of supportive conversation about working as an emerging professional in the field of aging.
Attended 11
4 RSVP no show
~June event summary~
JOB HUNTING & NETWORKING DISCUSSION SUMMARY
Networking and informational interviewing are good tactics that might lead to opportunities. Even if a place is not hiring, get in there, meet people, show your beautiful face. Something like 70% of jobs are obtained through networking, so try to find people on LinkedIn or other places that already work in organizations you admire, and just ask them if they have a few minutes to chat and get ideas on how you might get involved with that particular organization or field. Start by joining the Chicago Bridge Linked In group. Link to Chicago Bridge group http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1772310&trk=hb_side_g
Volunteering in the field you are interested in is another great way to stay connected with an organization you hope to work for, as well as build experience. One example was to lead an Alzheimer’s Association support group. This option would require training, but would offer you connection to the Association and others in the field as well as a chance to build your skills in support group facilitation. Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly is another organization where volunteers work directly with the older adults. Little brothers often offers free trainings and seminars to their volunteers, yet another way to build your connections and expertise.
Keep in touch with various groups, such as alumni associations. Reconnect with old professors and school staff and keep those relationships alive.
Rumor is Las Vegas has a booming older adult industry right now. At the round table the group threw around the question of “Would you move to find work?” Some group members suggested if doing so set up as many interviews or informational interviews as possible during a trip, because face to face contact goes further than an email or phone call.
The EPA (Environmental Protective Agency) has an aging initiative. Where are the green jobs in aging? Something to investigate as more funding is allocated to Green projects.
Insurance companies are now hiring more social workers and have opportunities pertaining to aging/older adults. The group at the round table discussed more about why insurance companies are leaning towards social work hires lately.
Email lists to consider joining:
The Hartford fellowship sends out emails with jobs on aging.
Senior Housing Jobs
Websites to consider during your job search:
Looking at organizations/schools you’re interested in.. often, those jobs aren’t posted on the larger sites.
npo.net ( http://npo.net/ )
http://idealist.org/
indeed.com ( http://indeed.com/ )
http://www.lsni.org/
http://www.seniorhousingjobs.com/
http://socialworkprn.com/index.php
http://jobs.mcknights.com/ ( http://jobs.mcknights.com/craigslist.org )
craigslist.org ( http://jobs.mcknights.com/craigslist.org )
http://careers.asaging.org/home/index.cfm?site_id=739
www.npo.net ( http://www.npo.net/ ) (NOTE: Non Profit Organizations; does not provide alerts)
www.careerbuilder.com ( http://www.careerbuilder.com/ )
www.job-hunt.org ( http://www.job-hunt.org/ )
www.usajobs.gov ( http://www.usajobs.gov/ ) (NOTE: Government jobs)
www.hemacs.com ( http://www.hemacs.com/ ) (NOTE: Executive level jobs; sign up for free weekly listing)
http://www.seniorlivingmarketplace.com
www.ALJobsInLTC.com ( http://www.aljobsinltc.com/ ) (NOTE: Assisted Living jobs)
www.JobsinLTC.com ( http://www.jobsinltc.com/ ) (NOTE: Long Term Care jobs)
www.monster.com ( http://www.monster.com/ )
www.HireDiversity.com ( http://www.hirediversity.com/ )
www.jointcommission.org ( http://www.jointcommission.org/ ) (NOTE: The Joint Commission)
www.aahsa.org ( http://www.aahsa.org/ ) (NOTE: AAHSA site)
www.absolutelyhealthcare.com ( http://www.absolutelyhealthcare.com/ )
www.indeed.com ( http://www.indeed.com/ )
www.simplyhired.com ( http://www.simplyhired.com/ )
www.lsni.org ( http://www.lsni.org/ ) (NOTE:Life Services Network (Illinois))
www.seniorhousingjobs.com ( http://www.seniorhousingjobs.com/ )
www.ministryemployment.com ( http://www.ministryemployment.com/ )
www.career-finder.org ( http://www.career-finder.org/ )
www.managementrecruiting.com ( http://www.managementrecruiting.com/ )
www.jobfox.com ( http://www.jobfox.com/ ) (NOTE: Basic service is not very useful; must pay for higher level of service)
www.allhealthcarejobs.com ( http://www.allhealthcarejobs.com/ ) (NOTE: Must pay a subscription)
Support groups/networking
Barrington Career Center (meets Tuesdays)
Executive Network Group www.engchgo.org ( http://www.engchgo.org/ ) (Arlington Heights library; 1st TH 1-5pm)
St. Hubert Job & Networking Ministry (729 Grand Canyon Hoffman Estates, IL Bob Podgorski 847-925-6005 2nd Monday each month; 6pm intro 7pm program)
ASA Roundtable events at Rush (first Friday of every other month, look for emails with more info from the Chicago Bridge group)
Chicago Bridge Events, (every third Wednesday of the month 6-8pm, look for emails about each event)
CHICAGOLAND RESOURCES DISCUSSION SUMMARY
At the Chicago Bridge round table, the group discussed the need for a comprehensive searchable, organized listing of resources our clients often need. We realize that Google and other search engines are not reliable and threw around some other online/data base ideas and projects in the works.
The group also focused on the issue of nursing home placement, and finding the right nursing home for our clients. We talked about all the factors that make a nursing home placement work, those things that stand in the way, and other thoughts and frustrations when it comes to placing a client who was once independent into a care facility.
More Resource sites
www.ZoomInfo.com ( http://www.zoominfo.com/ ) (NOTE: People searches)
www.ILWorkInfo.com/icm.htm (NOTE: Illinois labor information)
www.guidestar.org ( http://www.guidestar.org/ ) (NOTE: look up on NFP organizations)
www.salary.com ( http://www.salary.com/ )
www.LinkedIn.com ( http://www.linkedin.com/ ) (NOTE: Online professional network)
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
3rd Annual Summer Social
6:30-8:00 pm
Event coordinators: Alix Burns and Marnie Dawson
Location: In Fine Spirits (5418 N. Clark, Chicago)
The Chicago Bridge Social Event will be held upstairs in the event room.
We will have the room to ourselves so help us fill it with laughter and fun!
~Hope to see you there~
RSVPs & attendance not submitted
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Perspectives on Geriatric Medicine
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Event coordinator: Kate Krajci
Host site and refreshments: Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, 355 N Ashland Ave., Chicago (Heather Dudzinski)
Join us for a one-on-one discussion with emerging geriatrician, Dr. Michael Leiding of Rush University Senior Care, to discuss the state of geriatric medicine and how various disciplines can best collaborate with our colleagues in the medical field.
13/19 RSVPs attended plus
the Chicago Bridge Event: Sunday, September 13, 2009
Service Event: Alzheimer’s Association of IL Memory Walk
8:00 am to early afternoon
Event coordinator & refreshments: Rob Mapes
Join fellow Chicago Bridge members for coffee and donuts and a day of service to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Association and people living with memory loss. Just role out of bed, hop on your bike and we will hook you up with sugar and caffeine! (A shower and a fresh pair of clothes is recommended, but not required.)
It is not required for anyone who participates in the walk to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.* By attending you will show your support for the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. You will also get some good exercise and the opportunity to spend a beautiful morning with other Chicago Bridge folks. If you do feel like raising funds to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Association, you can fundraise online with the Chicago Bridge group. The link to the group is
Here <http://memorywalk.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=29…>
We hope to see you there!
Participants 6
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Issues in Older Adult Policy and Advocacy
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Event coordinators: Alix Burns and Becky Schedin
Host site and refreshments: Covenant Methodist Homes, 1415 W. Foster, Chicago
Join the Chicago Bridge for a discussion on older adults and health care reform. Phyllis Mitzen will talk about long term care reform and Paul Bennett will discuss the Money Follows the Person initiative.
RSVPs
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Civic Engagement and Volunteerism in Older Adults
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Presented by Karen Kolb
Hosted by Adler School of Psychology
the Chicago Bridge Event: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Annual End of the Year Social and speed networking
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Event coordinator: Amy Wiatr
