Spring Excursions and Events - Fourth Presbyterian Church

Newsletter of the Center for Life and Learning Summer Spring 2013 2011 

Contents 

Director’s Column 2 

Minicourses 4 

Noon Programs 8 

Excursions 13 

Health 

and Wellness 18 

Calendar 21 

www.fourthchurch.org/cll 

New members join the CLL every month, bringing 

their experience, interests, and curiosity. They 

come for many reasons, including intellectual 

pursuits, fitness goals, and new friendships. 

We always encourage new members and guests 

to pick something they are interested in, and 

visit a class to try it out. But trying something 

new can be daunting. So whether you are a longtime 

member or a first-time guest, here are a 

few suggestions to make the most of your 

CLL membership. 

Invite a friend. The CLL is a popular and unique 

learning community, so why not share it with 

a friend? 

Try something new. Lecture class topics change 

frequently, which makes it easy to start attending 

any time during the year. With no obligation to 

attend long-term, feel free to sit in on any series 

than interests you. 

Volunteer with the CLL. Member volunteers 

are welcome to help Ashley plan excursions 

or luncheons. Patty is looking for individuals 

interested in vetting potential Minicourse topics. 

And our return to the Fourth Church campus 

opens up new on-site volunteer partnerships. 

Talk to a staff member today!

2 From the Director 

CLL FAQ: Where are your offices? As I write this, 

the new CLL staff offices are being completed! 

Both office spaces are located in the Parish House, 

where the CLL held classes prior to our 

off-site sojourn. 

Ashley, Julia, JoAnn, and Matthew will 

share the former Borden Library as their primary 

office space. An office-within-the-office will allow JoAnn and 

Matthew to meet privately with members. In addition, Ashley has 

already established office hours in the Gratz Center Morse Lounge 

to register individuals for classes and events. 

Patty will have a spacious office down the hall facing the Garth 

in the former Large Conference Room, which most recently served 

as reception. She is looking forward to spying on celebrities who 

occasionally wander into the inviting courtyard. 

There is just one problem. . . . We miss you! Our offices are 

some distance from where our classes take place, and they require 

a detour to stop by. We greatly miss being centrally located where 

we can visit easily and be on hand to answer your questions. Julia 

already spends significant time on the fifth floor of the Gratz 

Center, but we know it is not enough. 

CLL staff is working on creative solutions so we can be together 

as a community. Primarily, we hope to create satellite work spaces 

near CLL classrooms. We have the ingenuity and perseverance, but 

we need laptop computers and possibly a wireless printer. The CLL 

is, above all, a community, which means we must be together. We 

are committed to working out the issues, and we thank you for your 

suggestions and encouragement. 

Spring 2013 Your Time

Faculty Transition 

We were sorry to receive the resignation of Mike Kearns in February. 

Mike began working with the CLL as a Noon Program presenter in 

March 2008, offering book and film reviews. He took over the Monday 

afternoon class last year, offering “Let’s Discuss the Arts.” It seems the 

time spent preparing for classes was more than he could balance, given 

the other commitments in his life. I know it was a difficult decision for 

him as he cared a great deal for his students. We wish Mike all the best! 

As we search for a new teacher, we will host a short series on theater 

and acting. Chicago equity actor Jennifer Kim will offer a three-session 

series February 25–March 11, 1:00–2:30 p.m. You can expect to learn 

how actors use their voices to create a character, what auditioning for 

a role is like, and more. This fun and interactive series will be a great 

bridge to new learning! 

—Patty Jenkins 

Staff 

Patty Jenkins 

Director 

312.981.3385 

pjenkins@fourthchurch.org 

Julia Bergen 

Program Coordinator 

312.981.3386 

jbergen@fourthchurch.org 

Matthew Cook 

Healing Touch 

312.981.3398 

mattdan@ameritech.net 

Ashley Elskus 

Special Events Coordinator 

312.981.3387 

aelskus@fourthchurch.org 

JoAnn Gruca 

Geriatric Nurse Practitioner 

312.981.3397 

jgruca@fourthchurch.org 

www.fourthchurch.org/cll 

Your Time Spring 2013 

3

4 Minicourses 

CLL Minicourses invite experts from the 

Chicago area to enrich our annual curriculum 

and engage learners in compelling topics. 

Minicourses are open to all men and women ages 

Minicourses 

60 and more. To register for a CLL Minicourse, 

call Ashley Elskus at 312.981.3387. Please note: Fourth Church 

members (FPC) may register at the CLL member rate! 

Beginner T’ai Chi 

Tuesdays, March 5–May 7, 2013; 

2:00–3:00 p.m. 

Series fee: $60 CLL and FPC members; 

$70 guest registrants 

T’ai 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 T’ai Chi Chuan and will be prepared 

to join the intermediate class upon completion of the 

beginner series. T’ai Chi Chuan teacher Hau Kum Kneip 

is an experienced practitioner and has led classes at the 

CLL for many years. Her students appreciate her patience 

and discipline as they learn this ancient and healthful 

way of moving. 


Minicourses 

Beginning Bridge 1 

Fridays, May 3–June 7, 2013; 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon 

Series fee: $125 for 6-week session 

(includes text and materials) 

$25 per class plus $10 for text 

Learn the fundamentals of basic 

bridge. The three aspects of the 

game—bidding, play, and defense— 

are covered. Audrey Grant’s most 

current information and mechanics 

of the game are used. This course is 

designed to get you to play and enjoy 

bridge in a friendly environment. This class is for those 

who have never played and for those wanting to learn the 

modern methods of bidding. 

Register directly with the instructors at 312.337.0886 or 

email msbid1@gmail.com. 

We need at least eight students to hold the class, so bring 

a friend! 


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6 Minicourses 

Bridge Basics 3: Popular Conventions 

Fridays, May 3–June 7, 2013; 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon 

Series fee: $125 for 6-week session 

(includes text and materials) 

$25 per class plus $10 for text 

Learn the common conventions that today’s players are 

expected to know. Certified bridge instructors Ellen and 

Richard Gabriel will introduce Stayman, Jacoby Transfer 

Bids, the Strong Artificial 2-Club Opening, Blackwood, 

and Gerber. Audrey Grant’s text presents the conventions 

with quizzes and practice deals. This class is intended for 

intermediate players and those who have completed 

Bridge I. Register directly with the instructors at 

312.337.0886 or email msbid1@gmail.com. We need at 

least eight students to hold the class, so bring a friend! 

Explorations with Jane Hunt 

Wednesdays, April 24–May 29, 2013; 

10:30–11:30 a.m. 

Series fee: Free for CLL and FPC members; 

$25 guest registrants 

This popular class, led by award-winning 

teacher Jane Hunt, offers a new topic 

each week based in the humanities. 

“Explorations” is sure to enrich your view of the world. 

A detailed syllabus will be available prior to class. 


Minicourses 

An Evening of Cuban Voices and Flavor: 

An All-Ages Event 

Wednesday, May 15, 2013; 6:00–7:30 p.m. 

Registration details coming soon 

Cuban culture is rich with 

flavor, music, and literature. 

Enjoy all three at this all-ages 

evening event in Anderson 

Hall. Cuban-born author Achy 

Obejas will join us for a poetry reading, accompanied 

by authentic foods and music. Ms. Obejas is a founding 

member of the Creative Writing faculty at the University 

of Chicago, a member of the editorial advisory board of 

the Great Books Foundation, a former staff writer for the 

Chicago Tribune, and a blogger for wbez.org. 

She is the author of the critically-acclaimed novels Ruins, 

Days of Awe, and three other books of fiction. Her poetry 

chapbook, This is What Happened in Our Other Life, was 

both a critical favorite and a bestseller. All are welcome! 


7

8 Tuesday Noon Programs 

Tuesday 

Noon 

Programs 

Noon Programs combine learning, lunch, and 

socializing every Tuesday. Noon Programs are 

open to anyone age 60 and more who would 

like to join in; one need not be a CLL member. 

Enjoy your brown-bag lunch at 11:30 a.m.; 

the 50-minute program begins at 12:00 noon. 

“Downton Abbey”: Season One, Episode Three March 5 

The upper-crust Crawley family 

delights in their aristocratic life— 

until the sinking of the Titanic 

muddles their line of inheritance. 

View this fabulous series together 

as the Crawleys and their servants 

display the machinations, affairs, and 

evolutions of a changing class system. 

Noon Program to Be Determined March 12 

Please check the CLL information desks in the Morse Lounge 

and Fifth Floor lobby for updates. Thank you for your patience! 


Tuesday Noon Programs 

Alan Turing at Bletchley Park March 19 

In 1939, Bletchley Park became the 

site of the U.K.’s main decryption 

establishment, the Government Code 

and Cypher School (GC&CS). Ciphers 

and codes of several Axis countries 

were decrypted, most importantly 

the ciphers generated by the German 

Enigma and Lorenz machines. Lecturer Michael Kazanjian 

will lead us through the inner workings of Bletchley Park with 

special attention on the work of Alan Turing. 

Dealing with Urinary Incontinence March 26 

Incontinence is a subject that is often not discussed, but may 

be experienced, along with a myriad of feelings. This noon 

session, provided by JoAnn Gruca, will help us understand 

the causes of incontinence and how the symptoms can be 

effectively managed. 

“Downton Abbey”: Season One, Episode Four April 2 

The upper-crust Crawley family delights in their aristocratic 

life—until the sinking of the Titanic muddles their line of 

inheritance. View this fabulous series together as the Crawleys 

and their servants display the machinations, affairs, and 



9


Somalia in Diaspora April 9 

The people of Somalia have endured decades of chaos and 

lawlessness. Somalian refugees across the world, including in the 

U.S., are hoping to influence a good future for their homeland. 

We will welcome Yusuf Ahmed Maalin from the Somalia 

Strategy Forum as he introduces us to this struggling nation. 

Climate Change in Chicago and Beyond April 16 

Planet Earth wonderfully serves as the home for human 

beings and all other living creatures. Our planet is currently 

undergoing changes in its climate that will challenge our future 

well being. Dr. Richard Treptow, a retired professor from 

Chicago State University, will continue a slideshow presentation 

he gave last spring on the causes, consequences, and cures of 

climate change. The consequences in the Chicago area and the 

steps we need to take will receive special emphasis. 

Understanding the Handbook: Medicare and You April 23 

Medicare beneficiaries receive the official 

U.S. government Medicare Handbook, 

detailing our rights and benefits. This 

voluminous reference often finds itself 

deposited into “oblivion.” During 

this noon session, we will learn what 

Medicare covers as the U.S. begins 

implementation of the Affordable Care 

Act. This session will be important for all Medicare beneficiaries 

to attend as well as those soon to be on this plan. A guest 

speaker, sponsored by Warren Barr Pavilion, has been invited to 

present on this important topic. 


Tuesday Noon Programs 

Decriminalization of Marijuana April 30 

Last fall Colorado and Washington voted to loosen or 

eliminate restrictions on the sale and use 

of marijuana. Where does Illinois stand on 

the issue, and how might older adults weigh 

in? Reverend Alexander Sharp, President 

of the Community Renewal Society, will 

present specifics on efforts to decriminalize 

marijuana in Illinois. 

“Downton Abbey”: Season One, Episode Five May 7 

The upper-crust Crawley family delights in their aristocratic 

life—until the sinking of the Titanic muddles their line of 

inheritance. View this fabulous series together as the Crawleys 

and their servants display the machinations, affairs, and 


Noon Program to Be Determined May 14 

Please check the CLL information desks in the Morse Lounge 

and Fifth Floor lobby for updates. Thank you for your patience! 


11


History of the Organ May 21 

Church organs have been making liturgical music for centuries, 

filling cathedrals and local churches with resonant sound. CLL 

guest lecturer Bill Schumacher will return with a program on 

the history and construction of this grand instrument. 

Heart Health May 28 

During this noon session we will take a 

two-pronged approach to understanding 

heart disease. First, we will use 

audiovisual media to enlighten us about 

the mechanisms underlying this numberone 

killer of both men and women. Then, 

using a quiz format, we will test our 

knowledge of strategies we can undertake 

to keep our heart healthy. CLL gerontological nurse practitioner 

JoAnn Gruca will lead this informative noon session. 


Spring 

Excursions 

and Events 

Spring 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: Fourth Church members (FPC) may 

register for excursions at the CLL member rate! Reservation 

refunds will not be available past the RSVP deadline. 

A Grand Night for Singing: Thursday, March 7, 12:30 p.m. 

The Tony award-nominated musical 

revue A Grand Night for Singing features 

more than 30 songs from beloved Rogers 

and Hammerstein musicals, such as 

Carousel, Oklahoma!, The King and I, and 

many more. Signature songs are placed 

in new contexts in a way that celebrates 

the colossal appeal of their legendary 

songbook. We will enjoy lunch at Deleece 

restaurant next door to the theater before our 2:00 p.m. show 

time. Please meet at the restaurant at 3747 N. Southport Ave. 

Walking: Light 

$58 CLL and FPC members/$68 guest registrants; 

price includes lunch and ticket 


13

14 Spring Excursions and Events 

Nite Out at Karyn’s Cooked: Thursday, March 14, 5:00 p.m. 

Come enjoy some delicious healthy cuisine in a gourmet 

vegan restaurant! Delicious sauces, healthy proteins, 

and fresh vegetables and herbs await. 

Please meet at the restaurant at 738 N. Wells St. 

RSVP by Tuesday, March 12. 

Separate checks provided. 

Skyline Luncheon: Thursday, March 21, 11:00 a.m. 

Our second Skyline Luncheon considers how the Industrial 

Revolution wrought new technologies and materials which 

forged the way for the first skyscrapers. The elevator and 

electric lighting made skyscrapers easier to build and inhabit. 

Chicago and New York City led the way: iron-framed 

structures with deep foundations began to change the 

city silhouettes. 

RSVP by Tuesday, March 12. 

$10 CLL and FPC members/$15 guest registrants 

Palmer House Hotel Tour: Wednesday, April 3, 12:00 noon 

Tour the historic Palmer House Hilton, preceded by lunch in 

the hotel’s Lockwood restaurant. The hotel’s Director of Public 

Relations and 30-year resident historian, Ken Price, will guide 

us through its fabulous Art Deco lobby, grand ballrooms, 

and guestrooms, and we will see vintage artifacts showcased 

throughout the historic property. Take an exclusive, behindthe-scenes 

look at these sites not normally open to the public. 

Please meet at Lockwood restaurant at 17 E. Monroe St. 

RSVP by Friday, March 29. 

Walking: Moderate/Heavy 

$64 all registrants; price includes tour, docent, and lunch 



Nite Out at The Berghoff: Thursday, April 11, 5:00 p.m. 

The Berghoff, a CLL favorite! Enjoy a 

night out together at the famous Chicago 

eatery serving German-American cuisine 

and culture since 1898. The famous 

Berghoff root beer, creamed spinach, good 

conversation, and memories await! 

Please meet at the restaurant at 

17 W. Adams St. 

RSVP by Tuesday, April 9. 


Skyline Luncheon: Thursday, April 18, 11:00 a.m. 

Join us for the third 

Skyline Luncheon event! 

The vertical silhouette of 

today’s city is quite recent. 

With the skyscraper the 

outline of the city changed 

as the high-rise office building became the dominant building 

type. The penthouse and corner office became the coveted 

locations, with their elevation and appearance of dominance. 

RSVP by Tuesday, April 9. 



15

16 Spring Excursions and Events 

Nite Out at Weber Grill: Thursday, May 9, 5:00 p.m. 

Once spring hits, you know that 

grilling and good weather are not far 

out of reach. Watch as chefs prepare 

your meal over an open flame on 

authentic Weber grills . . . indoors! 

Choose from award-winning burgers, slow-smoked regional 

BBQ, Weber’s thick, juicy Black Angus steaks, fresh fish, and 

more. Please meet at the restaurant at 539 N. State St. 

RSVP by Tuesday, May 7. 


Skyline Luncheon: Thursday, May 16, 11:00 a.m. 

Join us for the final Skyline Luncheon event! The Chicagobased 

Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) 

has established three criteria to determine what makes a tall 

building tall. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, at 828 meters and more 

than 160 floors, wins by far in all three categories. 

RSVP by Tuesday, May 7. 




The Studebaker National Museum: Tuesday, May 21, 9:00 a.m. 

The Studebaker National Museum, 

located in South Bend, displays a 

variety of automobiles, wagons, 

carriages, and military vehicles related 

to the Studebaker Corporation and 

other aspects of American history. The 

museum’s collection boasts more than 120 vehicles and houses 

the largest Presidential Carriage Collection anywhere! We will 

be taking a docent-led tour of the museum and eating lunch 

at Tippecanoe Restaurant, once home of Clem Studebaker and 

designed by Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb. Enjoy a nice 

spring day in South Bend! Please meet in the Morse Lounge in 

the Gratz Center for departure. 

RSVP by Monday, May 13. 

Walking: Moderate/Heavy 

$45 CLL and FPC members/$55 guest registrants; 

price includes tour, docent, lunch, and transportation 


17

18 Health and Wellness 

Health and 

Wellness 

Pathways to Wellness: 

Thursdays, 1:00–2:00 p.m. 

This weekly health and wellness class is led by gerontological 

nurse practitioner JoAnn Gruca. Men and women age 60 

and more are welcome to attend; no advance registration is 

required. A detailed syllabus will be available at the CLL front 

desk and in class. 

Healthful Pleasures 

March 7, 14, 21, and 28 

If we are to thrive throughout our 

lifespan, we will need to utilize measures 

that increase our overall pleasure and 

enjoyment. During March, participants 

in the Pathways to Wellness classes 

will learn about evidence supporting 

the relationship between enjoyment/ 

pleasure and positive health outcomes. Class members will 

also learn how specific healthful pleasures can effectively be 

used to enhance our overall quality of life. 


Health and Wellness 

When Health Declines: Essential Considerations 

April 4, 11, 18, and 25 

During April, we will proactively plan ahead for the time 

when our health may become more compromised and we 

have to make some serious decisions. Anticipatory planning 

for this time of life will help contribute to our own peace 

of mind and that of those who care about us. Candid 

discussion will be led by gerontological nurse practitioner 

JoAnn Gruca. A detailed syllabus will be available at the 

first class. 

Focus on Women’s Health 

May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

celebrates women’s health week during May, a time in which 

women are encouraged to make their health a top priority. 

Our Pathways to Wellness classes in May will coincide with 

this national health observance as we consider the specific 

ways in which women can take better charge of their own 

health. The sessions will be facilitated by JoAnn Gruca, our 

gerontological nurse practitioner. A detailed syllabus will be 

distributed at the first class. 

Health and Wellness Consultations 

Our gerontological nurse practitioner, JoAnn Gruca, will 

continue with wellness consultations, including blood pressure 

screenings, during most Tuesdays and Thursdays. JoAnn 

is available during open hours for brief consultations on 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 a.m. For more complex 

matters, please call for an appointment: 312.981.3397. 


19

20 Health and Wellness 

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 offering after your 

session. 

Suggested gratuity from CLL members: $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. 

Tax Preparation Assistance 

The CLL is partnering with AARP certified tax preparers 

throughout the 2013 tax season. Appointments will be offered 

on Thursdays and Fridays, through April 12. All ages and 

income levels are welcome to take advantage of this valuable 

service. Call our Tax Prep Infoline at 312.787.2729, ext. 9368 

for information about restrictions and to request 

an appointment. 


Center for Life and Learning 

Annual Class Calendar 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday 

Thursday Friday 

10:30 a.m. 

Bible Study (L) 

10:30 a.m. 

Range of Motion 

(E) 

10:00 a.m. 

**Men’s Discussion 

Series (L) 

10:30 a.m. 

Range of Motion 

(E) 

10:00 a.m. 

French Café (L) 

Spring Calendar 

11:30 a.m. 

Topics in 

American and 

World History (L) 

11:45 a.m. 

Memoir Writing (L) 

11:30 a.m. 

Noon Program (L) 

10:30 a.m. 

City Growth (L) 

1:15 p.m. 

Current Events (L) 

1:00 p.m. 

Watercolor Painting 

(A) 

10:30 a.m. 

Strength 

and Stamina (E) 

1:00 p.m. 

Pathways to 

Wellness (L) 

3:00 p.m. 

Drawing 

Fundamentals (A) 

2:45 p.m. 

T’ai Chi Chuan (E) 

11:00 a.m. 

Multilevel French 

(L) 

2:45 p.m. 

T’ai Chi Chuan (E) 

1:00 p.m. 

Literature 

and Arts (L) 


(A) = Arts (E) = Exercise (L) = Lecture **Alternate Wednesdays 21

22 

Center for Life and Learning 

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! 

Our programs take place at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 

located at 126 E. Chestnut St., just west of Michigan Avenue. 

For more information, call Ashley Elskus at 312.981.3387, 

email CLL@fourthchurch.org, or 

visit us online at www.fourthchurch.org/cll. 

Individual annual dues are $175 for membership September 

through August. To learn about adjusted rate options, 

call Patty Jenkins at 312.981.3385. 


Included in Annual Membership: 

Academics 

• Weekly lecture courses on 

literature, history, architecture, 

and more 

• French language instruction 

• Free registration for select 

CLL minicourses 

Wellness 

• Challenging fitness classes 

• Health and wellness 

weekly class 

• Services of a gerontological 

nurse practitioner 

Arts 

• Watercolor Painting 

• Drawing Fundamentals 

• Memoir and Creative Writing 

More 

• Member discounts on 

monthly luncheons, outings, 

and special events 

• Engaging conversations 

with interesting people 

• Excursions in and 

around Chicagoland 

“A la Carte” Options (open to all men and women age 60 and more): 

CLL Minicourses 

2–5 week series to accommodate busy schedules offered 

throughout the calendar year 

Excursions and Special Events 

Plays, museums, gardens, and other engaging venues 

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner 

Consultations by appointment, or during drop-in hours, 

year-round 


23

Spring Learning and Events 

126 E. Chestnut St. 

Chicago, IL 60611.2014 

312.787.4570

Spring Excursions and Events - Fourth Presbyterian Church

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