THE DOG DAYS OF AUGUST

T he month of August is, among all its glories, the Month of the Dog. From classical times, we have designated the hottest days of summer as the “dog days,” as Nate’s eloquent illustration of an overheated, panting dog shows. It that all? We shall see. August 26 has been named National Dog Day, whose purpose is to honor dogs and rescue them from homelessness. This year, International Assistance Dog Week is August 6-12. And at the beginning of the month, August 5 is Work Like a Dog Day, a fun holiday that seems to admit of a rather flexible interpretation. Before delving into all these celebrations of dogs in general, let’s give a shout-out to our two adorable Montgomery Place resident dogs. Khushi and Bitsy. Khushi Marriott is a Shih-Tzu, a beautiful little guy with big, dark eyes and an irresistibly sweet expression. The Shih-Tzu is a centuries-old breed that comes to us from China. Bitsy Zeidman, a lovable ball of fluff, is a Pom-Chi, a cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. Pom-Chi enthusiasts plan to develop this hybrid until it has successfully continued for seven generations. Then the Pom-Chi will have the opportunity to be considered a purebred dog, and to be registered with the more prestigious canine registries. Bitsy doesn’t really care. All she wants is to be petted and fondled and played with. She is not a snob.

We all recognize the “dog days” as the hottest days of summer. But why are they called the “dog days?” Well , not exact ly because of our overheated pets. In fact, the brightest star in the

night sky is Sirius, the Dog Star (part of the conste l la t ion Canis Major). In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun . Du r ing l a t e July, Sir ius is in conjunction with the

sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, the “dog days,” for the Dog Star. It seems fitting that International Assistance Dog Week falls during the dog days. It was created to raise awareness of all of the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs who help to transform the lives of their human partners with physical and mental disabilities, by serving as their companions, aides, best friends, and close members of the family.

MONTGOMERY MESSENGER

The Newsletter of the Residents of Montgomery Place Retirement Community 5550 South Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60637

August 2017, Vol. 27, No. 8 www.montgomeryplace.org/category/news/messenger/

continued on p. 2

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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

T h e L e a g u e h a s g r o w n ! Membe r sh i p h a s i n c r e a s e d significantly all over Chicago. A task force has been e s t a b l i sh ed t o evaluate how to integrate the new members. They a r e y o u n g working women, very motivated, and they want more evening meetings and units all around the city. To meet these requests, two new units are being planned, one in Hyde Park and the other in Lincoln S q u a r e . T h e n ewcome r s h a v e expressed interest in voter service and educational issues. So far, the new Hyde Park group plans to meet the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at University Church. A social get-together planning event has been set for August 14 at Catherine Me r d i k e s ’ h ome , 5 0 2 5 So u t h Woodlawn, at 6 p.m. We are all i n v i t e d . T h i s m a y b e a g r e a t opportunity to do some joint projects in the coming registration drive. Let’s plan a social event here at Montgomery Place and discuss our fall activities. Are you interested in helping? Becoming a voter registrar? Serving as an election judge or a poll watcher? Interviewing our alderman? Being a city council observer? Let’s meet on Thursday, August 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the East Room to plan and socialize. If you have any questions, call me at 4647. Dorothy Scheff, Chair, League of Women Voters

But don’t all dogs deserve recognition for their role in the enrichment of peoples’ lives? Of course they do. National Dog Day is always

celebrated on August 26, and is intended to honor dogs and all they do for us. At the same time, its goal is to remind us of the dogs who need us to save them from homelessness and abuse. The goal of the National Dog Day Foundation is to rescue 10,000 dogs a year. August 5 is Work Like a Dog Day, This unofficial holiday celebrates the English language phrase, working like a dog, meaning to work very hard, and stick to the job until it is done. This is a day to reward people who work day and night and are very productive. Or not.

How to celebrate? ♦ Work hard. Put in extra hours at work, and who knows, you may be able to get in your boss’s good books. ♦ D o yo u k n ow s om e o n e wh o i s a workaholic? Honor the hard work they do and celebrate their contribution to the workplace and society by doing something nice for them today. ♦ Or, since most pet dogs don’t work much and prefer spending time lazing around, you could be a contrarian and celebrate Work Like a Dog Day by not doing any work at all!

Bernice Auslander

Dog Days from p. 1

AUGUST 2017 page 3

OUT AND ABOUT ever written, Georges Bizet’s Carmen .

Internationally-renowned guitar virtuoso Pablo Sáinz Villegas makes his debut with Joaquin Rodrigo's Fantasía par un gentilhombre, and the sounds of Arriaga and Turina complete the program. Free. ♦ Friday, August 4, 11:30 a.m. Jazz in the Courtyard. Hyde Park Shopping Center continues to host its First Fridays summer jazz festival, sponsored by the University of Chicago. The program for August brings us the Chris Foreman Quintet, featuring Chris Fo r eman on Hammond O rgan , G r e g Rockingham on drums, Greg Ward on saxophone, and Lee Rothenberg on guitar. Take the opportunity to enjoy these nationally-known jazz artists. Free. ♦ Wednesday, August 9, 10 a.m. Tour of the Pullman National Monument and lunch nearby. The Pullman National Monument, also known as the Pullman Historic District, was originally built by George Pullman as a place to produce the famous Pullman sleeping cars. It was the first model planned industrial community in the United States. We are lucky to have one of our residents, Paul Bruce, lead a tour of this landmark. After our visit, we will have lunch in the area. (See Paul’s article about the Pullman tour on page 8.) ♦ We d n e s d a y , A u gu s t 1 6 , 1 p .m . Steppenwolf Theatre, Hir. The classic dysfunctional family is in a wholly original place. Meet Paige, a wife and mother liberated from an abusive marriage; Max, her newly out transgender son; and Isaac, Max’s PTSD-addled brother, back from Afghanistan. Hir is disarmingly funny and surprising as it looks at an American family forced to build a new world out of the pieces of the old. Tickets required.

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE

T he Out and About column tells you about the upcoming bus trips for theater, music, museum visits, lectures, shopping, lunch and other special events. Stated times are when the bus leaves Montgomery Place. Once you have signed up for transportation, make a note on your calendar. If it turns out that you can’t come, take your name off the list as soon as possible. Please arrive promptly for the bus. “Tickets required” means that you are responsible for getting your own ticket. See the concierge desk if you need help getting tickets. ♦ Wednesday, August 2, 5 p.m. Grant Park concert, the Spanish Guitar. The Grant Park Music Festival pays tribute to the music of Spain with a sizzling program that includes orchestral highlights from one of the most popular operas

continued on p. 4

Editor: Barbara Wilson

Contributors: Bernice Auslander, Paul

Bruce, Laurieann Chutis, Nina Dicken,

Paula Givan, Phil Hefner, Kyoko Inoue, Ed

Krentz, Evi Levin, Richard Miller, Muriel

Rogers, Dorothy Scheff, Bernie Strauss,

Anne Zeidman

Staff Contributors: Deborah Hart

Artwork: Nate Kalichman

Layout: Carolyn Allen

Production: Dino Celik

Calendars: Barbara Wilson

Editor Next Month: Paula Givan

page 4 AUGUST 2017

Out & About from p. 3

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

8/7 William Smith

8/11 Theresa Truelove

8/14 Bella Katz

8/14 Irv Weigensberg

8/18 Gretchen Falk

8/18 Barbara Wilson

8/18 Charles Custer

8/19 Emily Ford

8/19 Dottie Barron

8/21 Astrid Mack

8/21 D. Maria Neighbors

8/22 MaryEllen Ponsford

8/29 Leah Kadden

8/30 Henry Wolf

8/31 Richard Miller

AN INVITATION . . .

T o new residents as well as those who have been here for a while. The Messenger staff would love to have a contribution from you. We are pleased to produce a retirement community newsletter for residents, about residents, and entirely written by residents and staff members. Do you have a story to tell, a travelog to share, a poem you wrote, new information from your field of expertise, or just a topic you are interested in? Speak to one of our editors, Paula Givan, Phil Hefner, Kyoko Inoue, or Barbara Wilson for more information on how to go about submitting an article. We’ll be eagerly waiting!

♦ Friday, August 18, 5 p.m. Grant Park concert, Beethoven Symphony No.9. The Music Festival comes to a thril l ing close with Beethoven’s glorious masterpiece, Symphony No. 9, culminating in the famous movement Ode to Joy. The evening opens with Brahms’s finest choral work, Schicksalslied. Free. ♦ Wednesday, August 23, noon. Lunch at Russian Tea Time. Russian Tea Time offers dishes from the diverse regions of the former Soviet Union Republics. See page 16 for more details about this lunch trip.

Bernice Auslander

AUGUST 2017 page 5

NEW ARRIVALS

continued on p. 6

Matthew and Shantha Monippallil moved in to Montgomery Place—Matthew in to apartment 1010 (phone 4339) and Shantha into apartment 1302 (phone 4027)—on April 27, 2017. They came to us from Charleston, Illinois, a college town 40 miles south of Champaign/Urbana, where they had lived for 37 years. The Monippallils are originally from India, where both grew up speaking English in addition to Tamil (Shantha) and Malayalam (Matthew). They met in a library. Their marriage was unusual in India, first because they are of different religious backgrounds (she Hindu, he Roman Catholic) and second because they chose each other. Her father told her, ”I am giving my blessings; it is up to you to make your marriage work.” After 45 years, it still works. Shantha is a medical doctor who was a family physician in private practice for 27 years. She got her MD in India; when she and Matthew came to Chicago after their marriage, she was required to pass the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates exam and complete a residency in the US. She did residencies at the University of Chicago and Grant Hospital in Chicago. She fondly remembers her mentors at U of C and her fellow residents who traded shifts to support her while she was pregnant and caring for newborn daughter Melody. In the meantime Matthew taught accounting and business law at Loyola University. He taught evening classes so he could take care of Melody during the day. Ever the scholar, Matthew earned an MA at the University of Chicago, a PhD in English at Loyola, and an MBA and CPA certification at DePaul. Later he got his law degree at Southern I l l inois Univers i ty, Carbondale. The couple decided to move south so they could raise their daughter in a small town. Matthew

became a professor of accounting and business law at Eastern Illinois University. Shantha took over a practice in Mattoon from a doctor who was retiring after a 45-year career. He taught her to be a good family practitioner (patient first! Everything else is secondary!) and his wife taught Matthew how to bill patients. Shantha is honored to have worked for the veterans of America. The couple loved to travel; they traveled extensively in Europe, including numerous cruises. Matthew can’t travel now, but Shantha is just back from an Alaskan cruise. Melody lives in Lincoln Park. They have no grandchildren. They’re trying to sell their 3900-square-foot house in Charleston, which features Matthew’s rose garden. Shantha says they came to Montgomery Place after looking at many retirement communities, and that the primary at t raction was the intellectual environment created by the residents. We’re glad to have you adding to that environment, Matthew and Shantha!

Paula Givan

Gretchen and Walter Falk moved into apartment 613 (phone 4041) on May 3, 2017. They did not have to move from far away, as they had been living in Park Forest since 1972. Walter had taught American and English history as well as world civi l izat ion at Harold Washington College, and later history and psychology at the Chicago Community College. Gretchen, a librarian, worked as a reference librarian at Chicago State College until her first child was born.

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Walter, born to Orthodox Jewish parents in Nürnberg, Germany, arrived in America in 1947 after the war. His parents prudently sent their son out of Nazi Germany to England on the very first German Kindertransport in December 1938, just after Kristallnacht (when all synagogues in Germany were burned down on Hitler’s command, with the German fire squads looking on smiling, applauding.) Walter finished English highschool and, with the war over, arrived in New York City to be reunited with his parents and sister. Service in the US Army during the Korean War came after Walter’s studies at City College of New York. After being discharged, he did graduate work at the University of California in Berkeley, where he met Gretchen. A job offer from City Colleges of Chicago (today’s Harold Washington College) brought Walter and Gretchen to Chicago. Later they moved to Park Forest. Gretchen, in the meantime, had two children and started work at the Park Forest Public Library as head of the reference department. She also became active as a volunteer on the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Board and on the Board of the Park Forest Historical Society. Walter also became politically active in the labor movement. The Falks’ son, the father of five, is an orthodox rabbi and a hospital chaplain at a hospice on the North Side of Chicago where he also has a congregation. Their daughter, a sign language interpreter in Austin, Texas, has a deaf partner and two children. The Falks’ acquaintance with Montgomery Place came through resident Hedy Turnbull, a former neighbor, as well as through their good friends and former neighbors, Stan and Jan Moore. The Falks just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary here at Montgomery Place. We welcome you, Gretchen and Walter!

Evi Levin

New Arrivals from p. 5 RUMMAGE SALE RECAP

T he sale was a success on many fronts. Thanks to residents’ donations, we had plenty of merchandise to offer: furniture, clothes, l inens, jewelry, and even a red tutu for someone’s little granddaughter! Volunteers worked each day to organize, price, and display the items so that each staff member and resident could find that special treasure to purchase. Everything was sold except for five bags of clothes and bed linens that were taken to the Midwest Workers. The Residents’ Council received $775 to be used for committee activities and whatever projects they wish to fund. I received feedback from volunteers and participants that they had good feelings about having been part of the rummage sale, as did I.

Laurieann Chutis, Chair, Rummage Sale

���� WE’VE GOT MAIL ����

To all my Montgomery Place Friends,

I send you all my most humble thank you for your kind wishes, your good thoughts, your prayers, your cards, and some tasty goodies. My postoperative course continues to improve, although slowly. I am so fortunate to have your support and kindness. With sincere wishes for good health to you all,

Nina Dicken

AUGUST 2017 page 7

Many of our accomplishments arise from issues you have raised. Did you see that we have added a new dryer in the laundry room? Have you tried a smoothie in the afternoon? Our new blender is much quieter, so don’t forget that smoothies are available! These and many more ideas come from you. Keep those ideas circulating. I’m interested to hear what will make your life more comfortable. And let’s always remember to pause and say thank you to each other, both residents and staff, for the joy of community!

Deborah Hart, CEO/Executive Director

BLACK HOLES Now faith is the substance of things hoped

for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

I’ve never seen a black hole And seeing is believing, so they say, Or I’m from Missouri, show me. That’s a demand for evidence.

I’ve never seen a black hole, But I believe they exist. There is evidence of things not seen; It’s the result of gravitational pull. I have never seen love; Yet I know it exists. I’ve seen the results of love; 65 years of life with Marion. I’ve never seen love, But I have evidence of things not seen.

Ed Krentz

R ecently I h a d t h e p l e a s u r e o f being with my s o n a n d h i s family as they welcomed their d a u g h t e r , Audrey Elaine Hart, into the

world. There is nothing quite so precious as a newborn baby! Such a joy to watch her sleep, to startle until she learns the new sounds of life around her, to change and grow almost as you watch her. These joys mix with the reality of life’s fragility. As I paused to watch this newborn, my thoughts were about the lives of all who surround and impact my daily world. I can stare at a baby for hours. But do I spend as much time conversing with and exploring elements of life with staff or with each of you? I see in many of you the patience that only time seems to give, and which I long to attain. So now, I reflect and reset my goal to give more time to those around me. Much time and effort has been spent in recent months considering how Montgomery Place can better serve its employees. We truly appreciate all the staff does for each of us every day. Montgomery Place aims to be a place where staff members are happy, are rewarded mentally and financially, and are fulfilled in their lives. These goals are incorporated into the contract negotiations we are conducting with their labor union. I also look for ways to continue improvement in service to residents. We continue to uplift our image through media coverage. Wonderful articles in the Hyde Park Herald about many of you show prospective residents how vibrant life is here. Thank you to all who participate in this work.

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Pullman Company. No Pullman porters lived in this community. However, a small private museum dedicated to the memory of Pullman porters is located in the residential area that is closest to 103rd Street. Stairs at the entry pose a difficulty for groups like ours.

We plan to lunch at Harborside Golf Course. The restaurant menu includes salads, sandwiches, and five specialty burgers. There is also a bar. Harborside is just east of Pullman at the northern end of Lake Calumet, which is the largest lake within the city of Chicago. Much of the land here was under very shallow water but landfill over the years has eliminated much of this water. Regulations do not permit the planting of trees in the area, so the golf course has none. The result is two beautifully landscaped courses fully visible from the terrace of the restaurant in the clubhouse. Harborside, ranked in the top 50 municipal courses in the US, is undergoing a $1.7 million renovation.

Paul Bruce

PULLMAN NATIONAL MONUMENT

T he Pullman National Monument consists of what was originally the town built and owned by George M. Pullman. The town covered the area from 103rd Street to 115th Street to the east of Cottage Grove Avenue. The designation

as a national monument will help to secure funds for the many improvements needed to prepare the site for visitors. Major restoration of the administration building and its tower will create a visitors’ center. Work is underway on the restoration of the interior of the Florence Hotel to open it to the public. Homeowners will be given assistance in making changes to private homes to restore the exteriors to the original design of the architect. On Wednesday, August 9, I will conduct a tour of Pullman, highlighting the area south of 111th Street, where restoration of homes has been underway for years under the guidance of the Pullman Civic Organization. The bus will leave at 10 a.m. Sign up in the Trip Book. Our tour will focus on points of interest in the south por t ion of Pul lman, where much preservation work has taken place. This area is also the site of the Greenstone Church, the company hospital, the homes of executives, the market hall, and the community building. The history of the service provided by Pullman porters is an integral part of the history of the

Mural at the Pullman National Monument Visitor Information Center

August: hot enough to fry eggs on the sidewalk!

AUGUST 2017 page 9

NEW YORKER READERS

T he New Yorker Readers will meet on Saturday, August 19, at 2 p.m. in the LLLC. The article selected for discussion appears in the July 10/17 double issue. I t i s S t e p h e n Greenblatt’s article “If You Prick Us—life lessons from S h y l o c k . W h a t Shakespeare taught m e a b o u t f e a r , loathing and literary imagination.” Walter Falk will lead the discussion. Copies will be available in the Library. If you have questions, please call me at 4647.

Dorothy Scheff, Chair, New Yorker Readers

HEWSON SWIFT CONCERTS

T he five Wednesday evenings in August will have a great variety of music, starting with a s t r i n g s e x t e t b y twen t i e t h cen tu ry composer Arnold S c h o e n b e r g , Transfigured Night, based on a poem by Richard Dehmel. The month’s concerts end on August 30 with Alex Elwyn’s ever-popular Midnight Special. The five Wednesdays of August will feature the following music: ♦ August 2, Schoenberg’s string sextet Transfigured Night, played by the LaSalle Quartet (Walter Levin, Henry Meyer, Peter Kamnitzer, Lee Fiser) with guest artists Donald McInnes and Jonathan Pegis from a live concert performance in 1982 at Corbett Auditorium, Cincinnati University. Presented by Evi Levin. ♦ August 9, Ed Krentz presents César Franck’s Symphony in D minor played by the Bo s t on Symphony , Ch a r l e s Munc h conducting. ♦ August 16, pianist Dmitri Paperno plays a recital of Chopin pieces presented by Renée Lubell. ♦ August 23, Dorothy Scheff presents a CD of the first two acts of Puccini’s opera Tosca, with the famous cast of Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, and the orchestra of La Scala in Milan with Victor De Sabata conducting. ♦ August 30, Alex Elwyn presents his 34th Midnight Special! Please join us on Wednesday evening for these concerts in the Lounge at 7:15 p.m.!

Evi Levin, Chair, Hewson Swift Concerts

SUNDAYS IN THE EAST ROOM

T his month the Hyde Park Historical Society returns for its annual program sharing memories of Hyde Park-Kenwood. Amber Scherer, pianist, is returning to the East Room after completing her first year majoring in piano performance and economics at Oberlin College and Conservatory. She will be joined by her colleague, violinist Marie Schubert. ♦ Sunday, August 6, 2 to 4 p.m. Hyde Park Historical Society Program: Hyde Park- Kenwood Stories Then and Now. Memories of 57th Street Art Fair and the Hyde Park Community Art Fair will be explored through oral history. ♦ Sunday, August 13, 2 p.m. Pianist Amber Scherer and violinist Marie Schubert in a program of sonata duets.

Muriel Rogers and Anne Zeidman,

Co-chairs, Music Committee

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THE SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017

T he total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, is unusual in several ways: (1) its path of totality crosses the entire North American continent within the United States, (2) it is the first total eclipse to do this since June 8, 1918, (3) it is the first total eclipse visible anywhere within the lower 48 states since February 26, 1979, and (4) its “greatest eclipse” along the path of totality occurs near Carbondale, Illinois, about 350 miles south of Chicago. The path of totality starts in the Pacific Ocean near the International Date Line and ends over the Atlantic near West Africa.

Inside the US, totality occurs at (times mentioned here are CDT, Chicago time): Salem, Oregon 12:18 PM Carbondale, Illinois 1:21 PM Charleston, SC 1:47 PM Note that the eclipse travels 3000 miles in 1 hour 29 minutes. That’s about 2000 miles an hour! The Moon’s disk covers the sun completely along the path of totality, and the sky darkens to nighttime darkness within the path. Totality will last 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and its path is

about 70 miles wide. People who visit the path of totality usually find it a remarkable experience that they remember for the rest of their lives. Many try to see totality in as many eclipses as they can. Outside the path of totality, the eclipse is called partial. The Moon’s disk takes a bite out of the sun, a big bite near the path, less far from the path. Chicago is not within that path so we will get a partial eclipse. The Moon will cover about 90% of the Sun’s disk as seen from Chicago. You will notice that the day is much less bright than a normal sunlit day. You’ll have only a tenth of the usual sunlight. In Chicago the partial eclipse will start 11:54 a.m., the maximum eclipse will be at 1:19 p.m., and the partial eclipse will end at 2:42 p.m. You may want to look at the eclipse. The Adler Planetarium suggests several easy ways to safely enjoy the eclipse, using ordinary items. Do not look at the eclipsed sun without protective

eyewear. Severe and permanent eye damage

may result.

The part of the Sun that peeps out from behind the Moon has the same surface brightness as the full sun. Sunglasses will not help. Special eclipse glasses will be needed. They are very dark. Of course, this applies if it’s not cloudy. Let’s hope it will be bright. Even if it is cloudy, it will get pretty dark for midday. The Adler Planetarium will have activities on the day of the eclipse, starting at 10 a.m. and running until 5 or 6 in the afternoon. There is no charge for these activities. Check the Adler’s plans at www.adlerplanetarium.org, (312) 922-7827. For four hours surrounding the eclipse, NASA will host an Eclipse Megacast online. To access interactive web content and views of the eclipse from more than 60 telescopes, aircraft, and balloons, go to https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive.

Richard Miller

Overview of the path of the eclipse on August 21

AUGUST 2017 page 11

I f the light from the Sun passes through a tiny hole poked into a thin sheet of paper, cardboard, or aluminum foil, the pinhole will project an image of the eclipse onto a paper screen. You can also spell out a word or a date with an array of holes that all project onto a white sheet. Pinhole projectors can be made with things like a box, a tube, index cards, or paper plates! Just remember: never, ever look through the holes. Always project onto the ground, a wall, or a

screen.

A nything with holes in it will project images of the eclipse as it is happening. Look at the dappled light on the ground as you make crosshatches with your fingers, or hold up a colander to project many eclipse views onto the sidewalk. Remember, don’t look directly at the Sun with these tools. Let the light project

images onto the ground.

E ven the tiny holes in crackers are perfect for eclipse viewing! As with a colander, you can use the holes of the cracker to project an image of the eclipse onto the ground, sheet, or screen. Try using various types of crackers with different sized holes . . . the perfect edible eclipse image viewing tool. Yum!

ColanderColanderColanderColander CrackersCrackersCrackersCrackers

BE EQUIPPED FOR THE ECLIPSE If you plan on looking up, make sure you’re prepared with the

proper gear. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing an

eclipse, no matter what you may have heard! Try one of these

suggestions from the Adler Planetarium for safe solar viewing.

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HOW WOMEN AND MEN TALK

I n my graduate school days during 1970-1975, I spent summers at my parents’ home in Tokyo. One day, I was having lunch with my mother and sister. My sister was talking about a problem with which she was struggling. I was asking questions to find out exactly what the problem was so that I could help her. My mother suddenly burst out, “You are terrible. Women don’t talk like that!” I was stunned. What did she mean that I did not talk like a woman? Did I talk like a man? Since then, throughout my career as a linguist, I have often thought about my mother’s words and wondered why she thought I spoke like a man. Deborah Tannen, a l inguist , has written extensively on this subject and explains how conversations in daily life among the middle- class American women and men differ from each other. Generally speaking, women talk among themselves to get to know each other better and to sympathize with one another, which builds connectedness. Their conversations often meander from one subject to another in the course of which they often gain information useful in their daily personal lives. Men’s conversations often focus on exchanging information based on activities such as sports and pol i t ics . They do not ta lk to bui ld relationships. Tannen calls women’s talk “private rapport talk” and men’s talk “public report talk.” One simple example shows how women’s and men’s perspectives differ. A wife complains, “Why don’t you ask me how my day was?” The husband replies, “If you have something to tell me, tell me. Why do you have to be invited?” The reason is that she wants him to show that he cares about her regardless of whether she has something to tell. Facts are not really important to women; it’s the concern that’s more important. Tannen gives numerous examples in which women and men miscommunicate in their conversations.

After reading Tannen’s books, I understood why I upset my mother. I was trying to gather facts regarding my sister’s problem, but I was not showing much sympathy towards her. Thus, my mother felt that I did not speak like a woman.

Kyoko Inoue

GET READY Molecules: Get ready, my little ones, you tiny ones— you were not together before we met, you will not be together much longer, you will find new friends, you will travel to places you do not know, and you will be part of something very big and new. Memories: Never bound in time and space, you will be even more on your own, reaching places never imagined. You already know how to live in contradiction, but it will be even more intense as years pass. You will comfort some and bring strength. Live with the fact that you will anger others and disappoint. Deeds: Etched, incised, implanted where you really matter, freeing and imprisoning— anonymous as you are effective. Me, I, soul, center, how shall I name you? You will be taken to terra truly incognita where your life will be novel beyond present telling. All transported, carried in arms as real as they are metaphor.

Phil Hefner

AUGUST 2017 page 13

own home is easier said than done. Judged to be the 71st funniest American movie. 1 hour 34 minutes. Presenter, Evi Levin.

♦ August 28, The Departed, 2006. Crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. A remake of the 2002 film Infernal Affairs, the film stars Leonardo DiCapr io , Mat t Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen. Won four Oscars and a nominat ion for Wahlberg. 2 hours 30 minutes. Presenter, Leah Kadden. Thursday Documentary Film:

♦ August 3, I Am Not Your Negro, 2016. French , Amer ican, Belgian , and Swiss documentary film, based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript Remember This House. Narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, the film explores the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin’s reminiscences of civil rights leaders and his personal observations of American hi s tory. Nominated fo r Bes t Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards. 1 hour 33 minutes. Presenter, Evi Levin. Thursday Foreign Language Films:

♦ August 24, You Carry Me, 2015. Croatian. Powerful female characters dominate this three-way story. They are in conflict with their fathers as they seek nontraditional roles in their conservative society. 2 hours 35 minutes. Presenter, Phil Hefner. ♦ August 31, César, 1936. French romantic drama directed by Marc Allégret, based on the play by Marcel Pagnol. It is the final episode in the Marseillaise film trilogy that started with Marius (1931) and continued with Fanny (1932) . Considered a classic. 2 hours 48 minutes. Presenter, Renée Lubell.

Phil Hefner for the Film Discussion Committee

AUGUST FILMS

A wide range of fi lms m a r k s o u r A u g u s t offerings: a John Sayles film about illegal aliens 50 years ago; one of the funniest American films ever made; a drama produced and directed by Barbra Streisand, in which she also stars; and a powerful documentary featuring James Baldwin. Come down to the Lounge at 7:15 p.m. every Monday and selected Thursdays for films on the big screen, introduced by members of the Film Discussion Committee. If you prefer, watch them on your TV, Channel 4. Monday Films:

♦ August 7, The Prince of Tides, 1991. Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Pat Conroy, the film stars Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte. The story of the narrator’s struggle to overcome the psychological damage inflicted by his dysfunctional childhood. Streisand directed and produced the film in addition to starring in it. Seven Oscar nominations. 2 hours 12 minutes. Presenter, Phil Hefner. ♦ August 14, Lone Star, 1996. American mystery film written, edited, and directed by John Sayles and set in a small town in Texas. The ensemble cast features Chris Cooper, Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, and Elizabeth Peña. A sheriff’s investigation into the murder of one of his predecessors, which reveals difficult relations between Anglos and Mexican immigrants. 2 hours 15 minutes. Presenter, Alex Elwyn. ♦ August 21, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House,1948. An American comedy starring Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, and Melvyn Douglas. The Blandings, who live in New York in a tiny apartment, decide to move to the country. They find that buying and building and living in their

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FRIDAY NIGHT SPEAKERS

T he Friday Night Speakers programs start at 7:15 p.m. in the East Room, and usually run for one hour. Everyone is invited to attend the programs. Audience questions and discussion follow each presentation. The schedule for August features interesting speakers on a variety of topics. Three of the speakers are Montgomery Place residents. ♦ A u g u s t 4 , R i c h a r d M i l l e r , astronomy, U of C; resident. “An Astronomer’s View of the August 21 Total Eclipse.” Introduced by Alex Elwyn. ♦ August 11, Kyoko Inoue, theoretical linguistics, UIC; resident. “MacArthur’s Japanese Constitution.” Introduced by Phil Hefner. ♦ August 18, Paul Strauss, civil rights lawyer. “Stories from the Civil Rights Revolut ion: What Discriminat ion Lawyers Do and Whether They Will Remain Relevant.” Introduced by Alex Elwyn. ♦ August 25, Phil Hefner, theology, Lutheran School of Theology; resident. “Science and Religion: Two Societal Inst i tut ions Engage Each Other .” Introduced by Alex Elwyn.

Phil Hefner

for the Friday Night Speakers Committee

BOOKLOVERS GROUP

A ugust 9 is National Book Lovers Day! It’s our day to honor ourselves and our relationship to books: hug a book, buy a book, give a book, read a book . . . Our book for August, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, is a New York Times bestseller and is the book that inspired the film that recently was shown at Montgomery Place. Starting in World War II and moving through the years to the Cold War, the civil rights movement, and the

space r a c e , t h i s book follows the interwoven accounts of three African-American women mathematicians who participated in some of NASA’s greatest s uc ce s s e s wh i l e Virginia’s Jim Crow laws required them to be segregated from thei r white counterparts. W h e n y o u a r e

finished with the book, please return it to me, so that I may loan it to our growing group of Booklovers. Our book selection is available on audio! If you have a visual or physical handicap (too difficult to hold a book), the Talking Book is federally funded through the National Library Service. Call me at 4638 if you are interested in applying for this service or want to get our featured book. This month we have a new enrollee! Our meeting to discuss this book will be on Monday, August 14, at 3:30 p.m. in the LLLC. Donald Watanabe will be the discussion leader. All are welcome!

Laurieann Chutis, Coordinator, Booklovers

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SHALL WE DANCE— 80 YEARS LATER

I confess to an addiction to the black-and-white movies of the 1930s and 40s and particularly t o t h o s e o f Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. The plots make me cringe, but the composers wro te mus ic I could understand, and the dancing is spectacular. Shall We Dance

was released by RKO i n 1 9 3 7 with Rogers and As t a i r e a nd a score by the Gershwins. The film itself is one of the first to use a ballet theme and is clearly based on the success of the 1936 stage production On Your Toes, with a score by Rodgers and Hart, featuring the jazz ballet Slaughter on Tenth Avenue. On Your Toes was made into a movie by Warner Brothers and released in 1939. It starred the ballerina Zorina. Movie buffs will recognize a young Donald O’Connor playing the younger version of the main character (remember this Donald in the Make Them Laugh dance scene in Singin’ in the Rain?). Critics seem divided as to whether Shall We Dance? was the best or the worst of the ten films Rogers and Astaire made together. The Gershwin score included the Walking the Dog sequence (translated into Promenade) and They Can’t Take That Away From Me. The film made only a modest profit. There is a dance scene done on roller skates to the music of Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off that brings to mind Ginger’s statement that she did everything Fred did except backwards and in high heels. Of course in this case they were both on skates, and it seems so natural and easy!

The plots do make me shudder today, and they weren’t all that great when seen in the 1930s (I’m basing this on the critics, not my own response at age 10). But in viewing my Netflix copy in early July, I was struck by an aspect that no critic would have likely dared comment on when the film was released. Such as it is, the plot revolves on the rumor started as a publicity stunt that Fred and the Ginger character are married. Eventually they have to really get married, so they can get divorced. Much is made of their being in a hotel with adjacent rooms and a connecting door. Remember that this movie was made at the height of the Hays Office ascendency. For those who do not remember, that was the office created by the industry to enforce movie morality. What struck me was how clever the screenwriters were and how much could be suggested while staying within the prescribed limits. Plots were just the interludes between the dancing. On Your Toes wasn’t any better, with a story about lovable (White) Russians, and a ballet impresario who is determined to give an audience what they should have, not what they want. Of course, there is the thwarted political (Russian) assassination, so maybe the plots aren’t all that out of date. The Rogers and Astaire movies are available on Netflix. I found a free version of On Your Toes on YouTube.

Bernie Strauss

Margaret Adair

Jerry Herman

IN MEMORIAM

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PLAYREADERS

T here will not be a Playreaders presentation in August, but September is bound to be good! Anne Zeidman, Chair, Playreaders

ORPHAN PAINTINGS

A dopt a painting (or two)! Over time, the Art Committee has taken custody of a number of paintings that have been stored and are

looking for homes. On Friday, August 11, from 1 to 4 p.m., we will have these paintings on display in the Studio. All r e s i d e n t s a r e welcome to come and look them over. We hope you will find something you would like to hang in your corridor or your home. First come, first served!

Bernice Auslander for the Art Committee

WHO’S FOR LUNCH?

S even residents (women and men) had a great time on our outing to the Greek Islands Restaurant in June. After a short wait to be

seated (we try to go after the usua l lunch hour crowd), our waiter was very helpful in explaining menu items to those who had not previously had Greek food. We variously enjoyed Greek wine, beer, flaming cheese (Opa!),

spinach pie, octopus, moussaka, spaghetti, lamb shanks, and combo plates with stuffed grape leaves, meatballs, roast lamb and vegetables. Dessert was baklava and Greek tiramisu. Some of us brought home our leftovers to enjoy the next day. The waiter produced our individual checks with no problem, and we were off on our return bus ride on a beautiful, sunny, summer day. In July, our lunch trip was to the Art Institute in combination with a visit to the Gauguin exhibit. Both indoor and outdoor dining were available at times suited to individual choices. Looking ahead, on Wednesday, August 23, we plan to go to the Russian Tea Time restaurant in the Loop. They offer an assortment of vegetarian choices, as well as such signature dishes as borscht, blinis, and meat dumplings. Rich mahogany and birch wood finishes, brass samovars, balalaika music, and impeccable service create a warm atmosphere at this Chicago treasure. A cordial invitation is extended to anyone who would like to join us for a fun afternoon and a different dining experience. Just sign up in the Trip Book for free pick up and delivery!

Barbara Wilson

AUGUST 2017 page 17

SPECIAL EVENTS IN AUGUST

CHANGING TIMES

A ctivities Director Dino Celik announced at the July 10 Town Meeting that effective immediately, the start times for all evening activities will change to 7:15 p.m. from 7 p.m. This includes both regular and special events: all movies, the Singalong, Playreaders, Short Story Group, Hewson Swift Concerts, Residents’ Council, and the Friday Night Speakers programs. It is a temporary change for the convenience of residents.

TUESDAY 1 1:00 PM BUS TRIP WALGREENS 1ST TUESDAY SENIOR 20% DISCOUNT

WEDNESDAY 2 5:00 PM BUS TRIP GRANT PARK CONCERT (P. 3)

FRIDAY 4 11:30 AM BUS TRIP JAZZ IN THE COURTYARD (P. 3)

7:15 PM EAST ROOM FRIDAY NIGHT SPEAKER ~ RICHARD MILLER (P. 14)

SUNDAY 6 NOON-3:00 PM DINING ROOM SUNDAY BRUNCH

2:00-4:00 PM EAST ROOM HYDE PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAM: MEMORIES

OF THE 57TH STREET ART FAIR (P. 9)

WEDNESDAY 9 10:00 AM BUS TRIP TOUR OF PULLMAN NATIONAL MONUMENT (PP. 3, 8)

FRIDAY 11 1:00-4:00 PM STUDIO ADOPT AN ORPHAN PAINTING (P. 16)

7:15 PM EAST ROOM FRIDAY NIGHT SPEAKER ~ KYOKO INOUE (P. 14)

SUNDAY 13 2:00 PM EAST ROOM AMBER SCHERER AND MARIE SCHUBERT, SONATA DUETS

WEDNESDAY 16 1:00 PM BUS TRIP STEPPENWOLF THEATRE, HIR (P. 3)

FRIDAY 18 5:00 PM BUS TRIP GRANT PARK CONCERT, BEETHOVEN 9TH (P. 4)

7:15 PM EAST ROOM FRIDAY NIGHT SPEAKER ~ PAUL STRAUSS (P. 14)

WEDNESDAY 23 NOON BUS TRIP LUNCH OUTING TO RUSSIAN TEA TIME (PP. 4, 16)

FRIDAY 25 7:15 PM EAST ROOM FRIDAY NIGHT SPEAKER ~ PHIL HEFNER (P. 14)

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REGULAR EVENTS IN

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 AM BUS TRIP FITNESS WALK, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY

9:30-10:30 AM THERAPY ROOM WELLNESS CLINIC WITH WELLNESS STAFF

14 9:30 AM BUS TRIP MARIANO’S GROCERY STORE

21 9:30 AM BUS TRIP HYDE PARK PRODUCE

10:15-11:15 AM LLLC POETRY GROUP

11:30 AM-NOON EAST ROOM PHYSICAL FITNESS

1:00 & 1:30 PM BUS TRIP LIBRARY & ERRANDS

14, 28 2:15-3:15 PM LLLC DINING COMMITTEE

7, 21 3:00-4:00 PM EAST ROOM TOWN MEETING

14 3:30-4:30 PM LLLC BOOKLOVERS GROUP (P. 14)

7, 21 4:00-4:30 PM EAST ROOM GADGETS Q&A WITH DINO

7 5:20 PM PRIVATE DR FRENCH SPEAKERS’ DINNER TABLE

14 5:20 PM PRIVATE DR GERMAN SPEAKERS’ DINNER TABLE

7:15 PM LOUNGE/CH 4 FILM DISCUSSION GROUP MOVIE (P. 13)

TUESDAY 1 10:00-11:00 AM LLLC ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

10:15 AM-NOON GAME ROOM HYDE PARK BANK

11:00 AM-NOON EAST ROOM MEDITATION

12:15-1:00PM EAST ROOM CARPET BOWLING

15 1:00 PM BUS TRIP TRADER JOE’S

22 1:00-3:00 PM THERAPY ROOM AUDIOLOGIST EVA LOPEZ

1:30-2:00 PM POOL WATER FITNESS

2:00-3:00 PM EAST ROOM CURRENT EVENTS

3:30-5:00 PM CAFÉ/LOUNGE WINE & CHEESE SOCIAL

1 7:15-8:15 PM EAST ROOM MONTGOMERY SINGERS SINGALONG

EAST ROOM PLAYREADERS (P. 16)

22 7:15-8:15 PM LLLC SHORT STORY DISCUSSION GROUP

CANCELED IN AUGUST

CHANGING TIMES

T he start times for all evening activities is 7:15 p.m. This includes all movies, the Singalong, Playreaders, Short Story Group, Hewson Swift Concerts, Residents’ Council, and the Friday Night Speakers programs. It is a temporary change for the convenience of residents.

AUGUST 2017 page 19

PLEASE NOTE: Any event listed without a specific date or dates occurs

on that day of the week every week.

Events listed with specific dates occur on those dates only.

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 AM BUS TRIP FITNESS WALK, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY

9:30-10:00 AM LOUNGE TAI CHI

11:00-11:45 AM CHAPEL MIDWEEK EUCHARIST

11:30 AM-NOON EAST ROOM PHYSICAL FITNESS

2, 16, 30 1:00-2:00 PM GAME ROOM FRIDAY NIGHT SPEAKERS COMMITTEE

1:30-2:30 PM THERAPY ROOM WELLNESS CLINIC WITH WELLNESS STAFF

1:30-2:30 PM STUDIO KNITTING & CROCHETING GROUP

7:15-8:15 PM LOUNGE HEWSON SWIFT MUSIC SERIES (P. 9)

THURSDAY

9:30 &10:00 AM BUS TRIP TREASURE ISLAND/FARMERS MARKET

10 9:30-10:30 AM STUDIO ART COMMITTEE

10:00-11:00 AM GAME ROOM RESIDENTS’ SUPPORT GROUP

3 11:00 AM-NOON LLLC MESSENGER MEETING

24 NOON-1:00 PM DINING ROOM AUGUST RESIDENTS’ BIRTHDAY LUNCH

24 1:30-2:30 PM EAST ROOM LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS (P. 2)

1:30-2:00 PM POOL WATER FITNESS

2:00-3:00 PM CHAPEL ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMUNION

3 2:30-3:30 PM EAST ROOM FILM DISCUSSION COMMITTEE

10 2:30-3:30 PM LLLC ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

10 3:30-5:00 PM EAST ROOM HAPPY HOUR

3 7:15 PM LOUNGE/CH 4 DOCUMENTARY FILM (P. 13)

10, 17 7:15 PM LOUNGE/CH 4 EVENING MOVIE

17 7:15-8:15 PM LLLC RESIDENTS’ COUNCIL

24, 31 7:15 PM LOUNGE/CH 4 FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM (P. 13)

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REGULAR EVENTS IN AUGUST FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 AM BUS TRIP FITNESS WALK, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY

9:30-10:30 AM THERAPY ROOM WELLNESS CLINIC WITH WELLNESS STAFF

CANCELED IN AUGUST

9:30-11:00 AM STUDIO DRAWING AND PAINTING CLASS

10:00-11:00 AM LOUNGE/CH 4 DVD SERIES: THE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE: FROM “LUCY” TO MANDELA

4 11:00 AM-3:45 PM THERAPY ROOM PODIATRIST JOANNE DAVIS

11:30-NOON EAST ROOM PHYSICAL FITNESS

1:00-4:00 PM STUDIO OPEN STUDIO

4:45-5:30 PM CHAPEL SHABBAT SERVICE

7:15-8:15 PM EAST ROOM FRIDAY NIGHT SPEAKERS (P. 14)

SATURDAY

8:45-NOON BUS TRIP KAM-II/RODFEI ZEDEK TRANSPORTATION

9:30-10:30 BUS TRIP 61ST ST. FARMERS MARKET–EXPERIMENTAL STATION

10:00-11:00 AM LOUNGE SATURDAY ROUND TABLE

19 2:00-3:00 PM LLLC NEW YORKER READERS (P. 9)

7:15 PM LOUNGE/CH 4 WEEKEND MOVIE

SUNDAY

9:00 AM-1:00 PM BUS TRIP CHURCH/SYNAGOGUE TRANSPORTATION

10:45 AM-1:00 PM BUS TRIP ROCKEFELLER CHAPEL

11:00 AM-NOON CHAPEL SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION

1:00-5:00 PM GARDEN BEAN BAG TOSS

7:15 PM LOUNGE/CH 4 WEEKEND MOVIE/ENCORE PRESENTATION