CLL: Community Classes

JULY–AUGUST 2025 CLASSES
All Community classes are open to both CLL members and non-members!

These classes do not require a CLL membership to attend; however, they require registration and may have an additional fee when noted in the listings below.

JULY 2025

Mindfulness Meditation

Every Monday and every Friday
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Cost: Free

Sign-up through CLL office; the Zoom link will be sent from the facilitator, Regan Burke.

Bingocize

Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 8- September 11
9:00-10:00 (In-person)
Cost: Free

Mixes Bingo with balance-improving exercises and fall prevention tips and facts. Participants have the opportunity to break a sweat, socialize, and win some prizes along the way.

Improv

Tuesdays, July 8–August 12
1:00-2:30 p.m. (In-person, 6 weeks)
Cost: $50 for CLL Members, $65 for non-members

Are you looking for a way to shake up the brain cells a bit? Well, good news! We are offering an improv class that is designed to get you moving and engaging your neural pathways as you learn to let go of your self-consciousness, communicate in new ways, and create interesting characters with your classmates. No prior experience needed.

Ron Tolisano is a Chicago resident who has been involved in the improv community for the past ten years. He has a BA from Western Ill. Univ. and an MSW from Loyola University, Chicago. He has taken classes at Second City and Annoyance Theatre. He currently teaches improvisation at the Chicago Cultural Center and at the Harold Washington Library Center- Chicago Public Library.

Midweek Meditation

Wednesdays
11:00-11:30 (In-Person)
Cost: Free

Join CLL Director Annette Mileski on Wednesdays for 30 minutes of mindful restoration, meditation, and gentle movement. All are welcome.

Current Events

Wednesdays, July 9-August 20
12:00–1:00 p.m. (In-person)
Cost: Free

Come together for group discussion of the daily headlines and other issues facing us as seniors, Chicagoans and citizens of the world. Our leader brings topics from multiple news sources and opens the group to in-depth conversations from diverse viewpoints. Participants are encouraged to suggest agenda items. All opinions are welcome for lively discussion.

Roger Becker graduated in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Most of his professional career was spent in leading owners, architects, and contractors in developing health care design and construction projects. Roger was in charge of facilities services at St. Louis Children's Hospital, led the design and construction program at the University of Chicago Hospitals, and prior to retirement was Senior Vice President of Program Management at Lillibridge Healthcare Services. Roger has been facilitating this class since 2015.

Supreme Court Decisions

Thursdays, July 10 – August 14
10:00-11:30 a.m., (In person, 6 sessions)
Cost: $45 for CLL Members; $60 for non-members

The current Supreme Court has been the subject of either heated criticism or praise by politicians, the press, editorial writers, and in millions of conversations at breakfasts, lunches, coffee breaks, and dinners. Whether they applaud or criticize the Court, almost everyone is convinced that the “conservative” majority makes decisions motivated by political or religious agendas.

This course will not discuss whether these decisions are socially right or wrong, moral or immoral, conservative or liberal, politically good or bad, or motivated by a political or religious doctrine. Rather, it will focus on understanding the logic and reasoning articulated by the Court in reaching its decisions, and whether this logic and reasoning is consistent with the role given to the Court by the Constitution.

Henry Krasnow became interested in the recent rulings of the current Supreme Court by his frustration over how the media, politicians, and opinion writers described the Court’s rulings to emphasize controversy while ignoring the logic articulated by the Court in explaining those rulings. In addition to his 55 yr. career as a Chicago business lawyer, Henry was an adjunct law professor, had a book published, and authored over 20 magazine articles on a wide range of legal subjects. He holds a B.A. (Economics) from the University of Michigan, a C.P.A. from the University of Illinois, and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.

The “Art” of Conversation

Thursdays, July 10 – August 21
11:00-12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Cost: Free

ArtCon is not a class but a celebration of fellowship and creativity. Surprise yourself. Be free. Have fun! We invite people to make new friends while indulging in lively discussions and making art. Bring a piece you are working on or start a new one! You don’t have to be talented, just interested and interesting. We can provide some basic materials but you can also bring some from home.

Film Series

Twice a month on Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00 pm (in-person)
Cost: FREE
Join us to enjoy a current film! Register to receive a list of this month’s movie selections.

Dates for Summer:
July 16 and 30
August 6 and 20

Beyond the Headlines: Understanding Today’s News

Thursday, July 17
1:00-2:00 p.m. (Hybrid)
Cost: $10 for CLL Members, $15 for Non-CLL Members

Sally Sachar will dig deep into public policy and current events and how they are being covered in today’s media landscape. This fascinating class is sure to produce conversation. Sally spent nearly 30 years in Washington, DC working in public policy and leading nonprofits in education and health. After moving to Chicago, she founded the Ibis Collaborative, which leads public policy and current events discussions with older adults locally and nationally. A former presidential appointee, she held senior roles at the U.S. Department of Labor, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Associate Assistant Secretary for Policy. She also runs a consulting firm focused on strengthening nonprofits and small businesses.

Walk with Ease

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, July 22-August 29
1:00-2:30 p.m. (In-person)
Cost: Free

A structured walking group that also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies such as peer support and goal setting.

Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World

Thursday, July 24
1:00-2:00 (Hybrid)
Cost: $10 for CLL Members, $15 for Non-CLL Members

Join Margaret Farr for a presentation exploring the Art Institute’s newest exhibit. Impressionist artist Gustave Caillebotte—known and beloved by many Art Institute visitors for his monumental painting Paris Street; Rainy Day, takes center stage in this major exhibition exploring the very personal interests and relationships that shaped his world.

AUGUST 2025

Dance for Hunger

Monday, August 11
1:00-2:00 p.m. (In-person)

Join Anne Burnell for a fit and fun dance class while helping the Fourth Presbyterian Church Social Services Center! Free for CLL members with the donation of two non-perishable goods.

Anne Pringle Burnell is an award-winning teacher and international presenter. She created programs including: Peyow™ Aqua Pilates, Stronger Seniors™ , Funktional Barre, StretchTension, Plank Challenges, Water Ballet Stretches, Pilates Breathwork for Covid, Ai Chi Unravel, and Seated Adaptations and more. The Rehab Institute of Chicago conducted case studies on her program and published findings in AKWA Magazine 2015. Anne has authored several articles and instructor manuals, as well as being a Continuing education provider for both fitness instructors and therapists. Anne is a professional singer and the current President of Chicago Cabaret Professionals.

Back to 1925: Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes

Wednesday, August 13
1:30-3:00 (In-person)
Cost: $15 for CLL Members, $20 for Nonmembers

This year marks the centennial of the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, or International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, which opened in Paris in 1925. Unlike earlier expositions that focused heavily on science and technology, this event highlighted the decorative arts and more specifically, modern decorative arts. It brought the new approach to design that we now call Art Deco to the attention of a worldwide audience and led to its international dispersal. It also gave the movement its name. This presentation will take a look back at the architecture and design showcased at this influential event.

Kathleen Murphy Skolnik teaches art and architectural history at Roosevelt University classes on architecture and design of the late 19th and early 20th century at the Newberry Library. She is the co-author of The Art Deco Murals of Hildreth Meière and a contributor to Art Deco Chicago: Designing Modern America.  From 2008 to 2016 she was the editor of the Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine and currently serves on the Board of the International Hildreth Meière Association and the Advisory Board of the Art Deco Society of New York.

Ice Cream Social

Friday, August 15
2:30-3:30 (In-person)
Cost: Free

We had such a great turnout in 2024 that we’re doing it again! Yes, we will be enjoying some cool treats as we chat...and who knows what else we will do? In the case of inclement weather, we will be inside, because August is a great time for ice cream!

Pullman District Trip
Monday, August 18
12:00-4:00 (In-person)
Cost: $35 for CLL Members, $50 for Non-members

We’ll travel via coach bus to the historic Pullman District, a unique community built in the late 1800s as a planned model industrial town for George Pullman's Palace Car Company. At the visitors center, we’ll learn about the town's history and architecture in a short film and in exhibits featuring historic photos, original furniture, and artifacts. Then a tour guide will step onto our coach bus and show us around the neighborhood, with a stop by the elegant original Greenstone Church. Guests must be able to travel on their own or bring someone to assist them.

Street Safe: Public Safety and Awareness

Thursday, August 21
12:00-1:00 p.m. (In-person)
Cost: Free

Please join the 18th District Community Policing Office to present on the important topic of street safety and overall public safety awareness. They will offer safety tips and strategies to help you stay safe at home and in public.

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