MATHER TELEPHONE TOPICS
October 2020

With Telephone Topics, you simply call a toll-free number to listen to a wide range of interesting discussions and programs. No need to register in advance! All calls are FREE!

Two Ways to Participate:
Call-in number: (855) 880.1246 or join us online: zoom.us/join
Enter Meeting ID: 386 399 7030

Meditation
Susan Wilkens, Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Dancing Cranes Yoga
Monday, October 12, 10:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. CT / 1:00 p.m. ET
Learn simple breathing and focusing techniques to help reduce stress and multiply your “happiness factor”!

Chair Yoga WATCH ON ZOOM
Tom Wilkens, Yoga Instructor, Dancing Cranes
Monday, October 12, 12:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. CT / 3:00 p.m. ET
Through a series of stretching postures and breathing techniques, yoga develops strength, flexibility, stamina, and balance.

Tai Chi WATCH ON ZOOM
Lin Shook, Instructor
Monday, October 12, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Tai chi is a series of movements performed in a slow, gentle, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Some previous experience required.

Coloring & Conversation
Vivian Visser, Presenter
Tuesday, October 13, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Join Vivian in a coloring club. Use any materials you have on hand to unwind while we enjoy coloring, doodling, and friendly conversation.

Make Yours “Happy Mail”
Kate Marrs, Presenter
Tuesday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Your cards and letters deserve expressive, individually styled, artfully entertaining, embellished envelopes.

Chair Ballet Stretch WATCH ON ZOOM
Jeanine Dent, Instructor
Tuesday, October 13, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Learn stretching and strengthening techniques using ballet positions and focusing on hip flexors, core strength, and spinal alignment.

Cardio & Strength Fitness WATCH ON ZOOM
Suzanne Harris, Instructor
Tuesday, October 13, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Join us for alternating 30 minutes of simple cardio programs with 10 minutes of upper- and lower-body strength exercises. Modifications are welcome!

Virtual Tech Explorations for Beginner Users WATCH ON ZOOM
Vivian Chazen, Mather
Tuesday, October 13, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Do you have a question about your smartphone or how to explore the internet? Learn something new and ask your tech questions in this weekly session.

Money Smart for Older Adults WATCH ON ZOOM
Jamie Ferrell, Aging & Disability Rights Coordinator, AgeOptions
Wednesday, October 14, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Learn how to prevent elder financial exploitation and get tips for advance planning.

Let’s Talk
Joe Cunniff, Instructor, DePaul University
Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Joe speaks “off the cuff” in a presentation that might include comedy, variety, interviews, travel stories, talk about food, fun facts, surprises, and songs.

Game Time with Jeanne
Jeanne Roppolo, Author, Storyteller & Motivational Speaker
Wednesday, October 14, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Can you guess who or what am I? How many guesses will it take? Come for some fun!

Qi Gong WATCH ON ZOOM
Tom Wilkens, Yoga Instructor, Dancing Cranes
Wednesday, October 14, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET Learn a guided system of coordinated body postures and movements, breathing, and meditation, used to facilitate optimal health.

The Science of Happiness WATCH ON ZOOM
Catherine Sanderson, Professor, Amherst College
Wednesday, October 14, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Learn about cutting-edge research on factors that predict happiness and get some practical ways to increase your own happiness.

Herman’s Hermits WATCH ON ZOOM
Brian Salgado, Presenter
Thursday, October 15, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Hear about the lives and careers of the members of this English rock-and-pop group and listen to songs like “I’m into Something Good,” “Henry the VIII, I Am,” and more.

Aging Gracefully & Courageously
Jan Smith, Presenter
Thursday, October 15, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
How do you feel about your status on the aging scale? What can we do to improve that status? Learn how to be happier with the inevitable. We’ll make it fun!

Active Adult Exercise WATCH ON ZOOM
Paige Corley, Certified Personal Trainer
Thursday, October 15, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Join Paige for a 45-minute session of seated and standing exercises that will boost your mind and body!

Robert Mitchum
Rich Lang, Media Historian
Thursday, October 15, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Rich will discuss the life and career of this popular actor who appeared in over 110 films and television series.

Self-Massage Yoga (Abhyanga) WATCH ON ZOOM
Heidi Parkes, Certified Yoga Therapist
Thursday, October 15, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Heidi leads us in self-massage to improve circulation and relaxation.

Meditation
Susan Wilkens, Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Dancing Cranes Yoga
Friday, October 16, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Join us for guided meditation to reduce stress, increase resilience, and promote calm.

The Skin You’re In WATCH ON ZOOM
Randi Kant, MS, MPH, CHES, CPT, Certified Intrinsic Coach
Friday, October 16, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Learn exactly what to do—and what not to do—to protect your skin and enhance its appearance.

Storytelling with Caroline
Caroline Latta, Theatre Department, Columbia College Chicago
Friday, October 16, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Hear a master storyteller read a thought-provoking short story, followed by discussion.

Historic Chicago Churches WATCH ON ZOOM
Richie Zie, Presenter
Friday, October 16, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Chicago is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the world. Learn more about just a few of these architectural and historic masterpieces.

Dog Tails
Marion Mango, Poet & Writer
Monday, October 19, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Marion will share touching and heartfelt stories of heroic canines that have gone above and beyond their “best friend” duties. Share some of your own stories, too!

Meditation
Susan Wilkens, Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Dancing Cranes Yoga
Monday, October 19, 10:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. CT / 1:00 p.m. ET
Learn simple breathing and focusing techniques you can do to help reduce stress and multiply your “happiness factor”!

Chair Yoga WATCH ON ZOOM
Tom Wilkens, Yoga Instructor, Dancing Cranes
Monday, October 19, 12:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. CT / 3:00 p.m. ET
Through a series of stretching postures and breathing techniques, yoga develops strength, flexibility, stamina, and balance.

Tai Chi WATCH BY ZOOM
Lin Shook, Instructor
Monday, October 19, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Tai chi is a series of movements performed in a slow, gentle, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Some previous experience required.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Basics WATCH ON ZOOM
Jesus Enriquez, Outreach & Information Specialist, AgeOptions
Tuesday, October 20, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Learn more about the SMP program and how to protect, detect, and report Medicare fraud.

Live Each Day with Beauty, Truth & Goodness
Kate Marrs, Presenter
Tuesday, October 20, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Let’s reflect on ways from A-Z that make our life feel fulfilled in different ways. Bring your favorite stories of gratitude and inspiration to share.

Movement Therapy WATCH ON ZOOM
Jeanine Dent, Instructor
Tuesday, October 20, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
This structured class uses chairs for seated work, and chair backs, countertops, or tables for balance exercises. The goal is to increase coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength through movement.

Cardio & Strength Fitness WATCH ON ZOOM
Suzanne Harris, Instructor
Tuesday, October 20, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Join us for alternating 30 minutes of simple cardio programs with 10 minutes of upper- and lower-body strength exercises. Modifications are welcome!

Virtual Tech Explorations for Advanced Users WATCH ON ZOOM
Vivian Chazen, Mather
Tuesday, October 20, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Do you have a question about your smartphone or how to explore the internet? Learn something new and ask your tech questions in this weekly session.

Mind & Body Practices WATCH ON ZOOM
Jaci McCarty, Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher
Wednesday, October 21, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Jaci guides us through simple, empowering techniques including meditation, breath practices, relaxation, ways of connecting and tools for compassion. All levels welcome.

Peter Falk as Columbo
Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Walter Podrazik, Author, Watching TV: Eight Decades of American Television
Wally will take a look at Peter Falk’s signature role, and a few other memorable roles.

Game Time with Jeanne: Where in the World?
Jeanne Roppolo, Author, Storyteller & Motivational Speaker
Wednesday, October 21, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Love to travel, or possess an inquiring mind? Join us for a game focusing on the Wonders of the World.

Puccini: Tosca WATCH IN ZOOM
Neil Adelman, Opera Lovers Lecturer Corps
Wednesday, October 21, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Join us to learn more about how love, heroism, jealousy, and pure evil all come together in Puccini’s tragic opera Tosca. Musical excerpts will be included in the discussion.

Cancer Nutrition 101
Kelli Mitchell, Community Relations Manager, Wellness House
Wednesday, October 21, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Join us for a discussion about good nutrition to help deal with cancer. We’ll talk about how to nourish your body while focusing on healthy eating habits. Wellness House is an organization that envisions a community in which all people affected by cancer can learn to thrive. They have a team of caring experts ready to help diagnosed individuals as well as caregivers and families.

Carol Burnett WATCH ON ZOOM
Brian Salgado, Presenter
Thursday, October 22, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Hear about the life and career of this beloved comedian whose career spans seven decades.

The History of Halloween
Caryl Derenfeld, Joy Fueled Souls
Thursday, October 22, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Join Caryl as she shares the origins, meaning, and traditions of Halloween. Tell us how you celebrate.

Active Adult Exercise WATCH ON ZOOM
Paige Corley, Certified Personal Trainer
Thursday, October 22, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Join Paige for a 45-minute session of seated and standing exercises that will boost your mind and body!

Decision 1920: A Return to “Normalcy”? WATCH ON ZOOM
Paul Durica, Newberry Library
Thursday, October 22, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Learn about the issues, candidates, and campaigns, as well as the Chicago connections from the Blackstone Hotel to the Cubs, that make up the story of the 1920 presidential election in this talk coinciding with a new exhibition at the Newberry Library.

Quilt Stories WATCH ON ZOOM
Heidi Parkes, Textile Artist
Thursday, October 22, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Hear stories about Heidi’s life as a quilter and share stories about the quilts in your life.

Meditation
Susan Wilkens, Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Dancing Cranes Yoga
Friday, October 23, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Join us for guided meditation to reduce stress, increase resilience, and promote calm.

Simply Strong WATCH ON ZOOM
Randi Kant, MS, MPH, CHES, CPT, Certified Intrinsic Coach
Friday, October 23, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Join us for a guided strength-training routine that can be done in your home.

Storytelling with Megan
Megan Wells, National Touring Storyteller, 2016 Oracle Winner
Friday, October 23, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Hear a master storyteller read a thought-provoking short story, followed by a discussion.

First Ladies: Julia Grant
Ricki Saady, Presenter
Friday, October 23, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Learn about Julia Boggs Grant, wife of Ulysses S. Grant. Her time as a national figure marked a great turning point in her life.

Meditation
Susan Wilkens, Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Dancing Cranes Yoga
Monday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. CT / 1:00 p.m. ET
Learn simple breathing and focusing techniques you can do to help reduce stress and multiply your “happiness factor”!

Chair Yoga WATCH ON ZOOM
Tom Wilkens, Yoga Instructor, Dancing Cranes
Monday, October 26, 12:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. CT / 3:00 p.m. ET
Through a series of stretching postures and breathing techniques, yoga develops strength, flexibility, stamina, and balance.

Tai Chi WATCH ON ZOOM
Lin Shook, Instructor
Monday, October 26, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Tai chi is a series of movements performed in a slow, gentle, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Some previous experience required.

Coloring & Conversation
Vivian Visser, Presenter
Tuesday, October 27, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Use any materials you have on hand to unwind while we enjoy coloring and conversation.

Personal Creativity EZ as 1-2-3!
Kate Marrs, Presenter
Tuesday, October 27, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Discover your creativity in creating personal celebrations and holidays on your calendar. Design a different, do-it-yourself year. Bring paper and, if available, a 2021 calendar.

What’s Hot in the News
Judy Lear, Activist
Tuesday, October 27, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Judy recaps the past month’s national issues and news events and asks for your input.

Cardio & Strength Fitness WATCH ON ZOOM
Suzanne Harris, Instructor
Tuesday, October 27, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Join us for alternating 30 minutes of simple cardio programs with 10 minutes of upper- and lower-body strength exercises. Modifications are welcome!

Virtual Tech Explorations for Beginner Users WATCH ON ZOOM
Vivian Chazen, Mather
Tuesday, October 27, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Learn something new and ask your tech questions in this weekly session.

Mindfulness for People Who Can’t Sit Still
Kate Spelman, Thriving with Pride Program Specialist, AgeOptions
Wednesday, October 28, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Let’s explore mindfulness, how we can incorporate it into our everyday lives, and ways to practice it even if you can't sit still. (We’ll discuss adaptations for all levels of mobility.)

Travel Stories: Belgium
Joe Cunniff, Instructor, DePaul University
Wednesday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Joe shares a story about accidentally discovering a magical place: Bruges, Belgium!

Women in History
Jeanne Roppolo, Author, Storyteller & Motivational Speaker
Wednesday, October 28, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Join a discussion about women in history. Who’s your superhero?

Qi Gong WATCH ON ZOOM
Tom Wilkens, Yoga Instructor, Dancing Cranes
Wednesday, October 28, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET Learn a guided system of coordinated body postures and movements, breathing, and meditation, used to facilitate optimal health.

Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick WATCH ON ZOOM
Andrea Friederici, Author & Ellie Carlson, Living History Performer
Wednesday, October 28, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Author Andrea Friederici tells the story of Edith Rockefeller McCormick’s life, based on her new book, while historical actor Ellie Carlson helps bring Edith to life.

Public Benefits for Older Adults: Are You Eligible? WATCH ON ZOOM
Joy Aaronson, Benefits Access & Information Specialist, AgeOptions
Thursday, October 29, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
We’ll discuss programs that assist older adults on a fixed income.

Creative Voices: Poetry Reading Series WATCH ON ZOOM
Caroline Edasis, Mather
Thursday, October 29, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
You’ll enjoy a reading followed by an interview with the poet. Tune in for the second installment in our series of poetry readings celebrating older adult voices!

Classic Monster Mash WATCH ON ZOOM
Steven Frenzel, Film Historian
Thursday, October 29, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
The Universal Studios monster movies of the 1930s and ’40s are some of the most influential and beautiful movies ever made. Steven discusses and shows clips from some of these classics.

Clark Gable
Rich Lang, Media Historian
Thursday, October 29, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Rich discusses the life and career of this actor, known as “the King of Hollywood.”

Draw-Along WATCH ON ZOOM
Heidi Parkes, Textile Artist
Thursday, October 29, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Join us for a guided exercise in creating art together. Ideal materials include any kinds of paper and something to draw with, such as a pen, pencil, or marker.

Meditation
Susan Wilkens, Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Dancing Cranes Yoga
Friday, October 30, 7:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. ET
Join us for guided meditation to reduce stress, increase resilience, and promote calm.

Simply Strong WATCH ON ZOOM
Randi Kant, MS, MPH, CHES, CPT, Certified Intrinsic Coach
Friday, October 30, 9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET
Join us for a guided strength-training routine that can be done in the comfort of your home.

Storytelling with Will
Will Casey, Theatre Department, Columbia College Chicago
Friday, October 30, 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Enjoy a tale delivered by a master storyteller, then join a discussion about the story.

Time for Us: Let’s Chat!
Kate Marrs, Presenter & Lisa Evans, Mather
Friday, October 30, 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
Join an uplifting chat about thoughts and experiences from your world.

Remembering Route 66 WATCH ON ZOOM
Leslie Goddard, Presenter
Friday, October 30, 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Leslie explores the history of Route 66, the iconic road that linked Chicago to Los Angeles from 1926 until its closing in the mid-1980s. What was Route 66 like at its pinnacle—and what has it become?