AARP Chicago Volunteer Appreciation Event

On October l6th, I attended the AARP Illinois Chicago Volunteer Appreciation Event.  This event was to honor Chicagoans who had made major contributions by volunteering with the AARP this year.  I am rather impressed with how the AARP supports and recognizes all who support their organization, whether it be staff or volunteers.  I took this opportunity to also meet some distinguished attendees, and have set up some meetings for the future.  One individual in particular is now CEO of a center in the Chicagoland area.  I find that these events are not only beneficial in that you get a chance to meet people from all walks of life, but it is a great way to network.  I am grateful to Heather and Carmenza for their continued support.

Sometime during the next few weeks, I will be meeting with the AARP staff to strategize more about the plan and moving forward.   Having hit the 50+ status and being employed at one job for 25+ years, I kind of had the mindset , that "this is it, what else is there to do?"  This win has me going in directions I never thought I would go in.   My best advice is to stay focused, open minded and never stop believing in yourself.  Stay up on techology and network, network, network.  If you can dream, believe it and see it,  then go for it.!!!!!!.......More to come......

AARP 50 Best Employers Event

It's been a rather busy past month or so.  On Tuesday evening, October 7th, I attended the extravagant AARP "Best Employers For Workers Over 50" event held here in downtown Chicago at the Intercontinental Hotel.  The event recognized the 50 best employers for workers 50 and over.  The CEO, COO and Director of Workforce Issues of AARP were all in attendance.  This was probably the closest I'll get to the Oscars

The event recognized each company and its contributions to workers over fifty.  AARP also included international companies, which I thought was amazing.  History was provided about each company and they were recognized with a trophy.  Each company had provided significant opportunities (which demonstrated their recognition of) how important it is to maintain the 50+ workers.  You cannot replace the knowledge that these employees bring to a company.  Our very own D. Russell was one of the moderators.  The other featured speakers were Lynn Lancaster and David Stillman of Bridgeworks.  Their theme was linking the generations in reference to so many baby boomers.  I would highly recommend viewing their website at www.bridgeworks.com for some interesting reading.  I thank AARP for the opportunity to be in attendance at this spectaular event.

The Big Day Has Finally Arrived, "We’re Heading to D.C."

Morris (husband) and I arrived in DC on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 3rd.  The AARP had taken care of everything for us.  We stayed in a beautiful hotel, the Renaissance Mayflower.  This was our first time in D.C. so we were pretty excited.  That evening we familiarized ourselves with the area and things took off from there.  We were approximately 4 blocks from the White House and conveniently located in downtown D.C.  The next day we toured the White House (thanks to our Congressman).  The tour was informative, rewarding and lasted for approximately 30-45 minutes.

There was a dinner party planned for the next evening to honor the "Dream Job" Winners at Acardiana Restaurant.  This was the first time all the winners had met in person.  There we had the opportunity to meet the COO of AARP, Director of AARP Workforce (Deborah) and J.C. (WUSA-TV anchor) who were co-moderators of the upcoming sessions.  We had the opportunity to meet so many other wonderful staff members of AARP.  It was truly an evening to remember.  I was very pleased and exicted to see Heather and Carmenza from my state office in attendance.

After the dinner, we visited the Convention Center to see where we would be speaking and to enjoy the many activities/vendors that were available.  There was so much to see and do.  There were buses stationed outside the convention center as well as our hotel to shuttle us to and from the convention.  I could have stayed there another week to be honest, there was so much information.  From healthcare to firm mattresses, you name it, the information was there.  That evening we took in a concert (compliments of the AARP).  We saw Chaka Khan and Natalie Cole, two outstanding performers.  

The next morning we would be speaking at the Convention.  All the winners would be on a panel at the University Session.  Marci had asked that we meet at the conference room for a quick briefing at l0:30.  Session was ll:00 - 12:00.  Lights, cameras, action - - J.C. the news reporter, Deborah, Marci and all the winners were now there and ready to go.  It was show time!  There were approximately 150-200 people in attendance.  We were in a half circle position on the stage.  Deborah introduced us individually and talked about our dream jobs; J.C. asked the questions regarding our experiences thus far.  The questions portion lasted approximately  l5-30 minutes, with each winner having a chance to speak.  The question/answer session from the audience lasted for approximately l5 minutes.  This was clearly the most exciting thing I had ever been part of in my lifetime.  Afterwards, people flocked up to shake our hands and congratulate us on our "win" and the information we had provided.  I must admit, I was a little "celebrity shy" starting out.  That lasted all but 2 seconds and when the ball started rolling, I rolled with it!!!!!  

Speaking engagement was not done yet.  Later that day we met at the "Water Cooler" where Kathryn, Stephany and I spoke to convention attendees about how important "networking" is in all aspect of our lives, but even more so when job hunting.  I shared a story in  particular, where the AARP office in my state had invited me to a ribbon cutting ceremony.  During the ceremony, I met the Alderman’s Director.  I have been in contact with her since regarding my win.  Networking is an extremely important tool.  Quite a few people in the audience shared how they had networked and found jobs.

The next night we went to see the group Chicago (yes another complimentary treat from the AARP, and while we are on the subject, yes on the third evening, we were treated with tickets to see Paul Simon, can’t ask for more).  First time I had ever seen the group Chicago live, and I must say they "Rocked the House." 

Next day, back to "convention land."  We picked up more materials, visited the "Water Cooler" booth to support the dream job winner speaking that day, and decided to take a tour of DC.  The tour lasted approximately 3 hours and we saw some of the monumental areas of D.C.  So much to see and do.  

The evening before we left, I contacted all the winners and Marci to let everyone know what a wonderful time we had.  I also told Marci how much I appreciated all she had done for us, in putting all this together. 

I personally wanted to thank the AARP for  giving me such a opportunity.  You never know in life, at what age, you are doing to do something you have never done before.  I am the first in my immediate family to go to D.C., and tour the White House.  This goes to show you are never too old to dream, or to do or learn something you have never done before.  This experience has truly revitalized my life such that I want to do and learn more and more and more.  I also met some wonderful people during the convention and University session whom I will be contacting here in Chicago. 

I could go on and on, but I want to save some room on the site for the other "Dream Job" winners  AARP thank you again for making our stay such a memorable one.  And to the other winners, it was a pleasure meeting each and everyone of you.  I look foward to our continued friendship as our journeys continue........

Two Weeks Until the "Big Event"

It was now exactly two weeks before we would be heading to D.C.  Marci conducted a conference call with the group to go over the specifics and to see if anyone had any questions.  The call lasted about ahn hour and she covered everything from hotel lodging, contact lists, dinner reservations, registration packages at the convention, dress attire, plans for a group breakfast, the upcoming university sessions, the Water Cooler sessions, information regarding the co-moderators of the session, Deborah and J.C. and Bob’s role as coach.  The information was now coming in fast and fiery.  The time was finally here.  What an outstanding opportunity, to "cyber" communicate with a group of people for 9 months and now the the opportunity to put the faces with the names, have a chance to sit down and share our dreams, wishes, and thoughts one on one.  I could hardly wait.  Marci had done an impeccable job of compiling the information and communicating pertinent information.  Because the information was so forthcoming, there were very few last minute questions.   Everything was right at our finger tips.  Thank you Marci for making this such a smooth transition and thanks to the AARP for allowing us to share our "dreams" with the world.  What an awesome experience.  After communicating via email, conference call, etc. it was now time to meet and greet.  I don’t think any of us could have imagined what all AARP had planned for us and how wonderfully rewarding this experience would be.......

The "Big" Meeting, August 20th, 2008

I had the good fortune to be able meet with Ms,. Holt (District Director to Congressman Bobby Rush) on Wednesday, August 20th at her office on East 79th Street in Chicago.  I want to personally thank Ms. Holt for taking the time out of her busy day to sit doan and talk with me about my "Dream Job" win.  Upon my arrival Ms. Holt introduced me to her staff, as teh AARP Dream Job winner, and the conversation went full force from there.

Ms. Holt has offered her assistance as well as that of her staff (Mr. Seals), who is her District Programs Coordinator.  Ms. Holt has also connected me to the Deputy District Director.  Mr. Suleman works closely with the SBA to sponsor business development. 

I look forward to continuing to work with Ms. HOlt as the venture moves forward.   

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The last few weeks have been rather eventful.  In honor of the AARP's 50th anniversary this year, (yes the AARP has finally turned 50 ),  the AARP office here in Chicago (Carmenza and Heather) invited me to a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The ceremony was for a renovation community project at the Abraham Lincoln Center located on 38th & Cottage Grove on the South Side.  The AARP joined forces with Rebuilding Together to open up the culinary arts portion of the center.  The AARP has been instrumental to the growth of the center which houses all kinds of activities for kids and families in the community. 

During the event, an award was also presented in honor of the AARP founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, an outstanding, awe-inspiring woman.  The video presentation of her life was remarkable and informative.  I also had the opportunity to meet the Chief Operating Officer from the AARP's National office.  What a pleasure.  There were other elected officials from the city of Chicago at the event, and yes, I was introduced as Chicago's  "Dream Job" winner.  This also afforded me the opportunity to talk with some of the officials one on one.

THis "Dream Job"  win has been a truly enlightening experience for me.  I met Ms. Holt at the ceremony, who is the District Director for Congressman Rush.  I am happy to say, I have a meeting scheduled with Ms. Holt to further discuss my "Dream Job."  Thank you Ms. Holt.  Thus, the journey goes on.....

Meeting With Mr. Wilson

Well, finally on July 1st I met with Mr. Wilson Chief of Staff, to my alderman, Ms. Austin.  I presented Mr. Wilson with a packet, that included my biography, a copy of the AARP dream job win, and the plan for the family social center.  Mr. Wilson was impressed with my packet, and said he would certainly share my information with Ms. Austin when she is back in the office.    Mr. Wilson shared the lay-out as it stands now of the new mega-center and highly recommended that I meet with Major Harvey, sooner rather than later.  As I mentioned earlier, Major Harvey is the gentleman spearheading the new and upcoming mega center.  Further, he informed me Major Harvey will have an office in the area soon.   

I received an e-mail from Major Harvey earlier in the week, and we are in the process of setting up a meeting.  Stay tuned.............

Conversation With Marci Regarding Dream Experience Thusfar

On June 6, had a conference call with Marci regarding my experience thus for as a "Dream Job" winner.  This was an informative meeting in that Marci shared her insight on resources I could use to make contact with various city officials.  Marci also shared some tips on possible fundraising for the center.  My dream job win has been an enlightening experience in that it has set my sights in a totally different direction, and continues to challenge me which I feel is instrumental for people of all ages.  We talked about my laptop experience which as been very good in that it affords me the opportunity to work while on the train and in any other areas not accessible to computers.

Planning for the Life at 50 Expo in DC is in full swing.  Marci recently sent all the winners a packet of instructions pertaining to the national event.  There are several speaking engagements planned for the winners.  Really looking for to yet another awesome experience and opportunity.   

Radio Interview Airs on June 3, 2008  

Heather of the AARP in Chicago was instrumental in setting up a radio interview for me with Deb of Public News Service of the state of Illinois.

 On May 14th, I interviewed with Deb regarding my "Dream Job" win.  Deb asked me what steps I had taken thus far to fulfill the dream and how I felt about going into a totally differently field.  The interview lasted approximately 5 minutes.  The interview aired on June 3, 2008 on several radio stations throughout Illinois.

The banner of the story was: 

"Chicago, IL - More than 70 percent of Baby Boomers want to continue working beyond standard retirement age, according to AARP - and may want a new career for their golden years.  Seven thousand Boomers shared their idea of a retirement "dream job" in a national contest, and a woman in Chicago was one of six winners.  Jenette Guillory (GILL-or-ee) has details on the major career change she’s making as she readies for a working retirement. 

How exciting and thank you Deb and Heather!!!!!!!

    Further Communication regarding Mega-Center 

Given recent developments regarding the other orgnizations plan to put what I would call a "Mega-Family Center"  in the area, Bob and I felt it even more important that we meet sooner rather than later with the plan developers/organizers.   We have contacted the person who is instrumental in the planning of his center and he has agreed to meet with us.  Bob, Heather  of AARP in Chicago and I had a conference call on Tuesday, June 3 to map out our strategy going forward.  The plan is to meet with the Alderman and Senator in my area to go over our plan.   I  understand this center will definitely enhance the quality of life in the area, and I am hoping to be an asset in relation to the substance of the center as well as look into ways that my center and interface.  The center is planned for the West Pullman area, which is a landmark area in the neighborhood.  There were several cities targeted for this kind of center across the United States.  Chicago and in particular the West Pullman area was one of the chosen sites.  I am esctatic at hearing and look forward to ongoing conversationas/meetings to promote my plan and to assist in any way that we can.