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.   

First Radio Interview 

Earlier in the month, I received a call from Heather at the AARP in Chicago.  Heather informed me, I would be receiving a call from the Illinois Radio Service who wanted to intervew on my "dream job" win.  The interview went very well and I understand it will be aired sometime in June.

Bob of Retirementjobs.com and I now have the plan for the center complete.  I recently learned after attending a council meeting in my area, that there are plans to put a "family social center" in close proximity to where I live.  I must tell you I was much disappointed when I first heard this.  This center is being developed by a very big worldwide organization. 

Since that time, however, Bob and I have made contact with the individuals who are spearheading this center.  Bob and I plan to meet with the organizers during the next week and we are confident the things will be moving in an upward direction on all fronts.     

 Visit to Prospective Locations 

Obtained list from Board of Education regarding abanoned property.  Visited each location to assess size of building,  accessibility to transportation, other businesses in each area, other centers, if any, need for center in various areas, churches, etc.   Attended  council meeting in my area to see what new developments are in the works.  I understand there will be big shopping mall just across the expressway from where I live coming soon.  So far all of this space has not been leased, sold or rented.  Will be attending another meeting on Thursday of this week to see if there are any new developments.

YMCA provided me with in depth information about their centers in a 50 mile radius.  Put together a "rough" draft of the services I anticipate being available at the center.    Spoke with Bob of Retirementjobs.com who is working on the plan.   

   Other Resources/Free Workshops 

     The AARP provided the winners with a resource sheet that included several helpful links.  One of the links I contacted was www.sba.gov.  I took several of their free on line courses.  This site is packed with helpful information about starting a business, is free and readily available to anyone interested in starting a buisness of any kind.

     Also, thanks to AARP in Chicago, I was able to get some hands on training at a workshop at the University of Illinois.  This workshop covered every aspect of business planning to potential business locations.     

     The resources provided are extremely helpfulin pursuring this venture. 

Dream Job Site Goes Public"The WaterCooler"

"Lunch with AARP office in Chicago"

On March l9, 2008 I received an e-mail from Marci that the site announcing the "Dream Job Winners" had been launched.  This information was shared with the State Offices as well.  Phone calls and e-mails were coming from all over.  People were excited to have a chance to read the winning essays.  

On March 26, I had lunch with Heather and the AARP office in Chicago.  I was greeted with a very nice lunch, flowers and a certificate endorsed by the group.  During this get acquainted lunch, each person provided me with information as to what their role is in the organization and how they might be able to benefit/provide me with information as I move forward with this venture.  I in  turn shared information about myself, and discussed in more detail "the dream". 

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such an informative wonderful group of people.  I have volunteered for some of the upcoming events and contacted some of the resources they provided.

I look forward to working with this group as I make this dream a reality.  Thank you AARP in Chicago for your support. 

The First Planning Meeting

Bob, from RetirementJobs arrived in the Windy City for our first planning meeting on February 15, 2008.  Bob met me at my place of employment, where he spoke to my manager and other co-workers who have been extremely supportive of me during this process.  We then took the Metra train to my home where Bob met my husband and two daughters. 

That evening we had dinner at a neighborhood restaurant where we all got acquainted.  During this meeting, we talked about what I envisioned in the Center, i.e.,  possible locations, staffing, whether the center would be for profit or non-profit, contacts, and the next step.  

The next day Bob met the extended family, mother, sister and brothers.  Prior to their arrival, Bob and I canvassed the neighborhood to see what kind of other centers, churches, schools, etc. were in the area.  Based on our findings, the next step was for Bob to put together a "to do" list.  The family was now on board, and we knew what we had to do.  My first meeting with Bob was a real success,  and I look forward to his next visit and working with him in the future.