2016 SENIOR FEST took place at Millennium Park, in Chicago on September 15.Several thousand seniors from all over the City attended Senior Fest.
This annual Senior Fest provides an incredible opportunity for thousands of Chicago – Senior Residents – to meet, to listen music outdoor at the magnificent Jay Pritzker Pavilion located in Millennium Park.
Joyce Gallagher, Executive Director of Senior Services in Chicago was the Master of Ceremonies. She emphasized that Senior Fest is a way of saying “thank you to people who build Chicago, city parks” and many other institutions. She welcomed seniors, elected officials and other quests.
Lisa Morrison Butler, Commissioner of Family and Support Services attended Senior Fest.
She leads the agency that provides services for thousands of seniors in Chicago.
“Beautiful people, beautiful city, beautiful weather”, said Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago during welcoming remarks to thousands of seniors gathered at Millennium Park.
Chicago Mayor reminded participants about his work in Congress where his sponsored bill “Elder Justice Act”, to protect seniors across the country from abuse.
Rahm Emanuel referred to Cindy Crawford and other performers who attended the on a previous night at Millenium Park. Crawford “American icon and supermodel Cindy Crawford awarded Skrebneski with award for his contributions in photography. She calls Victor Skrebneski “the most important photographer in Chicago.” She credits him with helping launch her career”.
Photo Courtesy: City of Chicago.Cindy Crawford was born in DeKalb, Illinois.
Skrebneski (87) was born in Chicago and has lived in Chicago all his life.
Serendipity Musical Group performed for participants for the 7th time. This is an incredible group of accomplished seniors who are amazing performers as musicians, soloists, dancers.
The organizers of Senior Fest 2016 in Chicago prepared many other attractions for senior participants. All seniors received lunch, enjoyed listening music and sang with some musicians, watched performers, participated in different games.
Senior Fest 2016 was sponsored by different Chicago agencies: Mayor’ Office,
Department of Family and Support Services, supported by the Chicago Police Department,
the Office of Emergency Management and Communication and many others.
Andy Teitelman, Director of Resident Services at Chicago Housing Authority, sang two songs.
Audience was excited and joined him during singing.
It is worth to remind ourselves that despite all the fiscal challenges the City of Chicago,
State and federal agencies provide continuing support for Aging population.
Senior Fest is a great example of collaboration between different agencies who serve seniors every single day.
Chicago is called “Age Friendly” City. This is a designation by the United Nations for cities that provide Age Friendly programs, services and infrastructure.
@ Andrew (Andrzej) Mikolajczyk