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Engage in a free lunchtime debate with the Chicago Cultural Center's Cafe Society.

Monday Oct 27, 2008.     By Erin Brereton

Lifestyle Feed

Last weekend, I randomly ended up back on my college campus to meet two out-of-town friends for lunch. During that visit, I realized two things: one, that it was homecoming (I am truly the worst alumna in the world), and two, that I kind of miss being in college.

I don't miss the homework, the communal bathrooms or the mounting debt. But I do miss the interesting conversations people always seemed to have. College is how I learned about new music, current events, politics, grain alcohol.

I follow the news now. But my conversations seem to be about work, or what people have been up to. And my attempt to get my cat to discuss last week's presidential debate just ended in a loud, meowed request for kibble.

So this week, I decided to attend the weekly Cafe Society chat held every Wednesday at the Chicago Cultural Center's Randolph Café (12:30 to 1:30 p.m., free, no registration required). The Cafe Society is part of an Illinois Humanities Council program to encourage debate and discourse about cultural, social and political issues. According to the group's website, the chats—held at a few different Chicagoland locations each week--are designed to increase community interactivity and create "a more informed and engaged citizenry."

That sounded like a lot to hope for in an hour to me, but the topic—"Retirement: Your responsibility, your risk"-sounded interesting. The current financial market is zombie-horror-movie scary (must watch investments plummet; must eat brains), but I'm honestly more worried about how much I should save. Health care costs 30 years from now could be astronomical. And inflation could make my post-retirement living expenses skyrocket. I don't think it was a coincidence that the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" popped up on my iPod on my walk to the Cultural Center. (This one's goin' out to you, 2041.)

Eager to start the chat, I scanned the cafe but was unable to determine which group of people looked like they were about to discuss IRAs. So I asked a security guard. (The group does put a small plastic sign on the table; I just didn't see it.)

By the time the group officially began debating, there were about nine people seated at the table. Most knew each other. With the exception of the moderator and I, almost everyone at the table appeared to be retired. I thought that might make for a one-sided conversation when the moderator asked what we each thought about 401Ks. However, by the time the woman dressed in a bright orange Halloween sweatshirt started telling her compelling financial story—we'll call her Super Saver, because she retired before 60—it became clear there was much to learn.

Having a predetermined topic helped us stay on track; the group also posts suggested readings to its website, which I did not read (not only do I not miss homework, I am apparently also now unable to do it). But it didn't matter. Everyone had different facts to share. Nobody was elitist, nobody was critical, nobody got angry: It was just good, clean conversational fun. I eventually told the group I was concerned about saving enough for my future health care expenses. They assured me I'm on the right track.

But private health care is pricey, I said. Super Saver agreed. "That's why I smoke!" she said, laughing. I was in discussion paradise. The talk got so boisterous toward the end that two passersby—one who was inexplicably clutching a loaf of bread—stopped to listen.

At the end, as we packed up our bags, Super Saver asked if we’d all be back. It was nice, she said, to have different ages and perspectives. I couldn't agree more. Will I be back? Sure. Maybe not every week—but the next time I'm hungry for some banter, it's nice to know I can pack in some quick learning on my lunch hour.

Want to check out a chat? Visit the Randolph Cafe, 77 E. Randolph, at 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays or visit prairie.org/programs/caf-society for other times and locations.

Erin Brereton is our resident urban cowgirl on a bi-weekly search for life on the cheap. If you know of the mythic happy hour that she missed, do clue her in.