Seniors Program Newsletter (Chicago location)
Senior News You Can Use | September & October 2025
1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60608
ADDRESSES FOR BOTH LIGHTHOUSE LOCATIONS
The address for our city office is 1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. Our Glenview office is located at 222 Waukegan Rd. Please register with Melissa at (847) 510-2060 at least one week prior to your desired participation.
YOUR INPUT IS REQUESTED: FUTURE PROGRAMMING
We want to hear from you! Are there any program additions or suggested changes that you’d like The Lighthouse to consider in the future if we are able to secure additional program funding? We value your input so please call Melissa soon at (847) 510-2060 or email her at melissa.wittenberg@chicagolighthouse.org.
SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
We are closed on Monday, September 1st for Labor Day.
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION REMINDER
To continue receiving this newsletter, at least one hour of phone or in-person participation is expected each month to remain enrolled in the seniors’ program.
CALL-IN INSTRUCTIONS
After you pre-register/RSVP, here is how to call into programs – we will use the same call-in for all programs. Call (872) 242-7995 & enter Conference ID 737107407#. You will then be admitted into the phone programs.
CALENDAR PHONE LINE
Call the calendar phone line anytime, day or night, to hear the current month’s schedule at: (312) 506-0115.
READING ASSISTANCE: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
Would you like to have some assistance reading your mail? If so, Megan would be pleased to assist you so call her at (312) 447-3257 to schedule an appointment.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TIP – FALL PREVENTION
Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, & those with low vision are at an even higher risk due to difficulty seeing obstacles & changes in elevation. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, leading to serious injuries like fractures & head trauma. Falls can reduce independence, limit mobility, & increase the risk of hospitalization or long-term care. Taking preventive steps, such as improving home safety, using assistive devices, & staying active, can help reduce fall risks & support healthy aging. Check your personalized risk for falls at: www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/.
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR of EVENTS:
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE: BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1 to 2:45pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. One Love celebrates the life & music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love & unity. Discover Bob Marley’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Rated PG-13. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – BIG GEORGE FOREMAN
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1 to 3:15pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. For many of us, George Foreman has been a household name since the late ’90s, when the “Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine” — also known as the George Foreman Grill — first became one of the most popular infomercial products ever. Before he was the namesake for the bestselling grill, George had an impressive boxing career. Big George Foreman tells the incredible story of the man who quickly rose to the top of his sport to become an Olympic gold medalist & heavyweight boxing champion. After a devastating loss, George leaves the sport behind for good to become a preacher, only to return 20 years later to take his heavyweight title back once more. Rated PG-13. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB: THE FIVE WISHES OF MR. MURRAY MCBRIDE — PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1 to 2pm
Ethel Reid chose The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple, listening time, 8.5 hours. TBBS Book #DB104366. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. With all his family & friends gone except an estranged grandson, retired Major League ballplayer Murray McBride is looking for a reason to live. He finds it in Jason Cashman, a spirited 10-year-old boy with a terminal heart defect & a list of five things he wants to do before he dies. Murray is determined to help Jason fulfill his dreams. Together, they race against the limited time each has left, ticking off Jason’s wishes one by one. Along the way, Murray remembers what it’s like to be young, & Jason fights for the opportunity to grow old. But when tragedy strikes, their worlds are turned upside-down, & an unexpected gift is the only thing that can make Jason’s final wish come true.
CHAIR EXERCISE
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 11am to 12pm
PHONE-ONLY: TUESDAYS, SEPT. 9, 23 & 30, 2 to 3pm
Join us for fun & energetic chair exercise class focusing on increasing your strength & supporting your mobility All levels are welcome. By participating in our exercise program, you are agreeing to the following waiver: In consideration for voluntarily participating, you agree to hold all persons involved as well as The Chicago Lighthouse & its employees harmless from any injuries or damages which may occur, for any reason. Your participation acknowledges that you agree to these terms. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
COMPUTER CLASSES: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
EVERY WEDNESDAY IN SEPTEMBER, 10am to 12pm
Are you a first-time computer user who needs to become familiar with the keyboard & typing? Then using Talking Typer™, a computer keyboarding & typing training that speaks & displays lessons on screen might be helpful for you. It includes drills, practice, & typing games & is adjustable to your level of skill & sight impairment. Alternatively, do you know how to use a computer, but need some accessibility software to assist you? Check your email, search the Internet & strengthen your current computer skills with light support from staff using ZoomText (magnification software) or JAWS® (screen reader software). Space is limited – register at (847) 510-2060.
HEALTH EDUCATION – A HEALTHIER YOU, NOW
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, SEPT. 9, 23 & 30, 11am to 12pm
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 11am to 12pm
Hear from graduate-level nursing students from Rush University as they share valuable health information to help empower us to be healthier versions of ourselves. RSVP to Melissa: (847) 510-2060.
IPAD/IPHONE (& ANDROID) TRAINING: IN-PERSON ONLY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1 to 3pm in GLENVIEW
We’ll take turns working one-on-one with participants using Apple accessibility features, gestures, Siri, voiceover, etc. Please bring your own device. iPads can be provided by request. In Glenview, android training will also be available. RSVP to Melissa in advance: (847) 510-2060.
MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2 to 2:30pm
This guided mindfulness meditation is for strengthening self-love & taking care of yourself. To be the best person you can be, to help & support those loved ones surrounding you, you need to first love & care for yourself. The idea of self-care doesn’t always mean going out to the spa to get pampered. It can also mean trusting your heart & your intuition to guide you in the right direction in life. It means taking the time to listen to your heart & your intuition often. It is the kind & compassionate way in which you speak to yourself. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1 to 2pm
In this session, we will hear the soul-soaked boogie woogie piano of Champion Jack Dupree, check out some 90-year-old original recordings of Blind Willie Johnson, & explore music forged deep in the coal mines of Appalachia. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
NAME THAT TUNE: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1 to 2pm
Do you like music? Do you like a challenge? If so, then let’s play Name That Tune! RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
SOCIAL HOUR: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 2 & 16, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, SEPT. 9, 23 & 30, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1 to 2pm
Dr. Frank Lane, Clinical Counselor, will be joining support group to share some helpful strategies. As always, group is an opportunity for you & your peers to share ideas, support each other, & feel safe talking with others that may be going through similar life experiences. Join us for this interactive exchange to increase your knowledge & help you retain your independence while getting the support you need.
RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
TRIVIA Game: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1 to 2pm
Join us for a fun game of trivia. Research shows that keeping your brain active increases its vitality!
Please RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE SEP 2 City In-Person/Phone: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE SEP 2 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE SEP 2 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE SEP 2 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED SEP 3 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED SEP 3 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1–3
TUE SEP 9 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE SEP 9 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE SEP 9 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE SEP 9 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED SEP 10 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE SEP 16 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE SEP 16 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE SEP 16 City In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 2:45
WED SEP 17 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED SEP 17 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3:15
TUE SEP 23 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE SEP 23 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE SEP 23 PHONE ONLY: Name That Tune, 1 – 2
TUE SEP 23 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED SEP 24 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED SEP 24 PHONE ONLY: Music Appreciation, 1 – 2
WED SEP 24 PHONE ONLY: Meditation, 2 – 2:30
TUE SEP 30 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE SEP 30 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE SEP 30 PHONE ONLY: Trivia, 1 – 2
TUE SEP 30 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
OCTOBER CALENDAR of EVENTS:
OCTOBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Melissa will be out of the office October 4th through 19th. Please contact Megan at (312) 447-3257 during this timeframe with any questions or registrations.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA — IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1 to 2:30pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. In “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania,” when Van Helsing’s mysterious invention, the “Monsterfication Ray,” goes haywire, Drac & his monster pals are all transformed into humans, & Johnny becomes a monster! With help from Mavis & the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent. Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – IF
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1 to 2:45pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. A girl discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends, & with this unique gift, she embarks on a magical journey to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. An adventure you’ll need to believe to see, IF is a poignant fantasy about loss & the power of imagination. Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB: SILVER LIES – PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1 to 2pm
Laurell Pope chose Silver Lies by Ann Parker, listening time, 14.25 hours. TBBS Book #DB106103. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. The crooked, the greedy, & those with a checkered past—they all came to Leadville with the same purpose: Get in, get rich, get out. As 1879 draws to a close, silver fever burns hot in the Rocky Mountain boomtown of Leadville, Colorado. Unfortunately for Joe Rose, an assayer of precious metals, death stakes its own claim. Joe’s body is found trampled into the muck behind Inez Stannert’s saloon. Inez already has much more to deal with than pouring shots of Taos Lightning. A lady educated on the East Coast, she has a past that doesn’t bear close scrutiny, due in part to her elopement with a gambling man who has recently disappeared. Most of the townsfolk, including Inez’s business partner, Abe Jackson, dismiss Joe’s death as an accident. Death, after all, is no stranger in Leadville. But Inez wonders why this loving husband & father was carrying a brass token good for “one free screw” at the parlor house of Denver madam Mattie Silks. When Joe’s widow Emma asks Inez to settle Joe’s affairs, Inez reluctantly agrees & soon uncovers skewed assays, bogus greenbacks, & blackmail, leading her to believe that Joe was murdered. Was he killed over money or for purely personal motives? It’s up to Inez to find out!
CHAIR EXERCISE: PHONE-ONLY
TUESDAYS, OCTOBER 14 & 28, 2 to 3pm
Join us for fun & energetic chair exercise class focusing on increasing your strength & supporting your mobility. All levels are welcome. By participating in our exercise program, you are agreeing to the following waiver: In consideration for voluntarily participating, you agree to hold all persons involved as well as The Chicago Lighthouse & its employees harmless from any injuries or damages which may occur, for any reason. Your participation acknowledges that you agree to these
terms. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
COMPUTER CLASSES: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
EVERY WEDNESDAY IN OCTOBER except for October 1st, 10am to 12pm
Are you a first-time computer user who needs to become familiar with the keyboard & typing? Register to learn Talking Typer™, a computer keyboarding & typing training that speaks & displays lessons on screen. It includes drills, practice, & typing games & is adjustable to your level of skill & sight impairment. Alternatively, do you know how to use a computer, but need some accessibility software to assist you? Check your email, search the Internet & strengthen your current computer skills with light support from staff using ZoomText (magnification software) or JAWS® (screen reader software). Register in advance at (847) 510-2060.
HEALTH EDUCATION – A HEALTHIER YOU, NOW
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAYS, OCTOBER 7 & 21, 11am to 12pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, OCT. 14 & 28, 11am to 12pm
Hear from graduate-level nursing students from Rush University as they share valuable health information to help empower us to be healthier versions of ourselves. RSVP to Melissa: (847) 510-2060.
IPAD/IPHONE (& ANDROID) TRAINING: IN-PERSON ONLY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1 to 3pm in GLENVIEW TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO We’ll take turns working one-on-one with participants using Apple accessibility features, gestures, Siri, voiceover, etc. Please bring your own device. iPads can be provided by request. In Glenview, android training will also be available. Pre-register at: (847) 510-2060.
JEOPARDY!©: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1 to 2pm
Let’s exercise our brains with a good old-fashioned
game! RSVP to Melissa at (847) 510-2060.
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER – ARE YOU READY?: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1 to 2pm
Every year from October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ & under 65 with disabilities, can renew, make changes to, &/or enroll in new Original Medicare & Part D drug plans or Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plans. There are also financial assistance programs available to help with premiums & other health care-related costs for people who are eligible. Join us to learn about Medicare benefits, open enrollment & more. The City of Chicago Family & Support Services & its Senior Health Insurance Program is here to help! RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2 to 2:30pm
In a world where sometimes we suffer in isolation, make the choice to cultivate kindness, connection, & compassion. Make the choice to build the qualities of compassion & kindness during your meditation so it will carry over into all the activities of your day. Every moment, every behavior, we have the choice, so choose kindness. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2 to 3pm
Born of a renowned musical family, Pete Seeger’s name is synonymous with the post-War American folk music revival. A contemporary of, and collaborator with, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger casts his own long shadow over the folk music genre. This program overviews Seeger’s life and music, including his work with Guthrie, and features recent interviews with Seeger and those who have known him well. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
SOCIAL HOUR: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAYS, OCTOBER 7 & 21, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, OCT. 14 & 28, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs to catch-up with friends.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1 to 2pm
Dr. Frank Lane, Clinical Counselor, will be joining support group to share some helpful strategies. As always, group is an opportunity for you & your peers to share ideas, support each other, & feel safe talking with others that may be going through similar life experiences. Join us for this interactive exchange.
RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
TriBond BRAIN Game: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1 to 2pm
What does picnic, card & pool all have in common? Answer – they are all types of tables! TriBond is a game of making connections. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
OCTOBER EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
WED OCT 1 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1-3
TUE OCT 7 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE OCT 7 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE OCT 7 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE OCT 7 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED OCT 8 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE OCT 14 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE OCT 14 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE OCT 14 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE OCT 14 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED OCT 15 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED OCT 15 PHONE ONLY: Jeopardy, 1 – 2
WED OCT 15 PHONE ONLY:, Meditation, 2 – 2:30
TUE OCT 21 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE OCT 21 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE OCT 21 City In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 2:30
WED OCT 22 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED OCT 22 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 2:45
TUE OCT 28 PHONE ONLY: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE OCT 28 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE OCT 28 PHONE ONLY: Medicare Talk, 1 – 2
TUE OCT 28 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED OCT 29 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED OCT 29 PHONE ONLY: Tribond Brain Game, 1 – 2
WED OCT 29 PHONE ONLY: Music Appreciation, 2 – 3
For those interested in participating, whether it be in-person or over-the-phone, everyone must call Melissa at (847) 510-2060 to discuss their participation plans in advance for attendance / RSVPs and pre-register as space is limited for all in-person attendance.
Call the calendar phone line anytime, day or night, to hear the current month’s schedule: (312) 506-0115.
