Seniors Program Newsletter (Chicago location)
Senior News You Can Use | January & February 2026
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.
A THOUGHT ON THE NEW YEAR
“Your success & happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, & your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” – Helen Keller
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION REMINDER
At least one hour of phone or in-person participation is expected each month to remain enrolled in the seniors’ program, which is free to participate in as program funding is provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services through the Bureau of Customer & Community Blind Services.
JANUARY ANNOUNCEMENT
We will be closed on January 1st & 19th.
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 – BRUSHING YOUR TEETH
Applying toothpaste on a toothbrush can be difficult if you have trouble seeing the toothbrush head & toothpaste, if it is a similar color to the brush head, or if you have issues with depth perception. Here are some helpful tips for minimizing toothpaste waste:
- Use a contrasting color for your toothbrush head & toothpaste (example: green or blue toothpaste with white toothbrush bristles)
- Place your index finger next to the toothbrush when you are applying toothpaste so you can use your sense of touch to feel the toothpaste lined up on the brush.
- Utilize a fully-automatic toothpaste dispenser. This is a one-handed tool that squeezes out toothpaste for you with a gentle push of the brush, you don’t have to worry about squeezing too much or too little.
- Skip the in-between steps & squirt the toothpaste directly onto your finger, then put it on the brush or in your mouth; or secure your own tube & squirt the toothpaste directly into your mouth, then brush.
JANUARY CALENDAR of EVENTS:
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE: CAPTAIN AMERICA, BRAVE NEW WORLD — IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1 to 3pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. In Captain America, Brave New World, Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero Sam Wilson, who’s officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. Rated PG-13. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – SUPERMAN (2025)
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1 to 3:15pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. In this new Superman movie, a younger Superman balances his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent, while navigating a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned. When the ruthless tech billionaire Lex Luthor frames Superman for an international incident, he must embrace his dual identity to stop Luthor’s plan. Lois Lane & his four-legged companion Krypto help him fight back against Luthor’s scheme to destroy him. Rated PG-13.
BOOK CLUB: A PAINTED HOUSE — PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1 to 2pm
Doris McClintock chose A Painted House by John Grisham, listening time, 11.5 hours. TBBS Book #DB051331. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. Until that September of 1952, Luke Chandler had never kept a secret or told a single lie. But in the long, hot summer of his seventh year, two groups of migrant workers — & two very dangerous men — came through the Arkansas Delta to work the Chandler cotton farm. And suddenly mysteries are flooding Luke’s world. A brutal murder leaves the town seething in gossip & suspicion. A beautiful young woman ignites forbidden passions. A fatherless baby is born & someone has begun furtively painting the bare clapboards of the Chandler farmhouse, slowly, painstakingly, bathing the run-down structure in gleaming white. And as young Luke watches the world around him, he unravels secrets that could shatter lives & change his family & his town forever.
CHAIR EXERCISE: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & PHONE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 11am to 12pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, JANUARY 13 & 27, 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 JANUARY, 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 so register in advance at (847) 510-2060.
ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1 to 2pm
Join us for this crucial session to hear from an attorney with the Center for Disability & Elder Law as we learn about Last Wills & Testaments, trusts & other estate planning documents. This session will demystify the probate process, provide the formalities for these estate planning documents, & explain how these documents work together as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Call Melissa at (847) 510-2060 to register for this important session to help you prepare for the future!
HEALTH EDUCATION – A HEALTHIER YOU, NOW
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, JANUARY 13 & 27, 11am to 12pm
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 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, JANUARY 6, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 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 in advance: (847) 510-2060.
MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2 to 2:30pm
In this guided mindfulness meditation, make the choice to build the qualities of compassion & kindness 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.
NAME THAT TUNE: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 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, JANUARY 6 & 20, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, JANUARY 13 & 27, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1 to 2pm
Join us for this interactive exchange of ideas & information to increase your knowledge & help you retain your independence while getting the support you need. Join in to say hi, share how you’re doing & hear some familiar voices. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
JANUARY EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE JAN 6 City In-Person/Phone: Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE JAN 6 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JAN 6 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE JAN 6 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED JAN 7 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED JAN 7 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1–3
TUE JAN 13 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE JAN 13 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JAN 13 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE JAN 13 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED JAN 14 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE JAN 20 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE JAN 20 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JAN 20 City In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
WED JAN 21 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED JAN 21 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3:15
TUE JAN 27 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE JAN 27 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JAN 27 PHONE ONLY: Estate Planning, 1 – 2
TUE JAN 27 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED JAN 28 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED JAN 28 PHONE ONLY: Name That Tune, 1 – 2
WED JAN 28 PHONE ONLY: Meditation, 2 – 2:30
FEBRUARY CALENDAR of EVENTS:
FEBRUARY ANNOUNCEMENT
We will be closed for Presidents’ Day on February 16th.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – THE UNBREAKABLE BOY
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1 to 3pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. The Unbreakable Boy is based on an inspirational true story. You’ve never met a kid like Austin. He’s not just one in a million… he’s one in four billion — the odds of being born with both a rare brittle-bone disease & autism. But what makes Austin truly unique is his joyous, funny, life-affirming worldview that transforms & unites everyone around him — especially his dad, Scott, who comes to see Austin not as the symbol of something broken, but the triumph of an indestructible spirit. To meet Austin is to know that being “unbreakable” is not about physical strength, but the inner strength that comes from embracing love & grace, even in the most trying times. Rated PG. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – SNOW WHITE
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1 to 3pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Experience this live-action musical reimagining of Walt Disney’s groundbreaking animated classic. Follow Snow White’s adventure as she journeys into magical woods to escape the Evil Queen & meets the beloved Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Happy, Dopey, Grumpy & Doc who join her quest to restore the kingdom. Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB: NO GREATER LOVE – PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1 to 2pm
Jimmie Sue Castleberry chose No Greater Love by Danielle Steel, listening time, 12.5 hours. TBBS Book #DB033938. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. Edwina Winfield, her parents & siblings, &her fiancé are all exceedingly happy as they sail home to America aboard the Titanic in 1912. But Edwina’s life changes forever the night of April 14. Suddenly she is left with five younger children to care for & her father’s newspaper to run. As the years pass & the children go their own ways, Edwina is finally able to free herself from the past & take a new chance on romance. Compelling & deeply moving, No Greater Love questions a woman’s choices & the price she must pay for making them.
CHAIR EXERCISE: PHONE ONLY ONLY
TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 10 & 24, 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 FEBRUARY, 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 at (847) 510-2060.
HEALTH EDUCATION – A HEALTHIER YOU, NOW
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 3 & 17, 11am to 12pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, FEB. 10 & 24, 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, FEBRUARY 3, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 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. Pre-register at: (847) 510-2060.
JEOPARDY!©: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1 to 2pm
Let’s exercise our brains with a good old-fashioned game! RSVP to Melissa at (847) 510-2060.
MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 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 is the kind & compassionate way in which you speak to yourself. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1 to 2pm
This session will pay particular attention to the civil rights struggle, especially through the 10-year period between 1955 & 1965. Original interviews with Bernice Johnson Reagon of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Freedom Singers & one-time Black Panther activist Angela Davis blend with archival interviews to recapture the spirit of the struggle & to provide contemporary context to its meaning. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
SOCIAL HOUR: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 & 17, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, FEB. 10 & 24, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs to catch-up with friends.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1 to 2pm
Join us for this interactive exchange of ideas & information to increase your knowledge & help you retain your independence while getting the support you need. Join in to say hi, share how you’re doing & hear some familiar voices. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
FEBRUARY EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE FEB 3 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE FEB 3 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE FEB 3 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE FEB 3 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED FEB 4 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED FEB 4 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1-3
TUE FEB 10 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE FEB 10 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE FEB 10 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE FEB 10 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED FEB 11 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
MON FEB 16 OFFICE CLOSED
TUE FEB 17 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE FEB 17 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE FEB 17 City In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
WED FEB 18 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED FEB 18 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
TUE FEB 24 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE FEB 24 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE FEB 24 PHONE ONLY: Jeopardy, 1 – 2
TUE FEB 24 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED FEB 25 PHONE ONLY: Music Appreciation, 1 – 2
WED FEB 25 PHONE ONLY: Meditation, 2 – 2:30
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.
