Seniors Program Newsletter (Chicago location)
Senior News You Can Use | March & April 2026
1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60608
ADDRESSES FOR BOTH LIGHTHOUSE LOCATIONS
The address of 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.
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.
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 – HADLEY HELPS
Hadley is an educational institution that provides free low vision support & resources for individuals with vision impairments. Their offerings include practical help with online workshops; podcasts; large print, digital talking book audio or braille mailings; discussion groups; peer mentors; & phone calls.
Hadley’s services are free of charge and include:
- Resources & programs for adapting to vision loss
- Accessible learning through audio-video workshops, online resources, phone calls, & mail delivery
Learn more at www.HadleyHelps.org.
MARCH CALENDAR of EVENTS:
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE: PIECE BY PIECE
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1 to 2:45pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Piece by Piece is an unparalleled motion picture experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination & witness the evolution of one of music’s most innovative minds.
Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – THE ROOM NEXT DOOR
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1 to 2:45pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Ingrid & Martha were close friends in their youth, when they worked together at the same magazine. Ingrid went on to become a novelist while Martha became a war reporter. Separated by the circumstances of life & after years of being out of touch, they meet again in an extreme but strangely sweet situation. Directed by Academy Award winner Pedro Almodóvar. Rated PG-13.
BOOK CLUB: THE WINDS OF AUTUMN
PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1 to 2pm
Mary Bell Snyder chose The Winds of Autumn by Janette Oke. TBBS Book #DB 031895, listening time, 6.5 hours. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. On the brink of manhood, Josh’s world is filled with studies & life with Aunt Lou & the menfolk, along with an occasional fishing trip thrown in. When a new teacher arrives, Josh thrives under his encouragement–as well as from the attention of the teacher’s pretty daughter. Josh faces important questions about life & love & about himself.
CHAIR EXERCISE: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & PHONE
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 11am to 12pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, MARCH 10, 24 & 31, 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 MARCH, 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.
HEALTH EDUCATION – A HEALTHIER YOU, NOW
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, MAR. 10, 24 & 31, 11am to 12pm
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 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, MARCH 3, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 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. RSVP in advance: (847) 510-2060.
MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 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.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1 to 2pm
This program examines Moses Asch, the founder of Folkways Records, & the influences which guided his choices in building the Folkways Collection. Among those interviewed for this program are Asch’s son, Michael Asch Professor Emeritus of the University of Alberta; Asch’s biographer, Peter Goldsmith of Dartmouth College, New Hampshire; & renowned folk singer Peter Seeger. Musical selections for this episode reflect works which Asch himself considered particularly significant or which had a profound bearing on his work. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
NAME THAT TUNE: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 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, MARCH 3 & 17, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, MAR. 10, 24 & 31, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, MARCH 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.
TRIVIA: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 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.
MARCH EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE MAR 3 City In-Person/Phone: Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE MAR 3 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 3 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE MAR 3 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED MAR 4 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED MAR 4 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1–3
TUE MAR 10 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE MAR 10 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 10 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE MAR 10 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED MAR 11 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE MAR 17 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE MAR 17 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 17 City In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 2:45
WED MAR 18 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED MAR 18 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 2:45
TUE MAR 24 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE MAR 24 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 24 PHONE ONLY: Name That Tune, 1 – 2
TUE MAR 24 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED MAR 25 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED MAR 25 PHONE ONLY: Music Appreciation, 1 – 2
WED MAR 25 PHONE ONLY: Meditation, 2 – 2:30
TUE MAR 31 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE MAR 31 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 31 PHONE ONLY: Trivia, 1 – 2
TUE MAR 31 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
APRIL CALENDAR of EVENTS:
APRIL ANNOUNCEMENT
In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day, we will not have a Chicago movie offering. Instead, we will offer a free opportunity for you to prepare Powers of Attorney for Health Care & Property as well as Living Will declarations. More information can be found below.
ADVANCE PLANNING WORKSHOP
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1 to 3:30pm
Have you made your advance planning documents? Power of Attorney (POA) documents are like car insurance. You hope you’ll never need them, but you’ll be glad you have them if you do! We all have the right to make sure our wishes are known & respected, but we must take the necessary steps to make them legal. Volunteer attorneys with the Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) will offer a POA workshop to help you make the following advance planning documents:
- Power of Attorney for Health Care– name someone to make medical decisions, if you ever cannot make them for yourself
- Power of Attorney for Property– name someone to help with money, housing, benefits, financial matters
- Living Will Declaration – state your wishes about life-sustaining treatment
Participants will leave with their documents fully executed & notarized. Avoid stress, conflict, & guardianship & give clarity & peace of mind to yourself & your loved ones. Space is limited for this FREE offering so register with Melissa soon at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – UNSUNG HERO
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1 to 3pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. When David Smallbone’s music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States to search for a brighter future. Struggling to make ends meet, the couple soon realize the talents of their children, who go on to become two of the most successful acts in contemporary Christian music. Based on a true story. Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB: BLINDSIGHT
PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1 to 2pm
Bob Rosol chose Blindsight by Robin Cook, listening time, 13 hours. TBBS Book #DB033936. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. When a series of unrelated yuppie deaths by cocaine overdose are reported to the medical examiner’s office, Dr. Montgomery’s curiosity is piqued. As the friends and families of the deceased uniformly swear that their loved ones weren’t involved with drugs, that curiosity intensifies. But her feelings turn to anger and frustration when she attempts to autopsy the bodies and investigate the deaths, only to find herself at odds with her superiors, the police department, and the relatives themselves. The reason for the opposition range from political expediency to religious belief, but Laurie senses that something far more menacing links the so-called random deaths. Jeopardizing her professional future, Laurie Montgomery sets out to uncover the truth—which leads her to a distinguished New York hospital and, beyond that, to nightmare.
CHAIR EXERCISE: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & PHONE
TUESDAYS, APRIL 7 & 21, 11am to 12pm
PHONE ONLY: TUES., APRIL 14 & 28, 11am to 12pm
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 APRIL, 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.
IPAD/IPHONE (& ANDROID) TRAINING: IN-PERSON ONLY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1 to 3pm in GLENVIEW
TUESDAY, APRIL 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, APRIL 15, 2 to 3pm
Let’s exercise our brains with a good old-fashioned game! RSVP to Melissa at (847) 510-2060.
MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 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.
MORE MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 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.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1 to 2pm
This session will feature Blues piano from Memphis Slim, marimba music from Guatemala, labor union songs, World War II anthems, Tuvan throat singing, & classic old-time tunes from Dock Boggs & Roscoe Holcomb. Real music, real people, & the stories behind the sounds. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
NAME THAT TUNE: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 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, APRIL 7 & 21, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, APRIL 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, APRIL 7, 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 hello and share how you’re doing. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
TriBond BRAIN Game: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2 to 3pm
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.
TRIVIA: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 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.
APRIL EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
WED APR 1 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED APR 1 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1-3
TUE APR 7 City In-Person/Phone: Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE APR 7 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 7 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE APR 7 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED APR 8 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE APR 14 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE APR 14 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 14 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE APR 14 PHONE ONLY: Tribond Brain Game, 2 – 3
WED APR 15 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED APR 15 PHONE ONLY: Music Appreciation, 1 – 2
WED APR 15 PHONE ONLY: Jeopardy!©, 2 – 3
TUE APR 21 City In-Person/Phone: Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE APR 21 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 21 City In-Person Only: Advance Planning Workshop, 1 – 3:30
WED APR 22 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED APR 22 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
TUE APR 28 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE APR 28 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 28 PHONE ONLY: Name That Tune, 1 – 2
TUE APR 28 PHONE ONLY: Meditation, 2 – 2:30
WED APR 29 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED APR 29 PHONE ONLY: Trivia, 1 – 2
WED APR 29 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.
