Seniors Program Newsletter (Chicago location)
Senior News You Can Use | July & August 2025
1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60608
ADDRESSES FOR BOTH LIGHTHOUSE LOCATIONS
The lobby address for our city office is 1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. Our Glenview office is located at 222 Waukegan Road. 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.
JULY ANNOUNCEMENT
We be closed on Friday, July 4th for Independence Day.
YACHT CRUISE & LUNCH WILL BE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 – PRE-REGISTER ASAP WITH MELISSA!
Transportation will NOT be provided this year. All approved participants should join the program directly at the yacht club. See page 16 for complete information!
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 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 –
LOW VISION BATHROOM TIPS
Consider these helpful bathroom tips:
- Use contrasting colored towels, shower curtains & non-slip bath rugs compared to the wall & flooring.
- High contrast colors & textures help to differentiate fixtures, walls, flooring & differences in surfaces.
- Use soap dispenser & sink colors with high contrast
- Use a black toilet seat to create contrast
- Use large print labels on products & containers
- Use personal care products that have a contrasting-colored bottle in relation to their background
- Add additional lighting
- Consider an adjustable or tilted mirror to minimize glare from overhead lights
- *Add a raised toilet seat or toilet handles to help with transfers*
- *Add grab bars of a contrasting color in the tub/shower & near the toilet*
*Refer to a rehab professional or Occupational Therapist or for recommendations best suited for your specific needs.
JULY CALENDAR of EVENTS:
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE: SHOOTING STARS
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 1 to 3pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Shooting Stars focuses on the inspiring story of how four-time NBA Champion LeBron James & his childhood friends teamed up to become the top high school team in America, kickstarting LeBron’s storied career as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Rated PG-13. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – THE SON
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1 to 3pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. The Son is a cautionary tale that follows a family as it struggles to reunite after falling apart. It centers on Peter played by Hugh Jackman, whose hectic life with his infant & new partner is upended when his ex-wife appears at his door to discuss their teenage son, Nicholas. The young man has been missing school for months & is deeply troubled. Peter strives to take care of Nicholas as he would have wanted his own father, played by Anthony Hopkins, to have taken care of him while juggling his new son. But, by reaching for the past to correct mistakes, he loses sight of how to hold onto Nicholas in the present. Rated PG-13. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB – SHUTDOWN: HOW COVID SHOOK THE WORLD’S ECONOMY – PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1 to 2pm
Bob Rosol chose the nonfiction title, Shutdown: How Covid Shook the World’s Economy, by Adam Tooze listening time, 12.5 hours, book #DB105070 in the TBBS catalog. The shocks of 2020 have been great & small, disrupting the world economy, international relations & the daily lives of virtually everyone on the planet. Never before has the entire world economy contracted by 20 percent in a matter of weeks nor in the historic record of modern capitalism has there been a moment in which 95% of the world’s economies were suffering all at the same time. Across the world hundreds of millions have lost their jobs. And over it all looms the specter of pandemic, & death. Adam Tooze brings his analytical & narrative skills to a panoramic & synthetic overview of our current crisis. By focusing on finance & business, he sets the pandemic story in a frame that casts a sobering new light on how unprepared the world was to fight the crisis, & how deep the ruptures in our way of living & doing business are. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
CHAIR EXERCISE
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAYS, JULY 1 & 15, 11am to 12pm
PHONE-ONLY: TUESDAYS, JULY 8, 22 & 29, 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 JULY, 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 with Melissa at (847) 510-2060.
FAMILY FEUD©: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1 to 2pm
Are you ready to feud? That is right – Family Feud! Get ready to challenge your mind. Get ready to think fast!
RSVP in advance to Melissa: (847) 510-2060.
IPAD/IPHONE (& ANDROID) TRAINING: IN-PERSON ONLY
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 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.
JEOPARDY!©: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 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, JULY 23, 2 to 2:30pm
This mediation is designed to strengthen your resilience, relax the mind, body & spirit & promote self-compassion & inner self-healing. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2 to 3pm
Hear outlaw country music from north of the border, family fiddle tunes from Cape Breton, classic piano blues from barrelhouse bars & juke joints & cowboy ballads & poems, & melodies in memory of labor songwriter Joe Hill. RSVP at: 847-510-2060.
THE IMPORTANCE OF POWERS OF ATTORNEY &
A LIVING WILL: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1 to 2pm
Join us for this important session to hear from an attorney with the Center for Disability & Elder Law as we learn why we should have a Power of Attorney &/or a Living Will Declaration. A Power of Attorney allows us to appoint a trusted individual to make health care &/or property decisions on our behalf when we are no longer able. A Living Will Declaration is more limited in scope than a Power of Attorney for Healthcare as it authorizes the withholding of medical treatments & procedures that would artificially delay the moment of our death. Knowledge is power! Call Melissa at (847) 510-2060 to register for this important session!
SINGING BOWLS/SOUND MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2 to 2:30pm
Join us for a meditation designed to support your well-being. Take this opportunity to lay down, close your eyes, & allow the singing bowls to interact with you. Take a moment for yourself to shed built-up anxiety, anger & fear. Let go of everything you are trying to do & all that you think you know & just be!
SOCIAL HOUR: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAYS, JULY 1 & 15, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, JULY 8, 22 & 29, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1 to 2pm
Dr. Frank Lane, Clinical Counselor, will be joining support group each month 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.
TriBond BRAIN Game: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 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 Game: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 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.
Who wants to be a millionaire?: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2 to 3pm
Don’t get too excited – it’s just a rhetorical question!! This game is open to anyone willing to put their knowledge to the test in a series of questions & answers. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
JULY EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE JUL 1 City In-Person/Phone: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE JUL 1 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JUL 1 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE JUL 1 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED JUL 2 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE JUL 8 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE JUL 8 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JUL 8 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE JUL 8 PHONE ONLY: Tribond Brain Game, 2 – 3
WED JUL 9 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED JUL 9 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1–3
TUE JUL 15 City In-Person/Phone: Exercise 11 – 12
TUE JUL 15 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JUL 15 City In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
WED JUL 16 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED JUL 16 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
TUE JUL 22 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE JUL 22 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JUL 22 PHONE ONLY: Jeopardy, 1 – 2
TUE JUL 22 PHONE ONLY: Music Appreciation, 2 – 3
WED JUL 23 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED JUL 23 PHONE ONLY: Trivia, 1 – 2
WED JUL 23 PHONE ONLY: Meditation, 2 – 2:30
TUE JUL 29 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE JUL 29 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE JUL 29 PHONE ONLY: Family Feud, 1 – 2
TUE JUL 29 PHONE ONLY: Sound Meditation, 2 – 2:30
WED JUL 30 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED JUL 30 PHONE ONLY: Power of Attorney Talk, 1–2
WED JUL 30 PHONE ONLY: Millionaire Game, 2 – 3
AUGUST CALENDAR of EVENTS:
AUGUST ANNOUNCEMENT
SIGHT IMPAIRED YACHT CRUISE IS TAKING PLACE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 – PRE-REGISTER ASAP WITH MELISSA! Transportation will not be provided this year. All approved participants should join the program directly at the yacht club. See page 16 for complete information!
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – GODZILLA X KONG:
THE NEW EMPIRE — IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 1 to 3pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. The epic battle continues with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, an all-new adventure that pits the fearsome Godzilla & the almighty Kong against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence — & our own. This movie delves further into the histories of the Titans — & the mysteries of Skull Island & beyond — while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings & tied them to humankind forever. Rated PG-13. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – THE FLASH
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1 to 3:30pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Worlds collide in The Flash when Barry Allen uses his superpowers to travel back in time to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, & there are no Superheroes to turn to. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in & return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe? Rated PG-13. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB – LETHAL JUSTICE: REVENGE OF THE SISTERHOOD – PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1 to 2pm
Charlotte Howard chose Lethal Justice: Revenge of the Sisterhood by Fern Michaels, listening time, 8 hours. TBBS Book #DB065499. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. The Sisterhood: a group of women from all walks of life bound by friendship & a quest for justice. Armed with vast resources, top-notch expertise, & a loyal network of allies around the globe, the Sisterhood will not rest until every wrong is made right. The women of the Sisterhood are fun, smart, sassy, & determined to get their way every time. But most of all, they are the best friends a woman wants by her side in good times & bad. Alexis Thorn, a securities broker wrongly imprisoned for fraud, enlists the aid of the Sisterhood–a vigilante group that exacts justice when the legal system fails. The Sisterhood members plot revenge on the real culprits, Alexis’s former employers, but find themselves in danger of being exposed.
CHAIR EXERCISE: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 11am to 12pm
PHONE-ONLY: TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 11am to 12pm & WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 1 to 2pm
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 JULY occur, for any reason. Your participation acknowledges that you agree to these terms. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
Chicago Yacht Club Cruise & Lunch:
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 11am to 3pm
We have been invited to take part in a Sight Impaired Cruise at the Chicago Yacht Club. If interested, you must contact Melissa NO LATER than FRIDAY, AUG. 8th at (847) 510-2060 & your name will be added to the waitlist. Seniors will be notified if they have been chosen by August 19th. Transportation will NOT be provided. All confirmed participants should arrange for drop off & pick up at the yacht club at 400 E. Monroe St. – do NOT come to The Lighthouse for this program. Lunch will be served & then we will enjoy a lake cruise. All must sign a waiver prior to cruising.
COMPUTER CLASSES: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
EVERY WEDNESDAY IN AUGUST, 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.
CONCERT PERFORMANCE:
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 11am to 12pm
Hear some fantastic live music as talented performers from the youth-run nonprofit organization, Harmony for Hearts, come to spread joy & healing through sound! RSVP in advance to Melissa: (847) 510-2060.
IPAD/IPHONE (& ANDROID) TRAINING: IN-PERSON ONLY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 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, AUGUST 12, 2 to 3pm
Let’s exercise our brains with a good old-fashioned
game! RSVP to Melissa at (847) 510-2060.
MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 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.
SOCIAL HOUR: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAYS, AUGUST 5 & 19, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs to catch-up with friends.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 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.
AUGUST EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE AUG 5 City In-Person/Phone: Exercise 11 – 12
TUE AUG 5 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE AUG 5 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE AUG 5 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED AUG 6 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED AUG 6 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1-3
TUE AUG 12 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE AUG 12 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE AUG 12 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE AUG 12 PHONE ONLY: Jeopardy, 2 – 3
WED AUG 13 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE AUG 19 City In-Person/Phone: Music Concert, 11–12
TUE AUG 19 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE AUG 19 City In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
WED AUG 20 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED AUG 20 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3:30
TUE AUG 26 City In-Person Only: Cruise & Lunch, 11–3
WED AUG 27 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED AUG 27 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 1 – 2
WED AUG 27 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.
