Seniors Program Newsletter (Chicago location)
Senior News You Can Use | December 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.
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 – COLD WEATHER TIPS
Winter weather can create new or different challenges when you have low vision. Here are some tips to get where you need to go!
- Wear waterproof boots or shoes with rubber soles. If you need additional traction, you can purchase grips to add to the bottom of your shoes to create a cleat.
- Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing for visibility. With the daylight being shorter, you may finish your day after the sun has gone down.
- Some changes in surfaces may not be obvious, so rely on taller landmarks like bushes, fences, & signposts. If you use a long white cane, scan for changes in surface, inclines, snowbanks, & notice if the cane slides over ice.
- Take your time, dress warmly, & take smaller steps if you suspect ice.
- Try to avoid hats with ear flaps or earmuffs so that you can fully utilize your auditory senses. Snow can muffle the sounds of cars or traffic.
- Keep your cell phone on you, charged & bring an external battery charger just in case.
- Use alternative transportation if you are able, ride with a friend, use a taxi, Uber or utilize paratransit.
- Ask for help if you need it. Let your friends or family know where you are going & what time you are expected home.
DECEMBER CALENDAR of EVENTS:
DECEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
We will be closed for the winter holidays on
December 24 & 25. Happy Holidays!
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – ORDINARY ANGELS
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 11am to 1pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Based on a remarkable true story, Ordinary Angels centers on Sharon Steves, a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt, a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family & will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, & ordinary angels. Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – WONKA
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 11am to 1pm
This movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book & one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician & chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB: THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN – PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1 to 2pm
Alice Kubistal chose The Christmas Train by David Baldacci, listening time, 7.5 hours. TBBS Book #DB 055045. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to LA in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train across the country because of a slight ‘misunderstanding’ at airport security, he begins a journey of self-discovery & rude awakenings, mysterious goings-on & thrilling adventures, screwballescapades & holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, where he will rediscover people’s essential goodness & someone very special he believed he had lost.
CHAIR EXERCISE: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & PHONE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 11am to 12pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, DEC. 9, 23 & 30, 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
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 10 & 17, 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.
FAMILY FEUD©: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 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.
HOLIDAY POTLUCK: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1 to 3pm
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join in on the festivities. Catch up with one another, listen to some holiday music & more. What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with tasty treats! Please bring a food item to share. Melissa will provide dessert. Call Melissa at (847) 510-2060 in advance to make your reservation. Don’t forget to bring your jingle bells!
IPAD/IPHONE (& ANDROID) TRAINING: IN-PERSON ONLY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 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. Pre-register at: (847) 510-2060.
JEOPARDY!©: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 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, DECEMBER 30, 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.
MORE MEDITATION: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 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
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1 to 2pm
For a time, Phil Ochs was considered Bob Dylan’s greatest rival for the crown atop the politicized folk music movement of the 1960s. His life ended in tragedy; his downward spiral as an individual & as an artist coinciding with the increasingly confused & cynical mood of America in the late 60s & early 70s. Learn about the legacy of this great singer-songwriter. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
SOCIAL HOUR: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, DEC. 9, 23 & 30, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs to catch-up with friends.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 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. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
TRIBOND BRAIN GAME: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 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.
TRIVIA: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2 to 3pm
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.
DECEMBER EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE DEC 2 City In-Person/Phone: Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE DEC 2 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE DEC 2 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE DEC 2 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED DEC 3 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED DEC 3 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1-3
TUE DEC 9 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE DEC 9 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE DEC 9 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE DEC 9 PHONE ONLY: Jeopardy, 2 – 3
WED DEC 10 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE DEC 16 City In-Person Only: Movie, 11 – 1
TUE DEC 16 City In-Person Only: Potluck Party, 1 – 3
WED DEC 17 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED DEC 17 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 11 – 1
TUE DEC 23 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE DEC 23 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE DEC 23 PHONE ONLY: Music Appreciation, 1 – 2
TUE DEC 23 PHONE ONLY: Trivia, 2 – 3
WED DEC 24 OFFICE CLOSED
THU DEC 25 OFFICE CLOSED
TUE DEC 30 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE DEC 30 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE DEC 30 PHONE ONLY: TriBond Brain Game, 1 – 2
TUE DEC 30 PHONE ONLY: Meditation, 2 – 2:30
WED DEC 31 PHONE ONLY: Family Feud, 1 – 2
WED DEC 31 PHONE ONLY: More 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.
