Seniors Program Newsletter (Chicago location)
Senior News You Can Use | March & April 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.
CALENDAR PHONE LINE
Call the calendar phone line anytime, day or night, to hear the current month’s schedule at: (312) 506-0115.
IN MEMORIAM
Let us remember Thatedus Williams who passed away this past December.
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.
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.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TIP – STAIR SAFETY
Navigating stairs with vision loss can be a hazard, but these simple modifications can greatly improve safety!
· Ensure staircases are well-lit by using overhead lights & adding battery operated motion-sensor nightlights or LED strip lighting along stair edges.
· Apply high-contrast, non-slip tape or paint to the stair edges to make each step more visible.
· Install sturdy handrails that contrast with the wall color on both sides of the staircase, ensuring they extend slightly beyond the top & bottom steps.
· Add tactile markers, like textured tape, at the top & bottom steps to signal the start & end of the staircase.
· Keep stairs clear of clutter to prevent tripping hazards.
· Regularly inspect stairs for loose carpeting, damaged steps, or wobbly railings, & address any issues.
MARCH CALENDAR of EVENTS:
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE: THE CREATOR
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 12:45 to 3pm
This science fiction movie will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Amidst a future war between the human race & the forces of artificial intelligence (AI), Joshua, a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife is recruited to hunt down & kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war & mankind itself. Joshua & his team of elite operatives journey across enemy lines, into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory only to discover the world-ending weapon he’s been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child.
Rated PG-13. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3: IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1 to 2:30pm
This comedy will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. From writer & director Nia Vardalos, the worldwide phenomenon My Big Fat Greek Wedding is back with a brand-new adventure. Join the Portokalos family as they travel to a family reunion in Greece for a heartwarming & hilarious trip full of love, twists & turns. Opa!
Rated PG-13. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB – A PIGGLY WIGGLY WEDDING: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1 to 2pm
Janice Bullocks chose A Piggly Wiggly Wedding, by Rob Dalby, listening time, 8.75 hours, book # DB070859 in the TBBS catalog. Weddings are big news in the Delta town of Second Creek, Mississippi. Especially when the wedding is that of the town’s new mayor, the seventy-one-years-young Hale Dunbar, who is about to tie the knot with Gaylie Lyons, to whom he first lost his heart back in the 1940s. Hale used to be the proprietor of the Piggly Wiggly, which closed a few years back. Unfortunately, Gaylie’s spoiled children are trying to shut down the wedding as well. They’re putting up a stink about her move to this small Southern town, no matter how lovely the neighbors are. It falls to the town’s matrons, the Nitwitts, to get the kids on board & pave the way for more than one new beginning in Second Creek. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
CHAIR EXERCISE: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 11am to 12pm
PHONE-ONLY: TUESDAYS, MARCH 11 & 25, 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 – register with Melissa at (847) 510-2060.
HEALTH EDUCATION – A HEALTHIER YOU, NOW
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, MAR. 11 & 25, 11am to 12pm
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 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 4, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 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
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 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, MARCH 26, 2 to 2:30pm
To be the best person you can be, 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 at: (847) 510-2060.
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.
SOCIAL HOUR: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAYS, MARCH 4 & 18, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, MARCH 11 & 25, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 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.
TRIBOND BRAINE GAME: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 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.
MARCH EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE MAR 4 City In-Person/Phone: Chair Exercise, 11–12
TUE MAR 4 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 4 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE MAR 4 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED MAR 5 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED MAR 5 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1–3
TUE MAR 11 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE MAR 11 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 11 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE MAR 11 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED MAR 12 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE MAR 18 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE MAR 18 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 18 City In-Person Only: Movie, 12:45 – 3
WED MAR 19 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED MAR 19 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 2:30
TUE MAR 25 PHONE ONLY: Health Education, 11 – 12
TUE MAR 25 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE MAR 25 PHONE ONLY: Tribond Brain Game, 1 – 2
TUE MAR 25 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 2 – 3
WED MAR 26 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED MAR 26 PHONE ONLY: Jeopardy, 1 – 2
WED MAR 26 PHONE ONLY: Meditation, 2 – 2:30
APRIL CALENDAR of EVENTS:
AGING IN PLACE: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1 to 2pm
Join North West Housing Partnership (NWHP) for an informational session on how to reduce the risk of falls, improve safety, & increase accessibility in your home. The Older Adult Home Modification Program offers home modifications & repairs that can help seniors remain in their homes. The modifications can include installing grab bars, railings, lever-handled doorknobs, temporary ramps, handheld shower heads, & raised toilet seats. NWHP will also provide the services of an Occupational Therapist & Nurse. All services, adaptive equipment, & modifications are free for seniors that qualify. The goal is to enable older adults to remain safely in their home, or “Age in Place”. NWHP has a variety of programs & services that are available to those in & around the northwest, north & west suburbs of Chicago. In addition, NWHP collaborates with partners on affordable multi-family rental developments in the Chicagoland area. RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – ONE LIFE
IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1 to 3pm
One Life will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. Based on the book If It’s Not Impossible…The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton, One Life tells the incredible, emotional true story of Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton, a young London broker who visits Prague in December 1938. In a race against time, Winton convinces Trevor Chadwick & Doreen Warriner of the British Committee for Refugees in Czechoslovakia to rescue hundreds of predominantly Jewish children before Nazi occupation closes the borders. Fifty years later, Nicky, played by Anthony Hopkins is haunted by the fate of the children he couldn’t bring to safety in England.
Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE MOVIE – THE HILL
IN-PERSON ONLY IN GLENVIEW
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1 to 3pm
The Hill will be shown with audio description which uses narration to describe visual content. The Hill is an inspiring, true story of baseball phenomenon Rickey Hill. The son of a small-town traveling pastor, Rickey shows an extraordinary talent for baseball despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease. Driven by his faith & love of the sport, he continues to play against his father’s wishes. But when a scout for the major league arrives, he must overcome his worsening condition & the division it causes in his family to fulfill his dream of playing professional baseball. Rated PG. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
BOOK CLUB – HIDDEN PLACES: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1 to 2pm
Jimmie Sue Castleberry chose Hidden Place by Lynn Austin, listening time, 15 hours. TBBS Book #DB105888. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060. A deep yearning for home had led Eliza to Wyatt Orchards ten years ago. Now widowed with three young children, she faces mounting debts & the realization it is all up to her. But she has no idea how to run an orchard alone. When a stranger appears at her doorstep, Eliza guesses he is no different than the other out-of-luck characters searching for work during the Depression. But the familiarity with which Gabe tends to the farm raises unanswered questions. With a vulnerable heart, she is unwittingly drawn to his gentle ways. But Eliza also fears that Gabe hides a past & motives that could jeopardize all she has fought to attain for herself & her children.
CHAIR EXERCISE: PHONE-ONLY:
TUESDAYS, APRIL 8, 22 & 29, 11am to 12pm
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 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.
HEALTH EDUCATION – A HEALTHIER YOU, NOW
IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN:
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 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, APRIL 1, 2 to 3pm in CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 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, APRIL 29 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, APRIL 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.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2 to 3pm
This program will explore the connections of several jazz greats, such as James P. Johnson and Mary Lou Williams. RSVP to Melissa at: 847-510-2060.
NAME THAT TUNE: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2 to 3pm
Do you like music? Do you like a challenge? If so, then let’s play Name That Tune! RSVP at: (847) 510-2060.
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.
SOCIAL HOUR: IN-PERSON ONLY IN CHICAGO
TUESDAYS, APRIL 1 & 15, 12 to 1pm
PHONE ONLY: TUESDAYS, APRIL 8, 22 & 29, 12 to 1pm
Enjoy this free time in-between programs to catch-up with friends.
STRONGER TOGETHER: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2 to 3pm
At The Chicago Lighthouse, we believe that taking care of your mental & emotional well-being should be as natural as taking care of your physical health & we are committed to making a positive impact on your life by providing the support & resources you need. In this session, you will hear about an expansion of our mental health services designed to support everyone—whether you’re looking for ways to manage stress, feel more connected, or simply want to prioritize your overall wellness. RSVP to Melissa at: 847-510-2060.
SUPPORT GROUP: IN-PERSON IN CHICAGO & CALL-IN
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 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. RSVP with Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
TRIBOND BRAIN GAME: PHONE ONLY
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 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
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 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.
WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?: PHONE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 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. Just keep your wits about you & have fun. RSVP to Melissa at: (847) 510-2060.
APRIL EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE:
TUE APR 1 City In-Person/Phone: Health Ed., 11 – 12
TUE APR 1 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 1 City In-Person/Phone: Support Group, 1 – 2
TUE APR 1 City In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone, 2 – 3
WED APR 2 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED APR 2 Glenview In-Person Only: iPad/iPhone/Android, 1–3
TUE APR 8 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE APR 8 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 8 PHONE ONLY: Book Club, 1 – 2
TUE APR 8 PHONE ONLY: Name That Tune, 2 – 3
WED APR 9 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
TUE APR 15 City In-Person/Phone: Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE APR 15 City In-Person Only: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 15 City In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
WED APR 16 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED APR 16 Glenview In-Person Only: Movie, 1 – 3
TUE APR 22 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE APR 22 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 22 PHONE ONLY: Tribond Brain Game, 1 – 2
TUE APR 22 PHONE ONLY: Stronger Together, 2 – 3
WED APR 23 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED APR 23 PHONE ONLY: Aging in Place, 1 – 2
WED APR 23 PHONE ONLY: Millionaire Game, 2 – 3
TUE APR 29 PHONE ONLY: Chair Exercise, 11 – 12
TUE APR 29 PHONE ONLY: Social Hour, 12 – 1
TUE APR 29 PHONE ONLY: Jeopardy, 1 – 2
TUE APR 29 PHONE ONLY: Music Appreciation, 2 – 3
WED APR 30 City In-Person Only: Computers, 10 – 12
WED APR 30 PHONE ONLY: Trivia, 1 – 2
WED APR 30 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.