Levy e-News: Power of Attorney, Finance Series, Tax Assistance, and more!

Monday, February 12, 2024   |   View in browser

Good Morning,

Schedule your AARP Tax-Aide appointment

The Levy Senior Center, in partnership with the AARP Foundation, is offering free income tax preparation to eligible senior patrons. To schedule an appointment, call 847-448-4311 or 847-448-8250. This program is for older adults with low- or moderate-income and simple returns.

Silversneakers classes

Are you currently enrolled in Silversneakers through your insurance coverage? As a Silversneakers member, you have access to free Silversneakers fitness classes and complimentary usage of the fitness room. Take advantage of these offerings to enhance your wellness journey. If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to Levy front desk at 847-448-8250. Your health is our top priority, and we are here to support you in achieving your fitness goals.

Silversneakers classes

Power of Attorney for Healthcare Workshop

The CJE SeniorLife will be at the Levy Senior Center on Thurs., Feb. 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a free Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Medical Directive (Living Will) workshop. Registration is required in advance. Call the front desk at 847-448-8250 to sign up.

Legacy Parks: Honoring Black Evanston Trailblazers

In celebration of Black History Month, the City's Parks and Recreation Department invites you to explore five City parks, each proudly named after Black Evanstonians whose community contributions have left a lasting impact. Learn more. 

Movies for Members

Mark your calendars for the weekly movies for members. You must be a current Levy member and pre-register by calling the Levy front desk at 847-448-8250 to be included on the list. Bring your own snacks and drinks, then enjoy a movie with us! Unfortunately, the movie scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15 has been canceled due to a time conflict. 

Jamming Jean Concert - Friday, March 22

Derrick Procell is a harmonica player who is a soulful singer with a baritone voice and a two-fisted piano player who drives the rhythm home. Together with his solid band, they dig deep into soul and blues.

The concert is free and open to the public on Friday, March 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Maple Room at the Levy Senior Center.

Hecky’s Barbecue will be on-site with the fare for cash purchases. Grab dinner from this Evanston institution, and enjoy while you tap into the tunes. A selection of wine and beer will also be available from the cash bar.

Drop-in Pickleball

Visit us at the Levy Senior Center every Monday and Wednesday between Noon and 3 p.m., and on Sundays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to enjoy drop-in pickleball.

• $5 per person. Please pay at the front desk before playing.
• Three lined pickleball courts are available
• Nets and balls will be provided
• Players must provide paddles

Players are responsible for organizing games and being respectful of court time. All skill levels are welcome.

Levy Membership

Get ready to level up your 2024 at the Levy Senior Center with our brand-new membership program. It's not just a membership, it's your golden ticket to a year of fun, fitness, and fabulous discounts. From Monday, Jan. 1, through Tuesday, Dec. 31, buckle up for exclusive perks such as class discounts, a sweet deal on a rental, and unlimited access to our fitness wonderland. You'll be part of the coolest club in town for just $50 annually (resident rate) or $70 for non-residents. Renewing is a breeze–give us a ring or drop by the front desk, and let the good times (and savings) roll. Cheers to a year of awesome adventures at Levy!

February Finance Series

The topic for February is "The Four Pillars of New Retirement," which will provide an in-depth look at health, family, purpose, and finances. Attendees will be empowered to think through their circumstances, goals, and challenges so that they can take action today that impacts their quality of life in retirement. 

This seminar is sponsored and led by Neil Gardner of Edward Jones Financial in Skokie and is offered via Zoom. To register, please call the Levy Senior Center at 847-448-8250. 

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Fee: Free, registration required

Thrive with Pride Café: Combatting Loneliness & Increasing Intimacy

How do we connect and build meaningful relationships in the post-COVID world? This workshop with Jacqueline Boyd of ‘The Care Plan’ will provide insights on shaping your social world. In particular, some strategies may be finding and getting to know new people as well as developing intimacy in your life. Increasing intimacy for you may mean dating, a more healthy touch in your life, emotional intimacy, or self-intimacy, and we'll be covering all these areas together. We benefit from close relationships as we grow older and look forward to discussing these critical issues together.

Tuesday, February 27
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 420 827 2855 

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre: “That Art Thing We Do”

Join the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre for "Black History 24/7/365: That Art Thing We Do." This engaging conversation with Black Evanston artists will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, located at 927 Noyes St. 

The free event will feature a panel of four Black Evanston creatives who will take the stage and share in a conversation about their creative works and inspirations. Moderated by Laurice Bell of Shorefront Legacy Center, the panelists include visual artist Sam Onche, culinary artist Chef "Q" Ibraheem, playwright/director/educator Gloria Bond Clunie, and musician-composer Chris Greene.

The conversation will be followed by an Afterglow Party featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres in the 2nd-floor Art Gallery, where the works of artist and panelist Sam Onche, particularly the "Black In Color" exhibit, will be on display. Additionally, the Donovan Mixon Jazz Combo will perform jazz music to contribute to the ambiance.

This event is co-sponsored by the City of Evanston, Evanston Arts Council, Art Encounter, Evanston Arts Center, Evanston Made, and Evanston Rules.

Songs by Heart

Therapeutic sing-alongs will be held on Fridays from Noon to 1 p.m. at the Library. The Songs by Heart program encourages people at all cognitive levels to engage with others and the world. ‘Songs by Heart’ has partnered with the Levy Senior Center to provide their first regular programs for people living outside of retirement communities at no cost. This program was designed for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias and their caregivers, but all are welcome. 

Bouquet Bar

Even though it's cold out, we're already thinking about spring. For those 21 years and over, we're hosting a Bouquet Bar on Friday, March 29, at 6 p.m. The registration cost covers a glass of wine and all materials needed to create your blooming bouquet. Pre-registration is required.

Levy Fitness Room

Prepare for an exciting 2024 fitness journey tailored for seniors 55 and above. Say goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle and welcome the joys of exercise at the fitness center. We're not just talking about lifting weights; we're unlocking your inner fitness guru. Join in on a treadmill dance party, turning workouts into a rhythm-filled celebration. Visualize yourself in vibrant workout gear, conquering the elliptical. This isn't your average workout – it's a fitness extravaganza!

From enjoyable cardio activities to strength training and gentle stretching, it's a party for your muscles. Embrace camaraderie with fellow fitness enthusiasts, exchanging high-fives and fist bumps. Lace-up those sneakers, stay hydrated, and let's make 2024 the year you surpass your fitness goals in a welcoming and invigorating environment.

Tech Tuesdays at Levy

Do you struggle with how to use aspects of your phone or laptop? The  Levy Senior Center has the support you need. Call the front desk at 847-448-8250 to schedule a free appointment.

Levy Café

The Levy Senior Center serves hot meals Monday through Friday and 5-pack frozen meals on Tuesdays. Apply online to join the Senior Congregate Meal Program. To learn more, call the Levy Senior Center front desk at 847-448-8250. February Lunch Menu 2024.

Ride The Levy Bus

Booking Procedures:

• To arrange for bus service, you must call either the day before or by 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the requested day to be added to the pick-up list for that day.
• To request transportation, call the Levy Senior Center front desk at 847-448-8250 the day before or call 847-448-4311 on the morning of your intended trip.

Morning Bus Pickups (Monday through Friday):

• Pickups begin at 9:15 a.m.

Afternoon Return Routes (Monday-Friday):

• The first return route from the Levy Center departs at 12:30 p.m.
• The last bus of the day departs at 3:30 p.m., returning members home.

Grocery Shopping Trips:

• Starting at 11:30 a.m., we only provide grocery shopping trips on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• On Tuesdays, the bus will make stops at Dollar Tree, Goodwill, and Vali. Drop-offs occur on Wednesdays at Sam's Club, Marshalls, Food for Less, Jewel, and Target. The bus will be available to pick you up at the end of your shopping trip.

Free of Charge for Levy Center Members:

• Importantly, all of these transportation services are completely free of charge for Levy Center members who are 55 and older.

If you need transportation assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 847-448-8250. We are here to assist you.

Mason Park Expansion and Church/Dodge Transportation Improvements

Join the City in planning for the Mason Park Expansion and Church-Dodge Transportation Improvements project. This project is focused on expanding open space opportunities and improving vehicular, biking, and walking connections for the neighborhoods surrounding the Mason Park and Church-Dodge areas. Your feedback is a very important part of this community planning process, please take this 10-minute survey before March 15.

Dive into Community Engagement: Attend Parks and Recreation Community Meetings

Dive into community engagement. Attend our Parks and Recreation Committees and Board Meetings to share your ideas and shape the future of our recreational activities. Mark your calendar, participate, and let's build a stronger community together.

Unleash Your Talents: Parks & Rec Invites You to Share Skills and Teach Classes

Ready to share your passion, skills, or expertise with the community? Our Parks & Recreation facilities call for the incredible talents within our diverse community.

Whether you're a budding artist, fitness guru, cooking maestro, or tech wizard – we want you to bring your unique talents to our vibrant community!

Join us in creating a tapestry of skills at our parks and recreation centers. Share your love for music, performing arts, visual arts, arts & crafts, fitness, wellness, culinary delights, or technology. 

Have a skill or class idea not listed? We welcome all creative proposals.

Let's turn our community spaces into lively hubs of learning and fun. Your passion could be the spark that ignites new hobbies and friendships.

Submit your program proposal today to bring your special talents and skills.

Accessibility for All

The City is committed to the principle that persons with disabilities enjoy full access to all public meetings as well as City buildings, programs, and services. Please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or fill out a request form online. 

Thanks for reading!

The Levy Senior Center Team