Levy e-News: Hearing Tests, Special Events, Spring Program Guide, and more!

Monday, March 4, 2024   |   View in browser

Good Morning,

Early Voting Transportation

Are you a senior who wants to vote but doesn't have transportation? The Senior Services Division has a solution! We will pick you up Monday through Friday, beginning at 9 a.m., to take you to vote and bring you back home. Make sure to call the Levy Senior Center at 847-448-8250 the day before by 3 p.m. Make sure to give your name, address and phone number when you call. Don't forget to bring your ID the day of. We will be doing pickups in zip codes 60201 and 60202. 

Spring into our programs

The full Spring Program Guide is available. This digital only issue provides hundreds of recreation programs, special events, and ways to keep you healthy, active, and having fun this season. View all upcoming adult and senior programs and events in our spring brochure on pages 31 through 38.

Register online or by calling the Levy Senior Center at 847-448-8250.

Quick links to some of your favorite classes:

Fitness Classes

SilverSneakers Classes

Pickleball Workshops

Taekwondo Classes

Art & Music Classes

Dance Classes

Hearing Tests by Northwestern Students

Would you like your hearing tested for free by Northwestern Audiology Students? Register to get tested on Friday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please call Levy front desk at 847-448-8250 to get signed up.

Spring Aloha Special Event - April 12

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Spring Aloha on Friday, April 12 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Indulge in the delicious tradition of a pig roast and chicken. As you savor the mouthwatering feast, let the enchanting rhythms and graceful movements of Hawaiian dancers transport you to the idyllic shores of the Pacific. With every sway and twirl, experience the warmth of Aloha, and celebrate the season with a perfect blend of tropical delights and lively entertainment. Click here to register!

Insightful Politics with Charles Madigan

Want to understand the political landscape from polling to the parties' ideology and the history behind previous election cycles? Come to the library of the Levy Senior Center on Wednesday, March 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m. to learn more about the political landscape. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable insights.

National Slam the Scam Day - Thursday, March 7

The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General are partnering with other government agencies for the 5th Annual Slam the Scam Day. Slam the Scam helps bring awareness to scammer who claim to be with the Social Security office, IRS or even the Medicare office. To learn more, watch this video.

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre

Come enjoy a free dance performance by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre on Thursday, March 7 at noon in the Levy gymnasium. Free admission.

Sing-Along Piano Concert by Andrew Blenderman

Join Andrew Blenderman for a free piano concert on Friday, March 8, that will take us on a musical journey to Ireland and allowing us to request our favorite songs to sing. 

Call out for donations of 16oz Ball Jars/Jam Jars

Inspire through Flowers needs your help! If you have 16oz ball jars and jam jars that you would be willing to donate, please drop them off in Craft Room B by March 13. The jars will be used to make arrangements for hospital patients. 

March Science with Seniors

Each month, graduate students from Northwestern University visit the Levy Senior Center to discuss different science topics. This month, they will discuss the topic of "Climate Change + Reproduction and Fertility Preservation" on Thursday, March. 14, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required by calling the Levy front desk at 847-448-8250.

Shower Singers Spring Concert

Levy's Shower Singers will be performing for their Spring Concert on Friday, March 15 at 1 p.m. in Bobby's Room. Call the Levy Front Desk at 847-448-8250 to register. 

March Finance Series

The topic for March is "Financial Fitness - Power of Budgeting," which will explore the importance of creating and maintaining a budget, examine the difference between wants and needs, and how to set goals for personal spending, savings and debt repayment.

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, March 20, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Fee: Free, registration required

Aging Well Series - Downsizing Seminar

Learn when it is time to downsize and how to do it successfully. This seminar is hosted by the Booker Group with guest speaker Lorri Raizes from Senior Living Specialists on Tues., March 26 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., in Bobby's Room.

Dementia Friendly Movie Night - Queen Bees

Dementia Friendly Movie Nights are presented in a unique setting with softer sound and ambient lighting for the comfort of people living with dementia as well as their caregivers and friends. Attendees are welcome to engage with the presentation, and they are encouraged to participate by expressing themselves through talking, clapping, tapping their feet, swaying, singing along, and even getting up to dance. Call Levy Front Desk to register at 847-448-8250.

Bilingual Community Yoga with Evolutions

Discover tranquility and rejuvenation with our April lineup of free community yoga sessions at Levy Senior Center. Join us for gentle chair yoga, standing chair yoga, and guided meditation sessions expertly led by Joseph Ortega with Evolutions, LLC. Don't miss our bilingual offerings for an inclusive experience. Classes take place on Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23. Secure your spot by calling the Levy Center front desk at 847-448-8250. Must be a Levy member to register.

Senior Trip: Billy Elliott & Dinner at Craft Urban

Check out all the fun winter day trips at the Levy Center, including Billy Elliott's play at the beautiful Paramount Theatre and dinner at Craft Urban. Mark your calendars and register today.

Vibrant Living Class

Ready to establish new healthy habits,celebrate wins and share frustrations with other on similar journeys? Join our Vibrant Living group wellness program for women, led by Certified Health Coach Jennifer Reddick, starting on Thursday, April 4, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. 

Volunteer Program: Golden Greeters

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Golden Greeters volunteer program. We are inviting all seniors at the Levy Senior Center to join us in making a positive impact on our community. The Golden Greeters program aims to connect seniors with meaningful volunteer opportunities within our center and beyond.

If you are interested in becoming a Golden Greeter volunteer, please fill out the form provided below. Your participation will not only enrich the lives of others, but also provide you with a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Sign up to volunteer

Movies for Members

Don't forget to save the date for our weekly movie event for Levy members. To be included in the list, you must be a current Levy member and must pre-register by calling the Levy front desk at 847-448-8250. We encourage you to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy the movie with us.

Volunteer for Hoops for the Ages Senior Basketball Tournament

Volunteers are needed for the 2024 Hoops for the Ages Senior 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament being held at the Levy Senior Center and the Robert Crown Community Center on Saturday, April 27. 

Be a part of this exciting event that will qualify male and female senior athletes for the basketball competition at the 2025 National Senior Games. We need help with three volunteer opportunities: team registration, game timers, and game scorers. Each volunteer shift runs two hours. No experience is necessary as we'll show you what to do before your shift begins.   

The Hoops for the Ages Tournament Volunteer page provides an overview of the tournament and the volunteer opportunities. You can sign up to volunteer using a link on that page. 

If you have any questions, please contact Bob Swedlow at bswel4@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for supporting Hoops for the Ages.

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.

Lakeshore Shuffle 

Get your running shoes ready! On April 27, the tranquil lakeshore will come alive with the spirited footsteps of participants in the Lakeshore Shuffle 5K Run & Walk.

With stunning views of Lake Michigan as your backdrop, this event offers participants a unique blend of scenic beauty and energetic competition. Whether you're a seasoned runner or prefer walking, the Lakeshore Shuffle 5K welcomes all. Join us for a morning of camaraderie, fitness, and fun as we shuffle our way along Evanston's breathtaking lakefront path. 

For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/register.

Evanston Woodturners

Come check out this monthly group Evanston Woodturners who are meeting March 27 at 10 a.m. in Craft Room A to discuss the art of woodturning. You must have previous experience and be an intermediate to advanced turner to participate.

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 your Levy membership is easy! Just give us a call or stop by the front desk to start enjoying awesome adventures and savings all year long.

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. 

Levy Fitness Room

Get ready to embark on an exciting fitness journey in 2024 that is specifically designed for seniors aged 55 and above. Say farewell to a sedentary lifestyle and embrace the joy of exercise at the fitness center. We're not talking about just lifting weights; we're unlocking your inner fitness guru. Be a part of a treadmill dance party, where workouts become a rhythm-filled celebration. Picture yourself in vibrant workout gear, conquering the elliptical machine. This isn't your ordinary workout routine; it's a fitness extravaganza!

From enjoyable cardio activities to strength training and gentle stretching, it's a party for your muscles. Join in on the camaraderie with fellow fitness enthusiasts, exchanging high-fives and fist bumps. So, lace-up those sneakers, stay hydrated, and let's make 2024 the year where 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. March Lunch Menu.

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.

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