Monday, August 24, 2026  |  View in browser

Senior Services: News & Events

Good Morning,

Fall is on the way; get ready for a new season of fun!

It's time to sign up for all your favorite activities this fall! Registration is now open. Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot.

Explore a wide variety of classes and programs, including:

• Fitness: Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Cardio, Silversneakers, and more

• Art: Clay Handbuilding, Quilling, Beading, Expressive & 

• Music: Folk and Ukulele

• Dance: Ballet, Line Dance, Move and Groove, BeMoved                   

Visit cityofevanston.org/recreation to browse the Fall Program Guide.

Levy Staff Connect at PRCS Staff Summit

Levy Senior Center was closed on Tuesday so staff could attend the Parks & Recreation Staff Summit. It was a great opportunity to connect, learn, and have some fun with colleagues from community centers across Evanston, along with our Greenways team.

The day gave staff a chance to step away from their daily routines, strengthen connections across the department, and enjoy some team-building activities together. We came back energized and grateful to be part of such a dedicated Parks & Recreation team!

Vaccine Clinic

The Levy Senior Center has partnered with Jewel-Osco Pharmacy to host a vaccine clinic on Tuesday, September 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vaccines available include:

• COVID-19
• Shingles
• Pneumonia
• Flu
• RSV

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, please call the Levy Senior Center front desk at 847-448-8250.

Bead-Dazzle: Jewelry Making at Levy

Get creative this fall with Bead-Dazzle at the Levy Senior Center. Learn three jewelry-making techniques, including basic beading, wire wrapping, and micro macramé, while creating your own beautiful bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

This class is perfect for beginners while also offering techniques that more experienced artists can enjoy.

Section 1: Thursdays, September 3-October 1 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Section 2: Thursdays, October 15-November 12 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

5 sessions: $95 Levy Member / $123.63 Non-Member

Add a little sparkle to your fall and learn a new creative skill! Register today and get ready to Bead-Dazzle.

Pebble in the Pond: Qi Gong

Looking for a gentle way to improve your energy, reduce stress, and support overall well-being? Join us at the Levy Senior Center for Qi Gong, a moving meditation practice that combines mindful movement, breath, and body alignment.

Through gentle exercises, participants will learn techniques to release tension, increase vitality, and move with greater ease. Qi Gong can help reduce feelings of sluggishness, restlessness, and stress while promoting balance and relaxation.

Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
September 2-November 18
$132 Resident / $171.79 Non-Resident

Come try a couple of free classes

Join us on Thursday, August 27 for two free classes taught by experienced fitness instructor Sandy Nowarita. All levels are welcome!

• Pilates & Stretch | 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Gentle Meditation | 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Whether you're looking to get moving, improve flexibility, or enjoy a little relaxation and mindfulness, these free classes are a great opportunity to try something new.

Space is limited! Call 847-448-8250 or stop by the Levy Front Desk to reserve your spot. 

Levy Monthly Member Movie: Michael

Senior Services invites Levy members to join us for a special movie afternoon featuring Michael, the cinematic portrait of the life and legacy of one of the world’s most influential artists.

The film follows Michael Jackson’s journey, from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to his rise as a visionary artist and one of the biggest entertainers in the world. Featuring iconic performances and a look at his life both on and off the stage, Michael offers audiences a front-row seat to his remarkable story.

Wednesday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Bobby's Room.

Call 847-448-8250 or stop by the Levy Front Desk to reserve your spot. 

Mahjong drop-in

Strum along at Levy!

Grab your ukulele and join us for the Levy Monthly Ukulele Drop-In, a fun monthly play-along for ukulele players.

The first session is Thursday, September 10, from noon to 1 p.m., with additional sessions on the second Thursday of each month. Bring your ukulele and a music stand, and come ready to make music together! 

Upcoming Dates: Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 & Dec. 10
Cost: $7 per session

Please provide an email when registering to receive the playlist and music links. Registration is non-refundable.

Want to build your skills first? Relevant Strummers lessons are also offered on Thursdays from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., beginning September 3.

Call the Levy Senior Center at 847-448-8250 to reserve your spot!

Step into fall with Judith's Line Dance Classes

Looking for a fun way to stay active, meet new friends, and keep moving this fall? Join Judith's popular Fall Line Dance Classes at the Levy Senior Center! Whether you're brand new to line dancing or ready to build on your skills, there's a class for you. No partner is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to have fun.

Class Options

Beginning Line Dance: Tuesdays | 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Sept. 1 - Nov. 24

Line Dance Practice: Wednesdays | 1–2 p.m.
Sept. 2 - Nov. 25

Continuing Line Dancing: Wednesdays | 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Sept. 2 - Nov. 25

Line dancing is a great way to improve balance, coordination, memory, and confidence while enjoying great music in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Free Essentrics Demo Class

Looking for a gentle, effective way to move, stretch, and feel your best? Try Essentrics for free at the Levy Senior Center.

Essentrics combines the long lines of ballet, the fluid movements of tai chi, and the therapeutic benefits of physiotherapy. Using standing, floor, and chair exercises set to motivating music, this class works to target every muscle and joint in the body.

Dates: Sunday, September 6 | 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Instructor: Cynthia Rosario

This class is a great option for anyone getting back into exercise after a period of inactivity or looking for movement that accommodates injuries, chronic pain, or mobility limitations.

Space is limited! Sign up by calling the Levy Front Desk at 847-448-8250 or register in person at the Levy Senior Center.

Join the SilverTones Community Chorus

Love to sing? The SilverTones, Levy Senior Center's Community Chorus, is welcoming new members and has openings for all voice parts, especially bass voices!

Whether you've been singing for years or it's been a while, now is the perfect time to dust off those vocal cords and join us. Enjoy lively music, beautiful harmonies, new friendships, and plenty of laughter in a fun and welcoming environment. The Silvertones group is taking off in the month of August.

Dates: Beginning Wednesday, September 2  | 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Locust Room

Best of all, the chorus is free for all Levy members! Come sing with us and make music together; we'd love to welcome you to the SilverTones.

Move & Groove Line Dance

Did you know line dancing is a great workout for your brain and body? Join Move & Groove Line Dance at the Levy Senior Center and enjoy fun music, easy-to-follow steps, and a welcoming group of dancers. It's a fantastic way to improve memory, coordination, balance, and meet new friends!

Choose the class that's right for you:

Beginner

• Fridays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  |  Sept. 4 - Nov. 20 (no class Oct. 9)
• Wednesdays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.  |  Sept. 9 - Nov. 18

Mondays | Sept. 14 - Nov. 23

• Improver: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Absolute Beginner: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Support Dementia Friendly Evanston

Join Dementia Friendly Evanston in the fight against Alzheimer's at the Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Gallery Park (2011 Patriot Blvd. in Glenview). Register to walk with our team or make a donation.

Weekly Fitness Room Orientations

When: Thursdays
Times: 12:30 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1 p.m., and 1:15 p.m.
Format: 15-minute small-group sessions 
Capacity: Up to three participants per session

These brief, hands-on orientations are designed to help members get comfortable with the fitness equipment, learn proper use, and build confidence in the fitness room. Advance registration is required. To register or learn more, contact the front desk at 847-448-8250.

Adventures Await: Join our Senior Trips

Upcoming Senior Trips

• September 10: Anderson Japanese Gardens (Full)
• October 8: Chicago Botanical Gardens (Sign up by Sept. 25)
• November 5: Feed My Starving Children/Royal Buffet (Sign up by Oct. 27)
• December 10: Drury Lane Theatre Christmas Carol (Sign up by Nov. 25)

Trips fill up fast. Dennis Newton Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Visit cityofevanston.org/register to select your trips. Discounted Levy Member pricing is automatically applied at checkout. Registration for Levy Members for trips in October - December will begin on August 10.

Travel Information Meeting

Dreaming of your next adventure? Join us for a Travel Information Meeting to learn more about two exciting upcoming trips: the Eastern Europe River Cruise and Great Trains & Grand Canyons tour.

Meeting Information
Thursday, October 1 at 10 a.m.
Levy Senior Center, Craft Room B

Representatives will provide trip details, highlights, pricing, and answer your questions to help you decide if one of these unforgettable journeys is right for you. Please RSVP by calling the Levy Senior Center at 847-448-8250. We look forward to seeing you there!

Levy Senior Center heads to Eastern Europe

Experience the beauty, history, and culture of Eastern Europe on this exclusive 12-day adventure departing October 1, 2027. Cruise aboard the luxurious Amadeus Nova as we journey through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Learn more about the trip.

Highlights Include:

• Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest city tours
• Scenic cruising through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge
• Fortress Golubac excursion
• Visits to Veliko Tarnovo, Bratislava, Vukovar, and more
• 8-night river cruise, hotels, airfare, meals, excursions, and onboard beverages included

Book early and save $200 per person ($400 per couple) when final payment is made by check. Space is limited for this exclusive charter. Contact Amy Kellogg at akellogg@cityofevanston.org at the Levy Senior Center for additional information and reservation details.

Discover the history, charm, and breathtaking scenery of the Danube River with friends old and new. We hope you'll join us for this incredible journey!

All Aboard for the Adventure of a Lifetime

Experience the beauty of the American Southwest on our Great Trains & Grand Canyons adventure, departing April 25, 2027! Spend six unforgettable days exploring the stunning red rocks of Sedona, marveling at the breathtaking Grand Canyon, and enjoying two scenic rail journeys aboard the iconic Grand Canyon Railway and Verde Canyon Railroad.

Your trip includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Chicago (ORD)
• Two unforgettable train rides
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Sedona Trolley Tour & Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Historic Jerome & Montezuma Castle
• Chuckwagon Supper & Western Stage Show
• 8 meals, hotel accommodations, transportation, and guided sightseeing included.

Tour Dates: April 25–30, 2027

Booking Discount: Starting at $3,749 per person (double occupancy) when you book by check before the final payment deadline. Space is limited, and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve your spot or learn more, contact Amy Kellogg at akellogg@cityofevanston.org at the Levy Senior Center for additional information and reservation details.

Free Jamming Jean Concert with Suite Mollie

Levy Lecture: Train Your Brain Online with Xandi Wright

Many apps and games claim to “train your brain” or even prevent dementia and memory loss. But do they actually work? What tools can you use online (and offline) to keep your brain healthy and active over time? Discover these answers with Xandi Wright on Thursday, August 27, at 2 p.m. in this free Levy Lecture in partnership with Wright to Learn. This program will be held in person in Bobby’s Room at the Levy Senior Center and online via Zoom. Registration is required. Visit lscfevanston.org for registration.

Become a SHIP volunteer at Levy Senior Center

We need more volunteers to support our Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at the Levy Senior Center. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and help seniors navigate their health insurance options.

If you’re interested in becoming certified or learning more about the program, reach out to Yazari Gutierrez at 847-866-2919 or by email at ygutierrez@cityofevanston.org. We’d love to have your help.

Volunteers Needed – Help Seniors Access Important Benefits!

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? The Levy Senior Center is seeking caring and dependable volunteers to assist older adults with applying for the Illinois Benefit Access Program.

As a Benefit Access volunteer, you'll help eligible seniors complete applications that may qualify them for:

• Free or reduced-cost public transit ride cards
• Half-price Illinois license plate renewal stickers

No prior experience is necessary, we'll provide the training you need. Volunteers must complete a background check before getting started.

We're flexible with scheduling and will work around your availability. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

If you're friendly, patient, and enjoy helping others, we'd love to have you on our team!

Interested? Contact the Levy Senior Center at 847-866-2919 to learn more or sign up to volunteer. Your time can make a real difference in helping seniors access valuable benefits.

Open gym & drop-in Pickleball calendar

View the most up-to-date information about the Levy members-only open gym for pickleball and basketball, as well as drop-in pickleball. Check out the calendar for pickleball and basketball.

Levy Congregate Meal Program

Thank you to everyone who has joined us for lunch over the years and helped make the Levy Senior Center Congregate Meal Program such a welcoming place to gather. The program has provided not only nutritious meals, but also opportunities to connect with friends and build community.

The Congregate Meal Program at Levy Senior Center will conclude on August 28, 2026. Seniors who would like to continue receiving nutritious meals at home can contact Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois in Evanston at 847-332-2678 to learn about home-delivered meal options.

If you have any questions or need assistance with this transition, please contact the Levy Senior Center front desk at 847-448-8250. We're here to help you connect with the resources you need.

Ride The Levy Bus: Quick Guide

How to Book a Ride: Only for Evanston Residents 60201 & 60202

• Call Ahead:
  • Day before: Call the Levy Senior Center front desk at 847-448-8250
  • Morning of your ride (by 8:30 a.m.): Call 847-448-4311

Bus Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Morning Pickups: Begin at 9:15 a.m.
• Afternoon Returns:
  • First bus leaves at 12:30 p.m.
  • Last bus leaves at 3:30 p.m.

Grocery Shopping Trips:

• Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Tuesday Stops: Dollar Tree, Goodwill, and Vali
• Wednesday Stops: Marshalls, Food for Less, Jewel, and Target
• Note: The bus will pick you up after your shopping trip.

For any questions or help, please call 847-448-8250.

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 Senior Services Division Team