Laura
Wassinger
Laura
Wassinger
Hello everyone,
4-5
Spring is coming! The good news is many of you have had at least one and some of you have had both of your vaccine doses. For the rest of you it won’t be long now! More good news is the Senior Center has reopened. The first in-person activities available are the member “dropins.” Activities will also continue to be offered virtually for those who are not ready to return in-person.
Even more programing will be available in April. Ceramics, Knitting, Mah Jongg and Canasta classes will be back again with protocols similar to those we followed last fall. We will host two Movie and Lunches each month and Bingo and Tech Workshops will take place monthly.
Don’t forget to join us at the Virtual Coffee Chat. These fun and informal discussions will continue to take place every Thursday from 3-4pm. If you need the link, call or email me.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Laura Wassinger
Register for these upcoming in-person and virtual events:
March 12
Celebrate International Women’s Month with Anette Isaacs’s virtual presentation, Margarete Steiff—The Woman Behind the Teddy Bear. Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
March 17
St. Pat’s Bingo with boxed lunches provided by Atria Senior Living Highland Park.
March 22
YouTube Deconstructed, a virtual presentation by Kurt Ottinger.
March 23
Movie & Lunch— Driveways. This movie stars Brian Dennehy in one of his last and finest performances.
Kotloski
March 26
Wednesday, March 17 from noon-2:30pm
Village Green Center
Share the merriment of the day playing bingo with friends and winning prizes! Individually wrapped treats and bottled beverages will be provided. Wear green to get an extra bingo card! Boxed lunches are sponsored by Atria Senior Living Highland Park.
Code Member Non-Member
15114 $9 $15
The Senior Center, located at Village Green Center in downtown Northbrook, has a variety of familiar and new programs available!
Important Guidelines
• All programs, including “drop-in” programs for members, require advance registration. Register online or call 847-291-2993 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday.
• The building will be locked between activities, only pre-registered participants have access.
• No more than a total of 18 people may be present at any given time, including staff.
• Participants must maintain physical distance of six feet.
• All participants must wear a face covering while indoors.
• Village Green Center maintains a rigorous cleaning schedule.
• Hand sanitizer is available for participant use before and during activities.
• Participants may arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to the program and must leave at the listed end time to allow for cleaning between activities.
• Each person must bring his/her own beverages.
FREE! Grab and Go Lunch
Friday, March 26 from 11am-1pm
Village Green Center
Need to get out of the house? Tired of figuring out what to have for lunch? Give yourself a break and stop by the Senior Center to grab your pre-ordered lunch. Safely stay in your car to receive service with a smile! Choose the Turkey Gobbler Wrap, the Steak Fajita Wrap or the Roasted Veggie Wrap. All are Kosher and served with homemade chips, slaw and pickles. Registration is required. This free event is sponsored by Citadel Healthcare.
Code Fee 15982 Free
All activities are at the Village Green Center.
This discussion group focuses on short fictional stories by famous authors and other readings. Group leader Bill Schwartz gives out assignments to be read in advance to prepare for lively discussions and shared ideas. The nicest group of smart people welcomes all newcomers!
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Not a Member? Contact Senior Center Supervisor Laura Wassinger to try out a Drop-In Program.
Art Studio
Bring your own supplies and get creative with like-minded people! Share techniques such as oils, pencils and acrylics with other participants.
In-Person at the Village Green Center Days Times Dates Code
Thursday 1:30pm-4pm 3/4-6/17 15771
Discuss breaking news stories with a spirited group in a friendly environment. This program is open to Senior Center members only. No in-person Current Events on April 6.
In-Person at the Village Green Center Days Times Dates Code
Tuesday 11am-Noon 3/2-6/29 15774
At Home Virtual Zoom Program Days Times Dates Code
Tuesday 11am-Noon 3/2-6/29 15775
At Home Virtual Zoom Program
Gather to share your hobby and create items for donation to charitable organizations or work on personal projects in a pleasant, informal environment. All skill levels are welcome.
In-Person at the Village Green Center Days Times Dates Code
At Home Virtual Zoom Program Days Times Dates Code
16033
Enjoy companionship and creativity with a group of active, friendly people. Their handcrafted items are for sale at the Village Green Center and the proceeds support the Senior Center. This group is led by Janet Brady. No program 5/31
In-Person at the Village Green Center Days Times Dates Code Monday 10am-1pm 3/1-6/28 15777
Annette Isaacs presents Silent Heroes
Friday, March 12 from 2pm-3:30pm At Home Virtual Zoom Program
Join Anette Isaacs of Let's Talk Germany! as she shares how Margarete Steiff turned her tiny workshop into one of the most recognizable international brands, named after Teddy Roosevelt, in the male-dominated world of the 19th century! This is a virtual performance for which participants will receive a link at least 24 hours in advance. Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
Fee: $10 Code: 15754
Leslie Goddard portrays Rachel Carson – In-Person & Virtual Viewing
Event
Tuesday, April 20 from 2pm-3:30pm
Village Green Center
Join us in-person for this living history program, set in 1963, as actress and historian Leslie Goddard virtually portrays Carson, the author of Silent Spring. Leslie will discuss Carson’s childhood love for the living world, passion for writing and her work to awaken the world to the beauty and fragility of nature. For virtual viewing, participants will receive a Zoom link at least 24 hours in advance. Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
In-Person at Village Green Center
Fee: $15 Code: 15756
At Home Virtual Zoom Program
Fee: $15 Code: 15755
Enjoy a boxed lunch and a bottled water while you watch a movie with friends from Noon-3pm.
March 23 – Driveways
This is Brian Dennehy’s best performance in one of his best movies. A gentle endearing tale of a lonely eight-year-old boy who befriends the elderly Korean War vet next door. Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
Member: $11/Non-Member: $15 Code: 15883
April 13– Bad Education
Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney star in a story about a school superintendent and his assistant who are credited with bringing unprecedented prestige to their district. Frank is a master of positive messaging but that changes when a student reporter uncovers an embezzlement scheme of epic proportions, prompting Frank to devise an elaborate cover-up.
Member: $11/Non-Member: $15 Code: 15883
April 27– Birders: The Central Park Effect
Starring an engaging cast of avian and human players, Birders vividly captures a vast number of bird species and the unique personalities of the people watching them within Central Park in the center of Manhattan. Following the movie, Alyce Burman of the Wild Bird Shack will give a presentation on simple ways to attract beautiful birds to your feeders during migration this spring. Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
Member: $11/Non-Member: $15 Code: 15724
All these activities are at the Village Green Center.
April Showers Bingo
Friday, April 30 from 2pm-3:30pm
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Spend an afternoon playing bingo with friends and winning prizes. Individually wrapped treats and bottled beverages will be provided. Everyone receives an extra bingo card if it rains! Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
Member: $9/Non-Member: $15 Code: 15998
Spring Flowers Bingo
Friday, May 28 from 2pm-3:30pm
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Spend an afternoon playing bingo with friends and winning prizes! Individually wrapped treats and bottled beverages will be provided. Wear something with flowers to receive an extra bingo card! Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
Member: $9/Non-Member: $15 Code: 15999
Food Pantry Bingo
Friday, June 25 from 2pm-3:30pm
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Spend an afternoon playing bingo with friends and winning prizes! Individually wrapped treats and bottled beverages will be provided. Bring donations (canned, dry goods or toiletries) for the Northfield
Food Pantry to receive an extra bingo card! Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
Member: $9/Non-Member: $15 Code: 16000
FREE! Senior Center Weekly
Virtual Coffee Chat
Join Senior Center Supervisor Laura Wassinger for updates regarding the Senior Center or just to say hi! This weekly program is available to anyone who wants to keep in touch and maybe share a few laughs. Contact Laura Wassinger at: lwassinger@ nbparks.org or call 847-291-2993 for assistance to participate in this virtual program.
Fee: FREE Code: 15996
Ceramics – Open Workshop
Express your creativity with clay using the potter’s wheel and hand-building techniques from sculpture to jewelry. Students at all levels receive individual attention along with a variety of clays, glazes and basic tools. All materials provided. Instructor: Sharon Robbins
In-Person at the Leisure Center
Resident: $209/Non-Resident: $229 for 6 classes
Days Times Dates Code Tuesday 4:30pm-7:30pm 4/6-5/11 15990
Learn basic knitting to create works of art from a simple pair of needles and yarn. New and experienced students are welcome. An experienced instructor teaches fundamentals and helps with individual projects. Participants supply materials. Instructor will contact participants prior to first class with supply list instructions. Instructor: Sharon Robbins
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Resident: $89/Non-Resident: $105 for 6 classes
Days Times Dates Code
Wednesday 3:30pm-5pm 4/7-5/12 15989
Questions about upcoming activities? Call 847-291-2993.
YouTube-Deconstructed
Monday, March 22 from 2pm-3pm
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Let Kurt Ottinger help unlock the wonderful world of YouTube for you! He’ll provide practical tips on how to find the best information and entertainment without being overwhelmed. Bring your questions and your devices if you like. Contact Laura Wassinger if you prefer to participate at home virtually on Zoom.
Member: $5/Non-Member: $9 Code: 15987
Wednesdays from 3pm-4pm
At Home Virtual Zoom Program
Interested in learning more about how to Zoom with friends and family or how to attend virtual programs? Join us for an informal, question and answer-style class where you can learn by practicing Zoom with assistance from our staff. This is an online, virtual program; a Zoom link will be emailed 24 hours prior to program start time. This link is per screen; if multiple people from the same household wish to participate only one person from the household needs to register. Contact Laura Wassinger at lwassinger@nbparks.org for assistance.
Date Code Fee
April 21 15993 Free
May 19 15994 Free
Workshop
Wednesday, April 14 from 1pm-2:30pm
In-Person at the Village Green Center
If for no other reason than saving your prized photos, learn why you need to know more about the Google! From the Cloud to Gmail, from searches to word-processing and so much more. Learn how to get the most out of Google by attending Alex Miehl’s workshop.
Member: $10/Non-Member: $15 Code: 15782
Tech Workshop – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, etc.
Wednesday, May 12 from 1pm-2:30pm
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Want to use Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and other social media apps but find the many choices and information a lot to digest? Alex Miehl will break it down for you in simple terms with helpful tips for everyday use. Bring your devices and questions!
Member: $10/Non-Member: $15 Code: 15109
Tech Workshop – Safely Use Your Devices
Wednesday, June 9 from 1pm-2:30pm
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Join Alex Miehl for his advice about how to use your devices safely! He’ll provide easy, step-by-step tips to help you avoid identity theft and other breaches of your personal information. Bring your devices and questions to the workshop.
Member: $10/Non-Member: $15 Code: 15107
All classes and activities are in the Leisure Center unless otherwise noted.
NEW! Mind Games
Want to get out of the house? Exercise your brain? Do both and maintain physical distancing as you work on a variety of word search, sudoku and crossword puzzles while visiting with friends.
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Member: $5/Non-Member: $9 for 10 classes
Days Times Dates Code
NEW! Play Bags
Friday, April 16 & May 21 from 2pm-3:30pm
Village Green Center
Need to get out of the house and see some people in-person? Come toss some bags while remaining physically distanced.
Member: $5/Non-Member: $9 Code: 15781
NEW! Floor Shuffleboard
Friday, April 9 & May 14 from 2pm-3:30pm
Village Green Center
Village Green is ready for floor shuffleboard! Play this easy, social game with friends while maintaining a safe distance. No experience is necessary. Each player has their own cue to push the discs with.
Member: $5/Non-Member: $9 Code: 15780
Beginning Mah Jongg
This popular game is played with tiles. The Real Mah Jongg app is used in class and mimics actual play so closely that once we return to in-person play participants will feel confident in their game. The app can be played by one to four people. Download the app for a free two-week trial but there is a small monthly charge to keep it. Bring your iPad, laptop and Mah Jongg card (2021) with you to class. The card can be ordered online from the National Mah Jongg League or purchased at Ross Drugstore in Highland Park. Instructor: Terri Argentar
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Member: $89/Non-Member: $109 for 4 classes
Canasta is a fun card game for 1, 2, 4, or 5 players. Learn in person the fundamentals of the online version of the game. Online Canasta is a useful learning tool so playing becomes familiar. This class provides great preparation for the Intermediate Class, which offers additional strategies and will be offered once in-person card games resume. The purchase in advance of the Canasta Junction app specific to your type of device is required. Bring your iPad or laptop with you to class. Join us in this unique adventure! Instructor: Terri Argentar
In-Person at the Village Green Center
Member: $89/Non-Member: $109 for 4 classes
Techny Prairie Activity Center memberships provide access to the new facility’s amenities including a fitness floor with cardio and strength equipment, gymnasium, an indoor track and fitness classes. Initial memberships require a 12-month commitment. Techny Prairie Activity Center memberships are a separate membership process and fee from a Senior Center Membership.
Schedule an Appointment
Email membership@nbparks.org or call 847-897-6180 to schedule an in-person appointment or Zoom meeting!
Stop by TPAC to Register
180 Anets Drive, Northbrook
Monday-Friday 5:30am-9pm Saturday and Sunday 7am-8pm
A discount is offered to those ages 65 and up. Pay a daily fee to enjoy a group fitness class, access to strength, cardio and functional fitness equipment along with the indoor track and gymnasium. Track use requires a TPAC or Track Only Membership, or a daily fee of $4 for residents and $6 for non-residents.
Wednesday, May 26 from 10am-5pm at TPAC
TPAC is celebrating with a variety of senior-focused seminars, specialty classes and demonstrations including:
Balance Workshops
Yoga for Osteoporosis
Fitness Walk
Blood Pressure Screenings
Health Assessments
Fight the Fatigue Demo – Exercise for Cancer Survivors
A schedule will be available for this celebration day at nbfitness. org or at TPAC beginning May 1. The fee provides access to the full day of activities; registration is required for each individual activity due to capacity limits.
Code TPAC Member TPAC Non-Member
16017 $15 $25
TPAC is offering a schedule of classes viewable live or pre-recorded through Fitness On Demand™ led by select TPAC instructors. The virtual platform also provides access to over 300 popular programs from top fitness experts. Virtual group fitness classes are free to TPAC members.
Group Fitness Schedule is available at nbfitness.org. Group fitness and specialty classes are offered in-person and through Fitness On Demand™. Classes are included with a fitness membership or available with a daily fee and include:
• Cardio, interval training, dance fitness and low impact options
• Circuit, core, endurance and functional training offerings
• Indoor cycling featuring the new Stages SC3 bikes
• Yoga and other engaging mind/body choices
In addition to the group fitness classes included with membership, specialty classes are sometimes offered; members receive a discount. These options are contracted, targeted to specific members, medically-based, or in a highly focused area of fitness programming that requires specialized instructors with elevated certifications. Some TPAC classes and all classes offered at other District facilities are specialty classes requiring a separate fee.
One-on-one personal training can help improve overall fitness while increasing motivation, accountability and variety in your workouts. Call TPAC for more information and to schedule.
Pickleball courts are currently available and reservations are recommended to secure a time to play. One- and half-hour time slot reservations can be made at nbparks.org or by calling 847897-6180. Walk-ins may be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis if capacity limits allow. The open gym schedule is available at nbfitness.org and is subject to change. Face coverings must be worn at all times.
Pickleball open gym is free with TPAC membership. The fee for non-TPAC members is resident $6/non-resident $8.
Pickleball Private and Semi-Private Lessons
Set up one-hour lessons at Techny Prairie Activity Center for $69 per hour, or two players can share a lesson for $75 per hour.
Many TPAC Group Fitness Instructors and Personal Trainers hold fitness certifications and have done continuing education specific to the active aging population including:
Active Aging Fitness Certification
Yoga for Osteoporosis
Corrective Exercise Specialist
Adaptive Yoga
Rock Steady Boxing
National MS Society Exercise
Zumba Gold Instructor/ Master Trainer
Our group fitness instructors and personal trainers are ready to help you reach your fitness goals, whatever they may be. Try a class in person or virtually, and schedule your Strong Start sessions today!
Already a member of Techny Prairie Activity Center (TPAC)? The classes on the schedule on the next page are great options for you! Check out class descriptions below for detailed information. And, don’t worry, all classes allow you to participate at your own pace and intensity! TPAC offers group fitness classes in-person at Techny Prairie Activity Center and most are available livestreamed through Fitness On Demand™—TPAC’s virtual platform. Fitness On Demand also provides access to popular programs from top fitness experts and recorded TPAC classes. Equipment is provided for in-person classes. Bring your Momentum to any class listed below during the month of March and enter to win a prize! A random drawing will be held at the end of WOW on April 1.
This Pilates-based, functional, low-impact class focuses on three- dimensional, rotational movement to increase mobility and decrease risk of injury.
Equipment: Mat, Pilates ball, dumbbells
This Hatha-based, Vinyasainfused yoga practice is appropriate for yoga enthusiasts of all levels.
Equipment: Mat
Barre
Ballet inspired moves are combined with elements of Pilates, dance, yoga and strength training in this hybrid workout class.
Equipment: Mat, chair for balance
This well-rounded workout includes cardiovascular exercises alternating with strength work. Appropriate for all fitness levels, high and low intensity and impact options are demonstrated during each class.
Equipment: Dumbbells, resistance band
Done seated, this yoga class includes breathing techniques and a wide variety of poses.
Equipment: Chair
Flex Yoga
Enjoy a session of muscle, ligament and tendon stretches and poses designed to increase flexibility, promote overall joint and muscle health and help prevent injuries. This class is a perfect complement to sports and intense activities as well as active senior lifestyles.
Equipment: Mat, strap, block
Mat Pilates
Based on the original exercises Joseph Pilates developed to strengthen his body as a young man, this muscle-strengthening and lengthening form of exercise focuses on core muscles and the toning of arms and legs.
Equipment: Mat
Build strength and add definition in this all-strength class that focuses on repetitions to define and sculpt muscles.
Equipment: Mat, dumbbells, resistance band
Vinyasa is a style of yoga characterized by stringing postures together so that you move seamlessly from one to another using your breath.
Equipment: Mat, strap, block W.O.W.
This low impact class focuses on light cardio, strength and balance work.
Equipment: Chair for balance, light-weight dumbbells, resistance band
Yoga Barre Sculpt
This class is a combination of yoga poses, bodyweight exercises, light dumbbell repetitions and ballet barre movement.
Equipment: Chair for balance, mat, light dumbbells
Zumba Gold®
A modified version of Zumba, this class is geared toward active, older adults seeking lower-impact workouts.
Equipment: None
Group fitness classes listed below are held in-person at Techny Prairie Activity Center and are included with TPAC membership or available to non-members with payment of a daily fee. Capacity is limited during COVID-19 mitigations. Members can access the reservation system at nbparks.org to attend classes. Both members and non-members who would like more information or assistance regarding group fitness options can call 847-897-6180. Equipment is provided for in-person classes. At-home users are encouraged to ask about equipment use through our Fitness To Go program! Classes are also available via livestream through Fitness On Demand™ unless otherwise noted. Additional classes with higher intensity levels are listed on the schedule online. The schedule is subject to change and will be updated as changes occur at nbfitness.org.
Class Locations
In-Person at TPAC Fitness On Demand*
Studio A
Studio B
Techny Prairie Activity Center
Techny TPAC 2
*If you do not see your class on Fitness On Demand change the location.
Equipment Home Substitutions:
(Or ask at the fitness desk about our Fitness To Go option!)
Dumbbell: Water bottles or soup cans
Pilates ball: Small pillow
Resistance band: Elastic robe tie or bungee cord
Yoga block: Thick, hardcover book
Yoga strap: Belt, long towel
Techny
847-897-6180
The Senior Center hosts a variety of regular “drop-in” activities that available to members for free. Most of these are run by volunteer leaders who make sure things run smoothly and people are welcomed. One popular drop-in is Humanities. Bill has led the group for the past five years. It requires an enormous amount of weekly preparation and communication to make it successful. The loyal following of participants has grown during the pandemic as it has been offered as a virtual activity.
Bill Schwartz has been a part of the Senior Center since about 2011 when his wife, Marlene, told him about the Humanities group. After the former leader Jerry Emer passed away Bill stepped up to run the group. Leading the group is a labor of love for Bill, who believes the assignments and discussions improve reading ability and increase intellect. Bill is
adept at including everyone in the discussion—it’s important to him that everyone knows they don’t have to do the reading or talk to participate. People are welcome to just listen.
Part of what makes Bill a natural at leading the group is his professional background as a clinical social worker for 40 years. During his career he worked for Jewish Family Services, Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Magellan Health and Big Brothers-Big Sisters. His services have included counseling, crisis intervention, referrals and parent education.
Bill and his wife have a daughter Stephanie and a son Adam. They also have five grandchildren: Eli, Charlie, Olivia, Blair and Olivia, along with a new granddog named Cruise who just loves people.
• Bill is also a member of the Park Larks, the Senior Center's show tunes singing group, where he has a leadership role securing performance venues.
• Fitting the most items in the dishwasher but making sure they all end up clean gives him the most fulfilling sense of accomplishment
• Bill's favorite movie is Saturday Night Fever!
The donation event in January was an awesome success! Thank you to all of you who contributed. With the help of Senior Advisory Council members: Lenore Bernstein, Mady Fern, Julie Goforth, Cindy Vander Kuur and Marge Varley we were able to collect 700 non-perishable items and $525 in monetary donations. Our next drive-through event is scheduled for June 26. Watch for details.
Renew your membership for 2021: $30 for residents and $45 for non-residents. Members receive discounts and free access to drop-in programs. Questions? Call 847-291-2993 today!
Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
In-person at the Village Green Center
Too many seniors assume that having aches and pains is just a part of normal aging. Dahlia Fahmy, owner of Sports + Ortho, will explain why that is not necessarily true! Join this informative presentation followed by a complimentary individual assessment.
Speaker: Dahlia Fahmy, PT, MBA, Fellowship Trained, Dry Needling Certified
Wednesday, May 19 from 2pm-3:30pm
Do you have knee pain that stops you from being active? If so, learn why and be empowered to change it.
Fee: FREE! Member/$5 Non-Member Code: 15980
Wednesday, June 23 from 2pm-3:30pm
Does your hip hurt no matter what you do to try to make it feel better? Find out why and how you can improve it.
Fee: FREE! Member/$5 Non-Member Code: 15940
Register at nbparks.org/online-registration or call 847-291-2993 for assistance.