Laura Wassinger
Momentum
Senior Center Newsletter January-February 2021
Happy New Year!
“2020 is hindsight.” Sue Schmittroth’s twist on a famous quote captures how the world feels about this past year. Although it’s a challenge to feel cheerful with the returned COVID-19 restrictions and the cold weather keeping us indoors, there are things to look forward to in the next year. The other day I was able to transfer my deposit from 2020 to the 2021 season for the annual Cubs vs. Brewers game in Milwaukee. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we’ll be able to go. I have some more great ideas for next fall!
As you know, the Senior Center is closed again due to the COVID-19 tier 3 mitigations. As sorry as I was to say good-bye to you at Thanksgiving Bingo I know that by staying home, wearing our masks and staying physically distanced we will be back before you know it.
wracking at first but once you get the hang of it, you'll love it!
Please regularly check your emails for Senior Center programming updates. I may be able to add more virtual programs and events that aren’t listed in this newsletter and don’t want you to miss a thing. If you don’t have an email address you should create one and share with me so I can update your info and send you future communications. If you need help, ask your grandchildren, your children or me.
Supervisor
Katie Kotloski
Taking care of yourself is your job right now! Make sure to keep in touch with others. A good way to do this is by joining the Coffee Chats every Thursday from 3-4pm on Zoom. Our last chat was a lot of fun! You can arrive and leave the chat as you like. If you’re interested in joining us, call me at 847-897-6162 or email me at lwassinger@nbparks.org. I’ll make sure you have the link and instructions. It can be a little nerve-
Expressing gratitude is healthy, so I’d like to offer thanks to some special people. Thanks to Barbara and Henry Kopka, the first brave souls to return to the Senior Center—they haven’t missed an event. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. Thank you to the beautiful Susan Edwards for sharing your secret tip. Lai Kwok, thank you for the gift of such a lovely scarf. To Marcia Walanka and Marv Klein, you two crack me up! To Lenore Bernstein and Sandy Krich, your enthusiastic support means a lot. Thank you, Julie Goforth, the go-getter who is ready to help with anything and everything. Finally, special thanks to Ruth Cless for sharing with me a wise adage, “The Winner Never Quits and the Quitter Never Wins”. I feel so lucky to know you all. Recreation
Recreation
Senior Center at Village Green Center 1810 Walters Avenue
If I can be of any assistance to you, leave a voicemail at 847-897-6162 or send me a message at lwassinger@ nbparks.org and I'll get back to you between 9am and 5pm, Monday-Friday.
Division Manager
Senior Center Updates ..... 2-3 Virtual Activities .............. 4 Senior Resources ............. 5 Techny Prairie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Activity Center Name Those Faces .......... 8-9 Word Search .................10 Birthdays ....................11 Member Updates ............11 We Miss You! ................12
Inside This Issue
Senior Center Updates
Updates and facility closures due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Thank you for your continued support of the Northbrook Park District! Our intent is to resume activities as soon as it is safe to reopen Park District facilities per direction from the CDC and State of Illinois. For general program, event and facility updates visit nbparks.org/COVID-19.
Momentum Delivery Update
Since the Senior Center is currently closed, your memberships will be put on hold again as they were in March. The memberships will be extended until in-person programming resumes. Understandably many of you are waiting to renew your memberships until we return to full programming, including card-playing and other popular drop-in programs. Because we want to keep you updated, we are sending this printed January/February issue to all seniors, even those whose memberships had previously expired. Since the printing and mailing costs are directly supported by membership fees beginning with the 2021 March/April issue, we can only mail Momentum to current members. An email copy will be sent to those whose memberships have expired. Contact customer service to find out the status of your membership by calling 847-291-2993.
Members of the Northbrook Senior Center enjoy a wide variety of free programs and activities with others who share their interests. They also receive a discount on designated fee-based programs as well as a subscription to Momentum, this bimonthly newsletter. The annual membership fee is $30 for Northbrook Park District residents and $45 for non-residents.
Senior Center Donation
The Northbrook Park District would like to express profound appreciation for a very generous anonymous donation to the Northbrook Senior Center. Such donations help enormously during this difficult and uncertain time.
Stay Connected
During this time, electronic communication is so important! If you have not received an email from us that means we don't have your email. Contact Laura to share your email to receive important Senior Center information. You can also check out the Northbrook Park District's website, nbparks.org. If you use Facebook, just search Northbrook Park District and click the Follow and Like buttons to keep information coming to your newsfeed.
Maintain Wellness While at Home
Boost your immunity, keep strong and prepare to return to normal life by doing the following:
• Remain physically and mentally active
• Eat healthy foods and limit sweet and salty snacks
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Keep busy with a variety of activities
• Develop and maintain a daily structure
• Remain connected to family and friends
Mind Games/Puzzles Pick-up or Delivery
Keep yourself busy with a packet of Mind Games containing word searches, crossword puzzles and Sudokus. The Senior Center also has a large collection of puzzles to loan. Between each loan the puzzles are set aside for 3 days to prevent cross-contamination. If you’re interested, call Laura Wassinger to make arrangements at 847-897-6162 or email lwassinger@nbparks.org. You’ll receive a response between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
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Senior Center Updates
Guidelines and Tips for COVID-19 Quarantine Living
NEW EVENT!
Northfield Township Food Pantry
Donation Drive-by & Drop-off
Wednesday, January 13
11:30am-2:30pm
Village Green Center Parking Lot
Snow Date – Wednesday, January 20
Support the Northfield Food Pantry! The Senior Center, with the help of Senior Advisory Council members, is collecting items to replenish supplies during this time of unprecedented need.
Some of the most requested items are:
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Mixed Vegetables
• Canned Peas
• Boxed Cereal
• Rice (plain, in 1 or 2lb packages)
• Rice Mixes (like Rice-a-Roni)
Other canned and dry goods and toiletries are also accepted. Monetary donations are always welcome. Checks should be made out to the Northfield Township Food Pantry.
Stop by the Village Green Center and stay in your car. Physical distancing will be practiced as donations are collected and participants are asked to wear masks during the drop-off. Anyone who donates gets to enter a raffle with a chance to win one of 10 gift cards, valued at $10 each, as well as feel great about helping our community! Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
The Senior Advisory Council Welcomes
Marge Varley
The Advisory Council happily welcomes Marge Varley as a new member. She is a current volunteer who has helped with event set-ups and researched trip/restaurant information for us in the past. She is an awesome addition and a natural choice. She has participated in numerous activities and taken many trips since she joined the Senior Center.
Cancelled In-Person Programs
All in-person winter programs, events and drop-in programs through January have been canceled and participants notified. February and March activities will be resumed as restrictions allow. If an activity you registered for was canceled, you will receive a full refund for the paid amount. If you have questions email customerservice@nbparks.org or call 847-291-2993, Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm. Your refund will arrive in the form of a check and may take up to two weeks to process.
Monthly Raffle Winners!
In order to win all they did was submit their names each time they visited the Senior Center.
• October Raffle Winner—Randi Schwartz
• November Raffle Winner—Nancy Groff
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Randi Schwartz Nancy Groff
Virtual Activities
Contact
Free for Members and Non-Members!
Weekly Virtual Coffee & Catch-up
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 is a current member or is considering becoming a member. Contact Laura for assistance with registration.
At Home Virtual Zoom Program
Days Times Code
Every Thursday 3pm-4pm 14505
Free for Members! Current Events
Discuss breaking news stories with a spirited group in a friendly virtual environment. This program is open to Senior Center members only. Contact Laura Wassinger for assistance with registration.
At Home Virtual Zoom Program
Member: Free
Days Times Dates Code
Tuesday 11pm-Noon 1/5-3/23 15634
Free for Members! Humanities
This discussion group focuses on short fictional stories and famous speeches. Group leader Bill Schwartz assigns various readings in advance to prepare for lively discussions and shared ideas. The program is available to Senior Center members only. Contact Laura for assistance with registration.
At Home Virtual Zoom Program
Member: Free
Days Times Dates Code
Friday 10:30am-Noon 1/8-3/26 15311
Free for Members and Non-Members!
Intro to Zoom Workshop
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? This is an informal question and answerstyle class where you can learn by using Zoom with assistance from staff.
Date Code
January 20 15312
February 17 15370
March 24 15312
Barry Bradford – Black History Month
Video Viewing Party
Tuesday, February 2 from 2pm-3:30pm
At Home Virtual Zoom Program
Political scientist and national award winning historian Barry Bradford provides a fascinating review of his contribution to the reopening of the landmark Medgar Evers case and its historical significance. Enjoy the program virtually from the comfort of home. Sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.
Fee: $10 Code: 15313
Winter Guide Online Only
The Northbrook Park District Winter Guide is available at nbparks.org in order to bring you the most updated information about classes, events and other activities.
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lwassinger@nbparks.org or 847-291-2993
assistance.
Laura Wassinger at
for
Senior Resources
We care for our community!
Food Insecurity
What does it mean to be food insecure? According to Bob Tucker, who represents Hunger Free Northbrook, it means there is a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active healthy life. It’s difficult to recognize the “faces of hunger” in a community. “Rarely do people think their neighbors or co-workers can be food-deprived.” The fact is over 10% of Northbrook residents are having trouble putting enough food on their table.
If you or someone you know needs help call 847-272-1700 or visit hungerfreenorthbrook.org for more information.
Senior Scams Alert
Stay alert! There are continued reports of scams targeting seniors. When in doubt don't respond!
Points to Remember
• Don’t let someone you don’t know into your home.
• Don't respond If you didn’t initiate a request.
• Never provide any personal information to anyone with whom you haven't initiated contact.
• Credit cards are recommended over debit cards for consumer protection with online shopping.
• Use of a credit card prevents thieves from access to the money in your checking account. Debit card fraud reimbursement can take up to two weeks to resolve once it's reported.
• No one should request you go to your computer to logon and verify any information.
• No one from Social Security Administration will ever call or email you asking you to verify your personal information or Social Security number.
• The Northbrook Police non-emergency number is 847-564-2060. The police are here to help when you are not sure what to do.
Northfield Township Food Pantry
Place your order online or drive to the Food Pantry and call from the parking lot. Someone will assist you through the process. Although the process is simple it may take a little longer. If you are unable to drive to the food pantry, call to have food delivered to you or you can send someone to pick up an order.
Website twp.northfield.il.us/pantry
Phone 847-724-8300
Address 2550 Waukegan Road, Glenview Pantry Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am - 4pm
Distribution Thurs: 9am-6:30pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Get Smart about Senior Scams!
Join our own Kurt Ottinger for a special virtual event designed to inform you about the latest scams facing seniors and to provide tips designed to keep you safe. The presentation will take about an hour, leaving plenty of time for a question and answer period and the opportunity to share personal experiences with the group.
Days Times Dates Code
Tuesday 2-3:30pm 1/26 15627
Free-Member/$5 Non-Member
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Techny Prairie Activity Center (TPAC) Membership Information
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 twelve-month commitment. Techny Prairie Activity Center memberships are a separate membership process and fee from a senior center membership.
How to Join
Schedule an Appointment
Call 847-291-2993 or email membership@nbparks.org to schedule an in-person appointment or Zoom meeting!
Stop by the Registration Location
Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road
Monday-Thursday from 9am–8pm Friday from 9am–5pm Saturday and Sunday from 9am–4pm
Membership Options and rates
Senior Membership: A discount is offered to those ages 65 and up.
Track Only Membership: Track use requires a TPAC or Track Only Membership, or a daily fee or $4 for residents and $6 for non-residents.
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Member Type Enrollment Fee Resident Monthly Payment Resident Annual Payment Non-Res Monthly Payment Non-Res Annual Payment Individual Senior (65+) $0 Jan. Special $45 $495 $56 $616 Track Only Individual $0 Jan. Special $12 $132 $15 $165 Gymnasium
Indoor Track
Fitness Floor with Cardio and Strength Equipment
TPAC Programs and Classes
Fitness On Demand™ – Work Out Anywhere
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 fitness members.
Livestream Group Fitness Classes
The January 2021 Livestream Group Fitness Schedule is available at nbfitness.org.
During Tier 3 mitigations, group fitness and specialty classes are offered through Fitness On Demand™. Once mitigations allow, Techny Prairie Activity Center will offer a variety of in-person group fitness classes at convenient times. Classes included with a fitness membership or available with a daily fee may 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
Specialty Classes
Senior center members receive reduced rates through March 1. In addition to the group fitness classes included with membership, Specialty Classes will be offered at a discounted rate for members. 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 will be Specialty Classes requiring a separate fee.
Personal Training
One-on-one, personal training can help improve overall fitness while increasing motivation, accountability and variety into your workouts. Contact TPAC staff for more information and to schedule.
Pickleball Open Gym
Reservations are required to secure a spot for pickleball—this policy applies to both members and nonmembers. Reservations can be made at nbparks.org or by calling 847-897-6180. Walk-ins may be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis if capacity limits allow. One-hour time slots are available throughout the day. The schedule is subject to change. Face coverings must be worn at all times. Two pickleball courts are currently available for singles play (maximum of two people per court). Visit nbfitness.org for the schedule or call 847-897-6180 for information.
Hourly Pickleball Open Gym Fees
Pickleball open gym is free with TPAC membership. The fee for non-TPAC members is resident $6/non-resident $8.
Private Lesson
Set up one-hour lessons at Techny Prairie Activity Center for $70 per hour.
Semi-Private Lesson
Currently only available to same-household members, two players can share a lesson for $74 per hour.
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Cloth face coverings are an individual thing. Some people make sure their mask matches their outfit, others use it to make a statement and still others like to have fun with them. See how many of the masked members you can identify! The person who correctly names the most faces will receive a free membership to the Northbrook Park District Senior Center!
There are three ways to send in your responses. 1) Take photos of your pages to create an attachment and email lwassinger@nbparks.org. 2) Send by mail to Village Green Center, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062. 3) Call Laura at 847-897-6162 and we will review your responses by phone.
Mary Ann Behles
Lenore Bernstein
Janet Brady
Judy Decker
Susan Edelman
Susan Edwards
Ellyn Feldman
Arnie Gale
Joan Gessler
Julie Goforth
Axana Ivlicheva
Elaine Jacobson
Kathy Kathrein
Elaine Kirschbaum
Barbara Kopka
Henry Kopka
Phyllis Kosner
Judy Kushnir
Lai Kwok
Kathy Liuzza
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2 1 3 4 6 5 7 8 10 9 11 12 14 13 15 16
Rob Long
Amy Malloy
Hedy Margolin
Joanne McCollim
Clara Mueller
Kurt Ottinger
Patty Parker
Elda Sansone
Sue Schmittroth
Barbara Scott
Randi Schwartz
Barbara Subak
Larry Stern
Marge Varley
Herman Velazqez
Shirlee Velazquez
Maureen Wells
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Word Search
Word List
Page 10 F A T H E R T I M E X W C Q D N R C Z T Y D A N C I N G J A N U A R Y A D O T E T R A D I T I O N S L H O R N S U N S X F P N X T O A S T C C H E E R S S F K T R Z X N O I S E M A K E R S C E W E X R I C C W E E G M E M O R I E S B C T S A E L O V U O V S H A T S U I B T Z T X V N O Q R I N G Z D R S U L P O I C I A A D C U C A L E N D A R K I S S M O K U G S K Q P A R A D E E L C C I W E U P L A E V M F E S T I V I T I E S Q S N C D N R E S O L U T I O N P C L C M S T W L Z F I R E W O R K S Y A X E D F Q D Y A A T O G E T H E R S O O N B K W U O B N A I P A R T Y Y O A W B S R W J A W K G R E H M I D N I G H T Y J A K W R N C S S E V E N I N G H L X S W T I Y E K K Y D F C B S S E C C C G Z H I F X A P J N V P T R H B A L L D R O P O X U E J L E A N K S O Z G E Y P F A W N L W H Z H S T
AULD LANG SYNE BALL DROP CALENDAR CELEBRATION CHEERS CLOCK CONFETTI COUNTDOWN DANCING EVENING EXTRAVAGANZA FATHER TIME FESTIVITIES FIREWORKS FRIENDS HATS HORNS JANUARY KISS MEMORIES MIDNIGHT NOISE MAKERS PARADE PARTY RESOLUTION RING TIMES SQUARE TOAST TOGETHER SOON TRADITIONS Answers
Happy Birthday
Celebrating January Birthdays
Celebrating February Birthdays
Best Wishes on a Speedy Recovery
Member Information Wanted
It’s been hard to get updates on our members. If you know of anyone recovering from a medical procedure or who has passed away, please let us know. Email me at lwassinger@nbparks.org or call
In Remembrance
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Pat Agins and Ruth Glass, a long time member of the Park Larks.
with sharable information.
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Terri Argentar
Joanne Cohn Marilyn Ramirez
847-897-6162
Dvorkin
McCollim Lee Saldinger Mary Simon
Schmittroth Larry Stern
Welcome New Members Louis
Joanne
Sue
Tamara Kane 1 Les Lynn
Jeanette Meyers
Elaine Rosenstein
Greta Seaton
Gloria Weiser
Nick Kyriazopoulos
Jane McCarty
Dottie Purpura
Rosalie Olivo
Linda Petchenik
Sherry Reisman
Chuck Sansone
Linda Maratea
Harriet Rubin 6 Norma Swidler
Ruth Wartenberg 7 Randi Schwartz 8 Florence Bell 8 Olivia Greco 8 Naomi Weiss 8 Myrna Sorkin 10 Norm Persky 10 Randi Schwartz 14 Linda Alfini 14 Rita Geller 14 Lee OMara 14 Milt Ruchim 15 Barbara Wald 16 Kathy O'Regan 16 Ruth Wintroub 17 Sarah Marks 17 Pat Thalman 19 Mary Beth Byrne 19 Patricia Lundin 20 Mel Loeb 20 Larry Schrack 20 Eleanor Yale 21 Alice Byrne
Carole Casey 22 Robert Lipman
Gail Kroll 27 Debra Gonzalez 29 Maureen Alt 30 Brenda Stone 31 Marlene Goldberg 31 Jean Hamano 31 Rochelle Ogaz 31 Merna Willner 1 Maria Gregory 3 Arlene Kagan 3 Eleanor Weiman 3 Kerry MacVay 5 Arlene Dwyer 5 Ruby Klinger 6 Joan Gessler 6 Marilyn Tallman 7 Robert Lipschultz 7 Mary Jane McCarthy 8 Christine Densel 8 Jim Jacobs 9 Karen Caplan 9 Connie Youngberg 12 Mitzi Smith 13 Jean Robbins 13 Linda Rosengard 15 Elvira Mazzoni 15 Carol Thors 17 David Katz 17 Lee Saldinger 20 Barbara Oguss 20 Rose Walsh 21 JoAnne Levin 22 Natalie Cohen 23 Elaine Helke 24 Emest Halperin 28 Jerry Dolins 28 Simonne Wysockey 29 Patricia Young
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Connect with us at nbparks.org and follow us on Facebook!
We Miss You and Hope to See You Soon!
Halloween and Thanksgiving Bingo Highlights
Lai Kwok, as a hula dancer, won for best costume and Elaine Kirschbaum, dressed as a queen came in second. Clara Mueller was a big winner and donated her three gift cards to support a fundraising event for St. Norbert.
Our special guest callers were none other than our own Kathy Liuzza
and JoAnn Nelson
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(left)
(right).
Lai Kwok Clara Mueller Elaine Kirschbaum