Dear Waukegan Township Family & Friends,
There is so much to celebrate during the months of May and June. Not only are we able to celebrate warmer weather, but May is observed as “Older American Month”. The ACL’s (Aging for Community Living) theme for this year is “Aging Unbound”. Th theme allows us to explore an array of aging experiences without being boxed in by expectations and stereotypes.
Holidays & Celebrations
We will also celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14th, which honors the special nurturers and caregivers in our lives for their contributions to our families, communities, and society; Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18th recognizing Dads and all father figures for their impact on and presence in our lives; Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 29th, in homage to our fallen heroes.
Monday, June 19th we as a community will celebrate Juneteenth. The holiday acknowledges the end of slavery in the U.S. and celebrates African American freedom. Lastly, we will celebrate the Summer solstice on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 10:58 a.m.
Construction at the PAJC
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Illinois Senator Adriane Johnson for the Capital Improvement grant that was provided to the Patricia A. Jones Center, Eddie Washington Center and the Staben House. Also, Legat Architects, Inc. & Manusos General Contracting, Inc. for the wonderful work that was done on each of these facilities. See the work done at the PAJC on page 4 of this edition. If you haven’t seen the beautiful changes to these locations, be sure to stop by the Center to see them in person.
Summer Events
Save the dates for some great events coming in June, July, August and September:
Friday, June 16th - Annual Ice Cream Social1:00 pm; Saturday, July 22nd from 11:00 am2:00 pm, Waukegan Township Summer Music Festival Corrine Rose Park. This event will feature many genres of music, along with a variety of vendors and food trucks.
Marc L. Jones SupervisorWe will also have an authentic Hawaiian Luau, on Friday, August 18th at 4:00 pm. Come and enjoy roasted pig, hula dancers and fire twirlers. We will conclude our summer events with our Annual Walk for Seniors, on Saturday, September 9th at 10:00 am. Last year we introduced a new award for the most registered participants from one group or organization. Waukegan Baptist Bible Church, took home the trophy. If you are a member of a church, group or organizations and want to compete for this award, contact the PAJ Center at 847-2449242.
Senior Citizen Service Committee
On behalf of the Township Board and staff, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members of the Senior Citizen Services Committee for their dedication to the senior members of Waukegan Township. We officially bid a fond farewell to SCSC Chair Jeanette Keyes; Secretary Katie Strawder; members Sandra Eaker and Wayne Bowen, as we look forward to what the future has in store for our newest members: Luisa Judice, Jackie Nieves and Janakimala Srinivasa
Home Sweet Home
Waukegan Township’s Home Sweet Home Lawn Program will begin on Monday, May 15th. This program provides lawn maintenance service free of charge to Waukegan Township homeowners: ages 55 or better. Please call our hotline at 847-599-2932 to register and receive this complimentary service. The Patricia A. Jones Center will be closed Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day and Monday, June 19th for Juneteenth.
Warmest Regards,
Marc L. Jones Waukegan Township Supervisor/CEO
PAJC Journal is available online. Please visit our website at www.waukegantownship.com or e-mail Lizette Nava at lnava@waukegantownship.com to be added to our email list.
1000 Island Tour May 20th-May 26th of 2024
Spotlight on the French Riviera
$3699.00 per person double occupancy
$4399.00 single occupancy.
Tuesday, October 26, 2023 to Thursday, November 3, 2023
The trip destination: The French Riviera. (9 Days, 12 Meals: 7 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners).
The Thousand Islands are a group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada.
6 Days 5 Night
$1306.00 double occupancy *
$1729.00 Single occupancy.
This trip includes, Round Trip Motorcoach Transportation.
Three Nights’ Accommodations at the Harbor Hotel.
Three Expanded Continental Breakfasts.
1 Thousand Island Lunch Cruise.
2 Delicious Dinners at Fine Local Restaurants.
1 Night of Entertainment.
Guided tour of Kingston, Ontario Wine Tasting at 1000 Island Winery.
Guided 1000 Island Tour.
Boldt Castle Cruise & Tour.
Singer Castle Cruise & Tour.
Admission to the Antique Boat Museum. 1000 Island Scenic Cruise.
Baggage handling (one piece per person)
Hotel taxes, meal taxes and gratuities
$200.00 deposit required
No Passport required.
Highlights: Nice, Food Tour & Tasting, Nice Flower Market, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Choice on Tour, Grasse, Fragonard Perfumery Workshop, Cannes, Saint-Honorat Island & Wine Tasting, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, St. Paul de Vence.
The deposit for this trip is $698 per person due upon reservations. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis.
Included in the price: Round Trip Air from O’Hare, Air Taxes, Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers.
Travel Insurance is also available for $449 per person.
We have a confirmed number of 19 seats available.
Reservations made after the deposit due date of April 20, 2023 are based upon availability.
Final payment due by August 27, 2023.
Not included: Cancellation Waiver & Insurance of $449 pp
Need a great place to hold a meeting, birthday party, wedding reception, anniversary, bridal shower or other gathering? Our spacious room can accommodate up to 80 guests. Tables and chairs included in rental. Call 847-2449242 to reserve your day!
$718 per person double occupancy
$897 single occupancy.
Monday May 29, 2023
to Friday, June 2, 2023
May 14, 2023
Apple Holler and Blossom Tour
Experience the breathtaking beauty of over 30,000 blooming fruit trees in Apple Holler Orchard and Enchanted Forest! This guided tour highlights fascinating information on how apples, pears, and peaches are grown. Your visit to the Apple Holler Farm park will feature a fresh bakery, popcorn, jams, salsas, and hand-dipped caramel apples to take-n-bake dinners and pies. This trip includes a delicious homemade lunch and apple pie for dessert. The fee of $79 covers roundtrip transportation, tour, and lunch. The trip departs at 8:30 am from the Patricia A. Jones Center and will return after 3:00 pm.
May 23, 2023
Anderson Japanese Garden, Laurent House and Fresco Cafe
Anderson Japanese Gardens, Lunch at Fresco Cafe, Visit to Laurent House
Escape to nature at the beautiful one-of-a-kind Anderson Japanese Gardens. Experience this outdoor setting that inspires the mind and energizes the soul. This guided tour highlights the landscapes of streams, waterfalls, winding pathways, and koi-filled ponds has been rated one of North America’s highest quality Japanese gardens. Enjoy lunch at Fresco's Cafe with a view to the gardens! After lunch we will be visiting and receiving a docent-led tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House, with focus on the architectural components Japanese cultural design influences designed by Frank Lloyd Wright specifically for a client with a physical disability. The fee of $115 covers roundtrip motorcoach transportation, guided tours, and three course lunch. The trip departs at 8:30 a.m. from the Patricia A. Jones Center and will return after 3:30 p.m.
June 14, 2023
Lake Geneva Boat Tour and Black Point Estate
Relax and enjoy all the scenic beauty of Lake Geneva with a fully narrated tour as you cruise taking in views of the many elegant, historic estates. Explore downtown Lake Geneva and have a lovely lunch at Popeyes Casual Dining Restaurant. We will finalize our visit in Lake Geneva by touring the Black Pointe Estate. The fee of $137 covers roundtrip motorcoach transportation, guided tours, and lunch. The trip departs at 8:30 am from the Patricia A. Jones Center and will return after 3:30 pm.
Easy Registration for all of our trips!
In person or over the phone: Contact the Patricia A. Jones Center located at 414 S. Lewis Ave. Waukegan, IL Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or call 847-244-9242 for payment options.
Trips are open to adults 18 and older and residents within or outside of Waukegan Township. For more information, call 847-244-9242 or email Ahernandez@waukegantownship.com.
Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc L. Jones, along with the Board of Trustees and staff, are so thankful to Legat Architect, Inc. and Manusos General Contracting Inc. for ensuring that our project was in budget and on schedule. We hope you all like the new upgrades.
Join us for our annual Ice Cream Social. Choose from a variety of ice creams and toppings to please your summer ice cream appetites. You can enjoy entertainment with friends while having a great time. Sign-up for this complimentary event.
Pictured are participants of our 2022 event. Senator Adriane Johnson, SCSC Vice - Chair, Dwight “J.J.” Johnson and SCSC member Sandra Eaker.
We would like to thank the volunteers of AARP Tax Prep. Every year they do an amazing job assisting individuals 55+ with complimentary tax assistance. Below are the dedicated volunteers.
Connect Waukegan - Affordable Connectivity Program
Monday, May 8th & Friday May, 12th 9:30am
Connect Waukegan is an initiative of the Waukegan Community Broadband Taskforce. A public private collective committed to ensuring that all residents, businesses, and institutions in the community have access to robust, stable internet in an equitable, reliable, and sustainable manner. Join us for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) This is an FCC Program that helps connect seniors who may struggle to afford internet service. Prequalification sign-up date will be Friday May 5th at 1:00pm. Please call 847-244-9242 to reserve, or email Phyllis Boateng at pboateng@waukegantownshp.com, to register.
Come to our Technology Classes for a better understanding of technology! We also offer classes on many other topics.
May 10th @ 10:00 am - Video Chat
May 16th @ 2:00 pm -Finding Information Online
May 18th 10:00 am, Gmail Tips & Tricks
May 31st at 2:00 pm, All Things Zoom
June 14th at 10:00 am, Google Maps
June 20th at 2:00 pm connecting to the Internet
June 22nd at 10:00am, Smart Phones
We have limited space available. Please RSVP to 847-244-9242 one week in advance to ensure adequate seating!
Did you know Medicare is the popular senior medical insurance plan?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people ages older. It can also cover younger people who have disabilities or severe health conditions. It is divided up into four different parts.
The Illinois Department on Aging Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
Patricia A. Jones Center has staff available year round to assistance with any questions pertaining to Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D. Appointments must be scheduled in advance.
Benefit Access Program hours of operation are 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Monday - Friday. For more info and appointments, call 847-244-9242.
Complimentary Weekend Travel, Register Today!
The Patricia A. Jones Center can now assist those 60+ with weekend travel! To receive this service you must reside within Waukegan Township and travel for social gatherings. This can include, but is not limited to doctors visits, religious functions, grocery shopping or visiting relatives. Transportation will be provided via Uber or Lyft. This service will be offered Saturdays and Sundays only. If you are interested in this program please contact the Patricia A. Jones Center at 847-599-2936
PAJC Support Groups
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Other Caregivers Group: Meets the 2nd Monday of each month 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Monday, May 8, 2023 - 5:00p.m. West Side Community Center - West Side Community Center has served at-risk adolescents, and we are currently serving youth, college students, and families through providing resources that will increase their educational and social opportunities to succeed.
Monday, June 12, 2023 - 5:00 pm Beacon Place - Beacon Place is a neighborhood community center in Waukegan, with programs for children and families. that focus on academic growth, improved health, and building skills that allow individuals and families to see their own path to a brighter tomorrow.
Grupo De Apoyo en Espanol/Spanish Group: Meets the 2nd Friday of each month 10:00 am
Friday, May 26, 2023 - 10:00 am AgeOptions Pt. 2 SMP Program empowers consumers to prevent healthcare fraud. With volunteers and program staff, we help people with Medicare and Medicaid to prevent, detect, and report Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.
Friday, June 9, 2023 - 10:00 am Cancer Wellness Center: Through supportive care and education, the Cancer Wellness Center seeks to improve the emotional and physical well-being of people affected by cancer and those who care for those affected by cancer.
Family Caregivers Group: Meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Join us for our newest support group, Family Caregivers. This group is for individuals who care for their older family member. Mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles or cousins. PAJC, in partnership with Family Services of North Lake County, will hold bi-weekly meetings to provide useful information for family members. Please register for these groups by calling the PAJ Center at 847-244-9242.
Lunch & Learn - 11:30am - 1:30pm
The PAJC in partnering with the Waukegan Public Library to present a new series of wellness programs. These programs will assist you with knowing your own health. Lunch will be provided during all events for registrants. To enjoy this program you must register at least one week prior to the event.
Friday, May 5th: Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight includes healthy eating, physical activity, optimal sleep, and stress reduction.
Friday, June 2nd: Healthy Nutritional Options - Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean protein can help support your overall health.
Community Care Connections - Osteoporosis Screening
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 10:00am
The Community Care Connection is a mobile health vehicle that travels throughout Lake County, offering residents a variety of free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), osteoporosis screenings, health education workshops, and more. Screenings are offered to adults, and appointments are not necessary. To reserve your appointment for a complimentary Osteoporosis screening or for more information, please call the Patricia A. Jones Center at 847-244-9242 or email Phyllis Boateng at pboateng@waukegantownship.com.
Be Cautious - The Impact of Gambling on Our Lives
Friday, May 19, 2023 11:00am
Gambling, is it a problem? There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling, if left unchecked, can lead to loss of a job, home, relationships, and even life. Join us as we welcome a representative from NICASA to discuss how older adults can be cautious about the potential impact of gambling on their lives.
RTA Mobility Services
Friday, June 9, 2023 - 10:00am
Accessible Metra, PACE and CTA buses and trains are easy to use and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will show you how! Join Bianca Diaz, RTA’s Mobility Outreach Coordinator to learn about accessible public transit option and how to travel independently. To register or for more information please contact the PAJ Center at 847-244-9242
Diabetes Prevention Program - Prevent T2 (Type 2 Diabetes)
1 in 3 adults in the United States has prediabetes. The Prevent T2 lifestyle change program can help you lose weight, become more physically active, and reduce stress. With Prevent T2 you get:
• A proven program to prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes
• A year-long program with weekly meeting for the first 3 months, then bi-weekly meetings for 3 months, and a monthly meeting for the last 6 months.
• Support from others like you as you learn new skills. Space is limited and registration is required Classes will be held virtually on Tuesdays at 4:30pm, beginning April 25th. If you do not have a computer, laptop or tablet, one will be provided for use. To register, call the PAJ Center at 847-244-9242
Monday, Wednesday & Friday (Zoom Only)
8:00 am to 9:00am
Total Body Conditioning/Serenity Stretch
(On Zoom and Live at the PAJ Center
9:15 am to 9:45 am
9:50 am to 10:20 am
10:30 am to 11:00 am
11:15 am to 11:45 am
11:45 am to 12:15 pm
Total Body Conditioning
Serenity Stretch
Chair Workout
Warrior
Functional Fitness
Circuit Training
Zumba Gold
Chair Yoga
Active Living Yoga
Chair Workout Warrior (Tues.) Circuit Training (Thurs.)
Fitness
Gold
Yoga
Living Yoga
Country Line dancing Fridays at 10:00am. Please call 847-244-9242 for more information
Total Body Conditioning is a resistance training class. Equipment required: Chair, weights or two water bottles, two cans and/or a resistance band.
Serenity Stretch is a stretch class for loosening tight muscles. A yoga strap, a long belt or a long towel would be helpful, especially if you’re tight or have limited range of motion.
Chair Workouts are great for those needing to sit for some of the exercises, or hold on to a chair to exercise.
Functional Fitness is a class that covers exercise that helps with everyday movement such as bending down, squatting, reaching and lifting. Legs and shoulders are the primary focus of training.
Cardio Circuit Training consists of doing exercises at stations. You will switch stations after completing a set number of repetitions of an exercise.
A modified Zumba class for active older adults. *Chair Zumba on Tuesdays*
A modified Yoga class for beginners or those with limited mobility.
A mix of Lyengar and Vinyasa, this class focuses on the use of props, (chairs, blocks, straps) to transition into different poses from the floor and/or standing ( getting on the floor is not required.
Waukegan Township Patricia A. Jones Center, strongly recommends consulting with your physician before beginning any exercise program. You should be in good physical condition and able to participate in the exercise. Waukegan Township PAJ Center is not a licensed medical care provider and represents that it has no expertise in diagnosing, examining or treating medical conditions of any kind, or in determining the effects of any specific exercise on a medical condition. When participating in any exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury.
By participating in this exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and arise to release and discharge Waukegan Township PAJ Center from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of Waukegan Township PAJ Center’s negligence.
A Matter of Balance - class held in Spanish
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 through Wednesday, July 19, 2023 10:00 am - 12 Noon
Matter of Balance is an on-site eight week evidence based program, which helps older adults reduce their fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable. This program is specifically designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve activity levels among older adults. The program includes eight two-hour classes presented to a small group of participants, led by trained coaches. The program enables participants to set goals for increasing activity levels, making small changes to reduce fall risks. Lunch will be provided weekly to participants of the program. If interested, contact us at 847-244-9242 or email America Vega at Avega@waukegantownship.com
Trustees: Percy Johnson, Sylvestre
Castellanos, Jeff McBride, and Dulce Ortiz.
Clerk - Rose Staben
Assessor - Mark Stricklin
Patricia A. Jones Center
Senior Citizens Services Committee:
Interim Chair: Dwight “J.J. Johnson
Members: Luisa Judice, Jackie Nieves, Janaki Mala
Srinivasa, Nelson “Whit” Whitaker, Sugar Young.
Honorary SCSC Member: Alderman Larry Eaker
We Remember Those who’ve passed away. January 24, 2023 through March 20, 2023