Northbrook Senior Center Moves Programs Back to the Northbrook Leisure Center

November 2, 2021 at 7:50pm

The Northbrook Senior Center has moved back to its home at the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, after being temporarily housed at Village Green Center.

“At the Northbrook Park District, we are committed to meeting the needs of all our residents,” said Executive Director Molly Hamer. “Changes during the pandemic were certainly a challenge and as restrictions lessen, it is rewarding to invite our Senior population back to their familiar location at the Leisure Center.”

A free Open House is scheduled for Thursday, November 18 from 11am-3pm to celebrate the move and re-introduce all that the Northbrook Senior Center has to offer. Members and non-members are invited to stop in to learn about programs, enjoy a light lunch, and enter the free raffle. Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins will be accepted. Call 847-291-2995 for more information.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Eilleen Gabriel-Galán, Northbrook Park District’s new Recreation Supervisor for Adult and Senior Programs. Eilleen comes to the District with a strong aging services and volunteer management background with over twenty-five years of experience in the field of gerontology. She also has a unique combination of experiences in planning and organizing activities for older adults, facility operations, employee, volunteer and budget management and food service.

“It is my hope to create a destination that will offer a variety of fun, adventurous and creative programs, activities and special events that you can enjoy while also offering the opportunity to try something new,” said Gabriel-Galán. “I invite you and your friends to join me on this journey. I would love to meet you, get to know you and to hear your thoughts and ideas for the Senior Center.”

Senior Center membership is available for an annual fee of $30 for Northbrook Park District residents and $45 for non-residents. Memberships can be purchased at the Leisure Center, at nbparks.org or by calling 847-291-2995.

Membership includes access to familiar Drop-in Programs such as crafts, card games, arts and discussion groups, Monday through Friday. A complete weekly schedule can be found at nbparks.org.

In addition to the drop-in programs included with membership, Senior Center Members enjoy reduced rates for additional programs, events, and trips that require registration and a fee. A November 30 excursion to downtown Chicago allows participants to enjoy Holiday Tea at the Drake while Bingo events featuring different monthly themes are offered on November 19, December 3 and January 14.

Participants are sure to learn something new in the entertaining Speakers Series programs. On November 12, Barry Bradford presents Barry Explains Hitchcock, while Leslie Goddard offers It’s a Wonderful Life on December 10.

The annual holiday party, held at Sunset Ridge Country Club, is back featuring delicious food, live music and comedy by Vito Zatto along with the return of the popular holiday raffle. This event is sponsored by Whitehall of Deerfield.

The Senior Center is also an amazing place to learn – to either increase skills in an area of interest or develop new skills. From knitting and ceramics to Mah Johngg and card games, participants will learn from experienced instructors in a variety of classes.

The Senior Center Library is open as a drop-in location for members. The hours are 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday. Members are invited to stop in to pick up a book, work on a puzzle, chat with friends and enjoy complimentary coffee.

Details on membership, drop-in programs, events and classes can be found online at nbparks.org or stop by the Senior Center to talk with staff and pick up your copy of the Momentum newsletter. Questions can also be directed to 847-291-2995.

The Northbrook Senior Center will continue to follow all local, state and national guidelines regarding COVID-19. At this time, masks are required for all indoor programming.

The Mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.