Francine started with the Downers Grove Park District Active Adult Center in May and comes to us with a background of over 30 years in Marketing & Practice Development. She is a Chicago native but lived on the west coast of Florida in Sarasota for many years before coming back to her hometown to be close to her family.

With experience in planning events as large as 2,200 people or as small as 50, Francine has won several awards in the State of Florida for her programs developed for a large Ophthalmology practice and most recently was Community Relations Director

Connections NewsletterYour pathway to active adult leisure &recreation opportunitiesSEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2014

(630) 963-1300 - dgparks.org

Printed on recycled paper

Look inside to see all of the programs and events that are in store for you this season!

for two retirement communities in our area helping seniors and their families choose the right Independent, Assisted Living or Memory Care programs. When she has free time Francine enjoys plays, concerts, crafts and spending time with her new grandniece.

Her door is always open on the 3rd floor of the Lincoln Center so stop by and chat. She welcomes any and all suggestions for new programs, trips or activities - go to page six to see her new ‘What to Do Wednesdays’ program series.

Welcome to Francine Myers, our new Active Adult Center Coordinator!

RESOURCE FAIR Wednesday, Oct 1, 10:00am. Lincoln Center.Join your friends and neighbors for a FREE day of fun, free stuff, information, doorprizes and much more. Exhibitors represent AARP, Downers Grove Township, Downers Grove Library, Illinois State Mobile ID Renewal Unit, Sunrise Fountain Square Retirement Community, Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, an Elder Law Attorney, a pharmacist and more to come.

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Adult Trips & ToursQuilt Gardens TourThursday, Sept 18Don’t miss this trip to Amish country where you’ll experience 20 eye-popping quilt patterned gardens and 21 outdoor hand-painted quilt art murals. An expert gardener will take you on a guided tour along the Heritage Trail as you hear the inside scoop on each site’s special story and hear what it takes to make the gardens glorious. You’ll end the afternoon with lunch inside Coppes Commons inside the Nappance Bakery & Treat Shoppe. Transportation and lunch provided. R/NR: $70/$72 Class #: 275030-01 Location: Elkhart, INDepart: 7:00am Return around: 7:30pm

Museum of Broadcast Communications*Wednesday, Sept 24This trip will be filled with everything nostalgic about Chicago radio and television. You experience a spectacular array of radio and television displays and interactive programs with such things as WGN’s Family Classics set, the original Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd puppets, costume memorabilia, a Sports Gallery and much more. Transportation is included. Lunch is on your own at the Public House restaurant. Location: Chicago, IL Activity Level: 2R/NR: $25/$27 Class #: 275001-01Depart: 10:30am Return around: 5:00pm

Tour And Cooking Demonstration At Mariano’s*Friday, Oct 3This is a food store like no other – from the minute you walk in, you are serenaded by live piano music and the smell of yummy offerings in the air - aisle and aisles of tasty treats and hard to find food items. Tour this beautiful store and be treated with a wonderful cooking demonstration by a member of their culinary nutrition team. Transportation and lunch included. Location: Marianos Wheaton Activity Level: 1 R/NR: $10/$12 Class #: 275002-01 Depart: 10:00am Return around: 3:00pm

WHAT’S INSIDE

Adult Trips & Tours

4Health & Wellness

5Parties

6Leisure Programs

8Movie Matinee

11Volunteering &

Services

2

3

Adult Trips & ToursFall Foliage CruiseFriday, Oct 10Imagine yourself cruising down the Mississippi, admiring the colors of nature all around you. Beautiful scenery abounds as you float up and down the river while in the background the great sounds of music from the 40’s to the present. Sit back, listen, and even dance to the sounds of your favorite tunes. Big Band, Country, and Rock and Roll, it’s all there. Don’t forget your cameras to capture the scenic views! Your four hour cruise will start off with our hot homemade sticky rolls with assorted fresh fruits. A hot lunch buffet including baked cranberry glazed boneless breast of chicken, alfredo pasta with vegetables, homemade garlic mashed potato, baby whole green beans with sautéed bacon and onions, pasta salad, sweet corn salad, rolls, spring salad and turtle cheesecake. Transportation and lunch included. Location: Moline, IL Activity Level: 2 R/NR: $80/$82 Class #: 275031-01 Depart: 8:00am Return around: 5:30pm

Fermilab Tour*Wednesday, Oct 29Along the guided two hour tour you view the Laboratory from the 15th floor windows and visit various displays. Scientists here carry out research in high-energy physics to answer questions such as: What is the universe made of? How does it work? Where did it come from? You will have a guided tour of this unique facility. Enjoy lunch on your own in the cafeteria. Transportation and tour included. Location: Batavia, IL Activity Level: 2 R/NR: $5/$7 Class #: 275003-01 Depart: 9:30am Return around: 3:00pm

Horseshoe CasinoWednesday, Nov 12It’s your lucky day as we travel to the “Las-Vegas Casino’ of the Midwest! It’s a short ride to Hammond, Indiana to play on any one of their 3,200 slot machines or sit at any of their 100 table games. You’ll get a fantastic buffet lunch with this trip. Transportation also included. Please let us know if you have a Horseshoe Casino Reward Card when registering.Location: Hammond, IN Activity Level: 1 R/NR: $20/$22 Class #: 275022-01 Depart: 9:30am Return around: 4:45pm

All groups meet at Lincoln Center unless otherwise noted. Call (630) 963-1300 for program details. Trips are open to all ages unless otherwise noted. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 16.

*These trips are not advertised in the Downers Grove Park District Fall Recreation and Parks Guide.

1 = Light Physical Activity. 2 = Moderate Physical Activity. 3 = Heavy Physical Activity

4 fall 2014 dgparks.org

Beginner Line DancingThis co-ed class is for brand new line dancers or for people who enjoy easy dances.  Line dancing is fun exercise, good for your memory, and it gives you an opportunity to meet new people and try new things! In this beginner class, learn easy dances like “Electric Slide”, “Little Rumba” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”.  Requests are welcome in class. The dress code is casual. Gym shoes are encouraged unless you are dying to wear cowboy boots. Min/Max: 10/30 Fee: $12/$16Location: Lincoln Center Instructor: Susan ShieldsClass # Date Day Time271043-01 9/4 - 9/25 TH 9:30 - 10:30 am271043-02 10/2 - 10/23 TH 9:30 - 10:30 am271043-03 11/6 - 12/4 TH 9:30 - 10:30 am271043-04 9/8 - 9/29 M 7:00 - 8:00 pm271043-05 10/13 - 11/13 M 7:00 - 8:00 pm271043-06 11/10 - 12/1 M 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Flu ShotsTue, Sept 30, 10:00am – 2:00pmLocation: Lincoln CenterIt’s that time of year again and we are offering flu shots provided by Mariano’s Pharmacy. These are free for all MEDICARE PART B recipients showing their card and a discounted fee of $20 for everyone else without Medicare. The Pneumonia vaccine will also be available.

Intermediate Line DancingPrevious experience in line dancing is essential. If you know how to do grapevines, shuffles, and rock steps, you are good to go! In this intermediate class, we will learn dances like “ZJ Ozzy’s Funk”, “Mucara Walk”, and more. Requests are welcome in class. The dress code is casual. Gym shoes are encouraged unless you are dying to wear cowboy boots.Min/Max: 8/50 Fee: $12/$16Location: Lincoln Center Instructor: Susan ShieldsClass # Date Day Time271044-01 9/4 - 9/25 TH 10:30 - 11:30 am271044-02 10/2 - 10/23 TH 10:30 - 11:30 am271044-03 11/6 - 12/4 TH 10:30 - 11:30 am271044-04 9/8 - 9/29 M 8:00 - 9:00 pm271044-05 10/13 - 11/18 M 8:00 - 9:00 pm271044-06 11/10 - 12/1 M 8:00 - 9:00 pm

Health & Wellness

 OCTOBER 4, 2014 9 am – 1pm

Downers Grove Park District Recreation Center 4500 Belmont Rd

1

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS! Seasonal flu shot Blood glucose level

Blood pressure screenings Cholesterol testing BMI Measurement

Hearing screenings Numerous Health Information Booths www.midwestern.edu/DGhealthfair  

2

5

Parties

End of Summer CarnivalFriday, Sept 12, 11:30-2pmCome join us for an indoor carnival! Walk the “midway” and win prizes for classic games ranging from ring toss to bozo buckets and more. No carnival is complete without your favorite foods. From snacks on sticks to sweet treats, you’ll be able to eat and play all day! Min/Max: 25/120 Fee: $8/$10Location: Lincoln Center Class #: 271046-01

OktoberfestWednesday, Oct 22, 11:30-2pmFood and fun is what Oktoberfest is all about. Enjoy a catered lunch featuring bratwurst, sauerkraut, fried chicken, German style green beans, house salad and all the trimmings. Will you have room for dessert? Come for the food and stay for the entertainment.Min/Max: 25/120 Fee: $16/$18Location: Lincoln Center Class #: 271005-01

Thankful Feast Tuesday, Nov 19, 11:30-2pmThis is when we give thanks for the things we have and the people we share it with. You and your friends should come join us for some gathering and giving back. We will begin with a holiday feast and then we will work together to help out an organization in the local area. Please bring a canned food item to be donated. Min/Max: 25/100 Fee: $8/$10Location: Lincoln Center Class #: 271047-01

Annual Holiday CelebrationTuesday, Dec 2. 11:30-2pmHoliday spirit and the joy of the season is celebrated at the most popular party of the year! You’ll love the holiday menu and delicious dessert. All party-goers are eligible for the holiday giveaway, featuring dozens of wonderful gifts donated from local businesses. Min/Max: 25/80 Fee: $18/$20Location: Lincoln Center Class #: 271002-01

Brown Bag BingoIt’s a Bingo bonanza on the last Wednesday of each month! Get the party started early by bringing a lunch and eating it with the group. Social hour/lunch starts at 11:30am. Bingo starts at 12:30pmMin/Max: 10/120 Fee: $1/$2 at the doorLocation: Lincoln CenterDates Day Time9/24, 10/29, 11/26 W 11:30am – 2:00pm

Line Dance PartyLine dancing is fun exercise, good for your memory, and it gives you an opportunity to meet new people and try new things! We will have snacks and lots of fun music and dances like “Electric Slide”, “Little Rumba” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”. Requests are welcome in class. The dress code is casual. Gym shoes are encouraged unless you are dying to wear cowboy boots.

Age: 30 yrs+ Min/Max: 10/30 R/NR: $5/$6Location: Lincoln Center Class # Date Day Time271045-01 10/6 M 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Leisure Programs

NEW SERIES– What to Do Wednesdays!Location: Lincoln CenterFee: $5.00/$7.00 each, Resource Fair: FREERegister in advance or pay at the door

THE BASICS: Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s DiseaseWednesday, Sept 3, 10:00amIf you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s time to learn the facts (in plain English). This program provides information on detection, causes and risk factors, disease stages, treatment, and much more. You’ll hear this right from an expert, Hadi Pagonis, Education Director, Joliet Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.Class #: 271011-01 Fee: Free

ORGANIZE, DOWNSIZE, MINIMIZEWednesday, Sept 10, 10:00am AHHH – home sweet home – Imagine your cluttered space transformed into comfortable, organized living areas. You have more room, your papers are neatly organized, and you quickly find what you’re looking for. The goal is not to get you organized now, it’s also to give you organizing skills so you can stay organized. This is presented by Patty Wolf, owner of STUFFBUSTERS and a Certified Professional Organizer. Refreshments and a door prize provided by Brookdale Plaza, Lisle. Class #: 271011-02

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD Travelogue Series: Italy.Wednesday, Sept 17, 10:00am We kick this series off by touring Italy stopping along the way at Venice’s St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, on to Michaelangelo’s David and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. We end up with Rome’s Ancient Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel. You’ll also be able to sample some delicious Italian treats. Be sure to get your “PASSPORT” punched and bring it with you to the other travelogues we have planned. Class #: 271006-01

RESOURCE FAIR Wednesday, Oct 1, 10:00amJoin your friends and neighbors for a FREE day of fun, free stuff, information, doorprizes and much more. Exhibitors represent AARP, Downers Grove Township, Downers Grove Library, Illinois State Mobile ID Renewal Unit, Sunrise Fountain Square Retirement Community, Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, an Elder Law Attorney, a pharmacist and more to come.

BETTE DAVISWednesday, Oct 8, 10:00amPortrayal by Leslie Goddard, actress and historian. She has been portraying famous women in history for more than 10 years. Few actresses in the history of film rival Bette Davis’ longevity and appeal. This witty, sharp portrayal reveals Davis not only as a riveting personality, but as the ultimate star in the golden age of Hollywood. You’ll have an opportunity to win a great door prize. Class #: 271011-04

7

Leisure Programs

Evening for VeteransTuesday, Nov 11In conjunction with the “Honoring our Heroes” exhibit, the Downers Grove Museum invites Downers Grove Veterans and their families to an evening of appreciation. Enjoy refreshments while viewing the exhibit and receive information from Honor Flight volunteers. Honor Flight is a not-for-profit organization that provides trips to Washington D.C. to visit national memorials free of charge to veterans. ACAge: All ages R/NR: Free Location: Downers Grove Museum

Class # Date Day Time220001-01 11/11 TU 5:30 - 7:30 pm

AARP Smart Driver CourseSuccessful completion of the two-day safety course may qualify those over 55 for a reduction in their liability insurance plan. The program is not connected with the written driving exam. Age: Adult Min/Max: 10/30 Day: W & TH Location: Lincoln Center Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pmClass # Date Fee (AARP member/

non-member)271031-03 9/3 & 9/4 $15/$20271031-04 11/12 & 11/13 $15/$20

NEW!

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: GERMANY. Wednesday, Oct 15, 10:00am Germany is blessed with some of Europe’s most high-powered sights. Our travels will take us to Munich, one of the most historic, artistic, and entertaining cities. You’ll hear about palaces, jewels, grand boulevards, great paintings and beautiful parks. The Rhine Valley is a fairy-tale world of legends and robber-baron castles. You’ll enjoy the fine interior of Marksburg Castle. German Chocolate Cake anyone?! Class #: 271006-02

A WORLD GONE MAD: WORLD WAR II. Wednesday, Nov 5, 10:00am This presentation by historian Jim Gibbons’will take us through the second of two of the most catastrophic wars in our nation’s history. This will be a very visual, moving presentation. He will take us through such events as the bombing of Pearl Harbor, London, Warsaw, Stalingrad, and Leningrad; and the seizing of Paris. Gibbons will show how the United States, Great Britain, and Russia united together to bring down and eventually destroy Axis Powers. Class #: 271011-03

Spring Craft BonanzaWednesday, Mar 11,11:00am – 2:00pmBring your talents to this fun event! We are looking for crafters in all categories of handmade treasures. A booth is only $25 and includes a table, 2 chairs, one box lunch. For more information and an application, please call Francine, Active Adult Center Coordinator, 630-963-1314.

8 fall 2014 dgparks.org

Leisure Programs

Rules of the Road Driving Exam ReviewPrepare for the general written and road sign exam and updates on Rules of the Road. Age: Adult Min/Max: 10/30 Fee: Free Location: Lincoln Center

Class # Date Day Time271032-01 10/20 M 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Bridge LessonsIf you have never played bridge or just need to sharpen your skills, bridge lessons start you on your way to a stimulating and fun leisure activity. Age: 55 yrs+ Min/Max: 4/12 Location: Lincoln Center Day: Monday Instructor: Patricia BalsamoClass # Date Time Fee R/NR271004-01 9/8 - 10/27 10:00 - 11:30 am $20/$30271004-02 11/3 - 12/15 10:00 - 11:30 am $18/$27

Popcorn MatineeJoin the fun as we present a combination of new and classic feature films on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Snack on some free popcorn while you enjoy the show! Time: 1:00pm. Day: Thursdays. Cost: FREE

Sept 11 – American Hustle138 mins, R, Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer LawrenceA con man is forced to work for a wild FBI agent who pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia.

Sept 25 – Saving Mr. Banks135 mins, PG-13, Starring: Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks. Author P.L. Travers reflects on her childhood after reluctantly meeting with Walt Disney, who seeks to adapt her Mary Poppins books for the big screen.

Oct 9 – Letters to Juliet105 mins, PG, Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Gael Garcia Bernal, Vanessa Redgrave. Sophie dreams of becoming a writer and travels to Verona, Italy where she meets the “Secretaries of Juliet.”

Oct 23 – Phantom of the Opera143 mins, PG-13, Starring: Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson. A young soprano becomes the obsession of a disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House.

Nov 13 – Auntie Mame143 minutes, Starring: Rosalind Russell, Forrest Tucker, Coral Browne. An orphan goes to live with his free-spirited aunt. Conflict ensues when the executor of his father’s estate objects to the aunt’s lifestyle.

FISHEL PARK, DOWNERS GROVE. SEPT 27, 12-4pm.

DGParks.org

9

Weekly Programs

Activity Day(s) Time Fee Participation

Bridge Lessons Monday 10:00 - 11:30 am $20/30 Registration

Billiards Monday - Friday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Free Drop in

Dominoes Monday 12:30 - 3:30 pm Free Drop in

Rules of the Road Mondays - Varied Schedule 1:30 - 3:30 pm Free Registration

Chess Club Monday 1:00 - 4:00 pm Free Drop in

Scrabble First and Last Monday of the Month 12:30 – 3:30 pm Free Drop in

Artists Drop In Tuesday 9:00 - 11:00 am Free Drop in

Canasta 3rd Tuesday of the Month 1:00 - 3:00 pm Free Drop in

Craft Club Tuesday Sept through Nov 9:00 - 11:00 am Free Drop in

Pinochle Tuesday 12:15 - 3:30 pm Free Drop in

Progressive Bridge Tuesday 1:00 - 4:00 pm Free Drop in

Pokeno 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month 11:00 am - 12:00 pm $1/$2 Drop in

Red Hats Book Club 2nd Tuesday of the Month 9:30 - 10:30 am Free Red Hat Members

Bingo Last Wednesday of the Month 12:30 - 2:00 pm $1/$2 Drop in

Poker (Friendly) Wednesday and Friday 1:00 - 3:15 pm Free Drop in

Bunco 2nd Thursday of the Month 10:00 - 11:00 am Free Drop in

Rummikub Thursday 9:15 - 11:00 am Free Drop in

Men’s Group 1st and 3rd Thursday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Free Drop in

Party Bridge Thursday 11:30 am - 3:30 pm Free Drop in

Poker (Competitive) Thursday 11:30 am - 3:30 pm Free Drop in

Popcorn Matinee 2nd and 4th Thurs of Sept - Dec 1:00 - 3:00 pm Free Drop in

Duplicate Bridge Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Free Drop in

Poker (Competitive) Friday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm Free Drop in

10 fall 2014 dgparks.org

Registration Form

Class Number Trips Day Date Res

FeeNR Fee

Other Information (Circle choices where provided)

Fee Due

275030-01 Quilt Gardens Tour Thurs 9/18 $70 $72

275001-01 Museum of Broadcast Communications Wed 9/24 $25 $27

275002-01 Tour & Cooking Demo at Marianos Fri 10/3 $10 $12

275031-01 Fall Foilage Cruise Fri 10/10 $80 $82

275003-01 Fermilab Tour Wed 10/29 $5 $7

275022-01 Horseshoe Casino Wed 11/12 $20 $22

Class Number Events Day Date Res

FeeNR Fee

Other Information (Circle choices where provided)

Fee Due

271046-01 End of Summer Carnival Fri 9/12 $8 $10  

271005-01 Oktoberfest Wed 10/22 $16 $18  

271047-01 Thankful Feast Tue 11/19 $8 $10  

271002-01 Annual Holiday celebration Tue 12/2 $18 $20

TOTAL DUE

Circle the class number for each trip or event you would like to attend. Circle the resident or non-resident fee.

11

Volunteering & Services

Transportation ServicesDial-A-Ride - 630.719.6685Dial-A-Ride is a service sponsored by Downers Grove Township. Township residents aged 65 or better, or who have a qualified disability, may travel anywhere within the township or to Hinsdale Hospital from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Riders must have an RTA pass, which can be applied for at the Township office. Rides must be reserved at least two days in advance by calling the Township office at 630.719.6685 for details. The fare is $5 for each one-way trip.

Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteers are vital to the Active Adults Center. Volunteerism is one of the easiest and best ways to become involved and the primary way many services are provided. Volunteers enjoy the many benefits of volunteering, including meeting new people, learning new skills, accomplishing projects and assisting behind the scenes with monthly parties and special events.

Scarlett Bloomers Red Hat ChapterLadies! Join the red-hatted revolution! From monthly themed luncheons and slumber-less overnight parties to weekly game clubs and luncheon trips, the Downers Grove Park District Scarlett Bloomers does it all. To join the Scarlett Bloomers Red Hat Chapter, contact the Active Adult Center at 630.963.1300.

Senior Health Insurance ProgramTrained volunteers are available to assist you in completing medical forms and evaluating your personal insurance policies and Medicare Part D programs. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments are scheduled by calling 630.963.1300.

25 Years of Excellence

Thank you for sharing your lives with us for 25 years. We are honored to be part of the

Downers Grove community.

ASSISTED LIVING | RETIREMENT LIVING | MEMORY SUPPORT

SARATOGA GROVE3460 Saratoga AvenueDowners Grove, IL 60515(630) 971-1995

www.ProvidenceLi feServices.com A PROVIDENCE LIFE SERVICES COMMUNITY

Providence Life Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or handicap.

PRESORTED STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDDowners Grove, IL

Permit # 103

Registration OfficeLincoln Center - 935 Maple AvenueDowners Grove, Illinois 60515Mon. - Fri.: 8:30 am - 6:00 pmSat.: 8:30 am - 12:00 pmPhone: (630) 963-1300

Services & Resource Guide: To receive a copy of the Services & Resource Guide, stop by the Active Adult Center.

Downers Grove Park DistrictLincoln Center935 Maple AvenueDowners Grove, IL 60515-4997

Connections NewsletterYour pathway to active adult leisure &recreation opportunitiesSEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2014

(630) 963-1300 - dgparks.org

Printed on recycled paper

Look inside to see all of the programs and events that are in store for you this season!