Northbrook Senior Center Moves Programs Back To Leisure Center

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

"At the Northbrook Park District, we are committed to meeting the needs of all our residents,” Executive Director Molly Hamer said. “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 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 18, to celebrate the move and re-introduce all that the Northbrook Senior Center has to offer, according to a news release. 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.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Eilleen Gabriel-Galán, Northbrook Park District’s new Recreation Supervisor for Adult and Senior Programs. Gabriel-Galán comes to the District with a strong aging services and volunteer management background with over 25 years of experience in the field of gerontology, according to the news release. 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,” Gabriel-Galán said. “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 Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and Jan. 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 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 a copy of the Momentum newsletter.

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.

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