Site Visit to the Northeast Levy Senior Center

On Thursday I stopped by the *hopping* Northeast Levy Senior Center, (corner of Lawrence & Damen) which is one of the regional senior centers run by the City of Chicago.  I walked in and was greeted by a very friendly girl at the front desk.  She seems to be the “traffic” director.  She guides you to what you need.I wanted some information on what was happening in the city for seniors and to say hi to my friend Paula who is the executive director there – but happened to be out of the center at a meeting – bummer.Anyways,  they had two tables set up with information on various programs and events going on for Chicago seniors.Did you know they have people there who can help you get through the Medicare Part D maze?  More about that in another post..In the large cafeteria I saw about 70 seniors finishing up and exercise program.  There were also about 15 other seniors in there talking, knitting, etc.  I think they were waiting to take advantage of a boxed lunch.They have a large work out room and I saw 3 ladies busy on the treadmills.Down the hall there was an area with a few tables, which were full of men playing cards!Further down the hall, in another meeting room – I saw about 10 ladies in there taking a class.The only unusual thing I noticed was that  the pictures of Mayor Daley must have been taken when his dad was Mayor...(well not really but he has been in office for 17 years right?) Technically, at 63 years old, the Mayor eligible to take advantage of all the senior centers have to offer.  You only have to be 60!Bottom line was that I saw at least 150 busy, active, social seniors spending a cold but pleasant Thursday in Chicago.More on some of the activities and services I learned about coming up…

Photo from Levy Senior Center Foundation