HEALTH & WELLNESS · using new appliances, new food preparations and new dining experiences, as...

December 2019Section B

www.SeniorConnectionNewspaper.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DRUSILLA BANKS

See BANKS on page B4

Holiday gifts for foodies

Including Entertainment, Church Chatter and On The Go

Somethin’ Good is Always Cookin’

Pan-seared Chicken with Tomato-Olive Relish

~ Recipe on 6

HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS

What are Foodies? One could argue that we are all Foodies, since we all eat food. However, the current definition of a Foodie goes beyond that definition. Yes, Foodie is a trendy term. Today, it refers to someone who takes a particular interest in food adventures.

Foodie interests may include foods from many different cuisines, using new appliances, new food prepara t ions and new d in ing experiences, as well as old methods such as fermentation and homemade candy and confections. Remember, age is not relevant! Anyone of any age can be a Foodie.Gifts from your kitchen

Years ago, it was customary to

bring a gift of food, when visiting a neighbor or member of the family. On holidays, gifts of homemade foods were an expression of heartfelt desire to share good things with others. Sadly, this tradition has been neglected lately. Nevertheless, it is returning. Today, many people do not know how to bake a homemade cake, make yeast bread, or pasta, refrigerator pickles or jams and jellies. These items are gourmet!

If you have a special talent or ability, now is the time to share it in the form of a gift. It is certainly true that in some cases handmade gifts cost more money than the store-bought versions of the same item. Do not under-value you gift of food. Cons ide r you r t ime , cos t o f i n g r e d i e n t s , w r a p p i n g a n d transporting the gift. Time is money!

Many store-bought gifts get re-gifted. However, homemade gifts of f o o d a r e o f t e n c o n s u m e d immediately. Always provide storage information, such as “keep refrigerated,” and “use within a certain amount of time for best results.”

Finishing touches are important, too. Baked goods finished with a dusting with powdered sugar or glaze take on a special festive presentation. The same is true for decorative canning jars, vinegar bottles, cake plates and cookie jars. Package your gift of food, so that it arrives intact. Boxes, decorative bows and a note card make it special.Mail order gift of food

As with any gift, a well-thought-out gift of food is important. Know what your Foodies will appreciate. Online gifts are limitless. Select items you foodie may not ordinarily buy; imported chocolates, caviar, exotic coffee, gourmet hot sauce.

Order early. If you wait until the last minute, your gift may not arrive on time.

Subscriptions to food magazines and cookbooks are also great gifts. If your Foodie is organic, select organic gra ins , pas ta and o ther non-per ishable foods p laced in a decorated basket or cooking pot. Consider gift certificates to grocery stores and restaurants too. Kitchen gadgets

Foodies love gadgets and accessories. Giving a kitchen gadget gift means knowing something about the person. A Foodie gadget gift

should be something useful. Think about tools and supplies they actually would want to receive, not absurdly expensive pro-tools that only a real chef could use—just a simple, useful item(s) for someone who likes to prepare good food for his/her family and friends.Inexpensive* Assorted wooden spoons in a utensil caddy* A microplane for preparing zest from lemons, limes, oranges and grating ginger * A non-stick skillet and recipe * A case of 12 canning jars (½ pints, pints, or quarts) good prices in the off season* A mortar and pestle for grinding herbs and spices and a recipe for a salt-free or low-sodium herb blend* A hand held cordless blender; and soup recipe* A basket of assorted kitchen towels, potholders, homemade or store-bought* A digital kitchen timer* Pepper mill with peppercorns* Soup tureen with ladle* Set of dessert plates* Decorative serving trayMore expensive* A blender* Kitchen mixer, standing or handheld* An electric frypan* Electric coffee bean grinder* Espresso maker with coffee beans* Pressure cooker (tested with recipe) * Slow cooker/Instant Pot or Instant Pot accessories

Get onboard with the art and custom of giving food and gifts for the kitchen. For anyone who loves to give—or receive—food, any time of year, your inspiration for gifts should truly come from the heart. Make the gift you make or buy special. Make it personal. Merry Christmas!

On holidays,

gifts of homemade foods

were an expression of heartfelt desire

to share good things with others.

Page B2 December 2019

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Wellness

Want fresh breath? Try ginger

Does the smell of lavender bring a smile to your face? Plenty of others seem to agree, judging by the number of bath salts, lotions and soaps available on store shelves, often touting the adjective “relaxing.”

Beyond the fleeting pleasure that comes from simply enjoying the fragrance of lavender, some say the plant oil can affect your state of mind (make sure it is 100 percent essential oil lavender—no phthalates). A recent study suggests that may be true. Researchers exposed mice to the smell of vaporized linalool, a component of lavender that is not 100 percent essential (so, not what we

want you as a human to have), and found that it triggered relaxation— without the harmful side effects of, say, anti-anxiety medication or alcohol.

An earlier study on dental patients showed that breathing in the smell of lavender essential oil helped to reduce pre-procedure jitters.

Consider vaporizing a few drops of the essential oil using a diffuser the next time you are feeling stressed, or get an essential oil packet. If you feel your jaw relax or your shoulders drop, just say “ah” and enjoy.

Say “ah” to the soothing scent of lavender

For a natural solution to everyday bad breath, try a fresh take on “better living through chemistry.” In a recent study, researchers found that ginger can neutralize the compounds that lead to stale, stinky breath. An active component in ginger, known as 6-gingerol, causes an enzyme in saliva to increase; the enzyme breaks down sulfur-containing compounds that smell bad and eliminates the lingering aftertaste of coffee and other foods.

To freshen up with this potent plant food, keep some fresh ginger around and keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Try chewing on a small sliver of fresh, peeled ginger, or make a ginger tea by simmering a few slices of ginger in a cup of water for 10 minutes and then straining out the ginger.

To get rid of vampire-caliber garlic breath, you need to switch tacks—try eating some apple, a mint leaf or lettuce.

Keep up with good-breath basics like daily brushing (twice a day) and flossing (once a day), staying hydrated, and getting regular dental care.

Feeling anxious? Lavender may help!

Q: Is pain a necessary part of aging?

A: It is very difficult to avoid physical pain as you get older. However, as many people age, they complain less about pain. This phenomenon may be caused by a decreased sensitivity to pain. Some believe that seniors do not moan as much as juniors because they tend to be stoics.

People have a variety of inborn pain thresholds . I have two granddaughters who are so different in their ability to handle pain that it is almost comical. I have seen one of them tumble off a bike, skin her knee and climb back in the saddle, without a whimper. The other little girl will cry inconsolably over the smallest splinter.

The ability to withstand pain depends upon emotion, too. Athletes have played with broken bones because they were so pumped up by the action around them that they did not know they had been injured. Later, in the locker room, the pain kicked in.

Pain may be acute or chronic. Acute pain comes on suddenly and

subsides after a short time. Chronic pain persists. Many seniors suffer from chronic pain, which has a variety of causes.

Pain affects as much as 65 percent of independent older adults and up to 80 percent of seniors in long-term care facilities. The following are some of the causes:

About 80 percent of older adults s u f f e r f r o m o s t e o a r t h r i t i s , inflammation of the joints. You get osteoarthritis when cartilage—the cush ion ing t i s sue wi th in the joints—wears down. This produces stiffness and pain.

People with diabetes, a condition that affects almost 20 percent of Americans over the age of 60, often have circulatory problems that produce pain.

Gallstones, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, peptic ulcer disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm and gastroenteritis generate abdominal pain.

Sp ina l p rob lems , such as herniated disks, spinal narrowing and arthritis, are the causes of back and neck pain, which is very common in older adults.

Headache is a common difficulty for seniors. Headaches unrelated to underlying diseases are classified in three different types: cluster, tension and migraine. Tension headaches are, by far, the most common type, affecting up to 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men.

Researchers believe more than 20 million people suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathic pain is usually stems from nerve damage, which can be caused by diabetes and disorders of the kidney, liver and thyroid.

Chronic pelvic pain affects up to about 10 percent of women and can be related to a number of different conditions, including infection, uterine fibroids, kidney stones, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

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December 2019 Page B3The


By Fred Cicetti

Pain—and tolerance—may increase with age

Sure, too many

rooftops can give

you shingles.

Pain affects as much as 65 percent of independent older adults and up to 80 percent of seniors in long-term care facilities.

C o m p l e x R e g i o n a l P a i n Syndrome (CRPS) is an extremely painful condition that develops after an illness or injury.

When older people suffer from chronic pain, there are many complications. Pain can make them lose sleep, diminish their ability to function, lead them to be more dependent on others, dampen their appetite, isolate and depress them, and reduce physical activity.

Listen to your body and contact your doctor if you have pain.

Fred Cicetti lives in New Jersey and is a health writer

with more than 40 years of experience in

newspaper journalism.

Diocese of Rockford Tuesday mornings, 10 a.m. Have you or a loved one experienced a recent loss in your life? Grief occurs throughout our lives as we encounter losses and sometimes it

helps to share our feelings, as this strengthens the Body of Christ. The group is led by a trained facilitator and there is no charge or need to pre-register. Call 815-344-6956. At 5141 W. Bull Valley Rd., McHenry.

Joyful Again! Retreat/Workshop for Widows and Widowers Widowed and feeling stuck? Come and find ways to move toward inner peace and new hope in life. March 14 and 15, 2020, Mt. Assisi Center, Lemont Call 708-354-7211, email is [email protected]. Visit joyfulagain.org.

Support Groups

Continued from page B1 BANKS

should be something useful. Think about tools and supplies they actually would want to receive, not absurdly expensive pro-tools that only a real chef could use—just a simple, useful item(s) for someone who likes to prepare good food for his/her family and friends.

Inexpensive• Assorted wooden spoons in a

utensil caddy• A microplane for preparing zest

from lemons, limes, oranges and grating ginger

• A non-stick skillet • A case of 12 canning jars (½ pints,

pints, or quarts) good prices in the off season

• A mortar and pestle for grinding herbs and spices and a recipe for a


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salt-free or low-sodium herb blend• A hand held cordless blender; and

soup recipe• A basket of assorted kitchen

towels, potholders, homemade or store-bought

• A digital kitchen timer• Pepper mill with peppercorns• Soup tureen with ladle• Set of dessert plates• Decorative serving tray

More expensive• A blender• Kitchen mixer, s tanding or

handheld• An electric frypan• Electric coffee bean grinder• Espresso maker with coffee beans• Pressure cooker (tested with

recipe)


Holiday gifts for foodies

To Be Joyful Again A non-denominational support group for widows, widowers or anyone who has lost a significant other, meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Call Pat at 847-217-4624 or Bob at 847-438-2884. At Holy Family Parish, 2515 Palatine Rd., Inverness.

Catholic Charities’ LOSSMeets the third Wednesday of every month, 7–9 p.m. A free support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Call 1-800-240-7011 to register. At 2121 Oneida St., Joliet.

Grief Support at St. ThomasA support group for people grieving the death of a loved one meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Call Connie at 847-358-6999. At St. Thomas of Villanova, 1201 E. Anderson Dr., Palatine.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii

t h1 9 A n n u a l L o s t C h i l d PilgrimageWe stand with and for men and women who carry the burden of grieving the death of a child. We have faith in the power of prayer to heal the soul and faith in the c o m f o r t a n d s u p p o r t o f a community coming together in solidarity.Sat., Oct. 26, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., lunch included. $25. Please call to register at 312-421-3757 or at

• Slow cooker/Instant Pot or Instant Pot accessories

Get onboard with the art and custom of giving food and gifts for the kitchen. For anyone who l o v e s t o g i v e — o r receive—food, any time of year, your inspiration for gifts should truly come from the heart. Make the gift you make or buy special. Make it p e r s o n a l . M e r r y Christmas!

Prepared by Drusilla Banks, Extension Educator, Nutrition and

Wellness; Univer. of Illinois Extension in Bourbonnais, IL.

Though the December holiday season inspires feelings of warmth, belonging, connection and joy for many people , there are other individuals for whom the month is one of increased stress, sadness, anxiety, loneliness and depression. Their experience is called a “blue” Christmas, something described by the Urban Dictionary this way: “It means to have a sad Christmas perhaps because you are away from family or alone, or even filled with thoughts of a happier time that brings tears to your eye. Blue is a symbolic color for the emotion sad.”

While there is no single reason why many experience holiday depression, the month does seem to contain these triggers for sadness: family conflict and dysfunction, heightened feelings of loneliness, additional expense, travel, unrealistic happiness expectations, changes in diet, increasingly cold and dark winter days. Of course, the most challenging of holiday issues is the “empty chair”—memories of a loved one who has died during the previous months.

Here are three tips for dealing with holiday sadness.

1) Plan ahead. Rather than stumble into December and be manipulated by the many events and pressures of the month, pause and plan for the best way to be engaged with holiday festivities. • Who do I want to be with?• Do I need to be at this event?• Which person(s) would be best

kept at a distance?• How much money is realistic for

me to spend?• Which gatherings do I truly wish to

participate in?• What steps can I take to maintain

balance this month?• Do I really need to travel this long

distance to be with family and friends?

Raising and responding to these types of inquiries will create holiday clarity and guide you to experience the month in a way which is most beneficial. Establishing your boundaries will empower you to respond skillfully to any individual who protests or challenges your decision, saying, “Of course you’ll be there!”

2) Practice self-care. Here are the two huge reasons why self-care is

especially important in December. First, the month is filled with more than normal social obligations. Those often lead to over-eating and over-drinking. Second, there are many additional year-end work and home responsibilities. The very routines that keep you healthy and happy can easily drift way, increasing your levels of anxiety, stress and sadness. Take care of yourself— don’t overeat and over-drink, advises psychiatrist Mark Sichel, author of Healing From Family Rifts. “Do your regular routines of exercise and whatever keeps you together during the year,” he adds. As much as possible, maintain your diet, schedule and routine. If you have agreed to attend several social events, be intentional and careful about how much you will eat or drink. Be

certain that you get enough sleep. Waking up tired or exhausted every day will only add to your fatigue, reduce your energy level and lower your resistance to getting sick.

3 ) E n g a g e i n s p i r i t u a l practices to restore your spirit. Give yourself some quality quiet time for prayer, meditation, or read literature that inspires you and feeds your spirit. A prayer you can offer is one written by the French Catholic mystic Francois Fenelon (1651-1715), who also suffered from seasons of sadness: “My strength fails; I feel only weakness, irritation and depression. I am tempted to


Healthy Grieving

Blue Christmas: Dealing with holiday sadness

VICTOR PARACHIN M. Div

You cannot control and prevent unpleasant experiences from emerging, but you can control how you respond.

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complain and to despair. What has become of the courage I was so proud of, and that gave me so much self-confidence?... Lord, destroy my pride; leave it no resource. How happy I shall be if you can teach me by these terrible trials that I am nothing, that I can do nothing and that you are all!”

Maintaining spiritual strength will prevent you from becoming easily upset by events, frustrated by people and magnifying small issues into major tensions. You cannot control and prevent unpleasant experiences from emerging, but you can control how you respond.

They say curiosity killed the cat, and it gets dogs into some bad situations, as well. Curiosity often leads to disaster when pets find their way to human medications such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen and at-home chemotherapy.

Dr. Tina Wismer, the medical director for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and adjunct instructor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, has advised veterinarians and pet owners on several of these toxicity cases.

NSAIDs—short for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—are a broad class of pain relief medications used for both humans and animals. These drugs are used to treat headaches, arthritis, sprains and other daily discomforts. They are among the most common medications pet owners keep in the house; examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.

Some NSAIDs may be prescribed by a veterinarian and are considered safe for pets. However, the human NSAIDs are not safe for pets. Owners should never give them to their pets or leave a bottle within reach of an inquisitive pet.

“Dogs and cats are more sensitive than are humans to NSAIDs. Even low doses could put pets at risk for serious complications, such as stomach ulcers and kidney failure,” Dr. Wismer explained.

“With NSAID toxicity, we more commonly see dogs

affected,” Dr. Wismer said. Dogs tend to be “gulpers” that don't stop to think and just continue to eat the medication.

Symptoms of this toxicity include vomiting, sometimes with blood present, as well as less obvious signs such as lethargy and increased thirst and urination.

“It is vital that pet owners call the veterinarian immediately, if they suspect their pet has ingested NSAIDs,” Dr. Wismer advised. “The pet's prognosis will be much better, if it is seen by a veterinarian sooner rather than later.”

Acetaminophen is another common medication used to treat people's mild pain, such as toothaches, backaches and cold or flu aches.

“Acetaminophen can be toxic to both cats and dogs, but cats are more sensitive,” Dr. Wismer said. Cats lack the enzymes needed to properly metabolize acetaminophen. This leads to significant liver damage, which results in the blood becoming unable to carry oxygen to the cells.

Dr. Wismer has seen several cases in which a dog has got into a bottle of acetaminophen, or a cat owner has given her pet the medication to treat its pain. Both of these scenarios can spell disaster for the pet's health. It is important to consult a veterinarian before administering any medications to a pet.

“Common symptoms for acetaminophen toxicity are a change in gum color from pink to purple, increased respiratory rate, and lethargy,” Dr. Wismer explained. Contact the veterinarian right away, if your pet has consumed any acetaminophen.

Topical Chemotherapy—A less-well-known pet toxin is the human topical chemotherapy medication 5-Fluorouracil (Efudix) that is applied at home. 5-Fluorouracil is prescribed for many types of small cancerous lesions.

“Since this is an at-home treatment for humans, there is the risk that pets can get into the tissues or Q-tips used to apply the ointment or even lick the ointment off the owner,” Dr. Wismer said. Toxicity of this medication is seen more commonly in dogs but can also happen in cats.

This chemotherapy medication attacks any rapidly dividing cells. Signs of exposure in a pet include seizures and bloody vomit and diarrhea. In cases where the animal consumed a large amount of the ointment, bone marrow may be negatively affected within a week.

“Have the pet seen by a veterinarian immediately, if it has contact with this medication,” Dr. Wismer advised. The veterinarian will control the seizures and administer anti-vomiting medications, stomach protectants, and, if the bone marrow has been affected, bone marrow stimulators. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this toxicity is quite poor. Therefore, prevention is key.

Dr. Wismer offers these additional tips for keeping pets safe:* Medications, both human and animal, must be kept where the pet cannot reach them.* Be aware that medications kept in purses or bags may become accessible to pets, if the bags are left within reach of the pet, such as on the floor.* If a pill is dropped on the floor, pick it up immediately.

If the pet's family veterinarian is closed, seek emergency veterinary care. The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital has emergency services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 217-333-5300, or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

If you have any questions about medications and toxicity in pets, contact your local veterinarian.

By Beth Mueller, vetmed.illinois.edu


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Fall in love...Adopt today!Keep your medications away from pets

Healthy Pets

630.454.8337

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SPUNK

Spunk is a very nice boy, who is so adorable, he will melt your heart. He enjoys being with people and getting attention and affection. He is very shy at first, so it takes him a while to get comfortable in new situations. He would do best with someone who can be patient and understand he needs time to feel safe and come out of his shell and thrive. He likes to have fun and play, especially with fishing-type wand toys he can chase and catch. He does well with other cats. This sweet guy will be a wonderful companion and all-around best friend for anyone.

Adoptions are held at the Bolingbrook PetSmart on Weber Road from 1–3 p.m. on Sundays, and 5–7 p.m. on Wednesdays. If the cat you’re looking for isn’t there or those times don’t work for you, please call Humane Haven Animal Shelter (630-378-4208) for more information or an appointment. All Humane Haven cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, FeLV/FIV tested, and have their distemper and rabies shots. Visit hhas.org/home0.aspx; email [email protected].

Take your fish to the vet, if you see changes in buoyancy or appetite, skin lesions or enlarged belly.

By Beth Mueller

December abounds with holiday celebrations, but nothing can spoil good cheer like an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic. These tips can help keep your winter holiday season from becoming not-so-happy—for your pet and for you.

Plan in advance—Make sure you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before there is an emergency. Always keep these numbers posted in an easy-to-find location in case of emergencies:• Your veterinarian’s clinic phone

number• 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic

(if different)• ASPCA Poison Control Hotline:

1-888-426-4435 (A fee may apply.)Food—Keep people food away

from pets. If you want to share holiday treats with your pets, make or buy treats formulated just for them. The following people foods are especially hazardous for pets:• Chocolate is an essential part of the

holidays for many people, but it is toxic to dogs and cats. Although the toxicity can vary based on the type of chocolate, the size of your pets, and the amount they ate, it is safer to consider all chocolate off limits for pets.

• Other sweets and baked goods also should be kept out of reach. Not only are they often too rich for pets, an artificial sweetener often found in baked goods, candy and chewing gum (xylitol) has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.

• Turkey and turkey skin— s o m e t i m e s e v e n i n s m a l l amounts—can cause a l i fe-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis.

• Table scraps—including gravy and meat fat—also should be kept away from pets. Many foods that a r e hea l thy fo r peop le a r e poisonous to pets, including onions, raisins and grapes. During the holidays, when our own diets tend toward extra-rich foods, table scraps can be especially fattening and hard for animals to digest and can cause pancreatitis.

• Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.

From avma.org/public/PetCare/

Pages/holidays.aspx

Holiday pet safety

Following is a look both forward and back to some of the most tantalizing offerings in music and theater:

C H I C A G O S Y M P H O N Y ORCHESTRA: Manfred Honeck leads the CSO in A Night in Vienna, with Mozart and the Strauss family Dec. 12 and 14 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. Edo DeWaart conducts a program including Stravinsky and Dvorak Dec. 19 and 21 at 8 p.m., Dec. 20 at 1:30 p.m., and Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. Call 312-294-3000.

LYRIC OPERA: Mozart’s Don Giovanni, directed by Robert Falls and conducted by James Gaffigan, has matinees Dec. 5 and 8. Renee Fleming stars in The Light in the Piazza, with music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, who is a grandson of Richard Rodgers, Dec. 14–29. Call 312-827-5600.

THE JOFFREY BALLET dances Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker through Dec. 29 at the Auditorium. Visit Joffrey.org.

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO presents the all-ages classic Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, filled with marvelous songs, in the gorgeous French Baroque-style Cadillac Palace Theater 115 W. Randolph, Dec. 10–15. Call 800-775-2000 or visit broadwayinchicago.com.

S E C O N D C I T Y ’ S n e w mainstage review Do You Believe in Madness? is a boisterous, high-energy and fun show. Not much is off-limits in this very grown-up show, which holds true to the company’s traditions of strong political satire.

The young cast of Sarah Dell’Amico, May Catherine Curran, Andrew Knox, Asia Martin, Jordan Savusa and Andrew Schreck have a ball with skits from the teacher’s strike to meeting people at a bus stop. Food and drink available. At 1616 N. Wells. Call 312-337-3992.

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER presents a contemporary setting of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Barbara Gaines, through Dec. 22 at Navy Pier. Call 312-595-5600 or visit chicagoshakes.com.

G O O D M A N T H E AT E R presents Charles Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol, starring Larry Yando as Scrooge. The always-popular, family-friendly show runs through Dec. 29, at 170 N. Dearborn. Call 312-443-3800.

STEPPENWOLF THEATER presents Lindiwe, by ensemble member Eric Simonson, with the evocative live music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in a story that travels from Chicago’s Kingston Mines to South Africa and beyond. Through Jan 5.

Steppenwolf is also presenting Dance Nation, by Clare Barron, directed and choreographed by Lee Sunday Evans, in which a pre-teen dance troupe claw its way to the Nationals in Tampa Bay. Through Feb. 2 at 1650 N. Halsted. Call 312-335-1650.

V I C T O R Y G A R D E N S T H E AT E R p r e s e n t s S a m u e l Beckett’s classic Waiting for Godot, with Larry Neumann Jr. as Vladimir and the fabulous Chicago actor Mike

Saad returning from California to play Estragon through Dec. 15 at V i c t o r y G a r d e n s ’ R i c h a r d Christiansen Theater. The legendary Dennis Zacek directs. Call 773-871-3000.

F I R E B R A N D T H E AT E R PRESENTS Always . . .Patsy Cline, Ted Swindley’s musical about the singer’s friendship with a fan. The Den, 1331 N. Milwaukee. Visit Firebrandtheater.org.

R I V E N D E L L T H E AT E R ENSEMBLE (RTE), a Chicago Equity theater dedicated to producing new work with women at the core,

December 2019 Page B7

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By Joseph Cunniff

Entertainment About Town

December brings gifts of music, theater, ballet

presented the very offbeat Laura and the Sea, by Kate Tarker. Among the things I liked about this show, directed by Devon de Mayo, was the ingenious use of a small stage space. Curtney O’Neill’s scenic design, dominated by a sail, allowed the show to shift between the deck of a ship and an off ice . Tony Church i l l ’s projections and Hannah Foerschler’s s o u n d d e s i g n e n h a n c e d t h i s immensely. I also enjoyed the pantomime of the talented cast, among them Mark Ulrich and Tara Mallen.

Visit http://rivendelltheatre.org.

A&A Ballet performs The Art Deco Nutcracker, set in 1920s Chicago, Dec. 6–8 at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan. Visit aacenterfordance.org.

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER presents Jackie Taylor’s popular The Other Cinderella through Jan. 19, at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. Visit blackensembletheater.org.

Joe Cunniff is a

Chicago-based arts writer.


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ON THE GO HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION ON THE GO

On The Go


POTPOURRILambs Farm

Breakfast with SantaDec. 14, 15 and 21, 22, 2019. Seatings are available at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon. Despite his busy schedule during peak season, Santa is making his annual trek to Lambs Farm on to celebrate the holidays at our famous brunch. Embrace the greatest time of year with family and friends! You will enjoy café favorites such as carved meats, french toast, bakery treats, omelettes and other fresh breakfast items. After brunch, an abundance of festive crafts will be available for decorating. You will also have opportunity to take memorable photos and children will receive a special gift from the North Pole. To make a reservation for the eventful day, please call the Magnolia Café & Bakery at 847-362-5050. At 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville.

Oswego Senior CenterTechnology Education

Thurs., Dec. 12, 2020 and Tues., Dec. 17, 2020, 12:30–1:30 p.m. Open Computer Lab. Instructors Gary Tollaksen and Bob LeClereq will help you individually with your PC or other electronic devices. Computer classes are offered 1–2:30

p.m. on Tues., Dec. 10: “How to Start Researching Your Family Tree Using Free Software” and Tues., Dec. 17: “Installing Free Software to Remove Malware and Spyware”. There will be no lab or classes Christmas and New Year week. Call 630-554-5602 to register for class or set an appointment.

Meal ProgramOffering congregate lunch to seniors (age 60 plus) Monday and Thursday each week at noon. Reservations are required by 10 a.m. the business day prior. Suggested $5 donation. Call 630-554-5602 for more information.

At 156 E. Washington St., Crystal Lake.

Villa St. BenedictHoliday Open House

Wed., Dec. 11, 2019. Never been here before? Join us for delicious chef-prepared refreshments, explore the campus, tour our residences, and take this opportunity to experience Villa St. Benedict’s carefree lifestyle for yourself. Located at 1920 Maple Ave., Lisle.

National Museum of the American Sailor

Holidays at the Hostess HouseSat., Dec. 14, 2019. Join us for a day of festive holiday activities! Become one of Santa’s helpers by assembling

Please send in your event details for a FREE listing by September 10 to:

The Connection, P.O. Box 464, Orland Park, IL 60462

or email [email protected].

The Villa At Evergreen Park10124 South Kedzie Avenue • Evergreen Park, IL 60805

708.907.7000villaatevergreenpark.com

Villa of Evergreen Park is undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation to meet the needs of the community. Villa Healthcare brings a change in philosophy along with a vision and expertise to transform The Villa of

Evergreen Park into one of the communities finest facilities. A place where we combine Clinical excellence with hotel like services and amenities.

Our goal is to provide patients with the optimal pathway to restore health, vitality and independence to its highest level. Our clinical programs

include short-term transitional care, rehabilitative care, specialized clinical programs, and limited long-term care.

a care package for sailors far from home. Meet Santa Claus, craft an ornament to, take home, decorate a tasty cookie, and explore a holiday-themed scavenger hunt throughout the museum. Santa Claus and the Navy Sailor Care Package Station will be at the museum from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. The crafts and scavenger hunt will be available from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. This event is free of cha rge and does no t r equ i re registration. At 2531 Sheridan Rd., Great Lakes.

CLUBSMoving Forward

Moving Forward formerly Movin' On, welcomes all singles over the age of 60 in the Northwest suburbs. Come join us for a monthly lunch, dinner and/or happy hour. Come and make new friendships. Call Diane at 708-212-5792 for more information on the next outing.

New Horizons Singles New Horizons is a social group for singles aged 55 and up. It hosts a variety of social activities as well as dances on the third Tuesday of the month and typically the fourth Saturday of the month at First

Send event details by December 10 to: [email protected].

Church of Lombard at Main and Maple Streets in Lombard. Visit newhorizons2.com for all events a n d d e t a i l s . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , e m a i l [email protected].

New Start ClubTues., Dec. 31, 2019, 6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve Dance. Ring in the 2020 New Year and enjoy a night of dancing and dining. Music by DJ Mark. A catered buffet dinner will be served including wine, soft drinks, water, coffee and tea. Sweet table and Champagne toast at Midnight. Tickets $45 per person, paid in advance. Purchase by Dec. 24. Call Joan Neville at 847-397-9 6 4 3 f o r t i c k e t s o r e m a i l [email protected]. Checks made payable to: A New Start and mailed to Joan Neville, 212 Still Water Ct., Palatine, IL 60067. At St. Peter Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg.

Southwest Suburban Widow/Widowers Social Club

Fri. , Jan. 3 2020, 7:00 p.m. Southwest Suburban W.O.W. monthly meeting . Organized restaurant outings, dances, trips, theater, etc. Offering social, psychological and religious support

[email protected]

[email protected]

to widowed of all faiths and ages. We meet the first Friday of the month. Call Phyllis Peterson 708-636-6534, or Bill Dolehide 708-342-6820. At Harald

thViking Lodge, 6730 175 St., Tinley Park.

The Original WOWWidow or Widowers of the Western Suburbs. Regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 S. York Rd., Elmhurst. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m. $5 for members and guests. Come and see what we have to offer! Contact Dave for 630-620-4060 for more information. Or visit wow.cfsites.org, check it out!

DANCESenior Polka Association-North

Sun., Dec. 15, 2019, Christmas Party. Lone Tree Manor, 7730 N. Milwaukee, Niles. Dinner at 11:30 a.m. with Music at 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cash Bar. Entertainment provided by Jimmy Kilian and Honky Chicago with Eddie Blazonczyk, Jr. Tickets are $38 and should be purchased from Richard Kula, 1931 Newton Park Ridge, IL 60068 prior to Dec. 4, 2019. No refunds. Checks made payable to SPA-North. For information 847-823-6358.

December 2019

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thThe 13 annual Heritage Art Show will feature works in diverse media by Dominican Sister artists and others in the Motherhouse Collection. An oil-on-paper painting by artist Michel Godjevac (1896-1982), a gift to the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation, will be displayed. Hungarian and French, he painted many scenes along the French Riviera, including this untitled painting created of Saint Tropez. Sinsinawa Mound offers a variety of events and retreats. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the event start date. For more information, contact Guest Services at 608-748-4411, visit sinsinawa.org/moundcenter. Sinsinawa Mound, the Motherhouse for the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque.

Sinsinawa Mound offers a variety

of events and retreats. Registration

deadlines are one week prior to the

event s ta r t da te . For more

informat ion , contac t Gues t

Services at (608) 748-4411 or visit

o u r w e b s i t e Sinsinawa Art Gallery Heritage Art Show

June 4-July 31 The Scrabble GroupMeets every Tuesday at 1 p.m. In the Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St., Mt. Prospect.

Send event details by March 10 to: On the Go Editor, The Connection, P.O. Box 38, Dundee, IL 60118

or email [email protected] The GoStill Going...

Please send in your event details for a FREE listing by

December 10 to: The Connection,

P.O. Box 464, Orland Park, IL 60462


ON THE GO HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION ON THE GO HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS

to widowed of all faiths and ages. Wemeet the first Friday of the month. Call Phyllis Peterson 708-636-6534, or Bill Dolehide 708-342-6820. At

thHarald Viking Lodge, 6730 175 St., Tinley Park.

The Original WOWWidow or Widowers of the Western Suburbs. Regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 S. York Rd., Elmhurst. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m. $5 for members and guests. Come and see what we have to offer! Contact Dave for 630-620-4060 for more information. Or visit wow.cfsites.org, check it out!

DANCESenior Polka Association-NorthSun., Dec. 15, 2019. Christmas Party. Lone Tree Manor, 7730 N. Milwaukee, Niles. Dinner at 11:30 a.m. with Music at 12:30–3 p.m. Cash Bar. Entertainment provided by Jimmy Kilian and Honky Chicago with Eddie Blazonczyk, Jr. Tickets are $38 and should be purchased from Richard Kula, 1931 Newton Park Ridge, IL 60068 prior to Dec. 4, 2019. No refunds. Checks made payable to SPA-North. Call 847-823-6358.

GARDENINGDarien Garden Club

th 6 Annual

Spring Gardening InspirationSat., March 7, 2020, 8 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. Enjoy exhibits, raffles, farm-to-table luncheon and featuried presentations including “Wildflowers for the Home Garden,” by Christopher Benda, I l l inois Botanizer. Benda conducts botanical field work around the world, teaches at Southern Illinois University and the Morton Arboretum, and has research appointments with the University of Illinois NRES Department and Argonne National Laboratory.“Chicago Region's Woody Plants – The Wonderful and the Wicked.” By Melissa Custic, Coordinator of nthe Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), ISA certified arborist. Melissa developed The M o r t o n A r b o r e t u m ' s Tr e e Selection Guide and the Healthy Hedges Campaign, and was named a “Millennial to Watch” in 2019 by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.

“The Five Keys to Organic Gardening Success.” By Jeanne Nolan, founder of The Organic G a r d e n e r L t d . , E d u c a t o r , consultant, and author of From the Ground Up. Designed, installed, and maintains The Edible Gardens at the Lincoln Park Zoo Farm-in-the-Zoo. Registration, $50, required. Registration deadline: Feb. 29, 2020. Farm to table luncheon at Cha teau Or l eans , Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café, 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien. Presentation i n f o r m a t i o n : dariengardenclub.com. Call 6 3 0 - 2 5 3 - 2 1 2 5 o r e m a i l [email protected].

Garden Club of InvernessThurs., Jan. 16, 2020, 10 a.m. “Inverness Trees: Now What?” A certified arborist will share his knowledge and ideas about how to fill the voids in our yards caused by lost vegetation due to Illinois winter weather. Join us at All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Rd., Palatine. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t gardenclubofinverness.com.

MUSICMidwest Ballroom

Dec. 14, 2020. Christmas Dance PartyDec. 21, 2020. Christmas SpecialDec. 28, 2020. Winter Dance PartyMidwest Ballroom is a volunteer big band and easy listening radio show hosted by John ”Radio” Russell and airs Saturdays from 5–7 p.m. over WDCB 90.9 FM and worldwide on the Internet at wdcb.org. Reruns of the shows air nightly at 8 p.m. on WTPB LP 99.3 FM in Rockford. The s h o w m a y b e r e a c h e d a t [email protected].

West Suburban Symphony Orchestra

Sun. Dec. 15, 2019, 3:30 p.m. Annual Hol iday Concert a t Hinsdale Central High School. The group’s annual holiday concert for fami l ies showcases the Wes t Suburban Symphony Chorus in Robert Shaw’s Many Moods of Christmas medleys of carols and a visit by Santa Claus. Individual concert tickets are on sale at $25 ($23 for seniors, $5 for teens and free for children 12 and under). Free parking. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t westsubsymphony,org or call 630-887-7464.

Irish American Heritage CenterFri., Dec. 13, 2019, 8:00 p.m. Eileen Ivers Concert. Celebrate the holiday season with a concert by Eileen Ivers, Irish American fiddle virtuoso. “Eileen Ivers: A Joyful Christmas” recalls the roaring hearths and roars of laughter that make up Christmas in Ireland. Ivers and her band interweave age-old Wren Day songs and beloved American carols. With her signature style, she invites listeners to join her in a tuneful celebration capturing the true spirit of the season and telling the Christmas story through music and dance. Tickets are $25 for Members and $30 for general admission. To purchase tickets call 773-282-7035, ext. 10. At 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago.

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Send event details by December 10 to: [email protected] Chatter

St. Christopher ChurchChristmas Concert

Sun., Dec. 29, 2019, 6 p.m. The Combined St. Christopher/St. Emeric Music Ministry’s annual Christmas Concert. All are invited to join us in this musical celebration “…On the Fifth Day of Christmas” performed by the combined adult choirs, the St. Chris Children’s Choir, and the Liv ing Stones Choi r accompanied by the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Phil and Amy Switalski. Ref reshments wi l l be se rved following the concert, free-will

thoffering appreciated. At 147 and Keeler, Midlothian. For more information, call 708-687-3302.

St. Julian Eymard ChurchFestival of Nine Lessons & CarolsSun., Dec. 15, 2019, 5:30 p.m. Fr. Brian Kean will preside and the music will feature the St. Julian Eymard Adult Choir. Free admission. Advertising opportunities available for both businesses and personals in event program book to help support the event. Call 847-593-8938 for more information. St. Julian Eymard Church, 601 E. Biesterfield, Elk Grove Village.

December 2019

St. Gregory the GreatBingo held each Tuesday evening. $2,250 in prizes, includes 2 for $500 games. Games begin at 7 p.m. Held in the gym basement. Hall is ADA Accessible. At 1609 W. Gregory St., Chicago. North of Foster and Ashland. Call 773-561-3546 after 2 p.m. for possible cancellation.

St. Pius X Bingo held each Saturday. Doors open at 3:45 p.m., games begin at 6:45 p.m. Credit cards accepted and handicap accessible. Lightning, pull tabs and good food. At 4300 S. Oak Park Ave., Stickney. Call 708-484-7951 (M–F).

St. Turibius Bingo held every Sunday evening. Doors open at 4 p.m., games begin at 6 p.m. Big money jackpots, pull tabs, 10 door prizes. Every week we offer delicious homemade food in our famous kitchen. Free coffee all the time. First time players receive free early birds. Call Bingo Mike at 312-501-7063 for more details. Held in the hall beneath the church. At 5646 S. Karlov, Chicago.

Lawrence HallGift Wrapping Parties

Wed., Dec. 11 and Thurs., Dec. 19, 2019, 5–9 p.m. Help us wrap presents for our 700+ youth. Stop by our Gift Wrapping Parties on Wed., Dec. 11 at Lawrence Hall’s Main Campus, 9833 N. Franciscan Ave., Chicago or Thurs., Dec. 19 at Lawrence Hall’s Project Work, 1818

stE. 71 St., Chicago. Bring your own supplies (wrapping paper, tape, scissors, tissue, gift card holders, etc.) or use ours!

BINGOSt. Barbara

Bingo held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Doors open 4:30 p.m. At 2859 S. T h r o o p S t . a t A r c h e r Av e . , Bridgeport, Chicago. Call 312-835-5411. It’s a Whole New BALL Game a t S t . B a r b a r a T h u r s d a y Bingo...Experience Us. # (b3266)

St. GeraldFriday Night Bingo, 7 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Double Q, Hot Ball, Count Out, Bulls Eye, Green Coverall, Pull Tabs, Good Food and FREE coffee! Weekly raff le drawings, quarterly loyalty drawings

rdand more! 93 and Central Ave., Oak Lawn. Call 708-422-2194.

Sunday Mass at Mercy Home, also known as our “parish of the airwaves,” is Mercy Home’s televised mass program that brings Eucharistic celebration to parishioners across Chicago. Each year since 1992, Sunday Mass at Mercy Home has provided weekly access to a faith community for those who are unable to attend their neighborhood parish due to age, infirmity, or lack of transportation With over 70,000 faith-filled viewers and counting, Sunday Mass at Mercy Home is the most popular televised Catholic Mass in the Chicago area.

The Mercy Home Sunday Mass is broadcast Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. on WGN-TV Channel 9.

Please send in your event details for a FREE listing

by June 10 to: The Connection

P.O. Box 38 Dundee, IL 60118


The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help

Mon., Nov. 11, 2019. Veterans Day10 a.m. Confessions10:30 a.m. Rosary11 a.m. Mass12 p.m. Blessing for all Veterans after the Mass. Rosary for all Veterans: Living, Deceased, Active and Retired in Apparition Chapel2 p.m. Confessions

Call 920-866-2571. Visit ShrineOfOurLadyofGoodHelp.com. At 4047 Chapel Rd., Champion, WI.

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TOURSOur Lady of the Snows Shrine: The Way of the Light’s/Marian Pilgrimage, St. Louis, MO. $299. Dec. 21–22, 2019.Washington DC: The Historical Journey with White House Tour

thand 47 Annual March for Life Trip. $647. Jan. 22–25, 2020.All inclusive Ave Maria trip departing from Our Lady Victory Church, 4434 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago. Call Rick or Marianna at 872-777-0054 or 773-458-3400.

Join Cardinal Blaise J. CupichPilgrimage to Rome

Sat., March 28–Sat., April 4, 2020. A journey of renewal, faith, and fellowship and includes unique highlights. A papal audience with Pope Francis, visiting the tomb of the Apostles Peter and Paul, Special Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Includes 4-star accommodations, meals and more. Packages start at $ 2 , 9 9 9 ( p e r p e r s o n , d o u b l e occupancy with early booking/cash discount.) Airfare is separate but can be purchased and coordinated through the tour. To register for this Archdiocese of Chicago tour, contact Corporate Travel at 866-468-1420.

LIRA's 2020 Tours of Poland. Come see beautiful Poland on LIRA's highly praised tours. Southern Poland (15 days), June. 25, 2020—July 9, 2020. Includes Warsaw, Krakow, Chopin's birthplace, Lodz and more. See St. John

thPaul II's birthplace during the 100 anniversary of his birth. Northern Poland (14 days), July 16, 2020—July 29, 2020. Includes Warsaw, Chopin's birthplace, Galansk Tri-City, Malbork Castle, Bialowiza Forest and more. (Optional tour of Lithuania following Northern Tour.) For information, call 773-508-7040 or 800-547-5472.

Noah’s Ark: Life Sized Replica and W o r l d R e n o w n e d T h e m e Park/Williamstown, KY Pilgrimage. $397. March 28–29, 2020.The Holyland and Lebanon/Shrine

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Little Sisters of the Poor Seeking volunteers for a variety of needs, seven days a week, at St. Mary’s Home, 2325 N. Lakewood Ave., one block west of DePaul University. For information, contact the volunteer coordinator at 773-935-9600, ext. 221 or email [email protected].

Women’s CenterMain office at 5116 N. Cicero Avenue, is looking for volunteers to answer phones and other tasks, call Terry Jones at 773-794-4771 or email [email protected].

Providence Soup Kitchen Hours available Mon.–Fri., 9:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m., underneath St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Noble Street and Evergreen Avenue. Contact Sr. Florine Licavoli at 773-558-9258.

Chicago Shares Chicago-based non-profit provides food and personal items to the city’s homeless and needy through a unique voucher program; seeking volunteers to help with publicity, especially social media. For information, visit chicagoshares.org.

Parenting for Non-Violence Organization formed to stop inner-city violence before it starts by providing parents with evidence-based parenting skills. Currently in need of these volunteers: photo journalist, program development, grant writers and editors, and researchers for the Parent Resource Committee. For more information, contact [email protected] or 708-321-0311.

Northside Latin Progress Needs volunteers for a variety of tasks to assist immigrant men with wage theft, medical and immigration advice, as well as providing clothing and other supplies. Call Mrs. G. Moore at 312-343-0844.

From chicagocatholic.com/events

Volunteers Needed....


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