As we move into the month of February, we do so celebrating Black History Month.  During this special month, we have a variety of programs scheduled to honor the contributions of African Americans.  As always, you are bound to have a great time!

On Saturday, February 7, 2009, there will be two special events.  Please come and view the Black Doll Exhibit at 12:00 noon, and at 1:00 p.m., there will be a Portraits in African American History Program. This program will take place on each Saturday through the month of  February.

On Friday, February 20, 2009, we will host a Salute to Professor Thomas A. Dorsey, the father of gospel music.  At some point in our life, we have either hummed, patted our feet or shouted to the songs that this great man wrote.  One of my favorites – “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” is an old classic that we hear regularly.  This awesome event will be performed by Dorothy Meyers and Jadack Musical Productions.  If you have been blessed to see any of this company’s performances, you know that you will view a premier show.

For those of you who have recently become members of the Atlas Center, welcome, and I and the entire staff hope that you will take advantage of all of our offerings.

May you continue to have good health, a sound mind and the blessings that you have so diligently earned.

As we move forward into spring, we do so honoring the memory of Richard Pegue.  For a year and a half now, Richard has been a mainstay at Atlas as he spinned “The Best Music of Your Life.”  Every Monday, we could count on him showing up, having what he called the “cheapest and best meal in town,” and he was always excited about playing for you, our seniors.  Also, he was always coming up with creative and ingenious ideas for bringing talent into the center.  We will never forget the cute and quirky prizes he raffled each week, and it was all done in the spirit of fun and love.

Richard was a consummate music historian and would always share his personal accounts about music greats like Little Richard, The Shirelles and of course, Smokey Robinson.  Where most of us only read about these greats or viewed them on television, Richard actually knew these performers and delighted in sharing with us his experiences with them.

According to James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”
Richard was indeed gifted, and we have been so blessed to have had him cross our paths. 

We pray for the peace of his wife Sevina, his sister Janice, his children and the entire Pegue family. 

Are you looking to challenge yourself with something new in 2009?  Are you looking to do something fun?  Well, have you registered for a SeniorNet class at the Atlas Center?  If not, you are missing on one of the center’s most popular programs.

Led by Barbara Werner, Coordinator and a most capable faculty, the SeniorNet Program offers you the opportunity to either learn about computers and their many applications – basic keyboarding, word processing, digital photography, emailing and browsing the internet, along with other advanced offerings.  You will even learn how to create greeting cards.  Imagine that!  Eight weeks for 1.5 – 2 hour is all you need to commit.

The most appealing aspect of the SeniorNet classes is that they are taught by seniors – just like yourself!  They are highly skilled, yet patient; they are knowledgeable, but they are able to teach according to your learning style.  There is no pressure. 
We thank our SeniorNet instructional staff for their many years and long hours of dedication.  They are:

1. Aisha AlRabb
2. Ronald Brown
3. Louvenia Hill
4. Prince Martin
5. Barbara Pierce
6. Prince Preston
7. Karen Sowu
8. Susie Washington
9. Barbara Werner

Just think -- you no longer have to be intimidated by computers; they can be a great friend!  For more details or to register for a class, please call Bess Osborne at 312/745-4405. “Behold I Will Do a New Thing” – Isa. 43:20

May is "Older Americans Month", and it is a time when seniors around the country are saluted.  The entire staff at Atlas would like to especially acknowledge you, the seniors at the Atlas Center.  It is you, that we see it as a privilege to serve in every component of the center's activities.

Atlas is a special place because it is here that we see the highest numbers of seniors coming through the doors to take advantage of Information and Assistance, our Golden Diners Program, trips, countless classes, the numerous special events that are held at the center and our ever-popular Fitness Program.

Throughout each day's work, we consider it an honor to produce our best for you, and can't help but see that YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL!

Thank you for being the special seniors that you are.

The All White Attire Steppers Set is fast approaching!  Have you purchased your ticket yet?  Friday, July 17, 2009 will mark our 2nd Annual event, and we hope that you will come out, partake in a fun afternoon of dancing, food and of course our signature "Best Dressed Contest".  Chico, our illustrious dee jay will be on hand to spin your favorite tunes that will get you moving, stomping your feet and bringing back old music.

We are all going to be attired in white that day, and be prepared to see the day captured through pictures that will land on our website.  Proceeds, after expenses, help us to continue to offer you premier programs and events here at the Atlas Center.  You are bound to have a good time.  We will see you there on July 17th!!!!

In the meantime, may you have a safe and fun-filled summer.

Are you aware of the wonderful Wellness Program that we offer here at the Atlas Center?  We are blessed to have highly qualified, and more importantly, caring practioners from Rush University Hospital, who care about your health and overall well being.

Every Tuesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., you can find nurse Marcia Murphy, MS at Atlas performing blood pressure screenings, a weight loss support group, and she is available to meet with you in a one-on-one private consultation.  Additionally, she delivers a monthly Health Talk on a topic that will add to your quality of life.

The second Friday of every month from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. brings Kristin Gustashaw, MS, RD a licensed and highly knowledgeable Dietitian.  Kristin is able to meet with you to discuss eating plans and ways to increase your energy through proper nutrition.

Lastly, Erica Danos. PharmD, a Pharmacist, is also available on the First Thursday of every month.  You can depend on Erica to present an interesting program around medications, and she is available for private appointments. 

You are in capable hands when you meet with Marcia, Kristin and Erica.  Come in today and enhance your health, and while you at it, visit one of our many fitness classes.  Enjoy your summer.

We hope that you will join us and your fellow senior participants for Mayor Daley's 2009 SeniorFest on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Once again, the Fest will be held at McCormick Place, and you are ensured a great time.

Visit us at all of our Bingo, Games, Dance, Healthy Aging and Art Pavilions, and you can even watch the ever popular Pool Tournament.  There will be raffle prizes and information booths where you can learn about a variety of city services.  If you haven't signed up for this fun filled day, please call us at 312/747-0189

On the 4th Friday of every month, we host a food drive for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.  A project spearheaded by one of our participants, Marie Sims, the Food Pantry collects and donates to Grandfamilies Program of Chicago.  This is an organization that is doing outstanding work by advocating for Grandparents, who rather than see their grandchildren be placed in Foster Care, have chosen to take on the responsibility of caring for them.  This takes fortitude and determination.  There are 42,000 grandparents raising grandchildren in the City of Chicago.

Grandfamilies Program, headed by Linette Kinchen, Executive Director, is on the forefront of advocacy and policy work, and they work tirelessly to assist Grandparents find housing and to fill the gaps where needed. 

Marie Sims, whose heart was touched by the sacrifice that these seniors make, thought of the idea of supplementing their hard work by creating a food pantry, particularly since funds can sometimes run low toward the end of the month. 

We salute Grandfamilies Program of Chicago and the awesome work that they do.  If you are interested in donating to the Food Pantry, please call 312/745-4401.

Greetings!  If you think about it, seniors are precious to the sustainability of life, families and communities.  Where would we be without these senior anchors?  Now is the time to recognize and honor those who have so lovingly and unselfishly given to us in a variety of ways.

Pioneer Gardens, known as the “Miracle on 38th Street” and a premier supportive living facility, is celebrating the lives of unsung 90 year old sheroes. Through the nominations by service coordinators of independent senior apartment facilities (who are also members of the Southeast Providers’Council), and in collaboration with Bessie Richardson, the Atlas Center’s Coordinator of Information and Assistance, 15-20 senior women will receive well deserved kudos in a three day celebration reminiscent of Oprah Winfrey’s Legend’s Ball. 

Ms. Winfrey had the foresight to honor the likes of Coretta Scott King, Patti LaBelle, Shirley Caesar, and other accomplished African American women while they could enjoy the recognition, and Delores MeBain and her team at Pioneer Gardens have the vision to do the same with Chicago area seniors.

You are cordially invited to attend the third phase of this momentous occasion, which will be held at South Park Baptist Church, 3722 S. King Drive at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2009.  These phenomenal women will be given an award.  Come out to witness history and honor these legends.

For more information, please call Bessie Richardson at 312/745-4407.