Senior Citizen Happenings

Senior Citizen Happenings, sponsored by the City of University Heights, are open to all senior citizens. Events take place on Thursdays at 2 p.m. in Council Chambers at University Heights City Hall. To receive the monthly schedule by e-mail, call 216-932-7800, ext. 205, or send an e-mail to info@universityheights.com.

Feb. 2: Mary Sue Tanis has, for 40 years, headed Youth Challenge in Cleveland. She'll describe the work of this nonprofit organization that partners teenage volunteers with physically disabled children for sports, games, arts, plays and more. She'll also discuss her earlier work at the University of Colorado, helping wounded Vietnam veterans, and how it inspired her to adapt recreational activities for children with different abilities. The concept has grown from an annual budget of $24,000 to $1.2 million today, with hundreds of children in the area participating in adapted sports, and some 500 teen volunteers interfacing with disabled children, assisted by individuals and agencies in the community.

Feb. 9: Nicole Burt,  a biological anthropologist, was recently promoted to curator of human health and evolutionary medicine at Cleveland Museum of Natural History. She'll discuss her unique role in the museum world, combining cutting-edge research in evolutionary medicine with pioneering outreach to visitors and the community.

Feb. 16: Longtime University Heights resident Jerome (Jerry) Jacobson, honored by Mayor Susan Infeld as the 2016 UH Citizen of the Year, will discuss his colorful history, including his 40 years’ service with the city’s police auxiliary; his role as medical supply specialist in Okinawa during the Vietnam War; his professional accomplishments in the entertainment industry; traveling with various circuses; and his role as a husband, father and responsible neighbor.

Feb. 23: Instrumentalists and vocalists from the Cleveland Institute of Music will perform a concert.