December 2025: Giving the Gift of Support
A NOTE FROM BACOA’S DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
As December arrives, I’m reminded that the holidays mean something different for everyone. For some, it’s a time of celebration and togetherness. For others — especially older adults and caregivers — it can be a season of juggling responsibilities, missing loved ones, or simply feeling the weight of the year.
At Bacoa, we meet each of those experiences with compassion. Throughout this month, I’ve seen small but meaningful moments: a DayOut participant smiling during a holiday craft, a caregiver finally exhaling after receiving guidance, a volunteer who decides to spend an extra hour delivering meals to someone who doesn’t eat alone. These simple acts of kindness are the heart of our mission.
As we close out 2025, I’m deeply grateful for everyone who makes this work possible — our volunteers, supporters, families, and community partners. Your generosity ensures that older adults and caregivers receive connection, reassurance, and practical support when they need it most.
During this season of giving, your year-end contributions continue to strengthen the programs so many rely on. Together, we can help ensure that no one in our community feels overlooked or isolated this holiday season — or any season. Wishing you warmth, peace, and meaningful moments this December.
Warmly,
Jimi Psarakis
Director of Development, Bacoa
Dancing with the Barrington Stars Returns!
We are thrilled to announce that Bacoa’s 9th annual Dancing with the Barrington Stars — one of the area’s most beloved and anticipated community events — is back for 2026!
This signature event brings our community together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, celebration, and support for older adults and caregivers. Every year, Dancing with the Barrington Stars helps fuel Bacoa’s mission, ensuring that older adults can age with dignity, independence, and connection.
We can’t wait to share more details as we get closer — and we hope you’ll join us in making the 2026 Dancing with theBarrington Stars our most impactful year yet! Please follow along with behind-the-scenes moments, dancer spotlights, and event updates.
Be sure to follow our official Dancing with the Barrington Stars social media pages. There’s so much excitement ahead, and you won’t want to miss it!
If you or your organization would like to learn more about sponsoring this year’s event, please contact:
Jimi Psarakis, Director of Development
(847) 881-0471
Sue McNamara, Executive Administrative Director
(847) 881-0474
Virtual Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
“Hope is not the belief that something will turn out well, but the belief that something is worth doing, regardless of how it turns out.”
Join us on Wednesday, December 10th, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Zoom for our Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, led by Pam Pellizzari, Memory Programs Manager. This program provides resources for families and caregivers of people living withAlzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It’s a judgment-free space to share the daily triumphs and challenges of caregiving.
We’re thrilled to welcome Cin Salach, poet, performer, writer, workshop & retreat leader, mother, and love activist, as our special guest speaker. Cin will explore how the grief of caregiving can be balanced by the hope of caregiving—sometimes hard to find, but often revealed through poetry.
During the session, Cin will share poems that highlight the shared human experience of love and hope, even amidst grief and exhaustion. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a simple writing exercise, creating a space to connect with each other just as we are.
Reserve your spot on Zoom today and join us for this inspiring and supportive session.
About the Speaker: Cin Salach
Cin Salach is a poet, performer, and writer recognized by the Illinois Arts Council, a four-time Ragdale fellow, and an Emmy nominee. She leads workshops for women, seniors, caregivers, and individuals living with dementia, helping participants find hope and voice through poetry. Former Poet Laureate of Covenant Farm, Cin has published two collections and runs PoemGrown in Chicago, using poetry to celebrate life’s meaningful moments.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Pam Pellizzari
Memory Programs Manager
BA | Concentrations in Education, Communications & Gerontology |Certified Dementia Practitioner |Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional | AFA Dementia Care Partner | Dementia Care Certified
Phone: 847-881-0477
Email: [email protected]
Bacoa Calendar: See Events
Bacoa Thanksgiving Lunch & Bingo
Our Annual Thanksgiving Lunch &Bingo reminded us why we do what we do. Sharing a warm meal, hearing laughter fill the room, and watching friendships grow made the day truly special.
We are deeply grateful to our wonderful volunteers, including Bacoa staff who generously gave their time, and to Rafael Malpica, Hospital Programs at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital &Advocate Condell Medical Center, along with his team, who not only support us but also volunteered to help make this event a success.
We also extend our gratitude to the Barrington Park District, which generously provides space for this event and many others. Since Bacoa does not have a dedicated building, their support allows us to bring joy and connection to older adults and caregivers whorely on our services.
Thankful for Our Young Helpers!
A huge thank you to BMS Prairie’s Helping Hands Club for creating 125 beautiful placemats, and to the 4th-grade students at Grove Avenue School, SOS – Service Over Self Club, for creating over 100 placemats. Your creativity, kindness, and holiday cheer helped make the day extra special for our participants!
We also want to celebrate Lilly Draper, who baked and donated 380 homemade cookies for our Thanksgiving luncheon—her third year doing so! We are so grateful for her generosity and community spirit.
Your support provides care, comfort, and community for older adults who depend on Bacoa every day. Consider making a gift to help us continue this important work: Donate here.
Active Aging Cultural Outings
Our group recently took a festive trip downtown, enjoying a delicious lunch under the iconic Walnut Room tree.
Trips like these are more than just outings—they’re opportunities to stay active, connect with friends, and create joyful, memorable experiences. Whether it’s the excitement of an alive show or simply sharing a meal, every adventure strengthens community and belonging.
Your generosity helps make these life-enriching moments possible. Consider supporting Bacoa today: Donate here.
Upcoming Outings
Fireside Dinner Theatre: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
December 12, 2025 @ 8:30 am – December 12, 2025 @ 5:30 pmEnjoy a 3-course meal and the show "It's a Wonderful Life"
Transportation provided: Take the van to Fort Atkinson, WI
$120Janine O’Leary 847-881-0473
Cuisine Club – Francesca’s Famiglia
December 17, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – December 17, 2025 @ 2:00 pmA monthly trip to a local restaurant: Holiday lunch
RSVP to Janine by 12/5 with your order
Pay before event
Janine O’Leary 847-881-0473
For More Information Please Contact:
Janine O’LearyActive Program Manager
Master’s in Education | Trained Facilitator for Dementia Live | Speaks American Sign Language
Phone: 847-881-0473
Email: [email protected]
Bacoa Calendar: See Events
Friendsgiving With The Community Meal
Our first annual Friendsgiving with The Community Meal was a wonderful success and a true celebration of community. The Bacoa Youth Leadership Board joined forces with the BStrong Together Youth Board and the BYFS Student Ambassadors to create an evening filled with connection, gratitude, and service.
Together, the students planned fun icebreaker activities and prepared gratitude-themed takeaways that set a warm, welcoming tone. They also
rolled up their sleeves in the kitchen —prepping pulled pork sandwiches, plating pies, and serving more than 215 guests at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
It was an inspiring night that showcased the power of partnership and the kindness of our young leaders. We are grateful to everyone who volunteered and attended. Our hearts are truly full!
Christmas Lunch and Bingo
December 22, 2025 @ 10:30 am – December 22, 2025 @ 1:00 pmFree Panera lunch, entertainment, and a 1-hour bingo program at Barrington Park District.
Registration is required by 12/14. Pay before or at the event.
$1Janine O’Leary 847-881-0473
Special Ticket Discount for Parker Players Holiday Radio Show!
We’re excited to share a special offer from Jennifer McHugh, Artistic Director of the nonprofit Parker Players Theater Co.
Parker Players is known for its small, visionary, immersive productions that bring audiences right into the heart of the story. Their passion for community, artistry, and creative experiences shines in everything they do — and this holiday season, they’re sharing that spirit with Bacoa’s supporters.
Jennifer has generously created a $5 ticket discount to their charming
1940s Holiday Live Radio Show, featuring classic programs from JackBenny and Fibber McGee & Molly, complete with a live Foley sound-effects station.
To receive your discount, use code: BACOA at checkout.
Parker Players is also encouraging their patrons to bring grocery store gift cards to the show as a donation to support Bacoa’s work — a beautiful example of community helping community.
Show Dates: Saturday, December 6 & 13 — 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday, December 7 & 14 — 3:00 PM
Learn more and reserve your discounted tickets: https://www.parkerplayerstheater.org/1940s-holiday-show
