River Forest Township

Senior News

February 2024

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all well and are having a good winter so far. Hopefully the frigid cold weather is behind us. Below is your list of programs that the River Forest Township and the River Forest Library host (yellow section), other Township Programming as well as programming around town or nearby(blue section) as well as some virtual options. Look through the whole email when you have time and put the things you are interested in in your calendar, so you don't miss anything. Don't forget to look at the ongoing program calendar too (ie. every Thursday Plarning and Mahjong)


Before you get to the Programs/ Events, here are a few updates.


  • Please see our updated website here and if you didn't receive our mailing about Services for Older Adults in River Forest, click

here.


  • February 23 from 6:00 pm- 10:00 pm: Wonderworks is looking for 4 Adults to Volunteer at their Annual Fundraiser/Trivia at the Nineteenth Century Club to help tally trivia results between 6pm- 10pm. Contact: Christine Khaledan at ckhaledan@wonder-works.org or at 708-574-1811


  • Also Oak Park River Forest Township is looking for people to help with Meal Delivery on Fridays. For more information reach out to Mercedes Nash at mnash@oakparktownship.org or call 708- 383-8060 x 3134.


  • February 26 Between 8:30 am- 4:30 pm at the Depot: Register for your individual garden plot. You will have to go to the Depot to prove you are a River Forest Resident (your ID and Water Bill will be needed). You will be assigned a garden plot by March 25. Previous year residents will have the opportunity to garden in the same plot. For more details and waiver form, click here.


  • River Forest Park District Opportunities: Look at pages 9-14 on River Forest Park Districts Fun Guide for Wellness Programs for Adults, including Susan Schwarting's Meditation and Drumming Classes (p. 13) here.
  • Pickleball at the River Forest Community Center: See Class information here.


  • Mahjong continues at the River Forest Community Center on Thursdays from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm. Come join us whether you are new to the game or an experienced player.


  • Marc Blesoff's organization CourAGEous has some upcoming workshops. See here.


  • The Hemingway Foundation presents the Hemingway Shorts Competition Open until April 15: Learn more here.


Tax Exemption and Tax Deferral Information from the Assessor:

Senior Freeze Exemption Applications are delayed and are expected to be mailed out by the Cook County Assessor Office in March. When the applications arrive in your mailbox you will use your 2022 income to file for your Senior Freeze Exemption.

For more information, click here or call your local assessor's office.


The Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program deadline for property tax year 2023 is March 1, 2024. Homeowners must be 65 years old by June 1st of 2023 and total household income must be $65,000 or less. As stated on the Treasurer's website, "The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program is a tax-relief program that works like a loan. It allows qualified seniors to defer a maximum of $7,500 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home. The loan from the State of Illinois is paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant." The Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program is administered by the Cook County Treasurer's Office. This is NOT the same as the Senior Freeze Exemption.

For more information, click here or call your local assessor's office.


For River Forest residents go to the River Forest Township Website for more information from our Assessor here.


  • Triton's Cafe 64 (building B, room 201) run by the Culinary Students is open on Thursdays for lunch from 11:30 am- 1:00 pm and for dinner the Triton Bistro (building B, Room 225) is open on Wednesdays from 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm. Make your reservation here or call 708-456-0300 ext. 3267.



Migrant Assistance:

Update on Migrant Ministry here.

If you want to provide breakfast or donate, click here.


Sign up to volunteer on Tuesday or Thursday morning, serving breakfast, helping with donations at St. Edmunds Church, sign up here.


Migrant Ministry is currently at St. Edmund's ChurchDonations are accepted on Mondays from 9am- Noon at the Pleasant Street door at St. Edmund School, 200 S. Oak Park Ave.


"We are desperately in need of boots and warm winter "puffy" coats, especially in adult small and medium sizes. Girls' pants, tops and long underwear supplies are also very low."


List of Current Needs: winter jackets, sweatpants especially for men and boys, leggings for women, hoodies, and layering items, socks, gloves, hats, blankets, suitcases, and sleeping bags. We continue to need new underwear for men, women, and children. For men boxer briefs in small and medium. For women underwear and sports bras in small and medium. For children underwear in all sizes, particularly for boys.] Here is the Amazon Wishlist:


If you are interested in volunteering or finding out other ways you can help, reach out to immigrantministry@gmail.com. (They are always in need of Volunteers who can speak Spanish, as well as help with housing information and jobs) [Donations: information here.


Other Groups Helping Migrants in the area:

Activate Oak Park  Oak Park Supports/Apoyo


Community of Congregations list of organizations serving Migrants in the area here.



Reminders regarding format of this email:

  • Township events with the River Forest Public Library are in the yellow section, followed by other events taking place in February as well as ongoing events and websites of interest. Look over the other Sections for updates too: Township Senior Services information, followed by Grief/Support Groups (Pink Section), Volunteer Opportunities (Purple Section) and Exercise and other Class Offerings (Green Section)


  • Note: you may need to click "view" entire email on the bottom left hand corner of this email, to view all the information.
  • If you come across anything that is outdated or inaccurate, please let me know.


Also, if you want to receive Community Connect Mail to connect with older adults in Oak Park, Austin, River Forest and neighboring communities, send an email to communityconnectmail@gmail.com and please always send any information to me that you want to share with others.



Digital Assistance:

If you need help with your computer or device reach out to your local library, Senior Planet (888) 713-3495 or the township. Dole Center (3rd floor) from 9:30 am- 11:00 am drop in time; minimal charge if not a member. Call the Township to learn about Uniper's online classes. Click here to learn more or email Age Options at information@ageoptions.org.

River Forest HomeSharing Pilot:

River Forest Township Homesharing Program (Pilot):

Are you a River Forest Resident" Do you have an extra room in your home? Are you looking for ways to reduce housing costs? Do you want to help someone who wants to live in the community, but possibly cannot afford the market rate rent for a one bedroom apartment? Could you benefit from the companionship of another adult, the extra money and possibly some help with small chores? Or, are you looking for a more affordable housing option? We will help you find that ideal match, provide screening and background checks and will be available for ongoing support. Any River Forest homeowner over 60 or anyone who is interested in exploring this opportunity or who has questions, please reach out to me at the Township office at 708-366-2029 x 13 or bkelly.rftownship@gmail.com. See flyer here.


Learn more about HomeSharing:

See the Homesharing Segment, "Boomates" from PBS Newshour here.

The Today Show highlights Multigenerational Household Arrangements here.  Listen to the Think Out Loud Podcast with HomeShare Oregon here.

See AARP International's Case Study here.

Generations United: Reimagining Intergenerational Housing: here.

Craft and Chat at

River Forest Public Library

Mahjong at River Forest Community

Center on Thursdays from

1pm- 3pm.

River Forest Township Programming

with River Forest Public Library



Programming is in person in the Barbara Hall Meeting Room, unless otherwise noted. (register only for special events and yoga )

See Calendar here.


February 4 from 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm: Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad at the River Forest Library. Join Connie Martin, teacher and Rhode Scholar will present on these powerful and sacred songs.


February 5 from 10:00 am- 11:00 am: Coffee Monday with Eric Morton, Program Coordinator with Triton College. Learn about personal enrichment and other programming for older adults at Triton College.


February 10 from 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm: Soundbath Meditation with Rhonda Fentry. Register here. (Class is full, but there is a waitlist)


February 16 from 1:00 pm- 3:30 pm: Film Lover Fridays presents The Trial (1962), an Orson Welles' film adaptation of the Franz Kafka novel. Stay afterwards for discussion with local film expert Jim Jacob.


February 18 from 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm: Biomimicry: Looking to Nature to Solve Today's Problems. Naturalist Kim White, with live animals in tow, joins us for a talk on how the natural world has helped solve human problems. 


Note: Memory Cafe is no longer a program with the Libraries, but it is still happening through the Township every 3rd Tuesday of the Month (see below in attachments).


Other Programming at the Library:

February 6 at 7:00 pm: Illinois Public Libraries presents Jerry Craft, bestselling author, illustrator and syndicated cartoonist. To learn more and to register for this virtual event, click here.


February 7 from 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm: River Forest Library presents Great Decisions. In each session, we will watch a recorded video lecture and then discuss the topic as a group. Readings for each session will be available at the library two weeks in advance. This weeks topic is Mideast Realignment.


February 20 from 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm: Illinois Public Libraries presents Romance and Regency with Bridgerton's Julia Quinn. Register here for this virtual event.


February 21 from 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm: River Forest Library presents Great Decisions. This weeks topic is Climate Technology and Competition. (see Feb 7 for details about Great Decisions)


February 23 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm: River Forest Library Foundation presents Afterhours for Book Lovers. Click here for more details. Support the library while enjoying a fun night out.


February 25 from 2:00 pm- 4:30 pm: River Forest Library presents Eyimofe (This is My Desire) from Nigeria, a portrait of working-class residents in Lagos, one of Africa's most populous cities.


Also don't forget you can borrow a "hotspot" from your local library, so you can get access to wifi when needed. (i.e. if you are traveling or don't have wifi at home this will give you access). Local Libraries have Book Clubs too. Call your library for more information.


Local Programs/Events:

For Upcoming Events at Oak Park Public Library. Click here.


Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services has a lot of programming too. See their calendar here. (or online here.) Note: for any of the programs, please call their Activity and Nutrition hotline at

(708) 725-9129 to check availability and to register.


Local and Online Events:

February 2 from 8:30 am- 10:30 am: American Society on Aging (ASA) Roundtable: Moving the Needle: Engaging Multiple Sectors to Improve Aging & Equity in Illinois Register here.


February 2 from 9:30 am- 11:00 am: Oak Park's Main Library hosts Adult Coffee Hour in their Main Lobby's Community Space. Register here. (every 1st Friday of the Month)


February 2 from 11:00 am- 1:30 pm: Kehrein Center for the Arts presents Aging Well Together. This is a free event with yoga, a luncheon and entertainment. See the Schedule here.

(Read article here about their past event)


February 3 from 10:00 am- 1:30 pm: Fox Center and Park District of Oak Park present Repair Cafe. (every 1st Sat of the Month) For more details, click here.


February 4 from 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm: River Forest Township and River Forest Public Library present Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad at the River Forest Library. Join Connie Martin, teacher and Rhode Scholar will present on these powerful and sacred songs.


February 4, from 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm: Arbor West Neighbors presents their first Literary Salon at the American House Bistro

(703 Madison St) Listen to readings/stories from your neighbors. Appetizers and drinks will be served Register at registerawnprogram@gmail.com


February 5 from 10:00 am- 11:00 am: River Forest Township and River Forest Public Library present Coffee Monday with Eric Morton from Triton College. Learn about program offerings for older adults at Triton College.


February 5 from 1:15pm- 2:15 pm, The Nineteenth Century Charitable Foundation presents their Monday Enrichment Series: From 5,000 Years of Eating Bread to "Gluten Free". If you can't join in person join via Zoom here.


February 6 at 2:30 pm, Dominican University Arts and Minds presents Ayo Tometi at Lund Auditorium. Tometi is a feminist freedom fighter. This event is free, but registration is required. Register here. (see Dominican's website below 3-4 other events)


February 6 at 7:00 pm: Illinois Public Libraries presents Jerry Craft, bestselling author, illustrator and syndicated cartoonist. To learn more and to register for this virtual event, click here.


February 7 from 9:00 am- 10:00 am: Trailside Museum of Natural History presents Senior Fitness Walks: A one mile walk in the forest preserves at your own pace with Master Naturalist, Roberta Jannsen. Meet at the Thatcher Woods Pavillion. Register at 708-366-6530


February 7 from 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm: River Forest Library presents Great Decisions. In each session, we will watch a recorded video lecture and then discuss the topic as a group. Readings for each session will be available at the library two weeks in advance. This weeks topic is Mideast Realignment.


February 10 from 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm: River Forest Township and River Forest Public Library present Soundbath Meditation with Rhonda Fentry. Register here.


February 12 from 1:15 pm- 2:15 pm: The Nineteenth Century Charitable Foundation presents their Monday Enrichment Series: With Love: The Three Baritones. For more information, click here.


February 13: Robert's Westside hosts Teller's Night. Come listen to local storytellers. Bring your own food and buy drinks at Robert's.


February 16 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm: Come to the Cheney Mansion Living Room for a White to Dark Chocolate Candy Tasting with Candycopia, paired with wine. ($41- reach out to Susan Crane susan.crane@pdop.org 708-725-2500 if interested)


February 16 at 7:30 Good Shepard Lutheran Church hosts a Jazz Prayer Service for all. For more information, click here.


February 17: Oak Park Festival Theater Gala. Tickets are $125.00 or make a donation to the theater. For more information, click here.


February 19 from 1:15 pm- 2:15 pm: The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association presents their Monday Enrichment Series: Why Bookstores Matter in the 21st Century. Read more here.


February 20: Robert's Westside presents Soup and Bread Night. Donate $10 at the Door and enjoy soup from vendors and others in the community. Your donation this month goes to the Night Ministry.


February 20 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm (doors open at 6pm): Fitzgeralds presents The Moth Story Slam. For more details and to reserve tickets, click here.


February 21 from 9:00 am- 10:00 am: Trailside Museum of Natural History presents Senior Fitness Walks: A one mile walk in the forest preserves at your own pace with Master Naturalist, Roberta Jannsen. Meet at the Thatcher Woods Pavilion. Register at 708-366-6530


February 21 from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm: Oak Park (Park District) Active Adults and the Oak Park Health Department are reaching out to all Older adults in Oak Park and neighboring towns to come to the Community Recreation Center (CRC) (229 Madison St. in Oak Park) for a Walk with a Nurse. Come for a walk and snacks and ask any health questions, get your blood pressure checked and get a diabetes risk assessment. Contact health@oak-park.us or 708.358.5480 or call Megan Ulczak at Activeadult@pdop.org with any questions.


February 22 at 7:00 pm: Music and Potlucks hosts their Monthly Folk Jam at Friendly's Community Room (Part of the Friendly Tap on Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn) Donations accepted. Bring your instrament and/or your voice.


February 26 from 1:15 pm- 2:15 pm: The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association presents their Monday Enrichment Series: Social Science: Bubbles and Boxes, An Inquiry into Race and Identity. To learn more, click here.


Put in your Calendars: Robert's Westside Every 2nd Tuesday is Tellers Night and Every 3rd Tuesday is Soup and Bread and Every 4th Tuesday is Open Mike Night.



Websites for more Events: 

Trailside Museum of Natural History events here. 


See Dominican University Events here. (2/6, 2/18, 2/21, 2/22)


Oak Park Library Calendar for February here.


Oak Park River Forest Museum February Calendar here. (2/4, 2/7)


Green Community Connect Calendar: (including Repair Cafe).

Click here.



The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce posts events:

Go to their site  here and scroll down to All Community Events. 


Newberry Library Events here. (many online)


The Park District of Oak Park has Active Adult Programming open to all communities (see just below); The Mohr Center in Forest Park has programming (see their newsletter in attachments) and

Village of North Riverside has some nice trips too (some local and some bigger trips). Call 708-762-5214 if you want to get their newsletter.


Wednesday Journal Community Section: here.


Also, please note the libraries, Township and OPRF Museum all have book clubs.


Ongoing:

Every Monday: 

10:00 am- 10:50 am: Fitness Fellowship presents Gentle Yoga with Carol Olsen at Oak Park Arms (every Monday and Friday). Open to the community.


1:15 pm- 2:30 pm: Nineteenth Century Charitable Association presents their Monday Enrichment Series. For more information, click here. (note: all Monday Enrichment Programs are live-streamed if you can't make the event in person: Zoom link here.)


The Oak Park Meditation Group meets in person at the Oak Park Public Library "Maze Branch on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 6pm-8pm and on Zoom the other Mondays. It is open to all who want to learn and practice meditation together. Each session begins with a brief warm-up drawn from yoga or qigong, followed by meditation instruction, sitting and walking meditation, reading and discussion. Open to all. For more information, email OakParkMeditationGroup@gmail.com


Every Tuesday:

1:00 pm: Illinois Pathways to Health and the Mohr Center host Fit and Strong: Moving Towards a Healthier You. See flyer here. (at the Mohr Center: 7640 Jackson Blvd.) (every Tuesday and Friday) Reservations Required.


Every Wednesday:

10:00 am- 11:30 am: Free Zumba Gold at the Roos Center in Forest Park through Rush Oak Park Hospital and Park District of Forest Park. For more information, click here.


11:15 am- 12:15 pm: Line Dancing at the Dole Center (in Oak Park) for Active Adults. Free to all. Teaches rhythm, groove and hip-hop. Sign up here. 


Every Thursday:

10:00 am- 11:00 am: Come to Oak Park Township Senior Services Office (130 S. Oak Park Ave.) and join "Mad 4 Mats" (Made with Love) Learn how to make mats for the homeless or unhoused with "plarn". Please donate any plastic bags you may have.


1:00 pm- 3:00 pm: Come to the River Forest Community Center to play Mahjong and socialize. We have a teacher for those new to the game.


Every 4th Thursday:

from 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm: The Oak Park End of Life Options Coalition has their monthly meeting. For more information on this group reach out to Roz Byrne at roz@rozrealestate.com or call (708) 370-7444.


Every Friday:

10:00 am- 10:50 am: Fitness Fellowship presents Gentle Yoga with Carol Olsen at Oak Park Arms (every Monday and Friday). Open to the community.


1:00 pm: Illinois Pathways to Health and the Mohr Center host Fit and Strong: Moving Towards a Healthier You. See flyer here. (at the Mohr Center: 7640 Jackson Blvd.)


Every 1st Saturday:

10:00 am- 1:30 pm: Repair Cafe at Fox Community Center. (Fox Center) Bring any small items that need to be repaired. If you are interested in being a volunteer repair person please stop by and let them know. Click here for more details. 


Every Saturday: 

1:00 pm- 5:00 pm: College of DuPage Radio presents Those Were the Days with Steve Darnall. Enjoy old-time radio classics and music on 90.9 FM WDCB or listen live here.


1:00 pm- 2:00 pm: Fitness Fellowship presents Gentle Tai Chi with Matt LaSaine at Oak Park Arms.


Every Sunday:

6:00 pm- 9:00 pm: Tune into Radio's Golden Age with Steve Darnall. KXEL- AM/1540 or listen live here. (Go to nostalgiadigest.com to learn more)



Local Music:

Music and Potlucks (a local organization of your neighbors that donates to local charities) To learn more, click here.


Friendly Music Community Calendar here.


Robert's Westside a new music venue in Forest Park. (Go to their facebook page if their website is down here.


Fitzgeralds Calendar of Events: Click here for their Event Calendar (including a lot of free music events in their side bar) They also have Baby Gold BBQ next door for before or during the show: Consider Moth Radio Show (tickets go fast) and Tuesday Bluesday, $5 Hamburger Wednesday and Voice Box


Comedy: Comedy Plex in Oak Park: Click here.



Other Useful Information: 

If you are looking for a way to meet more people and you want to be more involved in your community, connect with Arbor West Neighbors (our local Village group). Learn more here.


Call 211 Metro Chicago is a free resource connecting all Cook County residents with essential health and social services to help them meet their basic needs. Trained, local specialists are available 24/7 to connect individuals with the support they need, such as food, housing, utility assistance, access to health care, and other vital resources.


Elderwerks Resource Directory here.


Rush Generations Information


The 'Old Lady Project': Angela Allen is reclaiming the phrase "Old Lady". Listen to her podcast here.


CUB (Citizens Utility Board) provides help with utility bills. If you have any concerns about your bills, call 1-800-669-5556; Call for a Free Home Assessment: a representative will walk through your house to see how you can save and will give you free products to make things more affordable. 1-855-433-2700


Fraud/Scam Information:

Be careful of scammers or people trying to take advantage of you, whether they call or come to your door, including utility scammers. If you have any concerns, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 or CUB (the Citizens Utility Board) if it is related to your utilities at 1-800-669-5556 as well as your local Police Department. Another resource is the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360 a toll-free service available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Crime Prevention Fraud/Scam Tips from the River Forest Police Department here.

Senior Services of Oak Park and River Forest Townships:

View Senior Services of Oak Park/River Forest Townships webpage here The Township's main number is (708) 383-8060. See their Program Calendar here. For more information call me, and I can help steer you in the right direction.


OP/RF Townships Senior Services Dine-In Monday through Friday from 11am-1pm. First come, first served. No reservations required. click here to see menu (scroll down) Suggested donation: $1.50 for ages 60+; guest fee: $8.50 (under age 60). 130 S. Oak Park Ave. Drive thru/meal pickup offered Tuesday & Friday from 12pm-1pm

Go to a program before or after lunch too.


Medical Equipment Lending: The Township loans out medical equipment such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, bedside commodes and shower chairs free of charge for as long as the equipment is needed. They also invite donations of gently used medical equipment. For more information on the availability of specific items or to place a request, contact Oak Park Township Reception at (708) 383-8005.


Home Repair Program and CAPABLE Program. See flyers below and article here.

Oak Park River Forest Township Senior Services is offering the HomeMeds program, "an evidence-based medication safety program designed to address medication safety and quality-of-life issues by screening for and resolving some potential medication problems". See flyer here. Call 708-383-8060 and ask for Bianca Ingwersen or your Care Coordinator to ask for more details or email homemedsreferrals@oakparktownship.org.


Are you a Caregiver and do you live in Oak Park, River Forest or Austin (60644, 60639) Reach out to Devin Andrews, the Caregiver Support Specialist at 708-383-8060 x 116 to learn more about their services. See attached flyers below. There is now a Grief Support Group for Caregivers every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, from 5:30 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives) is a new offering to help adults feeling depressed. You can talk with a coach virtually or in person (6-8 times). This free to older adults in OP and RF. Call 383-8060. Also, see the upcoming classes for caregivers (flyers below- including Memory Cafe).

Reach out to Devin Andrews too if you could use some financial assistance helping your loved one. There is some funding for some services/needed items.


For information on Transportation services call (708) 383- 4806; For information on Reduced RTA Fare Cards (or Ride Free Program) for seniors 65+ and people with disabilities call (708) 383-8005 (the main Oak Park Township Office). There are also discount Blue Cab Coupon Booklets available through the township. ($10 worth of coupons for $6) Get the Blue Cab app; go to their website here.


Remember we have In Case of Emergency (ICE) packets for Oak Park and River Forest Residents. A way to store your emergency information so the fire department can find it when needed (in your freezer). Call for more information.


Active Adults/ Senior Programming through the Park District of Oak Park (at Dole Center):

For about $50/ year this programming is open to Oak Park and neighboring communities (Austin, River Forest, Forest Park, Berwyn etc.) To learn more about the Active Adult program, click here. To see Adult Offerings, click here, from exercise programs, including beginning pickleball to game days, movies, trips, stained glass, ceramics and more. Call Megan Ulczak for more details or questions at (708)725-2106 or email her at megan.ulczak@pdop.org


Also, see their Upcoming Trips*. Click here, go to General Recreation and click on Trips.


See Forest Park Programming and Trips in attachment below.

Grief /Support Groups:

Friendship Line (The Institute on Aging) 24 hour toll free hotline/warmline (for emotional support, crisis intervention or well being checks):

800-971-0016.


Grace Lutheran runs Grief Support Groups. Call (708) 366 - 6900 or email them at gracechurch@graceriverforest.org to see if they are currently running a group. Also, see the Grief Share Website here.


LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) is meeting in person again from 6 pm- 8 pm at the River Forest Community Center on the second floor every 3rd Monday of the month. Call 312-655-7283 for more information. See sample Newsletter here.


988 National Suicide helpline and Website here.


Oak Park and River Forest Senior Services has Memory Cafe (every third Tuesday of each month)for caregivers of someone with Memory "Changes" as well as for the person going through memory changes; there is also a Caregiver Support Group that meets twice a month (for Caregivers in Oak Park, River Forest and Austin) There is now a Grief Support Group for Caregivers every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, from 5:30 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. Call Devin Andrews, Caregiver Support Specialist at 708-725-9116 for more details on current support groups. (see flyers below) [ask about PEARLS too for older adults suffering from Depression. See flyer here. Get 6-8 visits with a coach (virtual or in person) to help you move forward.]


The Alzheimer's Association holds a support Group at Belmont Village in Oak Park and is open to any family member or friend caring for someone with memory problems. They meet the 4th Saturday of the month from 9 - 11am. Contact the facilitator, Julie Bach at  jbach@dom.edu so she can make sure it is the right fit and to confirm the date (dates sometimes change if close to a holiday).


For support groups for Family and persons with early onset dementia, contact Susan Frick at Rush Chicago Hospital at 312-942-5359 or email at Susan_Frick@rush.edu to learn about her Support Group Without Warning


Rush Hospital Support for Caregivers: Flyer here.


There is a Virtual Support Group every 3rd Wednesday for Caregivers of those with Dementia through University of Chicago. Email Jenil Bennett at jbennett@bsd.uchicago.edu or Monica Long at Mlong1@bsd.uchicago.edu for Zoom link information or other ways to connect.

Volunteer Opportunities: 

Senior Services of Oak Park and River Forest Townships is in need of meal delivery drivers. This is just over an hour commitment on a Tuesday or Friday morning. This is a great opportunity if you are looking for something to do with a partner or friend. Please call the Nutrition and Program Hotline number at  (708) 725-9129.


Housing Forward Group Volunteer Opportunities here.

Contact Volunteer & Outreach Manager Cherrell Jackson at cjackson@housingforward.org or 708.338.1724 x201 Current needs are welcoming new clients, having a collection drive; sharing your computer knowledge, dropping off meals, administrative help.


A House in Austin Volunteer Opportunities here.


Loyola Medicine is looking for Hospice Volunteers to offer companionship, play games and offer respite to family members. This would entail visiting once a week for 1-3 hours over 2 months. You can volunteer as often or as little as you want. Call Joanne at 630-861-5183 or email her at joanne.moore002@luhs.org. See flyer here.


Gun Safety AdvocacyEverytown USA/Mom's Demand Action Oak Park/Austin Area here. Help fund Mercy Garden of Peace and Healing. Learn more here.


The Democratic Party of Oak Park is looking for volunteers. Come to their meeting the second Saturday of the month to learn how you can get involved. They are located at 6941-A W. North Ave, Oak Park. Their phone number is (708) 386-0090


Triton is looking for volunteers to help tutor students in English, including newly arrived migrants from Ukraine (see flyer below). Work one-on-one or in a small group for 2 hours/week. Students are very motivated to learn. Students live in Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Park and in Triton's district. You can be flexible where you meet. Call or email Kathy Kianzad for more information. kathykianzad@triton.edu or 708-456-0300 ext 3365 (also see flyer here and attached). Wait to fill out the application when you meet with her. Please spread the word!


"Wonder Works is looking for volunteers. Do you play an instrument, enjoy reading stories, have a love of art or creating, like gardening, or maybe have a collection you’d like to share?  Please reach out to Sara Yount at president@wonder-works.org or visit the Wonder Works website: www.wonder-works.org to find out more information about sharing your time and talent with children in our community!"


For other Volunteer Opportunities please call me.

Exercise and other Class Offerings:

(for any exercise program, check with your doctor first)


Oak Park River Forest Township Senior Services Class offerings here.


Illinois Pathways to Health and the Mohr Center host Fit and Strong: Moving Towards a Healthier You. See flyer here. (at the Mohr Center: 7640 Jackson Blvd.) (see Tuesday above)


Rush Oak Park Hospital and The Park District of Forest Park present Zumba Gold at the Roos Rec Center in Forest Park. This is a free program, but you need to register in advance. Click here for details or call call 708-366-7500 or 708-866-7667. (see Wednesday above)


River Forest Park District Opportunities: Look at pages 9-14 on River Forest Park Districts Fun Guide for Wellness Programs for Adults, including Susan Schwarting's Meditation and Drumming Classes (p. 13) here. Pickleball at the River Forest Community Center: See Class information here.


Fitness Fellowship is offering Gentle Yoga and Tai Chi at the Oak Park Arms from 10:00 am- 10:50 am. See ongoing programming above in blue section.


Silver Sneakers at Gottlieb and Other Locations.

For more information, click here.

Click here for Gottlieb's Aqua Group Exercise.


For Silver Sneakers Programs nearby: Click here.

Also, reach out to Toccara Daniel. She teaches classes at Oak Street Health (3433 W. Madison) and Mills Tower. See if your insurance covers classes. Reach out to her at FIT4CHICAGO@yahoo.com (Zumba Gold, Strength and Balance, Line Dancing. See class schedule here.


The Park District of Oak Park along with the Senior Center of Oak Park and River Forest offer Active Adult Programing at the Dole Center for adults 50+ in Oak Park and neighboring communities. They offer a lot, from tai chi to stain glass classes to dinner club and trips. Click here to learn more. Call Megan Ulczak if you have any questions.


Triton College's Personal Enrichment and Leisure Classes for Adults: here.  Triton offers affordable Continuing Education and Exercise Classes if you are in District 504 (which includes Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park):  Call 708- 456-0300 x3500 for more details.][Ballroom Dancing, Zumba Gold, Tai Chi, Aquacize and Beginner Swimming, Guitar, Piano, Painters Workshop and Retirement Classes are some of the offerings]. Triton also has an indoor track (in building R) open to the public from 7am- 8pm. Call 708-456-0300 x3825 for more information.


Tina Birnbaum is teaching Absolute Beginners Tai Chi at the Dole Center on Friday mornings from 8:45 am- 9:45 am. Click here to register. [Go to "Drop in" and "One Day" Programs and then click "Active Adult Health and Fitness" and then go to the very bottom.] (see active adult programming through Park District of Oak Park below- open to all communities) If you have a hard time signing up, call Megan Ulczak at (708)725-2106 or email her at megan.ulczak@pdop.org


Jazzercise is being offered at the River Forest Community Center in the second floor dance room Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:30 pm- 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10:30 am- 11:30 am. For more information reach out to Susan Draus at susanmdraus@aol.com. Cost is $80/month

(12 classes for $80)


Virtual/ Online Exercise and other Classes:

Berwyn Library Virtual Senior Yoga every Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Register here.


Senior Planet also has good online Exercise programming and the National YMCA has some good exercise videos. 


Road Scholar online classes: 21 online trips- $25/ class: here.)


Mather Virtual Programming: Mindness and Health, Aromatherapy, Discussion Groups, Creative Arts and Art Making, Movement and Dance and Music. See classes here. Do it yourself (DYI) Art Kits: Next program starting in October. Register here.  


Senior Planet and AARP Virtual Community Center (AARP has Movies for GrownUps online).

Call with any questions, concerns or suggestions. Please send information my way that you think others would be interested in.

Reminder: See attachments below.

Betsy


Betsy Burton Kelly

Senior Outreach Coordinator

River Forest Township

bkelly.rftownship@gmail.com

(708) 366-2029 x13

Attachments:

River Forest Township Senior Services


River Forest Township HomeSharing Pilot


Township Caregiver Support


Rush Caregiving for Caregivers.


Coffee Mondays


Educational and Cultural Events with the RF Library


Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Group


Memory Cafe



Triton Access to Literacy


988 Suicide Hotline


January and February Forest Park Newsletter


Home Repair Flyer


CAPABLE


Repair Cafe




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