River Forest Township

Senior News

August 2024

Hi,



I hope you are well and enjoying your summer. Below is our programming with the River Forest Library and a whole lot more. If you don't have plans in August, you can definitely fill up your calendar with all that is going on in our community. Please reach out to me if you have questions about anything. Also, visit our website if you cannot find what you are looking for here.



Things of Note:

  • Donations are being accepted at Oak Park Township for their back to school donation drive through August 2. Donate a backpack with needed supplies/ folders, rulers, scissors, notebooks, crayons, sharpies, pencils, highlighters, erasers, glue and more. Call 708- 445-2727 for more information.


  • River Forest Township is hosting a Community Outreach Event with The Cook County Board of Review. Please join our Assessors Office on August 5th at 6:00 p.m. at The River Forest Community Center, 8020 Madison, Room 206. River Forest Township is currently NOT open for appeals with The Board of Review, but you may request to be put on the appeal packet list here. To file certificates of error for refunds of any missing exemptions reach out to the assessors office.


  • SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) Counselors are back at the River Forest Township offices. They will be taking appointments for Friday, August 30 between 10:00 am- 2:00 pm. Please call 708-383-8060 to schedule an appointment. Learn more about SHIP here. They are still taking appointments over the phone as well. They will only come to our office if they have appointments scheduled.


  • Learn more about Rush's Westside Walk for Wellness here. (every Saturday through August 24: 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24.)


  • Don't forget about the Volunteer Opportunity with Wonder Works Children Museum and Fitzgeralds. See flyer here.


  • Flamingo Friday in River Forest. Meet your neighbors or host your neighbors from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm on Fridays. Learn more here.



Reminders:

Homesharing information (green page), Library Programming (yellow page), August Events and Ongoing list of weekly events and websites (blue page), Township Services (white page) I also included the outdoor music events (light purple) and Farmers' Market information at the end.


  • Are you interested in learning more about HomeSharing? Call or email me anytime (also look over the HomeSharing Section below, just above the library programming)


  • 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.


  • North West Housing Partnership, our partner for the Home Repair and CAPABLE/ OAHMP programs, is able to help you age in place or stay in your home longer. See article here. (for older adults of all income levels) Flyers attached below too.


  • Oak Park Farmers Market is every Saturday from 7:00 am- 1:00 pm in the parking lot of Pilgrim Church (on Lake St. and Elmwood in Oak Park). For more information, click here. [Oak Park and River Forest residents can call Oak Park Township if you need a ride. A $1.50 donation is appreciated. Call in advance to reserve your spot: 708-383-4806] See a Map of the Vendors at the Farmers' Market, information on each and if they accept LINK here. You are able to get double your money back (up to $25) with your LINK Card. Reach out to the township at 708-383-8060 to see if they have Senior Vouchers/Coupons (note: there is an eligibility requirement)



See attachments below (as well as the other sections)



Please continue to share information with me and call or email with any questions, concerns or updates. (Let me know if you see anything that is out of date.)


[Because this email is lengthy you may see a message on the bottom left hand corner of this email that says "Message Clipped" and you will need to click "view" entire message, to view the full email. ]



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) on Th from 9:30 am- 10:20 am has a drop in time for help on your phone or computer (cost is $3 or free for Active Adult members). Call the Township at 383-8060 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:

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 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.

****Also See AARP's 3 Video's on creative housing as we age, specifically Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) 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. (No need to register, except for yoga and special events.). See Calendar here.


August 3 from 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm: Frank Fiorito from the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society presents River Forest's Forgotten Place: The History of Edgewater Park. Learn about this quirky subdivision that used to be in Thatcher Woods.


August 5 from 10:00 am- 11:00 am: Coffee Monday with Mary Ann Ojeda from Senior Services of Oak Park River Forest Township. Learn about the township services available in our community.


August 16 from 1:00 pm- 3:30 pm: Film Lover Fridays presents The Post with Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. Stay after the film for a discussion with local film expert Jim Jacob. Snacks will be provided.


August 17 from 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm: Mike Curtis talks about his new book: Around the World in 80 Sandwiches, where he shows his sons the world through sandwiches.


August 22 from 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm: Outdoor Concert Series presents Bourbon Aristocracy (Bluegrass)


August 31 from 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm: All Levels Yoga with Rhonda Fentry. Register here.


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).




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 Upcoming Programs/Events:

Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services offers a lot of programming. See their calendar online here. Note: Please call the Activity and Nutrition hotline at (708) 725-9129 to check availability and to register.


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/River Forest 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 or email Megan Ulczak if you have any questions at Megan.ulczak@pdop.org or (708) 725-2106.


The Mohr Center (on Jackson and DesPlaines Ave.) in Forest Park has programming (see their newsletter in attachments) and the Village of North Riverside has some nice trips too (some local and some bigger trips). Call 708-762-5214 if you want to receive their newsletter.



A Few Events around town (but check out websites below, ongoing calendar and Music Section too):

August 2 from 9:30 am- 11:00 am: Oak Park Public Library presents Older Adults Coffee Hour. Come for coffee and conversation. Register here.


August 3 from 11:00 am- 3:00 pm: Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care (2800 DesPlaines Ave., North Riverside) presents their 108th Annual Picnic.


August 7 and 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 a Master Naturalist. Meet at the Thatcher Woods Pavilion. Register at 708-366-6530


August 9 from 11:00 am- 1:30 pm: The Kehrein Center for the Arts (5628 W Washington Blvd, Chicago) and Mather present Aging Well Together. Learn more and register here.


August 11 from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm: The Park District of Oak Park and the Cheney Mansion present Sunday Fun Day Yoga Brunch. Reach out to Susan Crane for more details at susan.crane@pdop.org or 708-725-2500 (tickets range from $32-$41.


August 12 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: The Nineteenth Century Charitable Foundation presents their Film Noir Series: Sunset Boulevard.This is open to the community. A donation of $10 is suggested. (178 Forest Ave., Oak Park)


August 17 from 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm: Seven Generations Ahead presents Oak Park MicroBrew Review. Downtown Oak Park (100 N. Marion). Learn more here.


August 23 from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm: The Oak Park Conservatory presents Uncorked. Listen to music from the Tom Lowery Trio and enjoy food from Empanadus in the courtyard. Tickets are $20 and need to be purchased in advance. Reach out to Patti Staley for more details at patti.staley@pdop.org. Learn more here.


August 24 from 4:00 pm- 9:00 pm: The Rotary Club and River Forest Park District and the Village of River Forest present the Food Truck Rally in Keystone Park West and the Depot Parking Lot, River Forest. See the Schedule here.


August 25 from 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm: River Forest Back Room Stories OUTSIDE! on the spacious front lawn of Christ Episcopal Church, (151 Franklin in River Forest). Five Chicago area storytellers will share true personal stories. Tickets are $15 and available at the door. For more information about each show, contact Margaret Burk at margaretburk@hotmail.com. (if raining it will be inside)


August 26 from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm: The Nineteenth Century Charitable Foundation presents Raining Pianos: Owen Ling and Brian Ling. This will be held in the first floor lounge. This is open to the community. A donation of $10 is suggested. (178 Forest Ave., Oak Park)



ONGOING SUMMER CALENDAR:

Every Monday:

7:00 amTai Chi for all levels (informal and free) at Rehm Park (1000 S. Scoville Ave., Oak Park) by the Gingko Tree on the East Lawn/ by the tennis courts.


6:00 pm- 8:00 pm: 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 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:

6:30 amTai Chi for all levels (informal and free) at Rehm Park (1000 S. Scoville Ave., Oak Park) by the Gingko Tree on the East Lawn/ by the tennis courts.


9:00 am- 12:00 pm: Senior Club at Mohr Center 

(Forest Park on Jackson and Desplaines) Ask about Pinochle every other Thursday. Call 708-771-7737.


10:00 am- 10:50 am: Fitness Fellowship presents Gentle Yoga with Carol Olsen in Mills Park (every Tuesday and Friday). Open to the community. (by Mills Tower; if raining on Pleasant Home Porch) Feel free to bring a mat or chair.



Every Wednesday:

7:00 amTai Chi for all levels (informal and free) at Rehm Park (by the Gingko Tree on the East Lawn/ by the tennis courts.


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. (scroll down and choose August calendar and create an account)


1:00 pm- 3:00 pmOak Park Conservatory's Help Desk. Come and ask your plant questions to a Conservatory Volunteer.


7:00 pm: Dominican University Music on the Quad "Summer Nights". See schedule here.


Every Third Wednesday:

2:00 pm- 3:30 pm: Memory Cafe at Oak Park Township Senior Services Location. (130 S. Oak Park Ave.) This is also offered Virtually (see attached flyer)


Every Thursday:

6:30 amTai Chi for all levels (informal and free) at Rehm Park (1000 S. Scoville Ave., Oak Park) by the Gingko Tree on the East Lawn/ by the tennis courts.


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. (8020 Madison St., River Forest)


5:00 pm- 9:00 pm: Thursday Night Out. Learn more here.



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:

6:30 amTai Chi for all levels (informal and free) at Rehm Park (1000 S. Scoville Ave., Oak Park) by the Gingko Tree on the East Lawn/ by the tennis courts.


10:00 am- 10:50 am: Fitness Fellowship presents Gentle Yoga with Carol Olsen in Mills Park (every Tuesday and Friday). Open to the community. (by Mills Tower; if raining on Pleasant Home Porch) Feel free to bring a mat or chair.


Every Saturday: 

7:00 am- 1:00 pm: Oak Park Farmers Market in the Parking Lot of Pilgrim Church (on the corner of Lake and Elmwood).


10:00 am: Fitness Fellowship with Matt LeSaine at Mills Tower (inside or outside, depending on the weather).


1:00 pm- 2:00 pm: University of Chicago presents The Community Health Focus Hour. Tune in to WVON 1690 AM or listen online.


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.


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. (see attachment below)


Every Sunday:

6:00 pm- 7:30 pm: Music in the Park (Scoville Park, Oak Park). Learn more here.


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)



Websites/Calendars for more Events:

Oak Park Wednesday Journal Community Section here.


Trailside Museum of Natural History events here. 


Oak Park and River Forest Museum Calendar: Click here.


Hemingway Foundation Events here.


Dominican University Events here.


Triton College Community Events here.


ComedyPlex Upcoming Shows here.


The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association calendar of events here.


Oak Park Library Calendar here.


Green Community Connection Calendar Click here


Newberry Library Events here. (many online)


Park District of Oak Park:

Pleasant Home here. Cheney Mansion: here.

(see Dole Center Active Adult Programming for more)


Madison Street Theater Events here.


Oak Park Festival Theater Events here.

(Romeo and Juliet through 8/17)



Note: Libraries, Township and OPRF Museum all have book clubs.

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. Also, see the River Forest Township Website here.


OP/RF Townships Senior Services Dine-In Monday through Friday from 11am-1pm. No reservations are required. The suggested donation is $1.50 for ages 60+; guest fee: $8.50 (under age 60). Drive thru/meal pickup is offered Tuesday & Friday from 12pm-1pm (130 S. Oak Park Ave. )


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 a 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 3116 to learn more about their services. See attached flyers below. There is now a Grief Support Group for Caregivers every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 10:00 am- 11:30 am. 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 is free to older adults in OP and RF. (Note: Memory Cafe). Flyers for all support groups are in the attachments. 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. See Gap funding on our Caregiver page here. [Note: There is also Emergency Funding available for people going through difficult times, but there are guidelines. Call and inquire.]



Do you have questions about Medicare or your coverage. Call the main number at Oak Park Township Senior Services and ask for a SHIP Counselor. They will also be coming by the River Forest Office once a month. Find out when and schedule your appointment at 708-383-8060.


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.

Local Music:

Dominican University Summer Fest Schedule (Wednesdays throughout the summer at 7:00 pm) See schedule here.


Groov'n in the Grove Schedule from 7:00 pm- 10:00 pm: 

(August 20) Bring your blanket/ chair and picnic and enjoy music under the stars. See flyer here.


Sunday Concerts in Scoville Park See Schedule here.


Uncorked at Oak Park Conservatory Schedule  See full schedule here.


River Forest Library's Outdoor Concerts (yellow section below and Celebrating Seniors All Year Long flyer attached)


Friendly Music Community Calendar here.


Robert's Westside


Fitzgeralds Calendar of Events here Consider going to the Moth Radio Show (tickets go fast) and Tuesday Bluesday, $5 Hamburger Wednesday and Voice Box


Forest Park Porch Concerts here.


Thursday Night Out: Every Thursday on Marion St. in Oak Park. Get deals at some of your favorite restaurants. See schedule here and enjoy music from local artists.


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

Farmers Markets/Stands and other Gardening Information/Events:

Oak Park Farmers Market is every Saturday from 7:00 am- 1:00 pm in the parking lot of Pilgrim Church . For more information, click here. [For Oak Park and River Forest residents, Call Oak Park Township if you need a ride. A $1.50 donation is appreciated. Call in advance to reserve your spot: 708-383-4806] (on Lake Street by Elmwood) Map of Vendors at the Farmers' Market and information on each and if they accept LINK here. Also, reach out to the township at 708-383-8060 to see if they have Senior Coupons (there is an eligibility requirement)


PCC Wellness Farm Stand (330 N. Lotus, Chicago): (through October 31) from 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm every Thursday,  Contact: Dominique Stevens at dstevens@chicagobotanic.org with any questions.


Austin Town City Market:  (every Thursday) from 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm. hosted by Forty Acres Fresh Market. For more information, click here. (5610 S. Lake St., Chicago)


Westsiders get New and Improved Farmers' Markets: Read more here.


Every Wednesday from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm: Oak Park Conservatory Plant Help Desk. Come with your plant questions.

(615 Garfield St., 708-724-2453.


Every Saturday from 10:30 am- 1:00 pm: Garfield Park Conservatory presents Ask a Master Gardener. Come with your gardening questions. Call 773-638-1766 or email visitors@garfieldpark.org to see if you have to reserve a spot.


Support Forty Acres Fresh Market here. (look at their blog for updates on when their brick and mortar store opens; get a CSA; go to Austin Town Hall Market and visit them]


10:00 am- 2:00 pm: Garfield Neighborhood Market. It will be every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month on the grounds in front of the Hatchery (135 N. Kedzie). For information on Garfield Park Neighborhood Virtual Market, click here.


Green Community Connections Calendar of Events here.


Chicago Botanic Garden Classes here. (some more affordable than others)


Bethel New Life Horticultural Center here.


Deep Roots Project Grows As People Grow Their Own Food:

Deep Roots Project Website [great resource for gardening tips]


Volunteer Opportunites:

Volunteer at Build's Garden: Learn more here.


Volunteer with Knockout Farm Thursday nights from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm through October. Learn more here or email harlow@opportunityknocksnow.org


Volunteer with Austin Garden CollectiveSee upcoming dates to register, click here.


Growing Green 2024 (Your Guide to being more sustainable) here.


Westside Magazine here.


Chicago Farmers' Markets Suburban Farmers' Markets

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 on their website here.


Blue Zone Retreats here. (not cheap!)


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


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 your local police department and the Illinois Attorney General's Senior Citizen Consumer Fraud Helpline at 1-800-243-5377.


If related to your utilities, call CUB (the Citizens Utility Board) 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. ( visit AARP's webpage here. )


See Crime Prevention Fraud/Scam Tips from the River Forest Police Department here.


CUB (Citizens Utility Board) provides help with utility bills. If you have any concerns about your bills, call 1-800-669-5556; Call 1-855-433-2700 for a Free Home Energy Assessment: An Energy Advisor will do a walk through of your home and provide you with products to make your home more efficient. For Oak Park Residents also look into Oak Park Climate Action Network at opcan.org

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


Coffee Mondays through August


Celebrating Seniors all Year Long


Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Group


Memory Cafe


Township Grief Support Group


Township Caregiver Support Group


Rush Caregiving for Caregivers.

988 Suicide Hotline



Home Repair Flyer


CAPABLE


Older Adult Home Modification Program


Repair Cafe


Forest Park July and August Newsletter/Trips

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