River Forest Township

Senior News

July 2024

Happy Summer!


I hope you are well. Below is our programming with the Library as well as other offerings throughout July and the summer. I hope to see you at some of the events around town, whether it's at the library, Farmers' Market, Music at Dominican, a Triton Event or Park District event.


Please reach out to me if you have questions about anything. Also, visit our website to see if you can find what you are looking for here.


If anyone has done anything to make their home more accessible, so you can stay in your home longer, can you reach out to me, especially if you have used one of our programs with North West Housing Partnership (ie. Home Repair or CAPABLE).


Reminders:


  • Homesharing information (green page), Library Programming (yellow page), 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]


  • SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) Counselors are back at the River Forest Township offices. They will be taking appointments for Friday, July 26 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and again on Friday, August 30 at the same time.  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.


  • 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. (Note: We will be closed on July 4th) 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 listed 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. (register only for special events and yoga)

See Calendar here.


Note: There is no Coffee Monday in July


July 19 from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm: Film Lover Fridays presents Raiders of the Lost Ark. Come watch the movie and stay afterwards to have a discussion with local Movie Expert, Jim Jacob.


July 20 from 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm: Antiques Appraisal with Rex Newell, an antiques dealer with over 20 years of appraisal experience, will be at the Library to inspect your old possessions. This event requires registration in advance. Learn more here. or call 708-366-5205.


July 25 from 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm: Outdoor Concert Series presents The Petra Van Nuis Quartet (Jazz). Petra is a leading light of the Chicago jazz scene and has performed around the world as well as all over the Chicago area.The concert will be in the outside garden. Feel free to bring your own blanket and chair.


July 29 from 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm: Gentle Yoga with Rhonda Fentry. Advanced registration is required. 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).




Other Programming at the Library:

July 27 from 2:00 pm- 4:30 pm: Watch the Oscar Winners. This month see The Holdovers, which won the award for best supporting actress, Da'Vine Joy Randolph




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 has a lot of programming too. See their calendar online here. Note: for any of the programs, 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.


Austin Satellite Senior Center (5071 W. Congress) Calendar here.


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


July 3 and 17 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


July: Oak Park Festival Theater presents Romeo and Juliet at Austin Gardens (Oak Park) For dates and ticket information, click here.


July 5 from 9:30 am- 11:00 am: Oak Park Library presents Older Adults Coffee Hour. Come for coffee and conversation. Register here.


July 8 from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm: The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association presents Film Noir Series: The Lost Weekend. This is open to the public and free, although a donation of $10 is suggested.

(178 Forest Ave., Oak Park)


July 12 from 11:00 am- 1:30 pm: The Kehrein Center for the Arts (5628 W Washington Blvd, Chicago) presents Aging Well Together. Learn more and register here.


July 12 at 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm: Madison Street Theater presents Comedy Mirror. Learn more here.


July 17 at 7:00 pm: Dominican University presents Summer Sounds in their Quad (every Wednesday). Join Marc Dvorak and Music and Potlucks this Wednesday in celebrating the music of Woody Guthrie. Non-perishable items will be accepted for Beyond Hunger. (see Music Section below for upcoming shows)


July 18: Austin Eats presents Movie at the Farm: Learn more here about the show Farming While Black as well as volunteer opportunities that evening. (rain date is June 19)


July 18-21: Downtown Oak Park presents Shop Outdoor Sale. Come to the end of the year sidewalk sale. See participating stores here.


July 20 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm: The Hemingway Foundation presents The Hemingway Birthday Porch Concert with Norah O'Connor and Steve Dawson. Learn more here.


July 22 from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm: The Nineteenth Charitable Association presents Raining Pianos: Casie Miller. (on the 4th Monday through September) This event is free, although a donation of $10 is suggested. (178 Forest Ave., Oak Park)


July 26 from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm: The Oak Park Conservatory presents Uncorked. Listen to music in the courtyard and enjoy appetizers and drinks. 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.


July 28 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. (next show will be August 25)



ONGOING 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 June 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.


1:00 pm- 2:00 pm: SlowFire Ceramics offers Art Classes at Oak Park River Forest Township Senior Services Building in Oak Park (130 Oak Park Ave.) Call the Nutrition and Activity Line to reserve your spot at 708-725-9129. If you need transportation and you are in Oak Park and River Forest call 708-383-4806


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.


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.


Austin Satellite Senior Center (5071 W. Congress Parkway) January Calendar here.


Chicago Public Library online programming in July: Click here. (including online ASL Classes, Movies and Book Clubs)


Austin Branch Library and North Austin Library Calendar of events in July: Click here.


Programming at Austin Town Hall and Columbus Park 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.



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 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 3116 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 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: (July 16, 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: (through October 31) from 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm (no market on July 4) every Thursday, Contact: Dominique Stevens at dstevens@chicagobotanic.org with any questions. (330 N. Lotus)


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 starts on June 8 from (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.


June 23 from 10:00 am- 4:00 pm attend Oak Park and River Forest Garden Walk. For more information and tickets, click here. Walk will be from 10 am- 4pm.


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.


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!)


2024 Older Adult Community Market July 11 and 25 at PAV YMCA in Berwyn (2947 Oak Park Ave., Berwyn) Free fresh fruit, vegetable and non- perishable groceries.]. See flyer 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


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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