River Forest Township

Senior News

September 2024

Hi everyone,


We hope you are all well; hopefully those very hot days are behind us. Listed below is our programming with the library (yellow section) as well as other programming throughout the community (blue section). Please visit the Township website for more information.



Things of Note:


  • River Forest Township is considering expanding our programming on Mondays (anytime between 3pm- 7pm) at the Community Center. Reach out to Seniors@RiverForestTownship.org if you have any ideas of things you would like to see offered (ie. a Men's Group, a Book Club, etc.).


  • Join River Forest Township on September 11 from 3pm- 7pm on the 700 Block of Bonnie Brae for LemonAid!


  • SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) Counselors are in the River Forest Township offices on Friday, September 27 or Friday October 25 for appointments between 10:00 am- 2:00 pm. Please call 708-383-8060 to schedule an appointment. Learn more about SHIP here.


  • Read Oak Park Township's September/ October Newsletter here.


  • On October 19th, River Forest Township and Arbor West Neighbors will be hosting a Housing Tour called "Creative Ways to Age in Our Communities". Reach out to Seniors@RiverForestTownship.org if you want more information. Also, if you know of anyone in River Forest who has added an "inlaw apartment" to their property (ADU/Accessory Dwelling Unit) can you please have them get in touch with me.



Reminders:

Homesharing information (green section), Library Programming (yellow section), September Events and Ongoing list of weekly events and websites (blue section), 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 are 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. 


  • Oak Park Township is seeking volunteers for Meal Delivery. Contact Mercedes Nash, Nutrition Site Supervisor at 708 383-8060 x 134 or mnash@oakparktownship.org to learn more. They are also looking for Money Management Volunteers. See money management brochure here. Call 708-383-8060.


See attachments below



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. 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:

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

"Could Boommates Helop Ease the Housing Crisis?" Click here.

See the Homesharing Segment, "Boommates" from PBS Newshour 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 (see attachments below for programming through December).


September 9 from 10:00 - 11:00 am: Coffee Monday with Brian Wolowitz, River Forest Library Adult Librarian, who will offer a preview of fall book releases.


September 14 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm: Chair Yoga with Rhonda Fentry. Register here.


September 15 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm: Mississippi Adventures with Illinois traveler John Kokoris.


September 20 from 1:00 - 3:30 pm: Film Lover Fridays presents A Streetcar Named Desire. Come for the movie and stay for conversation with local film expert, Jim Jacob.


September 22 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm: Author David Ellis shares his new book, The Best Lies.


September 25 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm: Autumn Harvest Favorites: A Cooking Demonstration and Tasting. Register here.



Other Programming at the Library:


September 7 from 7:30 - 9:00 pm: Dooley Band Concert (out in the courtyard)


September 19 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm: The League of Women Voters of IL presents Nobody's Fool: Why We get Taken In and What We can Do About It? Learn more about this virtual event 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 taking place in September around town

(but also see the websites below, the ongoing calendar and the Music Section too):


September 1 & 2 Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival in Geneva, IL. See local favorites like Margaret Burk and Mark Dvorak. Learn more here.


September 4 and 18 at 9:00 am: Thatcher Woods presents Senior Fitness Walks. (a one mile moderately paced walk)


September 8 from 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm: Community Congregations are Fighting Hunger. See garden locations and find out how you can get involved here.


September 10 from 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm: Thrive presents Healing Out Loud: Changing the Narrative of Suicide at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) in Oak Park. Learn more and register here.


September 10 from 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm: Forest Park Art Alliance presents Tellers Night at Roberts Westside (7321 Madison St.; on the corner of Circle and Madison) (tickets are $15 at the door)


September 13 and 14: Oaktoberfest in Downtown Oak Park. For more information, click here.


September 27 from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm: The Park District of Oak Park presents UnCorked at the Oak Park Conservatory. Listen to music and enjoy drinks and appetizers. Tickets are $20. For more information, click here or reach out to patti.staley@pdop.org


September 29 from 1:30 pm- 3:00 pm: Arbor West Neighbors presents Green Living: Learning from your Neighbors. See flyer here.


Upcoming:

Women Over 70 Conference is in October. Learn more and get your early bird tickets here.




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.


6:30 pm- 8:00 pm: The Oak Park Meditation Group meets in person at the Oak Park Public Library "Maze Branch the 2nd and 4th Monday 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. [first couple of weeks in September]


Every 4th Tuesday of the Month:

Age Options hosts online events for LGBTQ+ Older Adults and those who care for them. Call (800)699-9043 for more information or sign up here.



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. Call 708-724-2453 or Email oakparkconservatory@pdop.org with any questions.



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)



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. [first 2 weeks in Sept.]


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) (through Oct)


10:00 am: Fitness Fellowship with Matt LeSaine at Mills Tower (inside or outside, depending on the weather) [first 2 wks in Sept]


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- 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. (note: events on September 9 and 23 open to the community)


Oak Park Library Calendar here.

(note: Older Adults Coffee Hour 9/8)


Green Community Connection Calendar Click here


Newberry Library Events here. (many online)


Park District of Oak Park:

Pleasant Home, Cheney Mansion and Oak Park Conservatory here. (see Dole Center Active Adult Programming for more)


Madison Street Theater Events here.


OPRF High School performing Arts 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 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:

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


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

Other Useful 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

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

(for good programming and health information)

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 December


Celebrating Seniors All Year Long through December

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 September and October News

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