'Celebrating Seniors All Year Long' Program Continues Through November in River Forest

The “Celebrating Seniors All Year Long” program series, sponsored jointly by River Forest Township and the River Forest Public Library, moves to River Forest Township for its next three monthly events.

Programs are free and open to people of all ages, as well as those from outside River Forest and Oak Park.

On Thursday, Sept. 18th at 10:30 a.m., River Forest resident and professional workshop leader Chris Hauri will lead a session called “I Never Thought I Could...” at River Forest Township (River Forest Community Center), 8020 Madison.

The workshop celebrates the courageous, smart and outrageous moments in our lifetimes, with attendees guided on a journey through their past, remembering and sharing the times that they surprised themselves with bravery and strength.

The next two free events will also be held at River Forest Township (River Forest Community Center), 8020 Madison:

*Wednesday, Oct. 15th, at 2 p.m.: “Healthy Cooking for Improving Diabetes”

The West Suburban Medical Center’s Center for Diabetes and Nutrition Education will share how to make healthy dips and snacks to curb your hunger while keeping your blood sugar steady and stable.

*Monday, Nov. 10th, at 10 a.m.: Silver Sneakers Sample

With exercises that can be done sitting or standing, attendees will get a taste of what happens at the Silver Sneakers class at the West Cook YMCA in Oak Park. At the same time, they will learn more about the important role fitness plays as we age.

River Forest Township Supervisor Carla Sloan said she is pleased with the success of the series thus far, as the Township partners with the library to serve senior residents.

Seniors are a top priority for both organizations and working together enables both units of government to bring more senior-specific programs to the community, Sloan noted.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with the library in serving residents in this creative, cost-effective manner,” said Sloan. “The series has already been a great success, and we are excited about building on that in these next events.”

The series began in June with an Evening Piano Concert in which local musician James Callen performed popular hits from musicals of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s.

The July session, dubbed Chicago’s Movers and Shakers, featured teacher, docent, tour guide
and historian Hy Speck. He brought to life some of the “movers and shakers” who have helped define and left a deep imprint on Chicago.

Last month’s session was Healthy Aging and Brain Fitness. Its theme focused on the well-established medical finding that those who are more active with a healthy lifestyle and nutritional choices are less likely to have issues with memory as they get older.

Along with its assessor’s office, the township’s focus is working with agencies that serve youths, seniors and those seeking mental health services in a variety of programs.

To learn more about these programs, or any of the other programs or services provided by River Forest Township, please call 708-366-2029 or visit www.RiverForestTownship.org. On Facebook: www.facebook.com/RiverForestTownship; on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RFTownship.