(R) – Please register for each program online at cal.olpl.org.

Around the Library

As information professionals, we help people find accurate, relevant and timely information for their specific needs—including health. While we are not health experts, we maintain awareness of issues affecting health locally and work with community partners on discussions, activities and programs that address these challenges. We collaborate with Oak Lawn Chamber members, local business and health advocates to share conversation, strategies, policy and resources to build an informed community.

Oak Lawn Community Cookbook 2023

View or download the first Oak Lawn Community Cookbook collecting appetizer and dessert recipes from the Oak Lawn community!

New Collection: Chromebooks and Memory Kits

AgeOptions awarded the library a grant to purchase materials and host programs related to technology training and reducing social isolation for adults ages 60 and over. We purchased two new types of materials for this purpose:

• Memory Kits
• There are five kits, each with different materials to support those experiencing dementia and their caregivers. Each kit includes games, DVDs, CDs, books and resources.
• The five themes are The Great Outdoors, In the Garden, Activity Night, Food for Thought and The Golden Oldies.
• Chromebook Kits
• Five kits include a Chromebook and mouse.
• Five include a Chromebook, mouse and Wi-Fi hotspot

All kits are available for checkout and to be placed on hold by Oak Lawn Library cardholders ages 60 and over. The items may be checked out for three weeks and are not renewable. Please come check one out today!

FALL 2023 HEALTH PROGRAMS

(R) – Please register for each program online at cal.olpl.org.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group

Mondays, Sept. 11, Oct. 9 & Nov. 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Café
The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group provides an opportunity for family members, friends, caregivers, and others to meet regularly where they can share feelings, thoughts, and experiences. No registration required – please drop in. Facilitator: Mary Murphy, RN, BSN, CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) of Hibernian Home Care.

Who’s Got Game? (R)

Tuesdays, Sept. 12 & 19, Oct. 10 & 17, Nov. 14 & 21 from 10-11 a.m. in the Café
Get ready for fun, games, and crafts at this senior social hour, funded in part by the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant, and JenCare.

Yoga for Adults Ages 60 and Over (R)

Wednesdays, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 & Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Café
Please join Nancy McGourty, Registered Yoga Teacher, for a fun and engaging beginner’s yoga class. Please bring your own mat, if possible. Limited to 10 participants. This program is funded by the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant.

Programs with Advocate Health (R)

These hybrid programs will also stream online at the OLPL YouTube page.

Intractable Headache Management
Monday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café
with Neurologist Arthur Itkin, MD.

Not Your Grandmother’s Hysterectomy
Monday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café
Join Dr. Valerie Swiatkowski MD, FACOG, Department Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Advocate Christ Medical Center, to learn about the VNOTES hysterectomy procedure which leaves no visible incisions, and causes less pain with a faster recovery time.

Wits Workout (R)

Tuesdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 31 & Nov. 28 from 10-11 a.m. in in the Café
Did you know that social connectedness and intellectual engagement are two factors that contribute to your brain’s health? Join us at Wits Workout where you’ll engage in interactive puzzles and games, and learn what you can do in your daily life to keep your brain healthy! The program, developed by the University of Illinois Extension, is funded in part by the AgeOptions Library CARES ARPA grant. Light refreshments will be provided.

Housing and Home Care Options for Older Adults (R)

Wednesdays, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Café
Determining whether to age in place or seek new housing can be overwhelming. Speaker Mark Levy specializes in helping older adults and their families make personalized decisions for care and safety as we age. Join Mark for an interactive presentation about housing, care options, and financial considerations when planning for yourself or a loved one.

Domestic Violence Presentation with Pillars Community Health

Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Café
This presentation from Jacqueline Ramirez and Mary Espinosa of Pillars Community Health will include a personal story from a domestic violence survivor and offer information, statistics, and education about red flag behaviors and actions. No registration is required for this event.

AARP Smart Driver Course (R)

Wednesday, Oct. 4 & Thursday, Oct. 5 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
in Meeting Room B
The AARP Smart Driver Course is the nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for older drivers. The course will provide a review of driving skills and techniques, as well as strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related changes that may affect your driving ability. All participants will receive AARP’s newly revised 2022 edition of the Smart Driver Guidebook. The course will be held for 2 days (Wednesday, Oct. 4 and Thursday, Oct. 5) for 4 hours each day (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). Attendance at both days is required to receive a certificate of completion. The fee for the course is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Fees must be paid via cash or check payable to AARP at the start of the course on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Please bring your driver’s license and AARP card with you (if applicable). Registration is required. Limited to 20 registrants. Please register at cal.olpl.org.

VIDEOS OF PAST PROGRAMS

If you missed a 2021 program, you can still view the Zoom presentation on OLPL’s YouTube channel:

• Brain Health / 4/27/21
• The Emerging Importance of Aging in Place /  6/7/21
• Heartburn-Gerd: Treatment Updates for This Common Condition / 6/15/21
• Advance Planning Is Crucial for Successful Aging / 6/17/21
• Your Health Plan to Age in Place / 6/21/21
• Stroke Education, Prevention, and Wellness / 6/28/21
• Legal and Financial Planning for Aging in Place / 7/6/21
• Understanding Behaviors in Dementia / 7/7/21
• Preventing Colon Cancer: Everything You Need to Know / 7/8/21
• Transitioning to Senior Living / 7/20/21
• Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness / 8/17/21
• Legal and Financial issues for Caregivers / 9/16/21
• Pathlights Medicare Series Part 2: Medicare D enrollment / 10/13/21
• Cutting Through the Medicare Maze / 10/14/21
• Pathlights Medicare Series Part 3: How Medicare and Medicaid work together / 10/20/21