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Arbor West Neighbors programs are open to members and the community at large.  Each program is designed to incorporate four Es:

Expose to create awareness

Educate to create learning

Engage to create community

Empower to create change

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If you have an idea for a program or want to be a part of the Program Working Group, send a note to Gil@ManagingHorizons.com.

Next Programs from AWN and Chicago Area Villages Collaborative 

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Music, Memory and the Brain

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Belmont Village
1035 Madison St, Oak Park
 

Mary Helen Ekstam, a board-certified Music Therapist engages her audiences with singing and guitar playing. Mary Helen will describe the impact music has on the brain including increased organizational thinking, thought processing, word finding, memory, and self-esteem. Join us and learn how music allows for improved relaxation and quality of life.


Registration REQUESTED at registerAWNprogram@gmail.com

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Supporting Our LGBTQ+ Friends and Neighbors: An Introduction to Allyship

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Oak Park Public Library, Veterans Room
 

What do you want to know about LGBTQ+? Come learn about some important history, the evolving use of pronouns, how to be an ally to a gender expansive family member or friend and some of the current social and political perspectives. Our presenters are from Youth Outlook, a non-profit organization that provides direct services to the LGBTQ+ community, provides education and resources, and creates connections for outreach and advocacy. https://youth-outlook.org/about-us/

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In lieu of a fee for this program, the presenters request a donation of non-perishable foods. 

Here's a request list:

- bottled water
- individually wrapped snacks
- Meat sticks
- Fruit snacks
- Fruit by the Foot
- Chips
- Regular Rice Crispy Treats
- Mac and Cheese Cups (or other microwavable, shelf-stable meal replacements
- Cup O'Noodles
Please do not include any snacks with nuts.

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Registration REQUESTED at registerAWNprogram@gmail.com

The Programs Working Group's offerings intend to engage and educate AWN members in topics relevant to older adults in our community. If you have suggestions for a topic, or especially if you would like to help plan or produce a program, contact Gil Herman, gil@managinghorizons.com.

Coming Programs from Chicago Area Villages Collaborative and other providers


Note: These programs are typically FREE and presented via Zoom. You must register to get access details for each program.

 

The Power of Music: Unlocking Joy and Vitality as We Age

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Monday, January 26, 2026

7 PM CST via Zoom

 

Jonathan and Sandy Miller founded the Sounds Good Choir after learning about research studies confirming that choral music helps the mature brain, both musically and socially. The Sounds Good Choir is for anyone over age 55 who wants to sing – no auditions are required!

 

Rev. Dr. Sandy Miller, a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, has been in private practice in the western suburbs for more than 30 years. Her work with older-adult choirs is a major pivot from her clinical work with children and adolescents. Continuing to research the impact of choral singing, Sandy is collaborating with Dr. Borna Bonakdakpour, neurologist and Director of the Music and Medicine Program in the Mesulan Institute for Neurology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. The “keeper of the culture“ at Sounds Good Choir, Sandy is the guiding spirit of the organization’s programs for people with memory loss and their care partner.

 

Over a 40-year career combining the roles of musician and nonprofit arts visionary, Jonathan Miller has conducted singers at all skill levels from complete beginners to professionals. In 1993, he founded the Virtuoso Ensemble Chicago A Cappella Group and served as its artistic director for 27 years.

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Register here: https://ncjwcns.org/events/spotlight-salon-jan2026/

Arbor West Neighbors

Arbor West Neighbors (AWN) is a grassroots organization of neighbors in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Austin connected to support and enrich aging through community building and advocacy. Our mission is to empower adults to thrive as we age in community. 

 

Our vision is to build a multi-ethnic, multicultural community where all older adults are valued, age with dignity, and enjoy opportunities for growth and engagement. 

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We are an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization with over 120 members. 

About Us

At times our members and friends have questions about who to talk to/get permission/assistance for a variety of things. Below are some guidelines. Note: AWN Members can look up contact information in our directory. Others may use the suggested processes at the bottom of this document.

There are many opportunities for you to engage as a volunteer to help support our organization and fellow members. Our website lists a variety of volunteer possibilities: www.arborwestneighbors.org/volunteer-possibilities

 

For questions about membership: Cecily Mango

For questions about ambassadors and member orientation: Kim Silver

For questions about our Membership Management System, Club Express: Cecily Mango or Susan Levin

For questions about Arbor Circles: Cindy Michul

For calendar additions or corrections: Gil Herman

For questions/suggestions about our newsletter, Branching Out: Allen Matthews

For website additions or corrections: Gil Herman

For questions about interest groups: Gil Herman or the coordinator of a specific group

For questions/suggestions about Programs: Catherine Marienau

For questions/suggestions about advocacy:

         Social Action Team: Ruth Reko

         Green Team: Phyllis Rubin or Kim Silver

         Legislative Action Team: Phyllis Rubin

         Other: Phyllis Rubin

For questions/suggestion about Community Outreach Working Group: coming soon

For questions/suggestions about what to send to Google group email: Gil Herman or Legislative Action Team (Phyllis Rubin)

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NOTE: From time to time, we hear about information that we believe would be of interest to our members and friends. When appropriate, we will send out a Public Service Announcement (PSA). We may also send a Call to Action email making a recommendation for action should you wish to do something. We will work to keep these minimally intrusive. If you have a question or comment, please contact the person or organization indicated. 

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