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
If you have an idea for a program or want to be a part of the Program Working Group, send a note to gilherman1949@gmail.com.
Next Programs from AWN and Chicago Area Villages Collaborative
There will be no AWN programs in July or August.
Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) in Illinois: Understanding the 2026 Law
An expert panel will help us understand what the law says and doesn't say. Join us to clarify any (mis)information.
Sept 15, 2026 2:00 - 4:00
Oak Park Public Library Veterans Room
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, gilherman1949@gmail.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.
“Valuing Age, Confronting Ageism” runs through the end of July. The full exhibit is housed at the Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor, at 7347 Madison Street, while selections of the photography are on display at the following Madison Street businesses: Madison Park Kitchen, Guaranteed Rate Bank, L’Arche Chicago, Grand Appliance, and Forest Park Bank.
Sunday, July 26, 6:00 – 7:30. Beatles Sing Along with Sounds Good Choir, Lakeshore Park, Chicago Avenue and Lake Shore Drive
Tuesday, July 28, 7 pm We’re Singing the Beatles: Sounds Good Choir, Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St., River Forest, IL FREE. Several AWN members are in this choir.
Thursday, August 13, 4:00 Dan Friedrich on Zoom with a very provocative talk on AI. He's Second City trained.
Saturday, August 22nd, 5:00 pm; free production of All’s Well That Ends Well by the Forest Theater Company; performed outdoors on the grounds of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Moore-Dugal House, 333 Forest Ave, Oak Park. Bring a chair and picnic if you wish. Megan Wells, who plays the Countess, will join us after the production to give us a comparison of these two, very different, Shakespeare plays. Contact Barb Bodner, 708-829-2852 or Sunny Hall, 708-609-2894.
Thursday August 27, afternoon. Aging at Home in Oak Park: Preparing for the Unexpected & Understanding What Happens Next. Oak Park Public Library, Veterans Room. More programs offered by the library can be found at https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/aging-home-131989.
Wednesday, Sept 2, Medical Assistance in Dying on Zoom. Not sure of time or presenters yet, but well vetted by other Villages
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.
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization with over 120 members.