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
Literary and Art Salon
March 29, 2026 2:00 - 4:00
The Altenheim
7824 Madison St, Forest Park
Our 3rd Annual Literary and Art Salon will feature AWN writers and artists. Live classical guitar music will welcome you starting at 1:40. Light refreshments will be available.
Registration REQUIRED: RegisterAWNprogram@gmail.com
Finding Your Inner Creative Spirit
April 27, 2026 2:00 - 4:00
First Floor Community Room at Oak Park Public Library
Presenter: Rachel Weaver Rivera, professional artist and therapist
Join us for an afternoon of self-care for your inner creative spirit. Reflect on your own unique identity. Discover pathways to express core values that matter most to you. During these challenging times, you will be invited to slow down, center, and participate in a supportive, no-pressure studio atmosphere. The workshop will begin with a brief presentation about the connection between joy, tinkering, friendship and wellness. Then you will enjoy process-oriented hands-on activities. You will have the opportunity to create art on different surfaces, including wood, canvas, cardboard and diffusion paper. This will be an occasion to experiment with a variety of expressive materials including oil pastels, watercolor paints, art markers, embellishments, decorative collage papers, recycled materials and much more. Engaging in both collaborative and independent hands-on activities will hopefully give you a dynamic refresh, and you will leave with new ideas, improved energy, and a few mini-masterpieces to share with those you love.
Required pre-registration at registerAWNprogram@gmail.com.
Gentle Movement Sampler for Older Adults
May 12, 10 - 12
Oak Park Public Library Veterans Room
Facilitors: Catherine Gallogly and Catherine Marienau
Presenters: A variety of movement instructors
This experiential session invites you to sample movement practices—Tai Chi, Qigong, Qoya, and Chair Yoga—each offering a different flavor of gentle movement, breath, balance, and self-awareness, in a relaxed, supportive space. Every movement can be adapted to your comfort level so come as you are, move at your own pace, and discover what feels good to you. You may leave with a new favorite way to care for your body—or simply a deeper sense of ease and connection.
This is open to the public as a part of Celebrating Seniors Week. No registration needed.
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.
Emotions in Later Life: Secrets Revealed by Science
Friday, March 20 10 - 11:30
The Center for Life and Learning Gratz Center, 126 E. Chestnut Street
(attend in person or virtually)
Brought to you by the Center for Life and Learning, in partnership with the Village Chicago and Skyline Village Chicago.
When do you follow your gut? How do our emotions change as we age, and what can science teach us about living well later in life?
Join us for a conversation that brings research to life and explores how emotions shape our choices, relationships, and overall well-being.
To register, call Annette Mileski at 312.981.3386
Panel discussion moderated by Sandy Miller, clinical psychologist and expert in the emotional lives of older adults, this community event features Claudia Haase and Jospeh Mikels from the Chicago Consortium on Longevity.
To Tell The Truth: Can We Save Local Media and Why We Must
May 9, 1:00 - 2:30
19th Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave #1, Oak Park, IL 60301
This will be a Village to Village Network program presented during Celebrating Seniors Week.
This will be a panel discussion moderated by Charlie Meyerson, publisher of Chicago Public Square and longtime newspaper (Tribune) and radio (WMAQ, WNUA-FM, WGN) news anchor.
Panelists will include Max Reinsdorf, General Manager of the Wednesday Journal and other local publications of NEWSWELL, former finance and digital director at Chicago Tribune
Lydia Manning, PhD, gerontologist and CEO of Circle Life Consulting, Inc,
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.