Oswego Senior Center Activities

The following was provided by the Oswego Senior Center:

"SPRING CRAFT FAIR

Saturday, March 18: 9am to 2pm

The Oswego Senior Center is hosting a craft fair featuring up to 90 crafters & artisans at 156 E. Washington Street, Oswego, in the gymnasium, dining room, library and hallways. Free admission, door prizes and raffles. For more information call 630-554-5602.

OSWEGO SENIOR CENTER ACCEPTING DONATIONS

The Oswego Senior Center accepts donations of gently used items to sell in their gift shop. 100% of all proceeds are used to support their meal programs, bus transportation, health / educational / recreational programs, hobby shops and other activities. Donations can be delivered to the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street in Oswego. Call 630-554-5602 for more information.

The gift shop sells jewelry, purses, scarves, home décor, holiday items, games, DVDs & CDs, collectibles, greeting cards, kitchenware, puzzles, books, pottery, picture frames and small stuffed animals.

We do not accept the following: TVs, monitors, VHS/audio tapes; microwaves, magazines, Christmas trees, used/loose Christmas lights, furniture, infant cribs, walkers, strollers or car/booster seats, mattresses, children’s toys, clothing.

DISCOVERING MINDFULNESS

Wednesdays, March 8- March 29

9:15-10am

Discover the benefits of Mindfulness in this weekly class at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street. Focus, cognitive flexibility and stress reductions have all been attributed to mindfulness practice. Learn mindfulness techniques that you can practice at home from activities, meditations, art, visualization and mindfulness skills. Call 630-554-5602 to sign up.

FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES

Annuities

Tuesday, March 14: 10:00 am

Join us at the Oswego Senior Center as we learn about the different types of annuities as well as the pros and cons of investing with annuities. Takes place at 156 E. Washington Street; presented by David Erickson, Edward Jones. Please RSVP, 630-554-5602.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE (NEW!)

Wednesdays, March 15-May 6: 10:15 – 11:30 am

Join Mike Adolph, a retired History teacher, for this 8-week history series. This series will examine world history events and how they influenced migration and immigration around the world with an emphasis on the United States. Classes take place at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street. Please RSVP,630-554-5602.

Downsizing 101

March 29: 12 – 2pm

Learn tips on downsizing from:

• How to Organize: What to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away
• Sell Your Home: Learn about the real estate market, getting your house ready, and selling
• Explore Living Options: Local Independent Living options from senior communities to townhomes, condos and apartments; local senior living, assisted and long term; Moving out of IL
• And More!

Presented by A Place for Mom, Keller Williams Realty and Honoring Aging. The event will take place at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street. RSVP 630-554-5602.

CULINARY EXPO: INTERNATIONAL

Tuesday, April 4: 11am – 1pm

Join us at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street, to explore the foods of the world throughout 2nd Annual Culinary Expo. This year it is an international theme! Chefs from local senior living residences will provide a small bite featuring flavors of countries around the world. Please RSVP, 630-554-5602.

ADAPTIVE LIVING FAIR

Wednesday, April 12: 9am – 1pm

Local area vendors of adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment will be at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street, displaying their wares that are designed to make life easier. Featuring Assistive Technology, Walking aides, Lifting Aides, Eating Equipment, Medication administration equipment, Bathing Equipment, Dressing Tools, Grooming Tools, and more! Call 630-554-5602 for more information.

INTERNATIONAL COOKING CLASS

Friday, March 24

This month the Oswego Senior Center is traveling to Argentina! We will be making Empanadas and Chimichurri in the OSC kitchen, 156 E. Washington Street. Please RSVP, 630-554-5602. Class is limited to 10 people and must have a minimum of 4 people.

MEDICARE DISCUSSIONS

Medicare 101

Tuesday, March 28, 10:00 am

This month we will focus on Medicare Basics. Learn about the different parts of Medicare and how they work as well as timeframes for enrollment. Medicare Discussions is held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street. Need more help, please make an appointment with a SHIP counselor. To RSVP or make an individual appointment call, 630-554-5602

MATTER OF BALANCE

Mondays & Thursdays, 1 to 3pm

March 13 – April 6

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. During 8 two-hour classes, participants learn to exercise to increase strength and balance; view falls as controllable; set goals for increasing activity; make changes to reduce fall risks at home. Free classes take place at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street. Call 630-554-5602 for more information or to register.

INCOME TAX FILING ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS AND LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

The Oswego Senior Center is now accepting appointments to assist seniors and low income individuals and families (not exceeding $55,000 income) with filing their taxes. Appointments should not be made until the taxpayer has received all documentation for calendar year 2016. Also, the taxpayer must bring in last year’s federal and state income tax returns, photo ID, and for married filing joint returns, both spouses must be available to sign. Please note we only prepare cash basis Schedule C’s (schedule for self-employed businesses) with no inventory and maximum expenses of less than $25,000. To make an appointment, please call 630-554-5602.

DOCTORS NOTES SERIES

March 15, 9-10:30am

Eye Diseases- Macular Degeneration: Are you noticing a change in your vision? Taking care of your eyes is very important. Please join the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street, in learning the signs, symptoms, prognosis, and possible treatments regarding macular degeneration. Call 630-554-5602 to sign up.

CAREGIVER EDUCATION SERIES

Life Planning Forum

Tuesday, March 21: 11am – 1pm

Join us at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street, for a panel presentation on Power of Attorney (health and financial), estate planning, Long Term Care Insurance, funeral arrangements, and guardianship. Lunch Sponsor: Heritage Woods of Yorkville. Please RSVP by 3/20, 630-554-5602.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Friday, March 17: 10-11am

Many times we find ourselves in caregiver roles. Finding support among peers is a great opportunity to find resources and camaraderie in what can be a difficult life experience. The group will be facilitated by Keith Bielema of Kendall County Health Department. Group meets at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street. Call 630-554-5602 for more information.

HEALTHY HABITS FOR SUCCESSFUL LIVING

February 10 thru April 7, Fridays, 9-10:30am

The Oswego Senior Center presents a weekly class to introduce methods and work toward goals of a healthier lifestyle. Diet is a four-letter word in this class, as diets have a beginning and end. We encourage, teach and apply ways to make lifestyle changes, so you don’t feel deprived and fall back into old habits. Set personal goals, learn tools to achieve them, be introduced to different styles of exercise, cook and taste a variety of healthy foods, bring in old favorites for a recipe renovation with a dietician, go on a grocery store tour with a dietician, and more!

This class is designed for seniors who want to be healthier to feel better. It was created by Oswego Senior Center, Rush-Copley Medical Center/Healthplex, University of IL Extension, and Kendall County Health Department. Call 630-554-5602 to register, or stop by the Senior Center at 156 E. Washington Street.

INTERNATIONAL COOKING CLASSES:

Thai Cuisine

Friday, February 24: 12 – 2pm

We are heading to Thailand this month for our international cooking class! We will be making Pad Thai, Cucumber Salad and Spring Rolls in this hands-on class. Cooking classes are $5 per person, and are held at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street. Space is limited to 10 people per program; RSVP is required – 630-554-5602. Must have a minimum of 4 people.

COMPUTER CLASSES FOR SENIORS

The Oswego Senior Center provides free computer and mobile device technology classes and one-on-one assistance for seniors. Registration is required. Contact Sharon at 630-554-5602 to sign up for a class or individual assistance.

Classes will run in the computer lab at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street on the following dates:

• Inserting Photos Into Emails & Documents – March 7, 1:00pm-2:30pm
• Learning about the New Family Tree Maker – March 14, 1:00pm-2:30pm
• Vets Roll.org – March 21, 1:00pm-2:30pm
• Using YouTube as a Learning Tool – March 23, 1:00pm-2:30pm
• How to Use Start Screen in Windows 10 – March 28, 1:00pm-2:30pm

The following dates are available by appointment:

• Computer Assistance – March 9, 16 & 30 (by appointment)
• Mobile Device Lab - Register for individual 30-minute slot

Tuesday appointments (1:00 to 3:00pm)

Friday appointments (2:45 to 3:45pm)

SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS

Fridays, February 24 thru April 14 – 9 to 10 am

Do you have trouble hearing? Always saying, “What did you say?” Get support and learn a new way to communicate and a second language all-in-one. Join the Oswego Senior Center for this sign language and lip reading class at 156 E. Washington Street. Sign up with your family or friends, so you can learn and practice together, or meet a friend through class! This class is open to everyone that wants to learn basic sign language and lip reading. The facilitator, Diane Vernon (a non-hearing person), will teach this class from a prepared an 8-week course curriculum. Cost: $5. Please RSVP, 630-554-5602.

MEDICARE DISCUSSIONS: SUPPLEMENT PLANS

Tuesday, February 28: 10 – 11 am

This month at the Oswego Senior Center we will discuss original Medicare Supplement Plan options as well as timeframes for enrollment. Program takes place at 156 E. Washington Street in Oswego. Please call 630-554-5602 to sign up.

BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, March 15: 1 – 2pm

(3rd Wednesday of each month)

Winter is a great time to curl up with a good book. Better than that is getting to discuss it with a group. Join us at the Oswego Senior Center as we kick off a new monthly book club. This month we are reading “One Good Dog” by Susan Wilson and discussing it on Wednesday, March 15 at 1pm. To sign up and secure a copy of the book, please contact the center at (630) 554-5602 or drop by 156 E. Washington Street for more information.

ARM CHAIR TRAVELS

Tuesday, March 21: 1pm

Join us at the Oswego Senior Center as we explore Chicago and the suburbs through WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer’s Chicago: The Complete Tour Collection (DVD’s) without commercial interruption! This month we will learn about Chicago’s boulevard system – the first in the country in the 1860’s. Program takes place at 156 E. Washington Street – popcorn provided. Please rsvp by calling 630-554-5602.

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN PARTY

August 20 – 22, 2017

The Oswego Senior Center is traveling to Clarksville, Tennessee to view the first coast to coast total eclipse of the sun in 98 years! Includes trip to Motown Sounds of Touch, Customs House museum tour, Beachaven Winery and Old Glory Distillery, and Country Royalty: a Tribute to Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline. $589 per person, double occupancy, includes motorcoach transportation, 5 meals, and 2 nights in one hotel. For more information stop by the senior center at 156 E. Washington Street, or call Lorraine at (630) 554-5602.

HOLLAND TULIP FESTIVAL

May 9-11, 2017

The Oswego Senior Center is traveling to the Holland Tulip Festival in Michigan, May 9 thru 11! Step back into the Netherlands of yesteryear at Dutch Village, where Dutch history and culture come to life in the architecture, flowering gardens, canals and windmills. $349 per person double occupancy; includes motorcoach transportation, 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. For more information stop by OSC at 156 E. Washington Street in Oswego for a flyer, or call Lorraine at (630) 554-5602.

GRAND CANYON, LAS VEGAS & THE HOOVER DAM

May 18 thru 29, 2017

The Oswego Senior Center is traveling to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas & the Hoover Dam Thursday, May 18 through Monday, May 29, 2017. Cost per person (double occupancy) is $1135, and includes deluxe motorcoach transportation, 11 nights lodging, 15 meals and tours. For more information stop by OSC at 156 E. Washington Street in Oswego for a flyer, or call Lorraine at (630) 554-5602.

PATTY WASZAK SHOW

May 16, 2017: 12 – 3pm

The Oswego Senior Center is traveling to White Fence Farm in Romeoville for lunch and a high-energy, heart-warming musical show. Bus departs 156 E. Washington Street at 11 am, returning 4pm. Reservations required and paid in advance, $56 per person. For more information call 630-554-5602 or stop by the senior center to pick up a flyer.

SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET & AUCTION

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Enjoy motorcoach transportation to Shipshewana and attend Flea Market & Auction on Tuesday, August 8. Tour departs the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington Street, promptly at 7am, returning approximately 8pm. $85 per person includes lunch on the way, transportation, and admission to the flea market. Reservations required by June 21. Contact Lorraine at 630-554-5602 or stop in the senior center to prepay your reservation.

PIGEON FORGE & SMOKY MOUNTAINS SHOW TRIP

August 27 thru September 2, 2017

The Oswego Senior Center is traveling to the Smoky Mountains! Enjoy deluxe motorcoach transportation, 6 nights lodging and 10 meals for $657 per person. Includes admission to three dinner shows, one evening show and one morning show. For more information call Lorraine at 630-554-5602 or stop by the senior center, 156 E. Washington Street, to pick up a flyer.

MAINE TRIP

September 16 thru 24, 2017

The Oswego Senior Center is traveling to Maine! Includes deluxe motorcoach transportation, 8 nights lodging and 14 meals. Cost per person $884. For more information call Lorraine at 630-554-5602 or stop by the senior center, 156 E. Washington Street, to pick up a flyer.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Oswego Senior Center has multiple opportunities for volunteerism, for all ages, individuals and groups throughout the year. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Ruth Mattson for a volunteer application and interview, 630-554-5602 or email volunteer@oswegoseniorcenter.org. Current positions available:

• Special Events Help:
  • Spring Art and Craft Fair: Saturday, March 18, 2017 (Friday Set-up crew, Saturday morning crew, Saturday late morning/early afternoon, Saturday tear-down crew)
  • Culinary Expo: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 (Monday afternoon set-up crew; Tuesday afternoon tear-down crew)
  • Adaptive Living Fair: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 (Tuesday afternoon set-up crew;Wednesday afternoon tear-down crew)
• Kids Younger than 14: Make Easter or spring crafts or cards at home and drop off at the senior center for distribution."

Photo by Patrick Martin