The Senior Connection is a quarterly newsletter for seniors and those who work with Central Oregon's Senior population. In each issue, you'll find library resources, programs, events, and tips to support and enrich the lives of our 55+ community. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share and encourage them to subscribe. You can find all past issues of all our newsletters on our website.

Connect & Give Back: Volunteer Fairs This May

Deschutes Public Library is hosting two Volunteer Fairs this May at our Redmond and La Pine libraries. Meet local organizations, explore meaningful opportunities, and discover ways to get involved. Whether you have a few hours or more to give, there’s a place for you to make a difference.

Volunteer Expo:

Saturday, May 9 | 1–4:00 p.m. | Redmond Library

Live Well La Pine Volunteer Fair: 

Saturday, May 30 | noon–2:00 p.m. | La Pine Library

Medicare Made Simple: Free Education Seminars at the Library

Since partnering with the library in June, Jesse Zimmerman has helped more than 40 library customers navigate the often-complicated world of Medicare. His seminars offer straightforward information delivered with a personal touch. Attendees are encouraged to bring their unique questions—Jesse comes from a family dedicated to helping generations of people understand their benefits, making this a rare and welcoming space where no question is too complicated. Registration is required.

Upcoming Dates:

• Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Larkspur Community Center
• Wednesday, June 3 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Central Library
• Wednesday, June 24 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Central Library
• Tuesday, July 7 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Central Library
• Wednesday, July 29 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Central Library

Community Spotlight: Fire Safety Resources

Prescribed burning starts in Spring and can bring smoky air to us in Central Oregon. While these burns help protect our forests and communities, they also create smoke, which can be harmful to your health. Whether it’s from wildfires, prescribed burns, or even campfires—breathing it in can be dangerous. Due to the mild winter, we are likely to see prescribed fire activity earlier than usual.

Deschutes County Health Services has a few tips for staying healthy: Close windows at night - smoke often settles overnight. Visit CentralOregonFire.org to get real-time updates and learn how to prepare your home. Text COFIRE to 888-777 for alerts about prescribed burn activity. Now is also a great time to prepare for wildfire season, when the smoke can show up without warning, and stick around for longer.

With wildfire season approaching, make sure you’re signed up for local emergency alerts so you can receive timely safety updates. Sign up here.



In addition, it might be helpful to know about Bend Fire Department’s Safety Outreach for Seniors Program (SOS). They offer a free review and advice about maximizing safety concerning fire and fall risks in your home. SOS services are conducted by a team of trained volunteers- many of whom are seniors. More information and consultation request form can be found here.