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. | | |
Deschutes Public Library and AARP Senior Planet Tech Classes
Deschutes Public Library is proud to announce our acceptance into the OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) from AARP Senior Planet Licensing Program! This exciting partnership gives us powerful tools to help older adults confidently navigate technology and use it to enrich their daily lives. Two of our librarians are now certified to teach Senior Planet courses in both English and Spanish, making it easier than ever for our community to reach their goals with the help of technology. Explore our current offerings below!
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AI & Disinformation: Downtown Bend Library | Thursday, December 4, 10–11:30*
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AI & Disinformation: Sunriver Library |Thursday, December 11, 10–11:30*
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MyChart: La Pine Library | Tuesday, January 13, 10–11:30*
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MyChart: Sisters Library |Thursday, January 22, 10–11:30*
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MyChart: Downtown Bend Library | Thursday, January 29, 10–11:30*
*Registration Required. Check the online calendar at a later date for Spanish offerings.
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Cognitive Connections Community is a Hit!
Our Cognitive Connections Community programs have been an overwhelming success! The September, October, and November sessions filled to capacity, offering people living with dementia and their caregivers meaningful opportunities to connect with others on a similar journey. We’ll host one final session on Tuesday, December 2, from 2–3:30 pm at the library before the program moves offsite until the new Central Library opens.
Each session is led by Patty Schwab of Dementia Support Community LLC, a local gerontologist and dementia navigator specializing in adaptive recreation and life enrichment.
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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:
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Get Moving and Get Connected with the Tuesday Trekkers Walking Group in La Pine
Don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors! Bundle up and join the Tuesday Trekkers for a refreshing walk each week! Children and pets are welcome, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
Walks meet at the La Pine Library every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. (weather and smoke dependent). To receive email reminders or weather updates, email Rya, and be sure to check the library calendar for the latest information.
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About the Author
Maybe you’ve strolled over to the library, but have you ever joined one of its walking groups? Led by Community Librarian Rya, these lively outings are part of the library’s mission to bring health and wellness outreach to every corner of Deschutes County. “I love picking up right where our walking group left off and hearing about the cool, library-centric things customers are sharing,” says Rya. She plays a key role in supporting the Library’s Senior Services programs and co-edits The Library Corner, a publication connecting isolated seniors with community news and library resources. If you’re new in town, Rya suggests stopping by the library or joining in on community events. “You’re guaranteed to meet a friendly face and find something to keep you busy as you settle in,” says Rya. Recently honored by her colleagues as the librarian with “Boundless patience,” Rya’s poised to bring extra holiday cheer to upcoming events, including a festive gift-wrapping party that promises to bring the community together.
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Thanks for reading and, again, please share with anyone else who you think would benefit from this information. If you have questions or suggestions about the senior resources at your library, feel free to email ryaf@deschuteslibrary.org.
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