Senior Connection News

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.

Be In the Know about Senior Services at DPL

New Library Program for People with Memory Changes: Cognitive Connections Community

Join us for a welcoming monthly social designed for people living with memory loss and their care partners. Held the first Tuesday of each month from 2:00–3:30pm in the Brooks Room at the Downtown Bend Library, each gathering features a fun, dementia-friendly activity in a supportive setting.

Sessions are led by Patty Schwab of Dementia Support Community LLC, a local gerontologist and dementia navigator with expertise in adaptive recreation and life enrichment. This is a chance to connect, engage, and build community with others on a similar journey. Registration for this event here.

Medicare Made Simple: Free Education Seminars at the Library

Navigating Medicare can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for a free, no-pressure seminar designed to help you understand the basics of Medicare, including Parts A, B, C, and D, enrollment timelines, and coverage options like Medicare Advantage and Supplements.

Whether you’re turning 65, retiring, or just want to learn more, this session offers clear, unbiased information to help you make informed choices—no sales, just education.

Presented by Jesse Zimmermann, an independent insurance broker with deep roots in Medicare education and a commitment to clarity, trust, and personalized support.

Upcoming dates:

Sisters Library: August 20, 5:30–7 pm

East Bend Library: August 28, 5:30–7 pm

Redmond Library: September 17, 5:30–7 pm

Downtown Bend Library: September 25, 5:30–7 pm

New Route for the La Pine Tuesday Trekkers

The Walking Club has added a fun new route to its rotation: a stop at the beloved Veggie Man in La Pine! During these outings, participants receive $8 to spend on fresh, local produce. Come walk with us and see what the hype is all about!

La Pine Library – Every Tuesday at 10 am

Weather and smoke dependent. Check the library calendar for updates.

Upcoming Library Programs and Technology Classes

*Registration required

Guided Forest Bath: Tuesday, August 12, 2–4 pm (La Pine State Park)*

iPad Essentials: Thursday, August 21, 10:30 am–noon (Redmond Library)*

Tea and Book Pairing: Thursday, August 28, 1–2 pm (Suttle Tea in Sisters)*

Death Café: Thursday, August 28, 6–7:30 pm (Downtown Bend Library)

Finding Gobi: Saturday, August 30, 1–2 pm (Redmond Library)

How to Steal a Masterpiece: Tuesday, September 2, noon–1 pm (Online)*

Community Highlight: Sole Support Walk

Sole Support for Parkinson’s is a day of FUNdraising and awareness, uniting hundreds of participants from across the region to celebrate and support the Central Oregon Parkinson’s community.

Participation helps fund local programs and services that Parkinson's Resources offers at NO CHARGE to the growing number of people diagnosed with PD every year. All money raised stays right here in Central Oregon. Let’s ensure no one faces this disease alone. Deschutes Public Library will have a table at this event. Come visit us!

Sole Support Walk

Saturday, September 27

Riverbend Park (New location!)

Check-in begins at noon, walk starts at 1:30 pm

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.

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.