Message from Julie Kane, the Director of Human Services
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Mount Prospect Senior Buzz
July-August 2021
Message from Julie Kane, the Director of Human Services:
As we slowly make our way back to in person activities, we wanted to take a minute
to share some exciting news that may provide some additional opportunities to learn,
have fun, be informed and socialize!
The Human Services Department, Mount Prospect Park District, River Trails Park
District and the Mount Prospect Public Library collaborated and held focus groups in
the fall of 2019 with residents ages 55 and older. These focus groups were the initial
step in getting feedback and ideas from our senior residents as part of our Aging in
Community initiative. Two of the messages that we heard across all focus groups
were that seniors want a “place to gather” and a central location to access
information and resources.
The Farley Community Room has been used for senior activities since this building opened. Currently,
independent groups of seniors utilize the room for activities including Bridge, Mahjong and the Men’s club. The
Human Services Department also provides various programs throughout the month. Our plan is to coordinate
and expand the activities and programs available. We want to ensure that a variety of opportunities exist that
will appeal to seniors in Mount Prospect. We need your help and input! We have created a short survey, included
in this newsletter, which we hope you will take the time to fill out and return to us. If you prefer to submit it
electronically, you can access the survey online at www.mountprospect.org/SeniorOpportunitiesSurvey.
Your input is very important to us and will help us to expand opportunities for seniors in Mount Prospect!
Wishing everyone lots of sunshine and happiness during the summer months-
A new mayor and four new trustees were sworn into office at the Village Board Meeting on May 5, 2021. We wish to
congratulate Mayor Paul Hoefert and trustees Augie Filippone, Teri Gens, Peggy Pissarreck, and John Matuszak.
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 1
FIRE DEPARTMENT
SPOTLIGHT ON…Chief John Dolan
What is your role with the Mount Prospect Fire Department?
As Fire Chief, my primary responsibility is to provide our personnel with
the resources necessary to serve the community. Obviously, a big part
of our job is fire suppression and emergency medical services but just
as important, is our fire prevention services. This includes; emergency
operations planning, inspection services, fire investigation, and what I
consider our most important job, public education. Public education
provides us the opportunity to connect with the residents and business
owners with the goal of making our community safe.
How long have you worked with the Mount Prospect Fire Department?
I have been a member of the Fire Department for over 25 years. I joined the Mount Prospect Paid-on-
Call (Volunteer) program in 1993 and became a full-time member of the Fire Department in 1996.
Why do you like working in Mount Prospect?
I enjoy serving the Village I live in and, having grown up in Mount Prospect, I feel I have a vested
interest in the community. Also, Mount Prospect is just a great town. I have family and friends here, I
raised my three boys here, and I know firsthand how hard the Village works on behalf of their residents.
What made you interested in pursuing a career as a Firefighter?
It was as simple as wanting to help others. After graduating from college, I went into sales. I really
enjoyed what I was doing but got a taste of the fire service through Mount Prospect’s Volunteer Fire
Department program and fell in love with it. Working in a team environment with the opportunity to make
a difference in someone’s life everyday was very exciting to me. I’ve enjoyed virtually every day of it.
Have you had any other specialized training (i.e. CIT), or received any awards, etc. (*Any awards
related to working a case with seniors or for your work with seniors in the community or any award.)
I recently completed my Chief Fire Officer certification, which is the Illinois Office of the State Fire
Marshal’s highest certification and includes many of the administrative duties of a Chief Officer in the
fire service. As a paramedic and member of our Public Education Committee, I have had the pleasure
of interacting and teaching safety in the home practices to many of our seniors over the years.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I come from a family of ten children and have lived in Mount Prospect for 50 years. I swim almost every
day but my favorite activity is taking my dog, Brooks, to Northwest Community Hospital on weekends
to visit staff and patients. Brooks is a Golden-doodle therapy dog and we visit patients in all departments
of the hospital.
If you could tell the seniors living in Mount Prospect anything, would what it be?
We are always here for you. Our services go way beyond responding to emergencies. If you ever have
a question about fire safety in your home, please feel free to call our Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-
818-5253. Also, I would like to thank them for building such a strong and welcoming community.
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 2
Life can keep us so busy, it becomes easy to forget the simple things we need to do to keep ourselves
and our loved ones safe. Mount Prospect Emergency Management wants to remind you it’s important
during these hot summer months to take care of yourself!
Make sure to keep yourself hydrated
Keep out of the direct sun during these hot summer days and use sunscreen
Wear light colored clothing and make sure to take breaks to avoid heat exhaustion
Think about putting together a simple Emergency Preparedness Plan and talk with loved ones and your
neighbors to help you put this together.
Start with a simple Preparedness Kit for your home:
Water – a gallon of water per person for 3-days and include your pets
Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener
Flashlight with extra batteries
Extra eye glasses and a supply of daily medications
If you have pets, make sure you have food and supplies for them as well
If you have questions about putting together a Preparedness Kit please contact Jim Miller at
847.818.5254 or visit our Village website.
The Return of Fridays on the Green
Fridays on the Green Returns for 2021. Illinois has moved
into Phase 5 and things in Mount Prospect are opening up!!
The Village is planning a scaled down Fridays on the Green
concert series this summer. Pack a picnic dinner or grab
something from one of the downtown restaurants and enjoy I got an appointment!
a free concert on Centennial Green. Concerts take place on
Centennial Green in Front of Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson
Street. The series is sponsored by Experience Mount
Prospect: www.experiencemountprospect.org.
July 16 - 6 pm
The Hemispheres (Soul/Motown/R&B Standards)
August 13 - 6pm
The Dill Spears (Mix of Rock, Pop, Alternative, Modern,
and Oldies)
Parking is available in the Emerson Street Parking Deck
located between Village Hall and the Library.
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 3
HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS & SERVICES
FOOD PANTRY ASSISTANCE
Help is available for individuals and families with children living in Mount Prospect in need of
assistance. A financial assessment is required once every six months. Residents who qualify are
eligible to access the Food Pantry once a month. Contact the Human Services Department at 847-870-
5680 to schedule a financial assessment appointment.
Residents who would like to assist the Human Services Department with a monetary donation may do
so online, via PayPal. Donations will be deposited in the Department's Emergency Assistance Fund
and can be earmarked for a specific cause, such as the food pantry, if you prefer. Click on the following
link to donate.
https://www.mountprospect.org/departments/human-services/online-donations
Food
Pantry
Make Over
Eating Healthy from Our Food Pantry
This summer the Mount Prospect Food Pantry will have a new look and feel. Residents will have the
option to shop for food at Village Hall like at a grocery store. Fresh fruits and vegetables left over
from the Farmer’s Market will be available in the pantry on Mondays and at the Community
Connections Center. Meat and some dairy products will also now be available.
In addition, the Village Nurse will now be available on Mondays to meet with pantry clients who have
medical conditions for diet consultation, recipes, a blood pressure or blood sugar check and
assistance with specialty food needs.
Pantry shopping days at Village Hall will be bi-weekly on Monday afternoons and Friday mornings,
the first and third week of each month, by appointment. Pantry pick up days at the Community
Connection Center will be Mondays 1 - 5 pm and Fridays 11 am - 3 pm, by appointment. Pantry
recipients who prefer to pick up pre-packed bags of food at Village Hall will still be able to do so. To
schedule your appointment call 847-870-568.
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 4
Community Health Clinics Re-Open to Residents
Village Hall Health Screening Clinic
50 S. Emerson St
Mondays 10-11am
Farley Community Room
Walk-Ins welcome
Tests offered:
Blood Pressure, Fasting Blood Sugar $1, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation, Weight
Community Connections Center Health Screening Clinic
1711 W. Algonquin Rd
First and Third Mondays 1-2pm beginning July 19, 2021
Walk-Ins welcome
Tests offered:
Blood Pressure, Fasting blood sugar $1, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation, Weight
River Trails Park District Health Screening Clinic
1500 E. Euclid Avenue – In the Weiss Center
Fourth Thursday of each month 8:30 – 9:30 am
Walk-Ins welcome
Tests offered:
Blood Pressure, Fasting blood sugar $1, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation, Weight
Cholesterol (Fasting Lipid Profile) Clinic
Nurse’s Office 2nd Floor Village Hall
50 S. Emerson St
Second Thursday of each month 8:45-10am
Appointment required. Must be fasting. $20 fee
Call 847-870-5680
Coagulation Testing (INR)
Nurse’s Office 2nd Floor Village Hall
50 S. Emerson St
Thursdays 11-12pm
Appointment required. MD order required. $6 fee
Call 847-870-5680
The Village is currently requiring you to wear a mask in the Village Hall building if you have
NOT been vaccinated.
___________________________________________
The Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expired driver's licenses and ID
cards are extended until January 1, 2022.
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 5
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 6
COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFORMATION
Advocate Cancer Survivorship Center
o Cancer Support Group – VIRTUAL
July 23 and August 27 from 2:00-3:00 pm. Call Samantha at 847-723-5690 for
more information and to register.
o Caregiver Support Group – VIRTUAL
July 9 and August 6 from 5:00-6:00 pm. Call Samantha at 847-723-5690 for more
information and to register.
Advocate Memory Center
o Dementia Care Partner Support Group
For family and friends caring for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or
a related dementia. 1st Friday of each month from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Meeting
dates for the remainder of 2021: 7/2, 8/6, 9/3, 10/1, 11/5, 12/3. Interested
individuals should contact Danielle Dodson at (847) 720-6464.
o Lewy Body Dementia Care Partner Support Group
For family and friends caring for individuals diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia
(LBD). 3rd Wednesday of each month, 2:00-3:30 pm. Meeting dates for the
remainder of 2021: 7/21, 8/18, 9/15, 10/210, 11/17, 12/15. Interested individuals
should contact Danielle Dodson at (847) 720-6464.
o Younger Onset Dementia Care Partner Support Group
For family and friends caring for individuals diagnosed with any form of dementia
at or before age 65. 2nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:00 pm. Meeting dates
for the remainder of 2021: 7/14, 8/11, 9/8, 10/13, 11/10, 12/8. Interested individuals
should contact Danielle Dodson at (847) 720-6464.
Advocate (Des Plaines site)
o General Caregiver support group – In Person
The 3rd Wednesday of every month from 3:30-4:30 pm. Call Angela for more
information 847-296-0434. Address: 9375 W Church St., Des Plaines
Arlington Heights Senior Center
o Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group
VIRTUAL 12:30 pm-2:00 pm & In Person 10:30 am-12:00 pm. Call 847-253-5532
for more information and to register.
Alzheimer’s Association
o LGBTQ Partner/Spousal Caregiver Support Group – VIRTUAL
The 4th Monday of every month at 6 :00 pm. Call Helpline to Register at 800-272-
3900
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 7
Amita Health
o COVID-19 Loss - VIRTUAL
August 26 from 6:00-7:30pm. Call 847-653-3106 for more information and to
register.
o General Grief & Loss - VIRTUAL
July 7 and August 4 from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Call 847-653-3106 for more
information and to register.
Northwestern Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center - Call Erin
Checchi for more information 312-503-1398.
o General Parkinson’s Disease Support Group - VIRTUAL
Date: 1st Wednesday of each month. Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
o Parkinson’s & Women Support Group - VIRTUAL
Date: 2nd Tuesday of each month. Time: 11:30 am-12:30 pm
o Care Partner Support Group - VIRTUAL
Date: 2nd Tuesday of each month. Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
o Young Onset Parkinson’s Group - VIRTUAL
Date: 4th Wednesday of each month. Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
AgeOptions
o The Good Memories Choir Presents A Virtual-Sing Along
Every Wednesday 1:00-3:00 pm. Contact Beth Kozak for more information
Bethany.Kozak@ageoptions.org
Northwest Community Healthcare
o Alcoholics Anonymous
Sunday 7-8pm
o Al-Anon Family Groups (Relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their
experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems)
Sundays and Mondays 7:30-8:30pm
o Compassionate Friends (A support group dedicated to providing support for parents,
grandparents and siblings when a child, grandchild or sibling dies)
Third Tuesday of Every Month 7-9pm
o NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group (free, peer-led support group for adults
living with mental illness)
Thursdays 7-8pm
o NAMI Family Support Group (peer-led support group for family members, caregivers
and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness)
Thursdays 7-8:30pm
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 8
All library programs are virtual, presented using Zoom. Participants must register and provide a
working email address to receive the login information. To register for any of the programs listed,
call 847-253-5675 or visit www.mppl.org.
Senior Housing 101
Wednesday, July 14, 7-8 p.m.
Rick Graffagna, owner and operator of Senior Solutions, will examine
different types of senior housing options and advise what to look for
when touring a potential residence. Graffagna will also discuss financial
strategies and how to choose the housing option that is right for you or
your family member. This information is geared toward seniors, adult
children, and caregivers beginning the search for suitable future senior
living arrangements.
Hear What Hearing Loss Sounds Like
Monday, July 26, 7-8 p.m.
Board Certified Audiologist Lisa Gumina will explore multiple facets of
hearing loss and the degeneration of inner ear structures and functions
as we age. Gumina will discuss the effects of hearing loss on the aged
population and the potential connection between hearing loss and
dementia. Tools and strategies to cope with communication challenges,
such as visual and hearing aids, will also be presented.
Cookbook Recipes: International Vintage Desserts
Monday, August 23, 7-8 p.m.
From kolaczki and baklava to German chocolate cake, join cookbook collector Amy Alessio for
this delicious event about favorite vintage desserts with international origins. Learn how favorite
foods changed in this country, too. Registered participants will receive copies of recipes.
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 9
The service Escorted Transportation Service (ETS) provides has always been more than just giving
older adults a ride to a medical or dental appointment. It has been, and will continue to be, about
creating connections with our passengers. About showing them compassion and offering
companionship. About helping older adults in our community, remain independent and healthy.
For almost 15 years, the name Escorted Transportation Service has spoken to our dedication to
driving and staying with passengers throughout their appointments. However, it does not capture the
true essence of the service we provide, which is more than a ride. And because of that, the Board of
Directors made the bold decision to change our name. Rest assured, the service we provide is
not changing. Only the name.
We are thrilled to introduce you to:
Connections to Care
More than a Ride. A Connection.
Our service will continue exactly as before. Our amazing volunteers will continue to get our
passengers to their crucial medical and dental appointments. They will continue to care for our riders
and connect with them during their time together. The only change is our name.
We look forward to your continued support of our organization and the service we provide to older
adults in our community. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Here’s to continuing our connection.
Dallas Ann Tomlin
Executive Director
P.S. Be sure to visit our new website www.connectionstocare.org and watch our new video to learn
more about Connections to Care.
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 10Senior Opportunities Survey
The Human Services Department is looking to expand activities, programming, and events in the
Farley Community Room in response to 2019 focus groups with seniors in which participants
expressed the desire to have a place to gather. You can mail this survey to us or reply online at
www.mountprospect.org/SeniorOpportunitiesSurvey.
1. The vestibule of the Farley Community Room will become a space where seniors can access
information and resources, all in one place. What type of information and resources would
you like to have available to you?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Currently, we have senior groups that meet weekly (ie: Bridge, Mahjong, and the Men’s Club).
Do you participate in these types of groups: YES NO
Are there other similar activities you would like to see held in the Community Room?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. From time to time, the Human Services Department offers programing in the Farley Community
Room (Mental Health Matters, 50+ Breakfast Club, and Senior Health Month). Are there
programs or topics you would be interested in participating in?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. The Human Services Department brings in outside providers to assist our residents. We offer
services like the Secretary of State Driver Refresher course and AARP income tax preparation
assistance. Are there programs or types of assistance you would like to see offered?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Mount Prospect Senior Buzz 115. The Village nurse, Jill Heinking, currently holds two programs that engage both the mind and
body, Ageless Grace and Wits Workout.
Have you ever participated in these programs? YES NO
Would you be interested in other programs like this? If so, what types of programs are you
interested in?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Are you interested in having a social group or class related to a hobby or interest (ie: cooking,
woodworking, quilting, or gardening)? YES NO
If so, what group might you like to see formed?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7. Would you like to have specific drop in times when seniors can gather in the Farley Community
Room to socialize? YES NO
8. Are you familiar with the services offered to seniors through the Human Services Department?
YES NO
9. Do you have any other suggestions for services, programs and activities that would enhance the
quality of life for seniors in Mount Prospect?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
10. OPTIONAL:
Name: ____________________________________
Phone or Email: ____________________________________
Age: ____________________________________
Please return to: Village Hall (Attn: Human Services)
50 South Emerson Street
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
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