2024 In-Person Events: Social Wellbeing

Be Well Illinois and Aetna are excited to introduce some NEW in-person class offerings exclusive to SOI retirees! Please see below for links to register for these programs (currently only available in select areas).

Social Wellbeing

In partnership with SilverKite®, we’re excited to offer a variety of classes to help promote social wellbeing through meaningful, fun and engaging art-based programs. These classes use art as a tool to promote creative engagement, bridge generations, and work towards eliminating the effects of loneliness. Through these programs, we strive to promote joy, build relationships, and strengthen communities - one connection at a time.

We’re kicking things off in select counties for 2024 (more locations and dates to be scheduled for 2025). If you’re in the area and interested in attending, please click the links to register!

Class size is limited to 20, so reserve your spot early!

All workshops will be facilitated by SilverKite® teaching artists. All materials provided.   

Watercolor and Ink

Tuesday, October 8 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Village of Palos Park, Recreation Center 8901 W 123rd St, Palos Park, IL 60464 – Register now.

In this hands-on arts workshop, create a unique work of art using watercolors and simple meditative drawing techniques. You’ll explore color, patterns, and composition in this relaxing and creative beginning visual arts workshop.    
 
10:00 Coffee and Refreshments  
10:30 - 11:30 Art Workshop

Movement for Adult Bodies

Thursday, October 24 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Triphahn Center, Hoffman Estates Park District, Community Room (114)  

1685 West Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 – Register now.

Note: Please enter through the main entrance to find Community Room 114 

Movement and dance are great ways to center the body and work on balance, strength, flexibility, and agility. It doesn't take a "dancer's body" to learn these stretches, poses and moves. Anyone can learn these basics and use them in everyday life. Join us for this slow-paced, relaxed, beginning movement class to uplifting music.   
 
What You’ll Need:   

·                     Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow easy movement    

10:00 Coffee and Refreshments  
10:30 – 11:30 Movement Workshop 

Writing Memoir

Thursday, November 7 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Howard Mohr Community Center 

7640 Jackson Boulevard, Forest Park, IL 60130 – Register now.

Through discussion and creative exercises, we’ll recall specific themes or time periods in our lives that hold significance for us. Reflecting on these personal experiences, we’ll craft memories into short pieces of memoir.    
 
10:00 Coffee and Refreshments  
10:30 - 11:30 Writing Workshop 

Seasonal Mixed Media Collage

Wednesday, November 13 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Village of South Holland, Community Center | 501 East 170th Street South Holland, IL 60473 – Register now.

In this workshop, we’ll learn about and explore different collage techniques. Using these skills, we’ll celebrate the season by combining a variety of materials to create visually interesting compositions.    
 
10:00 Coffee and Refreshments  
10:30 - 11:30 Art Workshop

Movement for Adult Bodies

Tuesday, December 3 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Oak Brook Park District, Family Recreation Center | 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 – Register now.

Movement and dance are great ways to center the body and work on balance, strength, flexibility, and agility. It doesn't take a "dancer's body" to learn these stretches, poses and moves. Anyone can learn these basics and use them in everyday life. Join us for this slow-paced, relaxed, beginning movement class to uplifting music.   
 
What You’ll Need:   

·                     Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow easy movement    

10:00 Coffee and Refreshments  
10:30 - 11:30 Movement Workshop 

Watercolor and Ink

Wednesday, December 11 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Community Recreation Center, 

505 N Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194 - Register now.

In this hands-on arts workshop, create a unique work of art using watercolors and simple meditative drawing techniques. You’ll explore color, patterns, and composition in this relaxing and creative beginning visual arts workshop.    
 
10:00 Coffee and Refreshments  
10:30 - 11:30 Art Workshop