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Lifelong Learning

A vibrant community of adults ages 50+ with daily programs and events to promote an active, joyful lifestyle.

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Megan Ulczak Point of Contact
Megan Ulczak

Arts & Lifelong Learning Senior Program Supervisor, CPRP

(708) 725-2106 megan.ulczak@pdop.org
Helen Schmucker Point of Contact
Helen Schmucker

Nancy Wisti-Grayson Point of Contact
Nancy Wisti-Grayson

Explore Lifelong Learning

Formerly Active Adults

In partnership with Senior Citizens’ Center of Oak Park and River Forest (SCCOPRF), our Lifelong Learning programs are designed for adults 50 years and older and afford individuals the opportunity to rediscover their passion for education and make every day a new adventure!

All Lifelong Learning Categories

View All Lifelong Learning Programs
Category

One Day Activities (Sign up day by day)

82 Activities

One Day Activities (Sign up day by day)
View all Programs
Category

Series Programs (programs run more that one day)

15 Activities

Series Programs (programs run more that one day)
View all Programs
Category

Trips!

9 Activities

Trips!
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Happening This Week

Activity
Intermediate/Advanced Sewing
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 3 - Art Studio (3rd Floor)
  • 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Knitting/Crochet/Needlecraft
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 3 - Art Studio (3rd Floor)
  • 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Weaving Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Ceramics
  • Dole Center Studio 2 - Ceramics (Basement)
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Basic Fitness
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 8:30 AM – 9:25 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Quilting
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 3 - Art Studio (3rd Floor)
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Virtual YoGong for the Seasons
  • 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Learn & Play Mahjong!
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 1 - Computer Room (2nd Floor)
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Mindful Movement
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Sewing with Help
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 3 - Art Studio (3rd Floor)
  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Lifelong Learning Stained Glass Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Lifelong Learning Stained Glass Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Ceramics
  • Dole Center Studio 2 - Ceramics (Basement)
  • 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Collage
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 3 - Art Studio (3rd Floor)
  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Lifelong Learning Stained Glass Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 2 - Ceramics (Basement)
  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Mixed Media
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 3 - Art Studio (3rd Floor)
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Lifelong Learning Stained Glass Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Inner Tai Chi- Sept-Oct
  • Stevenson Community Center Upper Level
  • 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Painting and More
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 3 - Art Studio (3rd Floor)
  • 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Basic Fitness
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 10:00 AM – 10:55 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Lifelong Learning Stained Glass Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Ceramics
  • Dole Center Studio 2 - Ceramics (Basement)
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Lifelong Learning Stained Glass Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Ceramics
  • Dole Center Studio 2 - Ceramics (Basement)
  • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Learn & Play Mahjong!
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 2 - Classroom (3rd Floor)
  • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Writing From Life
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 2 - Classroom (3rd Floor)
  • 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Activity
Basic Fitness
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 8:30 AM – 9:25 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 3 3 out of 14
Activity
Virtual YoGong for the Seasons
  • 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 0 Full
Activity
Computer & Smart Phone Help
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 1 - Computer Room (2nd Floor)
  • 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 1 1 out of 1
Activity
Mindful Movement
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 10 10 out of 12
Activity
Art Open Studio
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 2 - Classroom (3rd Floor)
  • 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 15 15 out of 15
Activity
Computer & Smart Phone Help
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 1 - Computer Room (2nd Floor)
  • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 1 1 out of 1
Activity
Spanish Immersion for Adults- Learn with a Native Speaker
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 1 - Computer Room (2nd Floor)
  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 2 2 out of 12
Activity
Weaving Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 18 18 out of 18
Activity
How To Use Venmo Safely !
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Instructor: Nickie Walsh
  • Resource Person: lifelonglearners@pdop.org 708 725 2715
Available spots: 0 Full
Activity
Mat Pilates
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 10 10 out of 12
Activity
Ceramics
  • Dole Center Studio 2 - Ceramics (Basement)
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 6 6 out of 9
Activity
Lapidary
  • Dole Center Studio 1 - Lapidary (Basement)
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 2 2 out of 5
Activity
Sept 17- Is This Thing On
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 1 - Computer Room (2nd Floor)
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 0 Full
Activity
Lapidary
  • Dole Center Studio 1 - Lapidary (Basement)
  • 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 2 2 out of 5
Activity
Lifelong Learning Stained Glass Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 8 8 out of 8
Activity
Lifelong Learning Stained Glass Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 8 8 out of 8
Activity
Absolute Beginners Tai Chi
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 0 Full
Activity
Basic Fitness
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 10:00 AM – 10:55 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 3 3 out of 14
Activity
Tai Chi Colleagues
  • RCRC Multipurpose Room (Large)
  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 1 1 out of 15
Activity
Good Steps & Good People Line Dance
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: 708 725 2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.org
Available spots: 10 10 out of 15
Activity
Weaving Open Studio
  • Dole Center Studio 4 - Weaving/Stained Glass (Basement)
  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 18 18 out of 18
Activity
Beginners' Bridge
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 1 - Computer Room (2nd Floor)
  • 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 0 Full
Activity
Enameling
  • Dole Center Studio 1 - Lapidary (Basement)
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 5 5 out of 5
Activity
Dole Bridge Club
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 1 - Computer Room (2nd Floor)
  • 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 11 11 out of 16
Activity
Games with Friends-Scrabble
  • Dole Center Multipurpose Room 3 - Art Studio (3rd Floor)
  • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 13 13 out of 16
Activity
Soldering
  • Dole Center Studio 1 - Lapidary (Basement)
  • 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 5 5 out of 5
Activity
Basic Fitness
  • Dole Center Studio 5 - Dance/Fitness (2nd Floor)
  • 9:00 AM – 9:55 AM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 7 7 out of 14
Activity
40+ Double Dutch
  • Carroll Community Center South Room A
  • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Instructor: megan ulczak
  • Resource Person: Helen Schmucker and Nancy Wisti-Grayson 708-725-2715 lifelonglearners@pdop.
Available spots: 20 20 out of 20

No sessions scheduled for this day.

Membership & Costs

Lifelong Learning Membership

For just $75 per year, get access to dozens of free or greatly reduced programs, plus additional perks listed below. A Lifelong Learning Membership is open to adults 50+ and is valid for a full calendar year. Participants can sign up anytime! Benefits include:

  • Free or greatly reduced programming
  • Early program registration
  • Four free pool passes
  • Discounted membership to Oak Park Society of Model Engineers
MONTHLY
Ages 19+
Resident
$75.00 Buy Now
Non-Resident
$75.00 Buy Now

Get Started!

There are two ways to get involved in Lifelong Learning programs:

Lifelong Learning Membership

A Lifelong Learning Membership is open to adults 50+ and is valid for a full calendar year; participants can sign up anytime! Benefits include:

  • Free or greatly reduced programming
  • Early program registration
  • Four free pool passes
  • Discounted tickets to Festival Theatre performances
  • Discounted membership to Oak Park Society of Model Engineers

Information & FAQs

What We Offer

Seniors engaged in a pottery class, working with clay at a table in a well-lit studio.

Arts & Crafts

Ceramics, sewing, quilting, stained glass, weaving, soldering, and more

A diverse group of adults participate in a fitness class, with arms raised overhead in unison.

Health & Fitness

Tai chi, yoga, dancercise, double dutch, line dancing, walking, and more

A group of people observe a large, bright yellow abstract sculpture on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky.

General Recreation

Language, dinner club, book club, technology classes, film screenings, and more

Volunteer

We have a variety of ways to volunteer with our Lifelong Learning team! Check out the options below and contact our team to get involved.

Dole Center

We love offering new classes! If you have a gift you’d like to share with our group of Lifelong Learners, please reach out.

Economy Shop

Did you know? The money earned at the Economy Shop helps support several local organizations including the Senior Citizens’ Center. Donate your time for a worthy cause!

Senior Citizens' Center Board

The Senior Citizens’ Board helps plan programs, events, and classes for our Lifelong Learners. We are looking for enthusiastic and engaged community members to help continue the legacy of the oldest Senior Center in Illinois!

FAQs

Programs must meet minimum enrollment requirements. If enrollment is too low, participants will be notified before the class starts.

Absolutely! The Park District welcomes program suggestions and community feedback as part of its commitment to providing meaningful recreation experiences.

Lifelong Learning programs are designed primarily for older adults, typically ages 50+, although individual class age requirements are listed in each program description.

Most Lifelong Learning programs welcome participants of all experience levels unless noted otherwise.

Both! Programs include lectures, discussions, creative workshops, technology classes, history, wellness, hobbies, and social opportunities designed to encourage lifelong engagement and learning.

Yes. Lifelong Learning classes are offered throughout the year, with seasonal program guides highlighting current offerings.