Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies is a program offered to veterans. Currently, the program has groups Illinois, Indiana and Maryland, with plans to expand nationwide.

This past Wednesday, I had the privilege of visiting members of the group at the Oak View Center, part of the Oak Lawn Park District, in Oak Lawn Illinois. My original purpose was to share the news about the free 3-hour housecleaning offered by HAYS Cleaning. I ended up visiting with a great group of veterans, sharing a snack and playing a trivia game. I also learned about this great program, offered for free to our local Veterans.

The Oak Lawn group has several activities and outings scheduled that may be of interest to area veterans and their families:

• December Social – Saturday, December 15, 2012 – Activity: Lincoln Park Zoo Lights and Dessert Afterwards. Group will depart from Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St, in Oak Lawn, at 4:00pm. We will get to explore the beautiful displays of Winter Wonderland Bliss and on our way home we will stop at Bakers Square for dessert and warm beverages. Return time TBD. Bus transportation will be provided to and from activity. You must RSVP for yourself and guests by Wednesday, December 12, to Jacqueline Canty at 708-857-2200 or jcanty@olparks.com.
• January Social – Wednesday, January 16, 2013 – Activity: Light Dinner and Crafts. We will meet at the Dream Center, 9600 E. Shore Drive, at 4:00pm, for crafts and a light dinner. Rose Schmidt, from the Office of Veteran Affairs, will be providing craft kits for us to complete. Bring your creative juices and also bring some guests. You must RSVP for yourself and guests by Wednesday, January 9, to Jacqueline Canty at 708-857-2200 or jcanty@olparks.com.

Visit the Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies website at http://healthymindshealthybodies.org.

To find a participating facility in your area visit http://healthymindshealthybodies.org/hmhblocations