Bentonville Public Library Launches Series to Support Seniors and Their Caretakers

Bentonville, AR – April 30, 2025. Bentonville Public Library has partnered with area organizations to present Navigating the Golden Years, a series of programs geared to informing, connecting, and building community for seniors and their caretakers. The series launches in May, with a weekly program on Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm. 

Navigating the Golden Years will cover some of the most pertinent topics in a way that encourages making important decisions together and preparing for a smoother journey ahead while building community around shared experiences.

Programming in May was developed in partnership with Alison Van Hecke, owner and executive director of Lighthouse Group NWA; and Leigh Ann McCasland, director of sales and marketing at Village on the Park.

“Several of our staff are caring for aging parents, so we know what we want to know,” said outreach coordinator Tiffany Genser, “but the support of Leigh Ann and Alison, whose primary  focus is serving this population, has helped us refine the vision. We are especially excited to serve both the caregivers and those they care for so that all feel supported and involved.”

BPL will continue to develop monthly programs as well as resources with this segment of Patrons in mind, including adding to the Library for Life, incorporating adaptive technology into the facilities and for check-out in the Library of Things Collection, and finding more opportunities to engage with area organizations who serve this population. 

The May events will include refreshments. Quiet activities will be available for attendees who have difficulty focusing on the program. Topics and schedule are included below, and more information can be found on the BPL website under Events. 

• May 1 - 6:00 pm
  Making Medical Decisions Together 
  with Dr. Harry Lazarte with Basis Health
  

• May 8 - 6:00 pm
  Home and Driving Safety 
  with Dr. Kandy Salter, Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program and Alison Van Hecke, Owner & Executive Broker of Lighthouse Group NWA 
  

• May 15 - 6:00 pm
  Living Options for the Next Phase of Life 

  with Leigh Ann McCasland, Director of Sales and Marketing at Village on the Park and Alison Van Hecke, Owner & Executive Broker of Lighthouse Group NWA 
  

• May 22 - 6:00 pm

  Rightsizing the Home for Life Changes 

  with Alison Van Hecke, Downsizing Specialist
  

• May 29 - 6:00 pm

  Taking Care of Caretakers 

  with Brandi Schneider, Director of Aging Services and Administration at the Schmieding Center; Jami Spurling, Real Estate Agent with Lighthouse Group NWA