Lunch and Learn: Therapy Dogs (Register)

Decorah Public Library and Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) invite community members 60 and older to a monthly Lunch and Learn program at Decorah Public Library. The meal and presentation will take place in the library’s lower level meeting room on Wednesday, October 21 from 11:30-12:30. Registration required at: https://www.decorahlibrary.org/events/lunch-and-learn-10-21-2026 Lunch & Learn is a welcoming event for adults 60 and older who are interested in staying informed, active, and connected. The goal of the program is to help build community and strong relationships among older adults while enjoying a nutritious meal. Each month features a guest speaker covering a wide range of engaging topics, plus lunch and nutrition education information. A free will donation to help cover the cost of the meal is appreciated. Lunch & Learn is hosted Hallie Hite, Nutrition Aging Specialist at NEI3A. In her role with NEI3A, Hallie collaborates with partners to ensure that the needs of older individuals are met, provides nutrition services and offers evidence-based health promotion classes. Hallie’s offering will include a nutrition education presentation and light, accessible exercises-if we have time! October will feature a presentation on therapy dogs featuring Julie Spilde and therapy dog Ace. Therapy dogs have been trained to give comfort to people in multiple settings. Therapy dogs provide seniors with emotional support, companionship, and physical health benefits, enhancing overall well-being in the home or in assisted living spaces. Julie and several others will be bringing therapy dogs to visit and will discuss the benefits that therapy dogs can provide. To help with meal planning, please register by the end of the day on Sunday, October 18 at decorahlibrary.org, by stopping in at the library, or by calling 563.382.3717. For more information, please contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library – [email protected].