Among Friends

Bring Home the Gold from the Silver Games

Among Friends — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:27:41 +0000

The 3rd annual Silver Games with Friendship Village and the Schaumburg Park District are back and they are bigger than ever! With 27 event competitions over September 16, 17 and 18, our 62+ contestants will be loaded with the gold. Pre-registration is required, so sign up now.

Click below for details.

Silver Games 2010 Registration Form

Greek Traditions Honored at Friendship Village

Among Friends — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:08:21 +0000

A weeklong tribute to Greek heritage ended in a grand Greek fest complete with a feast of Grecian food favorites, authentic displays of Greek wares, Greek and Roman warrior reenactments, a skit spotlighting Greek philosophers, music and dancers.

“I really learned a lot about Greece this week — it’s been great fun,” according to new residents Marie and Walter Richters.

Another resident, Bette Kocian, enjoys Greek culture especially the history. She has also traveled to Greece and was amazed at the beauty of the islands. “I’m having such a great time at the Greek Fest,” she said. “I feel like I’m back there. When I go out these doors, I expect to be in Greece.”

During the week, residents attended Greek-themed movies, an authentic Greek folk dance performed by the Agape dancers ages 9 – 12 wearing various costumes of the different regions of Greece and a special presentation about Greek mythology. Mike McCann, director of Friendship Village’s Lifestyle department, brushed up on the great Greek gods and in his animated, entertaining style, delivered tales and truths about Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo and other gods, explaining their roles and relationships to each other.

Residents and guests enjoyed a generous lunch of Greek salad, saginaki (Saganaki), shish kabobs, roasted Greek potatoes, Spanakopita (spinach pie), Baklava, Greek custard and lemonade. Actors donned heavy chain and metal amour, authentic steel and brass greaves and helmets used to protect both Greek and Roman warriors in battle. They traversed the dining crowd answering questions and explaining the strategies of battles, usually between the Greeks and Romans until Greece finally came into the Roman Empire in 146 BC.

Following lunch, a skit written and performed by the lifestyle department included a stellar original score sung by Reverend Richard Oas as Socrates and foiled by Jeff Rose as Plato and Mike McCann as Aristotle. Marci Perez as Methusela, (Medusa) Jillian Patti as Aphrodite and Kyle Zelazny as Hercules made cameo appearances.

Dancing began with the footwork of residents led by Katherine Dagres,
a Friendship Village resident from Greece. Mrs. Dagres’ family joined the dancers as did other members of the audience. The Dagres family stole the show with authentic line dancing and a solo dance by John Gianos, Katherine Dagres granddaughter’s boyfriend, who combined graceful jumps, turns and steps with a pathos that mirrored the oddly lonely but pleasant music.

The beautifully costumed and talented dancers from the Namaste Dance Troupe treated the audience to authentic belly dancing fit for the gods and Friendship Village guests as they moved to the music selections of Dean Parashos. The colorful, graceful and elaborate costumes included scarves, swords and fans, and skirts swirled as the dancers dazzled the crowd.

Inspired by the jeweled garb, residents gathered to purchase handmade beaded jewelry, view the antique Greek artifacts and prolong the excitement of the day with their own critiques of their favorite tributes.

See our online photo album of this wonderful event!

Chicago Roller Snakes In-Line Hockey Club Visit Friendship Village

Among Friends — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:19:50 +0000

We may not be ready to win the ‘Stanley Cup’ or come face-to-face with the Chicago Blackhawks, but the residents of Friendship Village can shoot a hockey puck almost like pros. “Roller hockey is the fastest growing sport in the Midwest and appeals to every age,” said Steven McHugh.
Jeff, Steven and Michael McHugh of the Chicago Roller Snakes Hockey Club gave a fabulous presentation and demonstration of In-Line Hockey where team players sport roller skates rather than ice skates. Residents learned first hand about in-line hockey and how it differs from ice hockey. They even discovered what it takes to run a professional hockey organization.
The McHugh’s brought equipment, nets, hockey sticks, hockey gear, roller blades and more. Residents tried on the hockey gear to get the ‘feel’ of the hockey equipment. Norm Weaver looked like the typical hockey player when he slipped on a chest guard with should pads and stood ready for action with his hockey stick. Looks like Norm has played hockey before.
Next, Michael McHugh demonstrated skating on roller blades complete with the trick turns and twists of a seasoned in-line-hockey player. He glided easily up to the hockey net and with a quick twist of his wrist and slap shot -he scored.
Every resident was invited to learn the technique of holding a hockey stick and to shoot a goal. For many, it was the first time they ever held a hockey stick, but there were a few who knew exactly what to do. Everyone who took a shot was able to score. Joe and Dot Gondek came dressed in their own hockey gear complete with helmets and gloves – they were definitely ready for some action. Dot Gondek said, “I can’t believe all the things Joe and I have done since we’ve move to Friendship Village. We’re having so much fun!”
Whether shooting hockey pucks, making a movie, competing in the Silver Games or taking on the challenge of making the best meatball ever, Friendship Village offers hundreds of golden opportunities to fulfill your wildest dreams.

Handymen Dig Into a Project at Hoover School

Among Friends — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:39:25 +0000

On Monday, nearly four dozen volunteers donated their time, talent, tools and materials to the Herbert Hoover greenhouse project in Schaumburg, Illinois. From five year olds to 95 year olds and every age between, the local community has embraced the brainchild of school principal Jake Chung, to teach children about creating a greenhouse and garden, growing healthy foods, preparing them and donating them to local food pantries. Chung solicited grants and initiated a partnership for this intergenerational program between the Hoover Elementary School students and seniors from Friendship Village.
At 7:30 a.m., Lowe’s began delivering the materials that were awarded to the school in a $3,500 grant from the retailer. Fencing material, top soil, concrete and beautiful vegetables and flowers were unloaded by Lowe’s sales manager, Matt Lowe, associate Harry Wahrer and Bozena Akmakjian, Lowe’s commercial sales associate and the person responsible for encouraging the grant application. Melissa Nevarez, Lowe’s human resource manager also dug into the project.
Construction began in earnest when volunteer contractors arrived. Among them were Chuck Vasquez from MCS, John F. Mydlach, Jerry Splitt from Lou-Bo’s Handyman Services, Inc., Bill Hooper and his team from B & R Handyworks Extraordinaire. They expertly set up their professional tools and began clearing the land adjacent to the greenhouse. The rain held off but the heat was grueling as they worked alongside able-bodied volunteers to dig post holes and clear the ground riddled with rock. Meanwhile, children, parents, teachers, seniors and staff from Friendship Village cleared weeds and pruned gardens nearby.
With the ground finally tilled using two rototillers and one post digger, the children and seniors began spreading the rich top soil and planting corn, pumpkins, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, flowers and other tasty vegetables to harvest later this summer and fall.
With a brief lunch break of pizza and pop, donated by IVY Marketing Group, Friendship Village’s public relations company, the crews enthusiastically returned to their gardening and construction.
According to Chung, “Our next step is to begin building the interior of the greenhouse which will be done by Friendship Village volunteers as they mentor the students. Together they will grow plants hydroponically (without soil) and organically. We will use the fresh ingredients to teach the children how to properly prepare the food and will donate produce to the local food pantry.” Chung also confided that this program is only limited by the resources made available. Everyone involved hopes to bring many greenhouses to the Hoover Elementary campus as well as an example for other schools to follow.
Volunteers of the day include those mentioned along with: Friendship Village residents Shirley Odeegard, Bob Green, Ruby Hirakawa, Barbara Mueller, Dot and Joe Gondek, Walatraud Toonren, Tom Carroll and Friendship Village staff, Jeannette Magdeleno, Jeff Rose and Mike McCann. Teacher volunteers were Elize Koverman, Kathy Hellesen and Donna Wiskizchen. Student volunteers include Sam, Maura and Olivia Zimmerman with their mother Becky, Ileen and Matt Aberman, Katie Mueller, Danielle Ortz, Alouki Shah and other unnamed heroes of the day.

Check out the ongoing progress about this project in the article How Does Your Garden Grow? on the home page of Among Friends.

See our photos on the AmongFriends.FriendshipVillage web album.

Click to see recent coverage published in the Daily Herald.

Not-So-Newlywed Game

Among Friends — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:39:25 +0000

Jim and Helen Moffett had no trouble remembering where they shared their first kiss, even after 58 years of marriage. Jim matched Helen’s answer of Hamlin State Park in New York, moving them to first place in the Not-So-Newlywed Game at Friendship Village of Schaumburg on Thursday, June 10th.

Six Friendship Village couples tried to match answers to the questions in the style of the old “Newlywed Game” television show. However, this Not-So-Newlywed Game version brought back memories of courtship which for some of the couples, took place over 60 years ago.

While the wives left the room, the husbands were asked, “If your wife could be married to a movie star, who would it be?” Jim Quigley predicted that his wife Carolyn would choose Van Johnson. Frank Dawson admitted he didn’t know who his wife Val would pick. Ray Miller was certain his wife Barb would marry John Wayne. Tony Dini claimed his wife Rita would marry Tyrone Power, while Hank Niedzwieki believed his wife Anna would walk down the aisle with Clark Gable. However, only Jim Moffett correctly predicted who his wife Helen would marry with his answer of Clark Gable.

The Moffett’s took first place and received a $50 gift certificate to the Wildfire Restaurant in Schaumburg for a romantic dinner for two. Each couple also received a bottle of chilled champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. Even though the Moffett’s won the game, each of these couples are winners in the romance department as was evident in the love and respect they expressed toward each other. Here’s to wishing each of them many more years of wedded bliss.

“Let’s Dance” Movie Premier

Among Friends — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:06:36 +0000

Following the search lights that led fans to the Beatles, the Pope, the Rolling Stones and just last week, to Friendship Village, paparazzi clustered behind pillars and posts to capture photos of Let’s Dance movie stars as they exited their limousines, courtesy of A1 American Limousine.

When a not-so-successful dance instructor and choreographer, Don Zallejo, finally admits to himself he will not be the next Bob Fossi, he sets out to find a job anywhere in the country teaching dance. Hired by the “Friendly City,” Zallejo takes on the challenge of teaching three couples, Louise and Clark Meriwether, Tom and Gerri Collins, and Mike and Lena Turner. He soon discovers just how challenging these three couples can be in a hilarious 25 minutes of antics and missteps.

Written by and starring Dan Zelazek, a newly discovered talent, Friendship Village resident and former Chicago school principal

Direction and Editing by Rebecca Tulloch, Prairie Star Productions

Starring and Sets by Friendship Village Residents

Produced by Donna Brown

Breakout screenwriter and movie star, Dan Zelanek is flanked by adorning fans has he makes his way down the red carpet.

See more photos on our online photo album

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Among Friends — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:07:47 +0000

Follow the progress of the greenhouse project with Friendship Village resident Shirley Odegaard’s blog.

See our online photo album

Honoring Our Volunteers

Among Friends — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:19:13 +0000

On April 19, many of the 339 active volunteers associated with Friendship Village were honored with a breakfast and inspiration program. According to Lifestyle Production Manager, Jeff Rose, 7,751 hours were logged in from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010. Of that amount, 3,852 were residents who volunteer their time at Friendship Village and/or in the Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates area while 3,899 were hours others dedicated to improving the lives of Friendship Village residents.
In a speech made by resident, Shirley Odegaard, she explained why she and so many other people choose to volunteer, “I have been volunteering my entire life. I have served many organizations in many capacities and every time, I receive far more than I give.”
After an invocation by Chaplain Richard Oas, Mike McCann, director of the Lifestyles Department asked the volunteers to close their eyes and open their hands. With focus poised on our hands, Mike reminded us that our hands are the tools of our learning, the source of comfort, the work that is done. They are also enable us to do for others. As he thanked the volunteers, he encouraged them to continue their service.
Friendship Village’s community projects include 10 outreach organizations. Among them is Schaumburg’s Children Home + Aid. The organization’s Parent Involvement Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator, Gloria Gonzales, attend the Volunteer breakfast and said, “Many of the Friendship Village residents come to the center during the week to help with the infant, toddler and 3 year olds while their parents are at work. They are a presence and grandparent-like relationship that many of the children do not have in their lives. Their help is invaluable to Children’s Home + Aid.”
Jeannette Magdaleno, Life Long Learning Coordinator spearheads the resident volunteers and is responsible for community outreach program development and maintenance for the Friendship Village resident volunteers. She described the many programs and volunteer opportunities available at Friendship Village and in the wider community.
The entire Lifestyle Department was gracious, grateful and generous with their thanks to the volunteers. Not only was each volunteer treated to a lovely breakfast and program but they received a certificate and trophy for their involvement.

To learn how you can volunteer, call Jeannette Magdaleno at 847-884-5539.

Resident Fitness Spotlight: Elaine Pekarek

Among Friends — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:34:48 +0000

This month we are recognizing one of our first fitness center members, Elaine Pekarek. Since joining in March 2004, Elaine has consistently used the resistance and cardio machines in the fitness center twice a week. She also attends Sit-and-Fit exercise class and wellness lectures. Elaine’s active lifestyle began when she was in high school where she used to swim. She passed her fondness for swimming to her children, making it a regular family activity while they were growing up.

Since Elaine has been such an active exerciser, we asked her what she enjoys most about working out. She replied, “I enjoy the way I feel while I am working out on the machines and how good I feel for days after.” She also continues to challenge herself on the NuStep machine to improve her endurance and strengthen her heart.

In addition to fitness, Elaine is very involved with quilting on and off Friendship Village’s campus. She belongs to a quilt club, Project Linus to make blankets for children in hospitals, and Care Cap Crusaders for people that have lost their hair due to illness. Other activities come from her large family; with 10 grandchildren there is always something going on!

Great job Elaine and keep up the good work!

Outreach Gives Back

Among Friends — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:08:53 +0000

It’s easy to see why Friendship Village residents have been volunteering in the classrooms at Schaumburg Children’s Home + Aid Center for several hours… several days a week… for several years. The resident elders bring a gentle touch, a helping hand and a smile to each infant, toddler and three-year old who is assigned to them. In return, the children reward them with the affection reserved for grandparents. ” And that,” according to resident volunteer, Shirley Odegaard, “is so much more than we give.”
Children’s Home + Aid Center has been in the Schaumburg community for 17 years and is the area’s leading provider of early childhood care and education services for low-income families. Dominating the enrollment are families who earn an average of under $17,000 per year. Many mothers are trying to support themselves and their children on just over $5,000 a year for each family member. Typically, the center serves 100 families at any given time. Each year, the state agency of Children’s Home + Aid helps about 40,000 children and families overcome overwhelming obstacles such as poverty, abuse and neglect.
The Schaumburg Children’s Home + Aid Center focuses on the needs of children and consulting services for their parents. Their mission is: “To give children help, hope and opportunity.” They can achieve this mission when the families are able to move forward. The staff at Friendship Village have stepped up with significant adult programs to bring “help, hope and opportunity” to their parents.
This April began the first breadth of adult assistant programs offered by Friendship Village. From Friendship Village’s Human Resource Department, Beth Hovious will teach people how to create a resume, interview for jobs, even coach them about what to wear. Director of Lifestyles, Mike McCann recently initiated a Male Involvement Group for fathers to teach them how to create positive, nurturing relationships with their children and spouses. Future programs will include representatives from the Finance Department helping with household budgeting, as well as Chaplains from Friendship Village helping with spiritual wellness.
“We are so grateful to have the Friendship Village volunteers at the Center,” said Parent Involvement Specialists and Volunteer Coordinator, Gloria Gonzales. “It gives these children one on one attention in the classroom and they love it! These new initiatives with Friendship Village are going to be great for the entire family.”
The intergenerational bridge built between Schaumburg Children’s Home + Aid Center and Friendship Village continues to grow. Recently, a mother whose children are cared for by Children’s Home + Aid, taught Spanish classes at Friendship Village to residents. This spring the Resident Men’s Club will teach the older children how to fish, right at the Friendship Village Lake. Pool parties to cool the summer heat, picnics and a Spring Fun Fair are all in the offing. The energizing, expanding and rewarding relationship between the two organizations is indeed, a reason to be grateful.