Among Friends » fitness member spotlight

The Senior Olympians

Among Friends — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:29:25 +0000

They sprinted, threw, cast and swung. More than 130 seniors participated in Friendship Village Silver Games 2011 which were co-sponsored by the Schaumburg Park District. The friendly competition, designed to encourage exercise of both the body and brain, featured 27 different events including swimming, golfing, fishing, Poker, jigsaw puzzles, shuffleboard and more. The Silver Games began on September 14th and concluded on September 16th with a spaghetti dinner at Friendship Village. More than 105 medals were awarded in all. Winners of multiple ribbons included Earl Hobbs placing in golf and bowling; Velma Robinson placing in Wii bowling, swimming and pop-a-shot; Mark Gamb placing in golf, one-mile run, free throw, putting and badminton; Tony Dini placing in Wii bowling, free throw and putting; and Bill Downing in swimming and free throw. Congratulations to all of the Friendship Village Silver Games Senior Olympians!

Friendship Village Residents and Staff Flaunt their Talent!

Among Friends — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:15:04 +0000

The Rat Pack performs at Friendship Village's talent show

The 2011 Friendship Village Talent Show Las Vegas Style was warmly received by its standing-room only crowd on Friday, August 26 in Assembly Hall at Friendship Village. The lively event featured our talented residents and staff in a number of rollicking acts saluting the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas favorites were on hand as FV residents Joe and Dot Gondek preformed their own rendition of Sonny and Cher’s I’ve Got You Babe. FV staff member Rick Paisley impersonated Elvis Presley presenting Viva Las Vegas with backup by the Las Vegas Show Girls Lavonne Verkade, Kay Schmidt, Valerie Dawson, Marion Bohm and Barb Callanan. FV staff members Mike McCann, Dean Dellaria, and Lavell Hampton performed as the beloved Rat Pack featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., singing Me and My Shadow and Chicago. And back by popular demand was Friendship Village’s very own singing bus driver, Frank Valenti. Bringing down the house was a spoof on synchronized swimming when Norb Ciesel, Jim Moffett, Cliff Amundsen, George Steele and Jim Quigley donned their shower caps and their most graceful moves in a choreographed water dance. Additional acts included dancers, singers, choirs, magicians and pantomimes, each one delighting the over 300 attendees.

Professional MC for the evening was the charming Jimmy Niteclub. The production was directed by FV Lifestyles staff members Jeannette Magdaleno and Donna Brown, with light and sound coordinated by Jeff Rose and Rick Paisley.

The annual talent show is a great way to show off the talents and exuberance of Friendship Village’s vibrant residents and staff.

Resident Fitness Spotlight: Bill Downing

Among Friends — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:19:59 +0000

Bill has been a dedicated member of the fitness center since 2005! He works out regularly in the fitness center, swimming pool and participates in various events on campus – he is also one of the high scorers in the bowling league.

Bill doesn’t allow any obstacles to prevent him from living life to the fullest. He attempts every opportunity that comes his way and succeeds in all that he tries. Some of the events that Bill has participated in are the Silver Games, Free Throw Competition, scuba diving, and bowling.

In addition to his fitness participation, Bill is also on the Building Ops committee, serving as Chairman, the Resident Counsel, Men’s Group, and buddies with new residents. He has also been married to his lovely wife Shirley for 67 years! Keep up the good work Bill Downing!

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!

Fitness Member Spotlight

Among Friends — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:24:05 +0000

Kay Schmidt

Kay moved into Friendship Village in June, 1996. At the time, there was not an established fitness program so she volunteered to lead group exercise classes for three years until professional staff was hired.

In the past, Kay has had two hip replacements, a broken shoulder, and like many residents battles the pains of Arthritis. She insists that everyone should exercise no matter what age or problems they may have. Her dedication has placed Kay on the Fitness Honor Roll the past two months since she utilizes the Fitness Center on a daily basis.

In addition to using both fitness centers and various exercise classes, she has also been the chairperson of the Fitness and Wellness Committee for the last two years. Her commitment and dedication to fitness is an example of how older adults can remain active and healthy; even into their 100’s!