When Carole Becker of Highland retired from the health care industry 16 years ago, she made a list of things she wanted to try. All have been accomplished – and then some.
“I wanted to stay active so I began new activities. I joined an exercise class and took up walking,” Becker said at a recent Senior Valentine Dinner Dance sponsored by the North Township Trustees Office. “In fact, I made some new friends while walking and they told me about the events here at the Wicker Park Social Center.”
More than 90 other area residents joined Becker for an afternoon of fun, dancing, entertainment and socializing.
One objective of the North Township trustee’s office is to offer the township’s senior citizens opportunities to stay active.
Among the yearly calendar items are holiday celebrations, bus trips and social programs planned by Eleanor Uribe, senior event coordinator.
“I love working with the seniors. Everyone looks forward to our trips and events and they’re always well-attended,” Uribe said.
“But I wouldn’t be able to do all this without the support of my boss Frank (Mrvan, the township trustee).”
Shirley and Henry Jworski of Highland have participated in many of the township programs, such as the monthly lunches held at the Wicker Park Social Center. And they always sign up for any social event that involves dancing.
“We’ve been married 55 years and have always danced together. Dancing continues to be a big part of our life,” Henry said, at the recent Valentine Dinner Dance. “There’s always a place to dance, no matter where we travel.”
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Raffle baskets also were on the day’s agenda. Since the theme was a Valentine dance, those baskets were filled with candy and other items wrapped in red tissue paper.
The dance floor was never empty, as the Ron Smolen Combo played a variety of music after dinner.
“Where else can we get dressed up in the middle of the afternoon and dance to a live band like we’re at a wedding?” laughed Theresa Harrison of Highland. “These Highland events are the best.”
Highland friends Karan Zaranka and Rosann Lovell enjoyed socializing and meeting new friends at the recent dinner dance.
“There are many lonely people out there that need to get out and enjoy themselves,” Zaranka said. ‘They should look into local activities.”
Lovell agreed, adding, “This (dance) is one way they could do that, it’s a safe afternoon close to home.”
More information about activities for North Township senior residents is with Uribe at 219-313-3934.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.