Joe and June Michal have spent the past 30 years of their 61-year marriage as Harwood Heights residents, during which time they quietly worked to make the community a warmer place for seniors.
On two Friday afternoons each month, the Michals have for many years arrived at Village Hall to set up the coffee, snacks and games for the bi-monthly senior activity day, where about 30 or so people over age 60 come each week to get out of the house and socialize, play bingo, and listen to guest speakers.
Joe, 85, and June Michal, 83, were instrumental in keeping the Harwood Heights Senior Club — the organization that runs senior activity day — afloat over the years, with June Michal serving as president for the past six years and Joe Michal serving on the planning board.
June Michal stepped down from her position as president in October to spend more time with her husband, who said his vision problems have caused him to stop driving, and he now must rely more on his wife’s help at home. Mike Kawell was appointed as the new president following her resignation, but the couple’s longtime dedication didn’t go unnoticed by the Harwood Heights Village Board, which recognized them with a proclamation during the Oct. 27 board meeting.
“The club is informative while promoting friendship and fun,” said Trustee Annette Volpe. “The Michals also help out with volunteering for other village events like the summer festival.”
“We always serve a darn good lunch and have a darn good time,” June Michal said of the Friday afternoon social gatherings. “It’s a very close group, and I think people in general are very pleased with being members.”
Since it was established in 1973, the club has meant more than just fun and games. Many of the group’s 80 members live alone, so having friends in the club means always being able to have someone to check in on you.
“We’re concerned if we don’t see or hear from each other, so we always look out for each other,” June Michal said.
The Michals said they plan to stay involved with the club by attending the Friday activity days and helping to decorate the community room in Village Hall for an annual game day in January.
“We still want to be members of the club, but the offices will be held by others,” June said. “We’ll still go in and put the coffee on and do certain chores, and decorating the community room is always a given.”
Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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