Marie Dachniwsky was selected to head the Niles MaineStreamers, a social club for seniors age 55 and older, at a recent Maine Township board meeting.
Trustees approved her term at the Nov. 28 meeting.
She had also been recognized as Senior Staff Member of the Year at the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois, which was held in Springfield in October, according to a township news release.
“My goal is to create programs for all the township residents. We want to make sure to offer fun exciting events [that are] affordable for members of all financial levels,” Dachniwsky said.
Dachniwsky takes the helm of the program from Mary Swanson who retired Nov. 17. Swanson had been the director since 2000, officials said.
The MaineStreamers program serves about 3,000 people at various financial levels, who range in age from 55 to 99, providing a variety of educational programs and recreation that encourage socialization “and promote independence, self-esteem and dignity,” according to the organization’s website.
Membership is free and open to all Maine Township residents, the website states..
“I am beyond thrilled that our voard unanimously approved our choice for the position,” said Township Supervisor Laura J. Morask. “Marie has been an outstanding member of our Maine Township MaineStreamers Department, winning the recent award that recognized her tireless efforts in developing unique, fresh programming for our valued senior members. I am confident she will bring the same steady hand and deep understanding of the unique needs of our senior community to her new leadership role.”
Dachniwsky’s work with Maine Township began in 2002 at MaineStay Youth and Family Services. She was described as “instrumental” in her efforts to organize the annual garage sale event, which raises money for Adventure Summer Day Camp and the emergency food pantry, according to the release.
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Dachniwsky said she plans to include as many volunteers as possible in her efforts as she considers the addition of new programs to attract baby boomers, according to the release.
“I want to keep giving back to the MaineStreamers because I have learned so much from them,” Dachniwsky said. “MaineStreamers have taught me about being vital, making new friends and enjoying life. I want to make sure we provide an environment where this one huge family that I love can continue to do just that.”