Boomers 2014

It's back-to-back home runs as Friendship Village of Schaumburg and members of Schaumburg Boomers enjoy their second summer together. In a win-win relationship between the two community-oriented organizations, Friendship Village is hosting two members of the professional baseball team for the summer.

Friendship Village of Schaumburg is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) near Chicago. Schaumburg Boomers are a professional minor league baseball team specializing in fun and affordable family entertainment.

The idea for Friendship Village to host two players came about last year as Boomers management was seeking housing during the baseball season. Staying with host families helps defray costs for the players who are young and come from throughout the U.S. Friendship Village, which promotes a healthy, active and engaging lifestyle, enthusiastically embraced the idea of hosting players.

"It's a wonderful chance for Friendship Village residents to experience the excitement of the young players as they fulfill their lifelong dream of playing professional baseball," said Patricia Mash, vice president of planning and marketing for Friendship Senior Options. Last year's experience was a resounding success and was repeated this year.

Pitcher Cal Bowling from Yorktown, Indiana and right fielder Justin Vasquez from Palm City, Florida, have been staying in apartments in Friendship Village.

To enhance the experience, Friendship Village created innovative activities based around the unique relationship. Friday, August 8th was Annual Friendship Village Day, with more than 200 residents, associates and their families present at the game. Residents Al Dalgleish and Helen Moffett threw out the first pitch, and resident Paul Mierkiewicz was an honorary coach of the day. (Click here to read more)

While the Boomers' winning season is still underway, plans are already in the works for next year. "The players have been a joy and this is definitely a relationship we want to continue," said Mike McCann, lifestyles director for Friendship Senior Options. ""It's totally a win-win relationship. It's a wonderful community partnership for everybody."

Friendship Village is a leading Chicago-area retirement community offering a complete continuum of care including independent living garden homes and apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, skilled care, and short- and long-term rehabilitation services. For more than 35 years, Friendship Village has been providing Chicago area seniors with exceptional retirement living options. For additional information visit www.FriendshipVillage.org