Superhero Celebration at Friendship Village

Sparkle, Shimmer and Dazzle Woman's super power is helping to make the world a more beautiful place.

Greek Goddess, Dancing Queen, Star Man, Bright Hope Lady... These are but a few of the names of a group of superheroes in the Western suburbs, empowered to have a tremendous positive impact on those around them and charged with doing good. One additional characteristic that they have in common is the fact that they are all seniors, living at Friendship Village in Schaumburg.

Friendship Village is celebrating what they've named Heroes Month with a series of programs and activities dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hero in everyone. "Each and every resident has a tremendous power and/or talent or strength within them. Unfortunately, older adults sometimes forget how important they are as they grow older. Some may start to feel like more of a burden, than a superhero. Heroes Month celebrates how amazing our residents are," said Donna Brown, lifestyles activities manager for Friendship Village.

Heroes Month kicked off with participating residents pinpointing their super powers, and attaching them to a superhero name. "We helped them identify what they're really good at...whether it's a talent like dancing, an interest like gardening, or even something like always brightening someone else's day," said Brown. "It is so rewarding helping residents remember how powerful they are."

"Everyone is a superhero in their own way. A lot of people don't like to talk about themselves but this is an opportunity to appreciate ourselves for what we do for other people. To make us aware," said Marilyn Bambula, a resident of Friendship Village and chairperson of the celebration. "I have five grandchildren ages 9-18 and they're all still doing things with me. My superhero motto is 'Have car, will travel.'"

After deciding on a superhero name, residents decorated their own unique superhero T-shirt. They will all don them this week for an assembly which will feature music, as well as presentations by the Schaumburg Police Department and Fire Department who will talk about heroes. A veteran will also address the group.

Chaplain Shawn Kafader of Friendship Village is hosting Bible Baseball-Heroes of Faith, a Bible hero trivia game, scored like baseball.

Residents will also be encouraged to participate in a service project with Feed My Starving Children. "An important part of being a superhero is helping others," said Brown. "We are excited to dedicate ourselves to helping residents celebrate the superhero in each of them through Heroes Month."

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 38 years, Friendship Village has been providing Chicago area seniors with exceptional retirement living options. For additional information visit www.FriendshipVillage.org