Park district offers events and programs aimed at seniors
A variety of options for socializing and staying fit are available for seniors at the Glen Ellyn Park District.
"Our most popular event for seniors is the senior lunches," said Jessica Marquez, recreation supervisor.
On the second Tuesday of each month, with the exception of August, seniors gather at the Maryknoll Clubhouse for a catered luncheon capped off with games and entertainment.
Luncheons begin at noon, go until 2 p.m. and cost $8. The ticket price includes lunch, entertainment and a raffle ticket.
After lunch is served, Marquez said, visitors play cards, bingo, Wii bowling, board games and trivia games.
"Sometimes we have live entertainment," she said.
Past performers have included the Retired Rhythm Rascals, a volunteer group that serves up Dixieland jazz, and the Gilhooleys, an Irish group specializing in singing and comedy.
Marquez said the luncheons are open to both residents and nonresidents. Registration is required and is due by the Friday preceding the luncheon. To register, please visit www.gepark.org.
Seniors also are invited to stop by the Spring Avenue Recreation Center from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month for senior drop-in sessions that include cards and bingo games.
"We provide coffee and refreshments - coffee cakes, muffins, pastry," Marquez said.
No registration is required for drop-in sessions.
The park district also hosts rehearsals by the Retired Rhythm Rascals, a traditional Dixieland jazz band, every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Main Street Recreation Center, Marquez said.
Other services available for seniors through the park district include tax aide offered by AARP during winter months, a Rules of the Road refresher class offered by the Illinois Secretary of State's office several times per year and an AARP driver safety program, Marquez said.
The Glen Ellyn Park District's Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center offers several classes and programs designed for older adults through the center's Active Older Adults (AOA) Fitness program, said facility and aquatics supervisor Dustin Kleefisch.
For example, he said, there's a class that combines 20 minutes of aerobic dance with 20 minutes of weight training, followed by 20 minutes focused on balance and stretching.
There's also a class called "Chair Yoga," that involves a gentle form of yoga practiced while using a chair for support.
"It's ideal for people who have some mobility issues," Kleefisch said.
Other options for Ackerman members include a class called "Werq" that involves dance to pop music, spin classes, pilates classes and Zumba sessions.
There are also Silver Sneakers classes, he said, that include working out with hand-held weights, resistance training and enjoying the company of like-minded fitness devotees. Ackerman also offers TRX Suspension Training specifically for seniors age 60 and up. These sessions focus on improving balance, building strength and increasing range of motion.
For more information on the Glen Ellyn Park District, please visit www.gepark.org.