Retirement no time to slow down for Elk Grove widower
Unlike what we see in the magazines and travel brochures, retirement is not all Bingo games, fun in the sun, and time to indulge in hobbies and travel.
For most people the aging process is also a time of change. Our body refuses to do things that it used to do, frequently it means a change in living arrangements, daily routines are altered and our circle of friends and relatives gets smaller.
Zmuda and his wife, Terri, had been married for 50 years when she died five years ago. He was devastated but knew he had to keep going, so he joined the Sheila Ray Elk Grove Senior Center to volunteer.
"Many people who have lost their life's partner think the whole world has ended, but it hasn't. Look again, get out and socialize with people, and volunteer," Zmuda said.
"I knew from previous experience that there is always a need for people who are willing to pitch in and I want to feel useful. I have made new friends while volunteering, and helping others has made me a happier person," he said.
Barbara Walker, adult program administrator, for Sheila Ray says, "Ed is a very lovely person; he loves people and he has a wonderful sense of humor."
Marge Hart, adult coordinator, Elk Grove Park District, also expressed her appreciation for Zmuda's dedication to helping others. "Ed is a super guy, and we appreciate his willingness to help anywhere he's needed," she said.
Zmuda's regular duties include picking up meals from Alexian Brothers Medical Center for the daily senior lunch program and bringing them to the center, but he also helps out in other ways.
When needed, he pitches in to help clean up the kitchen after lunch, helps with bingo games and with rummage sales. He loves to dance, and looks forward to going over to Elk Grove High School where a group of seniors from the center volunteer to teach the high school seniors to dance.
The students plan a wedding and reception as part of an elective Family Living class. Instruction in ballroom dancing is included.
"When I was young I seemed to have two left feet, so I want to help the kids feel comfortable dancing at weddings and other special occasions. We teach them the fox trot, the waltz, and other basic steps so they can join in the festivities," Zmuda said.
On the first Thursday of the month, dances are held at the center and seniors have an opportunity to put on their dancing shoes and swing and sway to the music of a live, 13-piece band. It's a win-win arrangement; the band is provided with a place to rehearse, and Zmuda and the other seniors enjoy the music and the dancing.
Zmuda was born and raised in Chicago, and is a Lane Technical High School graduate. He worked for 39 years as an associate engineer for Teletype Corp. or AT&T. He lives in Elk Grove Village, and his family includes his son, Michael, a daughter, Debra, and four grandchildren.
He's a member of Elk Grove VFW Post 9284, the Queen of the Rosary Church, Elk Grove, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. In his spare time, Zmuda enjoys golf, travel, spending time with his family and gardening.