Golden Oak Club for seniors debuts April 2

Cantigny Park has announced a new social club for seniors meeting the first and third Mondays of the month beginning April 2. Membership in the Golden Oak Club is open to all people ages 65 and older.

Golden Oak meetings will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Cantigny Education Center. The cost is $25 per year and includes parking and light refreshments for each meeting. The club will gather from April through October, except on Sept. 3.

The idea for a senior social club came from those it was created to serve.

“We listen to our visitors and do our best to respond to their requests,” said Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park's executive director. “The Golden Oak Club is one of several new programs in 2012 that came about due to guest feedback.”

Cantigny also plans a Fitness Walking program Saturdays starting May 5. The walks are open to all ages.

The first Golden Oak Club meeting each month will feature a guest speaker. On April 2, Scott Witte, Cantigny Golf superintendent, will present “Bee Informed,” a talk about the fascinating lives of honeybees and what Cantigny is doing to support their local populations.

The second club meeting of the month will be devoted to activities, games and socializing. All Golden Oak meetings will be casual and social in nature, creating opportunities to meet new people and develop friendships. Members may wish to enjoy Cantigny's gardens and grounds before and after the gatherings.

For seniors with limited mobility, complimentary shuttle service will be available from the parking area to the Education Center before and after each meeting.

To join the Golden Oak Club, seniors should call (630) 260-8162 or visit Cantigny.org. The website offers online registration and payment, or users can print a form and mail it to Cantigny with a check.