Friendship Village in Schaumburg celebrates 40 years
Friendship Village, one of the first and largest senior living communities in Illinois, first opened it doors to seniors 40 years ago.
"This is the first of many anniversaries to be celebrated at Friendship Village this year," CEO Stephen Yenchek said at a celebration Jan. 17.
"Others include the 20th anniversary of the Sterling Friendship Award, whose recipients include Art Linkletter, Ray Meyer and Gov. Jim Edgar, to name a few. It is also the 10th anniversary of the opening of Friendship Village's expansion with Bridgewater Place, and the 10th year for the popular Silver Games competition, which now includes the Schaumburg Park District and the community's sister community, GreenFields of Geneva."
Residents from all levels of care participated in the festivities. Guests heard comments by Board Chairmen Larry Shoemake and Kathy Rivera, Yenchek and keynote speaker Steve Maag, director of Residential Communities for the national organization Leading Age.
The many centenarians living at the community were individually recognized and videos with resident comments entertained the audience.
"When Friendship Village opened in 1976, they were poised to provide security and stability for seniors. Today, this community is preparing for the baby boomers who will come into their senior years 78 million strong," Maag said.
"Friendship Village will continue to flourish because the board and management are aware of and responsive to trends."
Maag said that among these trends are growing use of technology for health care and social interaction.
State Sen. Laura Murphy, Rep. Michelle Mussman and village President Al Larson were among the dignitaries who joined an overflow crowd of residents for appetizers and cocktails.
Friendship Village, owned by Friendship Senior Options, is a Chicago-area retirement community with 875 residents, offering a 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 details, visit www.FriendshipVillage.org.