Residents enjoy Paint and Sip art program at Friendship Village

Events that offer painting while sipping wine have become quite popular over the last decade - and why not?

There are a number of businesses and organizations that offer group painting events where participants gather with friends or family to drink wine and paint a picture under the direction of a professional artist.

Residents and staff at Friendship Village in Schaumburg have enjoyed these events on their own, so the senior living community staff planned their own Paint and Sip program.

Around two dozen residents participated under the direction of Amanda De La Matta and Joshlyn Johnson, lifestyle activity coordinators.

De La Matta led the group in painting fields of dandelions as wine was served. Jill Steco, director of lifestyles at Friendship Village, said there was a lot of chatting and laughing going on, and the paintings turned out beautifully.

"Classes, programs and opportunities to be with others are so important emotionally, socially and cognitively. When seniors are involved and engaged rather than isolated and sedentary, they do so much better remaining healthy and happy," Steco said.

"It's important to us that residents who have worked so hard through their lives have the ability and opportunities to enjoy their retirement years."

Friendship Village offers 250 in-person programs and activities each month. Another 250 in-house television programs are available as well. The arts and crafts classes offered include painting, knitting, sewing, woodworking and ornament making.

When residents were distanced in their rooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts and crafts kits were delivered to their doors.

Steco said that Friendship Village builds their programs based on feedback from the residents. Games, spiritual programming, lifelong learning presentations, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and book clubs are some of the other programs offered.

Friendship Village is a retirement community offering independent living garden homes and apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing care, and short-term rehabilitation services.

For information, visit friendshipvillage.org.