Volunteering started at retirement for Arlington Heights coach, teacher

When he retired from a career in the insurance industry, where he had worked in underwriting, marketing and management positions with several insurance companies over 50 years, Jack Muldoon of Arlington Heights knew that his life was going to be different. His job had involved executive responsibilities, long work days and participation in multiple professional organizations.

At the same time, he had willingly assumed the role of an involved husband and father, but suddenly his life as he had known it changed completely. His wife had passed away about a year before he retired, their son was grown, and his involvement with his professional organizations pretty much stopped when he retired. He realized he needed to find new interests that would fill a void that had developed in his life.

"I decided I would try volunteering because I enjoy being around people and helping people, and I needed to keep busy," Muldoon said. "I also thought I would like to learn more about computers so registered for a computer class at the Arlington Heights Senior Center. The computer center is a satellite of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and is operated by the library. Taking that one class encouraged me to take another, and another, until I had taken all the classes that were offered at the Center. Then I decided I should 'give back' by doing some coaching and teaching in the computer room, so for the last 10 years I have been volunteering there at least twice a week."

In addition to acting as a computer instructor and room monitor, he has designed and presented a number of courses on investment strategy, mutual funds, equities and fixed income securities. He also makes himself available to people who have attended his classes to coach them on handling their own investments.

Muldoon's involvement at the senior center doesn't stop with the computer room; he is treasurer of the Men's Club, and for many years served on the Senior Advisory Council. He has helped out for patio parties, holiday dinners, flu shot clinics, acts as a greeter for other big events, substitutes when other volunteers are absent and helps out whenever and whenever there is a need.

"When you turn something over to Jack, you know that it will be done in an exceptional way," Becky Hume, volunteer coordinator, Arlington Heights Senior Center, said. "We trust and value his service a great deal. He possesses a high level of competence and makes everyone feel comfortable."

Although Muldoon's professional and community activities and awards are too numerous to mention, he is vice chairman and member of the Wheeling Township Senior Advisory Council, director and chairman of the finance committee and chairman of the investment subcommittee of the American Hearing Research Association, the 2005 recipient of the Cook County Sheriff's Senior Medal of Honor Award and earned a Very Important Volunteer Award from the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

He is also a member of Our Lady of the Wayside Church; the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; an alumnus of DePaul University and Harvard University Graduate School of Business, and is an Army veteran with overseas service.

The nationally accredited Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights, is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing for the needs of residents age 55 and older by providing social, educational, physical, nutritional and emotional outlets. For information on programs and for a full calendar of events, call (847) 253-5532.

For information on volunteering, call the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at (847)-228-1006 (55 and over) or The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago at (847) 228-1320 or visit volunteerinfo.net.