Celebrating Older Americans Month in Palatine
The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council, a nonprofit organization which operates the Palatine Township Senior Center, is joining with the 11,000 senior centers across the country to celebrate May as Older Americans Month.
"We're using this opportunity to focus on the importance for older adults of being healthy, active and engaged," explained Carol Reagan, executive director of the nationally accredited center at 505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. Each week, several hundred people aged 50 and over respond to the center's standing invitation to "come for the friendship, stay for the fun."
On a typical Monday, visitors may find people learning Mah Jongg; playing pinochle or poker; staying limber through line dancing, chair yoga or Sit and Be Fit; or enjoying game day. Members of the center's golf league improve their game at Palatine Hills Golf Course, while enjoying the fresh air and camaraderie.
Program Director Diane Lancour makes certain there's something for everyone.
"Mondays and Thursdays are especially busy at the center," Lancour said. "Older adults need socialization and the support of friends just as younger people do. The center can be a tie to enjoy more activities and meet new people."
The Palatine Township Senior Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Visitors are always welcome.
"This is an ideal time for those 50 and over to visit the center, sample our activities and meet people," Lancour said. "We encourage visitors to check out what we offer. Just drop in to get acquainted with who and what we are. Tours are strongly recommended."
The center's phone is (847) 991-1112.
Activities range from bridge, hearts, serious and social poker, billiards and bingo to ceramics, card making, china painting, quilting, Wii bowling, and open computer lab. Luncheons in the center's cafe provide nutritious meals as well as socialization. Volunteers deliver meals to the homebound. Special theme luncheons include entertainment or presentations on topics of interest. The center offers classes on a variety of topics.
A traveling lunch group of 20 to 25 older adults meets the third Friday of each month at a different location to socialize and become acquainted with area restaurants. The May destination was Red Lobster in Schaumburg; the June destination is Makray in Barrington. "The center is a big social outlet, an environment of energy and activity," Lancour explained. "Three hundred people utilize our facilities each week. These are people who are engaged and involved."
In addition to on-site programming, singles and couples enjoy popular day trips to theaters, casinos and other destinations. Six or seven overnight trips are planned each year.
"Older adults can learn a new skill or hobby, make new friends, have lunch and learn to maximize their resources," she said. "We have fun at the senior center and everybody is welcome."
May is Lancour's anniversary month as program director. Her arrival in 2004, represented a career change after 16 years as a camp director for YWCA and Girl Scouts. She has a master's degree in outdoor recreation administration.
"I was ready for a change from children to adult education," she explained, adding with a chuckle that "I went from telling stories to kids to hearing real life stories."
Most of the Program Department staff are part-time, and the center depends on 300 volunteers for much of the work.
"Diane is the spark plug for so many of our activities," explained Reagan. "Her energy and enthusiasm inspire those who come to the center, and serve as the leading spirit of our programs."
In addition to its social, lifelong learning and wellness programs, the center operates an extensive Social Services Department and Adult Day Services Program. Services are available in English, Spanish and Russian at the center and six satellite locations. The Social Services staff makes home visits as needed.
The private, nonprofit center is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Its $900,000 plus budget includes support from Palatine Park District, Palatine Township, AgeOptions, the village of Palatine, United Way, other grants, donations, memberships and fundraising. The center is accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers, which assures participants, donors and funders that the center offers quality programs that meet national standards. Only 3 percent of the senior centers in the U.S. are accredited.
"Older Americans Month not only highlights opportunities for recreation and socialization, but also raises awareness of issues facing older adults," Reagan said. "Life doesn't stop at a certain age. We benefit and learn from, and are inspired by, the experiences and knowledge of older adults."
For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit the PTSCC website at www.ptscc.org or call (847) 991-1112.
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