Lexington Square resident reading her way through the pandemic
Joan Halas, a resident of Lexington Square in Elmhurst, is a self-professed voracious reader. During the pandemic, as she's remained safely in her beautiful apartment at the senior living community, she's been content, reading more than 200 books.
The 88-year old reported that she's been an avid reader since the age of 8. "I remember sitting in front of the Christmas tree reading 'The Wizard of Oz'." To this day, she added, "Reading is my favorite sport. I've been reading all my life, and it's one of the most important things in my life."
Voracious, but not picky, Joan said that she's interested in just about everything, and she'll read just about anything.
The quarantine, for Joan, has been the opportunity to pursue her hobby further. "There are books all over the place. In reading the books that I did, I came across authors I'd never heard of before," she said. Over the past months, she's read mostly fiction and a book about the national parks and one about President Obama. "Because of the books I've read, I've learned about new things during the quarantine. I always like to continue learning new things."
Joan said she reads just for her own pleasure and doesn't belong to any book clubs, even the one at Lexington Square. She does, however, belong to a lot of area libraries. "Before the quarantine, I'd go to Elmhurst library a lot. Now my son has brought books here to me."
With winter just around the corner, Joan said she's well prepared for the coming months. Although Lexington Square boasts a full calendar of virtual and social distanced programs and activities to keep residents engaged, she's set. "I've started on my next stack of 32 books. Have you ever heard of John Grisham? I've read them all."
LEXINGTON SQUARE
Lexington Square Lombard and Elmhurst are two of the preeminent senior living communities in Chicago's western suburbs. Lexington Square Lombard offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite. Lexington Square Elmhurst provides independent living and assisted living. Both have priority access to long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care through the Lexington Health Network. For more information, visit www.LexingtonSquares.com or call (630) 576-4800.