New pompom squad brings cheer to Friendship Village

As declared by the iconic Cindi Lauper song, "Girls just want to have fun."

This is very much the case at Friendship Village in Schaumburg, where the "girls," who are residents of the senior living community, have launched a pompom squad. The song to which they are choreographing their first routine is Lauper's number one hit and reflects the squad's personality.

The idea first came about as a couple of residents approached Friendship Village Lifestyles Director Jill Steco after having watched the movie "Poms," starring Diane Keaton.

"They thought it would be fun to start a pompom squad here, similar to the one in the movie," said Steco.

Enthusiastic about developing programming based on residents' interests and requests, Steco loved the idea and agreed to lead the squad.

"I was captain of our pompom squad in high school and college. It's like riding a bike; you don't forget how to do things. I thought, I've done this and enjoyed it - so I started the program for them," she said.

The pompom squad has drawn approximately one dozen participants ages 79-93.

During COVID, when the residents were staying in their apartments, Steco produced videos of sections of the routine. She shared these with her "squad" so they could view them on TV and mirror her, practicing remotely. Now, with more than 94% of the residents having been vaccinated, they're back, getting their groove on in person.

Squad member Arlene Burke, 79, said, "This brings back fond memories for people who did poms in high school or college, and fulfills dreams for people who just always wanted to. In which case, what are you waiting for? You've got nothing to lose. It's just so much fun!"

For more than 40 years, Friendship Village has been providing area seniors with retirement living options. For more information, visit www.FriendshipVillage.org.