Center brings seniors together for information, food, fun, and friendship

By Valerie Hardy

Wendy and Bob Jerosky have avoided boredom and overspending in their retirement thanks to the Senior Center’s offerings.

It is never too late to try something new, and seniors in Downers Grove Township are a case in point. Many come out to take advantage of the variety of programs and services, specifically designed to enhance the quality of life for those aged 55 and over, offered through the Township’s Center (4341 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove).

The Township building was formerly next door to its current location but outgrew the space. The new property was constructed in 2021, but activities were not held until the next year. The first full year of programming was 2023, during which 8,204 activity check-ins were recorded, explained Paul Coultrap, Supervisor of Downers Grove Township.

In 2024, activity participation increased by over 60 percent. “What we have been able to accomplish here are life-changing events,” Coultrap said, noting the especially strong need for a robust schedule of programs, given the isolation and loss seniors in the community experienced during the pandemic.

Programming & Events

The Senior Center is always seeking unique activities and educational programs to bring to seniors within the community. In fact, many of the offerings originate from suggestions from participants. “It’s like the Montessori method,” frequent program attendee Wendy Jerosky said.

The Township’s Human Services Outreach Coordinator, Sarah Behrens, shared some of these grassroots programs stemming from participant suggestions: a monthly men’s coffee and conversation group, movie matinees, cupcake decorating events, and Spreading Sunshine – a standing program through which seniors participate in service projects.

From crafting, sing-alongs, guitar lessons, and gardening to bingo, ping pong, chair yoga, and tai chi, there is truly something for everyone at the Township Center. Beyond activities, the Center also connects seniors with resources and referrals and provides educational programs, such as computer classes and seminars about financial planning or how to avoid internet scams.

One-off entertainment events are also common through the Senior Center. It has hosted car shows, an ice cream social with a barbershop quartet, a presentation about the Beatles, and even a Jackie Kennedy impersonator.

Senior outings are also coordinated through the Center. For example, senior groups have gone to see productions at Drury Lane, and the Center is offering a brewery tour on May 10.

What’s New at the Senior Center?

Recently, the Center began running quarterly trivia events, which quickly became a crowd favorite. The trivia events started out with approximately 25 participants and now have a waitlist because the events – capped at 40 participants – fill so quickly. In February, there was a Valentine’s Day Dance held in partnership with the Downers Grove Park District at the Lincoln Center. On March 5, the Center – in conjunction with the Park District and Hinsdale’s Community House – organized a trip to a casino for Township seniors.

On March 28, there will be a baseball social with a hot dog vendor, a choir singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame and the national anthem, baseball trivia and other games, photo opportunities, and more. Seniors attending are encouraged to wear apparel representing their favorite baseball team.

Also new this year is the expansion of the Center’s services to support veterans. The Center will be hosting a veterans’ benefits enrollment clinic, 11 vendors that offer veteran services, and “Talk Saves Lives” programs focused specifically on veterans and first responders.

Spring Contests through the Downers Grove Township

On May 2 from 1-4 p.m. at Downers Grove’s Fishel Park, seniors will be performing as part of a “Seniors Got Talent” event cohosted by the Senior Center and Downers Grove Park District. Interested seniors can call the Township to register for a five-minute slot to showcase their talents. This event will move to the Lincoln Center if weather conditions necessitate.

The Township Center is also holding a March Madness Food Donation Challenge in partnership with its neighbor, the FISH Food Pantry. Week 1 of March is a rice and beans vs. pasta and sauce challenge. Week 2 is condiments and spices vs. paper products, and Week 3 is canned vegetables vs. soups. The Challenge closes out with nonperishable breakfast vs. lunch items. The public may drop off donations at the Township building.

Making an Impact

The Senior Center means something a little different for each attendee. Kathy Burton considers it a true gift. She retired after a long career and lives alone. Her siblings were concerned about her being bored and alone too much into her retirement, but those concerns were quickly alleviated, she said, once she began going to the Center.

Members of the self-described “Lunch Bunch” also sang the Center’s praises, explaining how much it has enriched their day-to-day experience. What started as a group of six meeting for a provided lunch at the Center for Community Dining on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a suggested donation of $5 has grown to a group of upwards of 30. “We’re a support group for each other,” Jerosky said. “We’ve all been through some stuff, and here you always have somebody to talk to.”

The Downers Grove Township Center serves residents in and beyond Downers Grove. The only requirement is that attendees must be able to participate independently. To learn more about the Township’s boundaries, programs, and services or to register to attend, visit DGTownship.com/senior-services.