Evergreen Park’s Senior Council eyeing ways to modernize
For decades, older residents in the Evergreen Park area and those with special needs have enjoyed inexpensive bus trips and cozy events courtesy of the village’s Senior Council.
But changes in society and the needs of its constituency have prompted the group’s leaders to examine the council’s programming.
Now, alongside programs recalling fond memories of “Sing Along with Mitch,” a drumming class is planned, along with splitthe-pot raffles and pinochle games. There’s also an extra emphasis on social media presence and a renewed push to stock the organization’s food pantry.
“We’re getting a lot of input about how we can change our meetings,” said Beth Novotney, who heads the council. “We really want everyone’s input.”
The group’s traditional offings still are in place. A meeting last week featured a spaghetti dinner, Heather Broudakis’ “Sing Along with Mitch” program and a prayer for residents of Ukraine, bus trips May 24 field trip to the “Chicago on Fire” exhibit at the Chicago History Museum and June 24 to Gardens of the Rock River Valley,
were announced.
But the need for change was also on the agenda and longtime Council member Virginia Wrobel offered an overview of the organization’s history and the ideas behind changes to come.
Wrobel pointed out in the 1960s the government realized people were living longer and, as they aged they sometimes needed help.
“Remember there were no computers, no texting, you talked to one another,” said Wrobel. “People were active in those days.”
So she and the village started the Office of Citizen Services in 1974 to address some of those needs, which she directed for 15 years, and which she now serves as treasurer. She also founded the local food pantry and a Meals on
Wheels program. The first office was a small room at Village Hall equipped with manual typewriters.
To gauge older residents’ needs, Wrobel contacted local churches — most which had senior organizations — and civic groups. A big need was transportation, so an effort was begun to drive seniors to doctor appointments and grocery stores, and the Fire Department donated a bus. The Advisory Council also started fundraising and organizing events at schools and churches.
One of the first fundraisers was a large fair at Evergreen Park Community High School. The council also teamed up with local stores to offer seniors a discount
program.
Volunteers delivered baskets of food and other items to “shut-ins,” while paying them social visits. There were many flea markets, which evolved into a village-wide garage sale.
“We had a lot of help,” said Wrobel. “Everybody was pitching in, which was wonderful to see.”
The office moved from Village Hall in 1975 to its current location at 3450 W. 97th St., which at the time was a school. The council also started offering classes in the building, which became The Maher Center, run mainly by volunteers, in 1976.
Though the village has fewer residents today at roughly 19,000 down from about 27,000 at one time, there is still almost the same 27% of people who are 75 to 85 years old as several decades ago.
“We’ve come a long, long way and now we’re in this beautiful building,” Wrobel said. “But it’s time for us to change our bylaws. We’re a different group.”
Wrobel said after her presentation seniors today tend to travel more and many care for their grandkids. More women work these days, and they stay in the workforce longer. Churches don’t tend to have senior groups and local civic organizations that help seniors have dwindled.
“We’re trying now to find out where they are now, what they need and what they would like to have done,” Wrobel said. “What we’d like to see is to get some of the seniors more involved in community things.”
Jackie Moline, a member of the council and resident for years, said one thing that is indispensable about the council is its ability to bring together seniors to share their talents. But she said the group still needs to look for ways to make itself more relevant.
“As we age, it is not always possible to feel that we fit in; here we, do,” Moline said. “Friendships have been developed from this group and you never have to feel alone.”
Rich Rahn, who joined with his wife two years ago, said the organization’s need is more important than ever in the wake of the pandemic. Why?
“Being able to socialize after being locked down for two years!” Rahn said.