The new Oak Lawn Senior Center facility will open at the end of the month but some residents had questions about the project.
Dale Kaczmarek, an Oak Lawn resident since 1976, said he has concerns about the facility that will be included in the reconstruction of the former park district structure at the east end of Memorial Park, 102nd Street and Major Avenue.
Kaczmarek posed some questions during the public comments portion of the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night.
“I just thought seniors should have more local input,” Kaczmarek said. “I just don’t know if there is a sufficient amount of space for seniors.”
Mayor Terry Vorderer believes the new senior center will be beneficial to the community.
“We had a lot of discussions and have talked about this for some time,” Vorderer said. “I can tell you that the new senior center will be an improved center that will offer plenty for seniors.”
The facility was once the children’s bath house and has been dormant for a number of years.
The renovated building will feature two large multi-purpose recreation rooms and a commercial grade kitchen.
The new senior center will officially open Monday, June 30, and will feature bridge, bingo, pinochle, movies and a box lunch.
Vorderer added that there will be a period for adjustments and will make changes when necessary for seniors. He again assured Kaczmarek and a couple of other residents that the facility will be a plus for Oak Lawn.
The new center will replace the meeting place for seniors at 5220 W. 105th St. The mayor had previously said that the new location is closer to the center of the village.
Call for safe holiday
Trustee James Pembroke (4th) said that everyone should enjoy Independence Day but to remain safe.
“I wish everyone a happy Fourth of July and a safe Fourth of July,” Pembroke said. “There will be a lot of fireworks out there.”
However, Vorderer warned residents that fines have increased dramatically and if they are caught by police blowing off fireworks expect to pay the price.
“The problem is that we have laws but someone can go to Indiana and buy fireworks,” Vorderer said. “You are on your own if you have fireworks. It is going to cost you.”
The village will hold its fireworks show at dusk on July 4 at Richards High School.
The owners of Gennaro Liquors, 5549 W. 87th St., are retiring after 75 years in Oak Lawn. However, a new owner, Amitkumar Patel, will take over the store. He will continue to use the same name.
Now charging non-resident seniors $75 a year to access recreational events like card playing and sewing.
Even seniors who lived most of their lives in Oak Lawn but have been unable to find affordable senior accommodation.
Despicable.
Will you have activities? Such as Yoga QiGong Brain Boosters. I am a certified teacher in those areas. A senior center is greatly needed. Thank you for opening the center!!!