Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg joins in on the dancing. (photo by Carol McGowan)
More than 100 residents gathered at the Lyons Township complex in Countryside July 10 for the township’s first-ever ice cream social.
Held inside the Community Room at 6404 Joliet Road, the event offered made-to-order sundaes, karaoke, and a chance for neighbors to mingle.
“This was the first one, but it won’t be the last,” Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg said. “It was beyond my expectations!”
The event ran from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and was open to all township residents, along with their friends and family.
The social is part of a growing list of township programs aimed at bringing residents — especially seniors — together for free, high-enjoyment activities. Hoffenberg said the goal is to keep bodies moving and brains engaged, especially following years of pandemic isolation.
“Bringing the community together brings so much joy to me. It brings togetherness in society and it’s nice to come together for something fun. It makes residents feel that their government cares about them and as taxpayers, they see great things happening. We have chair yoga every week, our popular Repair Café on the third Saturday of every month, a bi-annual flower arranging workshop, a Valentine’s Day luncheon, blanket-making, Crafternoons — and more may be in the works,” she said.
Among the ideas: a holiday bus tour for seniors to see Christmas lights and sip hot chocolate.
“We love hearing suggestions,” Hoffenberg said. “One resident, Bruce Fator, even recommended we play John Philip Sousa marches during our socials to celebrate patriotism.”
Senior residents who need a ride can get transportation through the township. But for some, it’s a short trip across the parking lot.
Donna Fowler, Delores Worobice and Helen Bogacki live next door at the Countryside Senior Apartments. They walked over for the event — and the ice cream.
“This is great,” Fowler said. “We’re able to walk across the lot and enjoy the events.”
Bogacki even joined in the karaoke.
“We enjoy the events,” she said. “We’ve been to a few, and each one has been a wonderful time.”