Little Rock Township will host a Senior Spring Fling Luncheon at Plano Middle School, 804 South Hale Street, Plano, Tuesday, March 31, including a resource expo featuring local businesses and agencies that support senior citizens. Doors open to the public at 10 a.m., with the senior resource expo in the school gymnasium.
An event that was once a tradition in the City of Plano many years ago was reinvented in 2025 by Little Rock Township after petition by several residents, and local volunteers got together to provide a special luncheon for senior citizens in the township, focusing especially on residents who may not be accessing important services.
Last year, the luncheon was a huge success with 84 residents attending and over a dozen senior providers attending to offer important health and safety information.
The outpouring of support from senior providers and the response from attendees was so remarkable, it impressed volunteers of the need for more space to hold the event and to have important resources and information available. As a result, organizers decided to add a new feature to the Senior Spring Fling, a senior resource expo in the school gymnasium featuring many local businesses and service agencies that can help senior citizens navigate their needs and access services in our area.
Several volunteers including city aldermen, officials, first responders, and others have been planning for months for this year’s event. Already the expo is growing to feature a variety of services and products to help older adults live independently in their homes.
Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. During the luncheon, Plano Police Chief Norm Allison will do a presentation to educate seniors and caregivers on what they can expect when emergency personnel arrive in a time of need. He will also give tips on what seniors and family members can do to help prepare prior to this time. Afterwards, door prizes will be awarded concluding the event at 2 p.m..
The event is being sponsored by Little Rock Township for residents of the township. Those who are 60 years of age or older are invited. Caretakers are also welcome to join seniors, regardless of their age. The venue is easily accessible with plenty of parking.
A donation box to help support the cost of the meal will be on hand at the entry to the luncheon, and there is a suggested donation of $6, however no one will be denied a meal for inability to pay.
The menu for the luncheon includes, fried chicken, mostaccioli, meatballs, buttered mashed potatoes, whole kernel corn, fresh salad, rolls and butter, with desserts of cupcakes and sugar free brownies.
Reservations to attend must be made by Monday, March 16. To reserve a seat at the luncheon, call Kathy Wickens at 630-552-7138, email mjshanahan01@gmail.com, or return your reservation to Plano City Hall, attention alderman Kathy Wickens before the March 16 deadline. Please include your name, address, phone, or email address, and number of individuals attending the luncheon.
Businesses and service providers interested in participating in the resource expo should contact mjshanahan01@gmail.com to reserve your space.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, whose career has included over 10 years as a public relations professional, 22 years as a professional television and radio host, print journalist, and volunteer coordination professional, networking among non-profit social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is a two-term elected alderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.