Under the direction of activity coordinators Amanda Creighton and Paul Heinkel, participants at Senior Services are enjoying a jam-packed fall schedule full of opportunities for fun, food, and friendship!
Senior Services Associates, Inc. is at 2111 Plum Street in Aurora. New to the lineup of activities available there is a Men’s Club, created by an inspiration of an AmeriCorps volunteer Peter Lowe. friendly visiting coordinator Cindy Adams, and Creighton, who reached out to Peter who had started a Men’s Club with residents at the Batavia Heritage Woods. “We learned that Peter was just meeting with friends to hang out with the guys living at Heritage Woods, and we told him we would love to see a similar group start here at our center,” Creighton said. “At first, we had 15 people show up, so we know that there is a great interest and a need for older men to meet and make new friends. We also know we can accommodate many more, and we hope to see this group grow,” she added.
“There is definitely a struggle to get men involved in activities,” said Heinkel. “We want to increase the participation of men. It was great to see the conversation start flowing, and comradery, and to be able to offer resources for the participants. The guys got really engaged talking about history and there was a lot of good conversation,” he added.
The next Men’s Club meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees can expect complimentary coffee and treats, conversation, information on local resources, and fun, along with a special honor this month for veterans. Lunch is provided from 11 a.m. until noon by the Kane Senior Council with Hoffman House Catering. The menu includes hamburgers, potato salad, and green beans, with a suggested donation of $5. Those interested are asked to sign up with Amanda at 630-897-4035 as soon as possible. After lunch, the center offers Bingo at 1 p.m. for $2 a card.
Amanda has extended the invitation to residents of Asbury Gardens and Alden of Waterford too. “Everyone is welcome, we just need a head count,” Creighton said, adding “Our November Men’s Club is being sponsored by Origami insurance group and Assisting Hands Home Care. This is the first time we have had sponsors, and we hope for more sponsors in the future.”
Men’s Club continues every other month, with another opportunity coming January 21, 2026.
“Men’s Club is just one of many opportunities at our Center, we offer so many great things to participate in such as chair volleyball, bingo, line dancing, aerobics, and games, for seniors to enjoy,” added Heinkel.
Other fall events through Senior Services include their annual Thanksgiving Turkey Luncheon Friday, Nov. 21, at 11:30 a.m.. The event is sponsored by Aurora Township and Highway Department. The meal is $7 for members and $11 for nonmembers. Please register and pay for the luncheon one week in advance with either Amanda or Paul.
For those who want to further support services for older adults in Aurora, Senior Services Associates is proud to invite you to A Slice of Fall, the 19th annual Aurora Pie Auction Fundraiser, Friday, Nov. 21, at 6 p.m., at Belle Salle Banquet Hall, 1920 E New York Street, Aurora. The evening includes dinner, drinks, dancing, games, and a live auction. Including the most amazing pies ever! Reserve your place at this astounding evening of fun and fundraising by November 17.
And looking forward to December, don’t forget to sign up to participate in the Holiday meal program Saturday, Dec. 13, open to all seniors 60 years of age and older. Seniors can request a home delivered meal by calling 630-897-4035 no later than December 3 or sign up to eat at the 3rd Ward Club, 612 5th Ave., Aurora, at 11:30 a.m..
For more information on these and the many other events and opportunities available through Senior Services Associates, Inc., call 630-897-4035.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer who has worked in public relations, as a television producer and an on-air host for television and radio, as a print journalist and managing editor, as well as in the non-profit sector networking among several social service agencies and service providers throughout Illinois. She is also serving a third term as an elected alderman in the City of Plano, Ill.. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.