Read our community newsletter to discover the latest news and activities at Park Place of Elmhurst Retirement and Assisted Living!
Messenger The SEPTEMBER 2025
PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST
Life at Park Place of Elmhurst A Message from Joe Xanthopoulos
WeCare Connect Survey Please watch for your WeCare Connect customer satisfaction survey via email, text, or phone. We are grateful that you chose Park Place and we wish to ensure your satisfaction so we need to hear from you. The saying, “Age doesn’t matter unless you are a cheese,” is attributed to Billie Burke. Park Place of Elmhurst is blessed with so many resident examples whose positive attitudes and mindsets transcend time. Last week, an IL resident, age 100+, asked me to come to her apartment because she wanted to introduce me to someone she appreciated and felt could be helpful here. Each day, residents share with me about how glad they are to live here. “I love it here.” “I swim in the pool three times a week and go to every exercise class I can.” “I went to a beautiful outdoor concert, and I didn’t have to drive… Melissa put chairs out for us… and I was with my friends.” “I just attended a learning series with a magnificent speaker.” “The food here is better than most restaurants.” “Vince did a beautiful job installing a washer and dryer for us.” “Is there anything I can do to help here at Park Place?” Maybe Mr. Sweetland wasn’t exactly right when he said, “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” Park Place of Elmhurst is an excellent destination for those actively seeking happiness.
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”
—Ben Sweetland
Ben Sweetland was an author and psychotherapist. He wrote the books I Can and I Will. In his book I Can, his focus was on strategies
and tactics for cultivating a positive mental attitude. His book, I Will, highlights how one’s thoughts and attitudes have the power to shape one's fate and form one's life experiences. My father was 50 when I was born; my mother was 42. I had four aunts and four uncles… all in their mid-50s to late 60s when I was born. My paternal grandfather, the only grandparent I knew, served as a Greek Orthodox Priest until he passed at the age of 98. I was fortunate to be surrounded by “sage veterans of life” throughout my life. I have learned from them and continue to learn from the residents I have served over the past 30 years that attitude and mindset are crucial in creating joy and happiness in one’s life. I see many residents here who bring joy to themselves by bringing joy to their fellow residents, the staff, and their families, as well as external friends who visit them. These are people who look for the positive in everything they experience and take thoughtful action to make things better, both here in our community and in our world.
www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com (630) 936-4500 | ppe@provlife.com | 1050 Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126
Messenger The PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST
Spotlight Events at Park Place
Watercolor Class with Gail Tuesday, September 2
1:30 p.m., Creation Studio Join fellow residents for an afternoon watercolor class. Gail will instruct you to paint a vivid floral arrangement piece. Sign-ups for this class opened in mid-August. This class accommodates 12. Sign up with the Concierge to be added to the waitlist. Sudoku with Stephanie September 2 & 23 3:00 p.m., Community Room Sudoku is played on a grid of 9x9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3x3 spaces). Each row, column, and square (comprising nine spaces each) must be filled with numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column, or square. Join Stephanie from Life Enrichment to learn how to play Sudoku (soo.dow.koo). Together, we will use our brains to solve Sudoku. The origins of Sudoku can be traced back to 18th-century mathematical puzzles and number games, evolving through various iterations before reaching its modern form. Historical & Architectural Lake and River Tour Wednesday, September 3 10:30 a.m., Main Entrance We are excited to offer a historical and architectural boat tour that takes you from the dock in DuSable Harbor, through the Chicago locks, onto the Chicago River, navigating the
Labor Day Buffet Monday, September 1
The Dining Services Team kindly requests that you make a reservation for the Labor Day Buffet. Those times are:
y 12:15 p.m. y 12:45 p.m.
y 11:00 a.m. y 11:30 a.m.
The maximum seating reservation is 10 guests, including residents, per table. To make reservations, RSVP to the Dining Room’s extension at 10010. If you will be dining solo, the Dining Service Team has created a “community table” at two designated seating times: 11:00 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. We hope you feel the more who join you, the merrier you will be. Please let the hostess know you would like to be added to the “community table” and if you would like to dine at 11:00 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. *The Bistro will be open only for breakfast during the regular hours of 7:00–9:30 a.m. Dinner service will not be available on Labor Day.
same waterways where this vessel once fought
fires and provided emergency assistance. Expert tour guides highlight Chicago’s world-
www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com (630) 936-4500 | ppe@provlife.com | 1050 Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 2
Messenger The PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST
famous architecture and the maritime history that has helped shape the city into what it is today. Hear unique historical facts about the fires this boat fought decades ago. It is recommended to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler temperatures. A light snack will be provided courtesy of our Dining Service team. Tickets cost $44 for the tour. We have acquired a coach bus that seats 28. The cost of transportation is $30. Sign up with the Concierge to be added to our waitlist in the event someone can no longer attend.
style. Today, we honor our grandparents, and as the saying goes, “Parents know a lot, but
grandparents know everything.” Happy Grandparents Day to all!
Community Conversations Monday, September 8 1:30 p.m., Dining Room Hear from your Executive Director about all that is happening at Park Place. Bring your questions and comments! Dining Committee Meeting Tuesday, September 9 2:00 p.m., Providence Dining Room The Dining Committee meets today. Please get in touch with Committee Chair Mary Baas with questions or suggestions you would like her to address with the Committee. Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease Wednesday, September 10 11:00 a.m., Courtyard
Double Play: Flute and Tuba Concert Thursday, September 4 7:00 p.m., Community Room
Join us in welcoming back Double Play. They are the world’s only full-time professional flute and tuba duo, and their repertoire spans 300 years of musical history. Founded in Arizona and now based in Michigan, this husband- and-wife team has entertained and “informed” audiences of all ages in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Mexico. Amy Ridings (flutist) and Patrick Sciannella (tubaist) are excited to be back to play for you and hope you enjoy their arrangements from the world of opera, instrumental music, and popular song.
Residents and friends of Park
Place of Elmhurst are invited to join together in the walk to raise awareness
for Alzheimer’s disease. Again, this year our residents will be walking outside on our Park Place campus paths in a very local version of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. All are invited! Wear purple if you can! You recently received details about this Alzheimer's Walk in your cubby that explains details about our walk. *Please note the rain date for this event: Thursday, September 11
Grandparents Day Sunday, September 7 Nothing excites us more than seeing our grandparents! You've
shown us what unconditional love is all about. Your hugs, smiles, and encouraging words have made us feel so loved and supported. The wonderful thing about our Park Place community is that you are all so welcoming and have shared words of wisdom with many of our staff members in your own grandparenting
www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com (630) 936-4500 | ppe@provlife.com | 1050 Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 3
Messenger The PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST
Tailgate Games Thursday, September 11 3:30 p.m. Courtyard
Park Place Book Discussion Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books By Kirsten Miller Saturday, September 13 3:00 p.m., Providence Dining Room Beverly Underwood and her archenemy, Lula Dean, live in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia, where they were born and raised. Now Beverly is on the school board, and Lula has become a local celebrity by embarking on a mission to rid the public libraries of all inappropriate books—none of which she’s actually read. To replace the “pornographic” books she’s challenged at the local public library, Lula starts her own lending library in front of her home: a cute wooden hutch with glass doors and neat rows of the worthy literature that she’s sure the town’s readers need. What Lula doesn’t know is that a local troublemaker has stolen her wholesome books, removed their dust jackets, and restocked Lula’s library with banned books: literary classics, gay romances, Black history, witchy spell books, Judy Blume novels, and more. One by one, neighbors who borrow books from Lula Dean’s library find their lives changed in unexpected ways. Finally, one of Lula Dean’s enemies discovers the library and decides to turn the tables on her, just as Lula and Beverly are running against each other to replace the town’s disgraced mayor. That’s when all the townspeople who’ve been borrowing from Lula’s library begin to reveal themselves. That's when the showdown that’s been
Are you ready for some football? Although the Chicago Bears do not have a game today, we are kicking off Football season by tailgating in the Courtyard! Grab your friends and join us in the Courtyard for Bean Bag games before heading to our Football-themed Dining Shuffle. In the event of inclement weather, Bean Bag Games will take place in the Community Room.
Dining Shuffle: Tailgate Shuffle Thursday, September 11 Dining Hours, Dining Room
Save the date for this month’s dining shuffle! An invitation will be placed in your cubby a week before the Shuffle, so you can choose your dining time. You will be seated randomly with Park Place neighbors for dinner. It is a great way to meet new people or get acquainted with old friends. All are invited and encouraged to attend. This month, you can enjoy some of your favorite game day foods prepared by Chef Pearse and the Dining Service Team. You are welcome to participate in some of the Tailgate games after dinner, which will be stationed outside in the Courtyard, weather permitting.
Welcome Reception Friday, September 12 3:00 p.m., Bistro
Please come welcome the newest residents of Park Place. Wine, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
brewing between Beverly and Lula will roil the whole town...and change it forever. All are welcome to attend the Park Place Book Discussion.
www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com (630) 936-4500 | ppe@provlife.com | 1050 Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 4
Messenger The PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST
as inspiration, we will examine representative sentences from texts such as The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and A Moveable Feast to discover techniques that gave his work such lasting power. Join Michael Harrington as he presents a Curiosity University lecture by Dr. Mark Cirino, who will discuss Hemingway’s legendary career.
Park Place Resident Car Show
Tuesday, September 16 10a.m-2p.m, Courtyard
We invite you to “rev up your life” and enjoy cool & classic cars in our Courtyard. Roger Macnider and his friends are again bringing their cars to Park Place. In the event rain is in the forecast, the rain date will be Thursday, September 18. We sincerely thank Roger Macnider and his friends for once again bringing their cars to Park Place for our residents to enjoy!
Opera At the Met: Die Walküre Saturday, September 20 1:00 p.m., Community Room
Drury Lane Presents:
Join fellow residents for a drama-filled Opera in
Dial M For Murder Wednesday, September 17 12:45 p.m., Main Entrance Jealousy. Deception. Murder.
the Community Room this afternoon. In Die Walküre, Siegmund and Sieglinde are the mortal children of Wotan, king of the gods, and are separated early in their lives. In a storm, Siegmund seeks shelter in the home of Sieglinde and her husband, Hunding. The siblings recognize each other, fall in love, and run away together. Special Presentation: Green Street in Black and White—A Chicago Story
An affair, a fortune on the line, and the perfect murder…But what happens when it all goes wrong? Find out in this riveting new adaptation. Dial M for Murder contains violence and adult themes. Run Time: 2 hours, including intermission. Sign up with the Concierge by Monday, September 15. Tickets are $45, and we have 12 available.
By Dave Larsen Monday, September 22 1:30 p.m., Community Room
Curiosity University Ernest Hemingway: One True Sentence Friday, September 19 1:00 p.m., Community Room
In the early 1960s, on Green Street, a boy and his friends face challenges in a neighborhood brimming with racial change. Dave Larsen takes us back to a summer of social upheaval, when youthful mischief collided with the weight of adult fears. The novel is set in Englewood,
Ernest Hemingway’s cartoonish “Papa” persona – the brawler, boozer, braggart, big game hunter, and chronic womanizer— often overshadows his singular greatness as a writer. In this presentation, we will ignore the temptation of biography and myth to concentrate instead on the most enduring contribution of Hemingway’s life: his writing. Using Hemingway’s “one true sentence” credo
on Chicago’s South Side, a community like countless others across America that were marked in that era by the lively interaction of families, despite ethnic divides and the realities of integration and
www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com (630) 936-4500 | ppe@provlife.com | 1050 Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 5
Messenger The PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST
white flight. The story follows Erik Pedersen and his friends, the Green Street Boys, as they confront prejudice, discover solidarity, and witness the cracks in their seemingly ordinary world. As families leave, neighbors and their congregations grapple with fear. As tensions rise, Erik is thrust into a moral conflict that challenges his understanding of right and wrong. Larsen's historical fiction includes real events from the author’s childhood on Green Street to give a sense of the dynamics at play in neighborhoods and congregations in that era. Factual events include riding in an Irish uncle’s Chicago police car, a church hiring a seminary
Birthday Luncheon Thursday, September 25 12:00 p.m., Dining Room
Today, you deserve a celebration for all the joy you bring into the world. There are many precious things in life, but few are as special as you! We invite those with a September birthday to lunch in our Dining Room as we celebrate
and wish you all a Happy Birthday. RSVP with the Concierge by Friday, September 19. Trip to Elmhurst Library Thursday, September 25 12:45 p.m., Main Entrance
intern to track where Black families were moving, and even a tragic shooting that poured fuel on families' simmering anxieties. Join fellow residents as Author Dave Larsen discusses his book and may
This afternoon, head over to the Elmhurst Library. You can enjoy your time browsing books by your favorite author, enjoying a cup of coffee in the Brewpoint Cafe (at your expense), or reach out to a Library staff member to volunteer to read to children in the kids' area of the Library that afternoon. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Elmhurst Library, please bring a valid Illinois ID showing your name and current Elmhurst address. Sign up with the Concierge by Wednesday, September 24.
share stories about his childhood and how it shaped him into who he has become today. You are not required to read the book to attend this presentation. Park Place will have a copy of Green Street in Black and White available in the Library for you to check out following this presentation.
Thomas & Friends Wednesday, September 24 2:00 p.m., Outdoor Patio
Northside Brass Concert: Brass Brilliance Sunday, September 28 1:45 p.m., Main Entrance The Northside Brass is
Thomas and Friends is a talented group of musicians and singers. They perform classic country, folk, and pop songs from the mid-20th century. The group varies in size but typically performs with eight members, each with their own instruments. They do not accept payment for their performance. Your enjoyment and participation are all they ask. This program will take place on our Outdoor Patio, weather permitting. If inclement weather is in the forecast, Thomas & Friends will perform in the Living Room. Following the program, join us in the Bistro for our Resident Social.
excited to present their Inaugural Chamber Concert at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church and to officially join its vibrant musical community. Come celebrate with the band in this stunning space, known for its breathtaking acoustics and architectural beauty. The program will feature works by Dukas, Bach, Ewald, and more! This will be a dynamic mix of repertoire that highlights the versatility and power of Brass.
www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com (630) 936-4500 | ppe@provlife.com | 1050 Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 6
Messenger The PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST
y Concert is from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. y Baker Memorial United Methodist Church y 307 Cedar Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174 y $20 ticket Price If you are interested in attending but would like to drive separately, please call Melissa at extension 10008 to make arrangements.
A Message from Chaplain Gerry Bible Study
Tuesdays: Community Room at 10:45 a.m. September 2: The 12 Disciples: James September 9: The 12 Disciples: John September 16: The 12 Disciples: Phillip September 23: The 12 Disciples: Bartholomew September 30: The 12 Disciples: Thomas Worship Services Thursdays: Community Room at 2:00 p.m. September 4, September 11, September 18, and September 25 For the Month of September, Chaplain Gerry will continue with messages from the book of Psalms.
Intro to Writing Family Stories Monday, September 29 11:00 a.m., Community Room
We invite you to attend an Introduction to Writing Family Stories, presented by Michael Harrington. Michael has facilitated this program at Park Place for the last twelve years. This session will provide an introduction to writing and should be of interest to any Park Place resident who would like to write stories about their family. To get you on course with telling your life stories, we are continuing this fall with our “Life Story Writing Sessions” twice a month for the next three months. Classes will be held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month starting in October. We hope you consider joining.
Park Place of Elmhurst Foundation The Park Place of Elmhurst
Express Facials by Merle Norman Tuesday, September 30 1:00 p.m., Club Room Merle Norman Cosmetics has been a small business
Foundation exists to enhance the living experience of Park Place residents by improving facilities and amenities for the community. It expands, enhances, and improves on the experiences available to the community in a broad variety of ways. At the same time, the Foundation provides the opportunity to preserve the memory of a loved one, as well as to recognize milestones for those who are celebrating special events in their lives. The Foundation hosts events that foster connection, including resident events, educational programming, and appreciation luncheons.
in Elmhurst for over 60 years. Merle began developing her brand over 95 years ago in her kitchen. Join fellow Residents for a 30-minute Express Facial. Enjoy a facial cleanse, tone, mask, steam, and moisturize: all the essentials for a beautiful glow. We will accommodate two residents every 30 minutes from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sign up with the concierge by Monday, September 22.
www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com (630) 936-4500 | ppe@provlife.com | 1050 Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 7
Messenger The PARK PLACE OF ELMHURST
Park Place Announcements
A Message from Natalie
A few months back I had an idea which I presented to Melissa, and she encouraged me to “put something in writing”. Here it is: One of the many reasons my husband, Don, and I moved to Park Place last December was to increase our social life. We have done just that in our neighborhood of over 100 people. In making new friends we have shared a bit about ourselves, and we’ve enjoyed learning and laughing with others about their lives. I sense however there are many more interesting stories to tell. A snippet of time spent with the residents here just doesn’t seem like enough. I’m NOT thinking traditional Biography accomplishments listed by age or year…. boring! I’m hoping for interesting, fun facts that describe us as a person. Success travels many roads. We no doubt have failed at times and yet we may have learned a greater lesson, laughed louder, or lived to tell the story! Let’s introduce ourselves by sharing good times with friends. We will not only get to know each other better, but most likely we’ll bring about some smiles. Those smiles may affect a friend’s day, perhaps their night as well. Happy thoughts have a way of warding off depression and sleeplessness. Our personal stories may also inspire others we care about who are facing tough times. I enjoy writing and would be honored to help you compose a paragraph or two to
The Park Place family extends its heartfelt birthday greetings to all of our residents who are celebrating birthdays in September!
Friday Shopping We know that not everyone needs to stock up on groceries every week, so we’d love to give you the chance to visit other shops and banks located in the same centers as our regular grocery stops. Take a look at your monthly activity calendar for the Friday shopping trips, and let the Concierge know which place you’d like to visit. Our bus leaves at 10:00 a.m. sharp each Friday. Be sure to sign up ahead of time—this way, if we need to adjust our departure time, we can easily reach out and keep you in the loop.
accompany a recent photo in our Park Place monthly Messenger.
If this sounds like something you would enjoy taking part in, please register with the concierge on an RSVP list. I will reach out to you in the order you register.
www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com (630) 936-4500 | ppe@provlife.com | 1050 Euclid Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 8
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8www.providencelifeservices.com
Made with FlippingBook Annual report