Read the latest edition of our community newsletter to learn more about news and activities at Victorian Village Senior Community!
NOVEMBER 2026 Life Style VICTORIAN VILLAGE
Life at Victorian Village
A Message from Jamie
ENJOYING NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES Cooler days bring plenty of opportunities to connect indoors. From games and crafts to music, exercise, and social gatherings, there’s something for everyone. Join in at your own pace, whether you prefer a lively activity or a quiet visit with a friend. THANKSGIVING TOGETHER Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate life’s blessings and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones. We also know the holidays can be difficult for those missing someone special. Please remember that you’re surrounded by people who care and are here to listen, reminisce, and share the season with you. A THOUGHT FOR NOVEMBER “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” May we find reasons to be thankful for both life’s big blessings and the little moments that bring comfort and joy. Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to a month filled with friendship, kindness, and cherished memories. Wishing all our residents and families a happy Thanksgiving!
Welcome to November!
Autumn’s beautiful colors remind us to pause and
appreciate the people and moments that make life special. November is a season of gratitude, and we have much to be thankful for: friendships, caring staff, family visits, laughter, and the memories we create together. A SEASON OF THANKFULNESS Thanksgiving reminds us that simple pleasures often bring the greatest joy. Coffee with a friend, a favorite song, old photographs, or a shared story can brighten the day. This month, take a moment to reflect on something you’re thankful for—and consider sharing it with someone else. CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY One of the greatest gifts of community living is being surrounded by people who care. We’re grateful for the residents, families, volunteers, and team members who make Victorian Village feel like home. A warm smile, kind word, or helping hand can make a meaningful difference.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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November Life Enrichment Activities
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Happy Hour 3:00 p.m. — Inn Living Room
11 th Veterans Day Pinning Ceremony 11:00 a.m. — Grand Fireside Lobby Honoring all veterans.
Shopping Trip: Walgreens Senior Discount Day and CVS 9:30 a.m. Bus Departure Sign up in the What's Happening Book.
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11 th Veterans Day Pinning Ceremony and Patriotic Singalong 11:30 a.m. — Faith House and Hope House Honoring all veterans.
Joy Ride: Assisted Living 1:45 p.m. Bus Departure
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11 th Patriotic Entertainment with Mark Hoffman
3 rd
Happy Hour 3:30 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lounge
3:00 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lobby
12 th Hot Breakfast
5 th
Marquette Bank Services 10:00 a.m. — Grand Private Dining Room
9:00 a.m. — Grand Victorian Dining Room
12 th Marquette Bank Services
9 th
Homer Glen Rolling Library 10:30 a.m. — Inn Living Room
10:00 a.m. — Grand Private Dining Room
13 th Lutheran Service with Pastor Rick 1:00 p.m. — Grand Activity Room
10 th Shopping Trip:
Jewel-Osco and Dollar Tree 9:30 a.m. Bus Departure Sign up in the What's Happening Book.
15 th Men of A-Chord Concert
5:30 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lobby
10 th Joy Ride: Memory Support 1:45 p.m. Bus Departure
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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16 th Homer Glen Rolling Library 10:30 a.m. — Inn Living Room
19 th Marquette Bank Services
10:00 a.m. — Grand Private Dining Room
16 th Crazy Bunco
19 th Friendsgiving Celebration • 12:00 p.m. — The Grand • 12:30 p.m. — The Inn
1:30 p.m. — Grand Activity Center
• 2:00 p.m. — Gerald Glander Program
16 th Happy Hour
3:00 p.m. — Inn Living Room
20 th Book Club: “Good Night, Irene” by Luis Alberto Urrea 1:00 p.m. — Grand Private Dining Room
17 th Shopping Trip: Meijer and Aldi 9:30 a.m. Bus Departure
Sign up in the What's Happening Book.
20 th Monthly Birthday Party • 1:45 p.m. — Inn Living Room
17 th Happy Hour
• 3:00 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lounge
3:30 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lounge
23 rd Homer Glen Rolling Library 10:30 a.m. — Inn Living Room
18 th Friendsgiving Celebration • 10:00 a.m. — Faith House • 1:00 p.m. — Hope House
24 th Shopping Trip: Walmart 9:30 a.m. Bus Departure
18 th Card Making with Ellen
Sign up in the What's Happening Book.
1:30 p.m. — Grand Activity Room
24 th Lunch Outing: Bone Fish Grill 11:30 a.m. Bus Departure
18 th Bingo with Bethshan Residents 6:00 p.m. — Grand Activity Room
Sign up in the What's Happening Book.
Bill Schepel will bring residents from the group CILA homes to visit and play bingo with Victorian Village residents.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Book Club Good Night, Irene Luis Alberto Urrea Friday, November 20 th 1:00 p.m. — Grand Private Dining Room In 1943, Irene Woodward abandons an abusive fiancé in New York to enlist with the Red Cross and head to Europe. She makes fast friends in training with Dorothy Dunford, a towering Midwesterner with a ferocious wit. Together they are part of an elite group of women, nicknamed Donut Dollies, who command military vehicles called Clubmobiles at the front line, providing camaraderie and a taste of home that may be the only solace before troops head into battle. After D-Day, these two intrepid friends join the Allied soldiers streaming into France. Their time in Europe will see them embroiled in danger, from the Battle of the Bulge to the liberation of Buchenwald. Through her friendship with Dorothy,
Marquette Bank Full-Service Banking Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Private Dining Room at the Grand We offer on-site banking with Marquette Bank to provide services to our residents. Banking services are set up in our private dining room at the Grand and are available
every Thursday: • November 5 th • November 12 th • November 19 th
News from the Courts Courts Happy Hour (Held the 3 rd Tuesday of each month) Tuesday, November 10 th 4:30 p.m. — Courts Community Center 1. Bring your own beverage and container (glass, mug, holder of any nature). 2. A SMALL appetizer to pass 3. When leaving, take it all home. No RSVP needed and no reminder calls will be made. Courts Potluck Thursday, November 19 th 11:45 a.m.. — Courts Community Center
and a love affair with a courageous American fighter pilot named Hans, Irene learns to trust again. Her most fervent hope, which becomes more precarious by the day, is for all three of them to survive the war intact.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Chaplain’s Corner
By comparison, I am more of a “necessary pruner.” By this I mean that I am OK with things looking a little wild, but I try to get rid of anything that is likely to cause a significant problem later on. Examples would include young trees with more that one “leader”, the part that is reaching upward toward the top of the tree. It is better to have one than several, and while the tree is young, pick one, and prune the rest. Similarly, low branches that may obstruct something later, or that form an awkward juncture with the tree can be removed early on. On a lilac shrub, it is best to cut out the older parts of the shrub, as this will encourage new growth and better blossoms in the spring. Pruning is also a biblical theme, and those who were listening to Jesus would recognize the importance of what he was teaching about pruning. A main component of the local economy was the growing of grapes. This is an art form in and of itself and required year-round attention. In John chapter 15:1-2, Jesus says this. “I am the vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” When we have trusted in Christ for salvation, we become a part of him, and it is his desire that we “bear fruit.” He further explains that apart from him, the vine, we can do nothing, yet when we are connected to him, there is no limit to the glory we can bring to God through the work
We are deep into the gardening season of “raking and pruning.” I am fortunate enough to live in a community that offers the annual vacuum truck service. All I need to do is get the leaves to the edge of the road and a big truck comes along and sucks them up. You can hear it coming a few blocks away, and there is always a day when I am out in the rain, first thing in the morning, trying to get the leaves out there before the truck makes it to our street! “Pruning” is another task altogether. For the most part it is best to prune trees, shrubs and bushes as they enter their dormant season. For this I have a variety of loppers. There is the pair that unfortunately got left out in the rain one year and is rusty and worn, and the new pair that I have vowed never to forget outside in the garden. Pruning is a vital part of having a garden, minding a vineyard, or caring for trees. I always joked with my father that it was a good thing he was not a barber, as his pruning (in my humble opinion) always went a little far.
Continued
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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of Christ within us. I have experienced this as a truth of any spiritual journey: We never fully arrive. God is never done with the work of cutting and pruning to form us into the faithful disciples that he desires us to be. Sometimes our heavenly Father, the gardener, prunes and cuts us in ways that we do not fully understand. He may remove from our lives something or someone that we value and believe is of benefit to his Kingdom. We may wish that the Father would put away the tools of discipleship, the loppers and shears and just let us wait for our heavenly reward. This is not the way of faith. We are always in process, in formation, under further development. In our faith community, this means that we need to attend intentionally to our spiritual health. It may mean that we can join in worship or study. It may mean opening our hearts to a new way of service. It could include a new devotion to prayer. Here at Victorian Village there are good opportunities to continue growing, to connect with others in meaningful conversations and to share our faith stories. I love to go to the garden centers this time of the year, as almost everything is 50-75% off! Of course, there is also the “clearance center” where the most beat up of the nursery stock ends up. If I don’t find something there, I am sure to check the dumpster. (yes really) Things get tossed because they won’t sell, are wilted to the point of crunchy, or have some other defect. I take these home, provide water, TLC, and hope. Most often there is still life, life waiting for a chance to break forth. If this sounds like you, lonely, cast aside, discarded, take heart. Our
loving Father, the master gardener, wants to give you another chance. Yes, there may be pruning, replanting, seasons that feel hard. However, verses 8-9: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” May this season be one of growth for you, as we remain in Christ the vine, and anticipate his continued work in our lives. We can trust him to lead us and prune us in ways that are best for us and for his Kingdom. Each of us is a precious part of his plan, and every part of our lives matter to Him. Faith for Every Season Every season of life brings opportunities to discover something new about ourselves and our relationship with God. Even when the path ahead seems uncertain, we can find comfort in knowing that His love remains constant. Spiritual growth doesn't require grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with a quiet prayer, an act of kindness, a moment of forgiveness, or simply taking time to listen. No matter where you are on your journey, God continues to work in your life. Each day offers another opportunity to strengthen your faith, encourage someone else, and experience the peace that comes from trusting Him.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Senior Fitness with Symbria The Art of being Thankful!
focusing on their negative attributes. They’re more pleasant to be around, so family and friends want to visit. They are more likely to say “hello” to a stranger in the store or step up to volunteer where help is needed. This leads to a senior who is more connected socially, therefore they feel less isolated and lonely. Give the gift of appreciation by writing a gratitude letter to a good friend or family member. You’ll strengthen your relationship with that person while reminding them of their significance in your life. Expands Life’s Meaning Many seniors find it difficult to find purpose for their lives after retirement and/or after all the kids have flown the nest. Cultivating gratitude helps a senior view the bigger picture. When they choose to be grateful for the little things, they can get a sense for their overarching life’s purpose. They can see their hard work in raising a family as they watch their own children parent in a loving manner. They can enjoy the fruits of their labor by giving to others out of abundance. Practice gratitude by intentionally saying “thank you” to the people you encounter throughout your everyday routine. Make it personal by expressing something specific. Tell the deli counter staff you appreciate the way they slice your ham just right. Tell the waitress you see each week how much you appreciate how she keeps your coffee warm and filled.
Improves Health Being grateful does wonders for one’s health. Many seniors suffer from chronic illness, pain, insomnia, and feelings of depression. Practicing gratitude leads to better sleep, less depression, and helps with chronic illness. It reduces headaches, eases pain, and is a great way to cope with stress. Grateful seniors are more likely to exercise regularly and choose healthier foods, which is yet another boost to their health. Want to start reaping these health benefits today? Start a gratitude journal and commit to writing just three things you are thankful for each day.
Strengthens Relationships Practicing gratitude increases social connections and strengthens current
relationships. Those who have a habit of being grateful look for the good in others, instead of
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Improves Memory Many seniors worry about their brain health. Practicing gratitude can help improve memory. Grateful people are more likely to recall past experiences in a more positive manner. They savor the good times and are better equipped to cope when hard times come their way. Want to work on improving your memory while practicing gratitude? Start the day with a little memory game. As you sip your first cup of coffee, spend a few minutes reflecting on the previous day. Come up with ten things you are grateful for that happened yesterday. Bonus points to those who don’t have a duplicate on their list for the entire week. Live & Learn Mindfulness: Practicing the Art of Presence Thursday, November 12 10:00 a.m. in the Grand Activity Center The concept of mindfulness is useful for any purpose within daily life. Being “present” in each moment focuses your best energy to live with little stress and without fear. There is also a link between mindfulness and pain reduction. Join Stacy to gain a deeper under-standing of mindfulness and to practice some easy techniques to use every day.
Three Things. Every Day. A Simple Habit That Can Make a Big Difference! What are you thankful for today? Sometimes, the smallest things bring the greatest joy! Challenge yourself to name three things you're grateful for every day. They don't have to be extraordinary. Maybe it's a beautiful sunrise, a favorite song, a delicious meal, or a friendly smile. Try making gratitude part of your morning routine or reflecting on the day's blessings before bedtime. Write them down, share them with a friend, or simply take a
moment to appreciate them. Your Daily Gratitude Challenge Today, I'm thankful for: 1.
2.
3.
Remember: A grateful heart finds something to celebrate every day!
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Sharing Life & Making Memories
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Victorian Village Announcements
A Time to Remember Thursday, November 12 — 6:30 p.m. Please join our Chaplain for a special Memorial Service honoring the lives of Victorian Village residents who have passed away over the past six months. Together, we will reflect, remember, and celebrate the cherished memories of those who were part of our community. All are welcome to attend as we gather in remembrance and support.
The Victorian Village family extends heartfelt November birthday greetings to the following residents:
HOPE HOUSE RESIDENT Anthony K.
GRAND RESIDENTS Ruth N. , Carol B. , Kathleen F. , Gertrude E. , and Florence M. INN RESIDENTS James D. , Carolyn G. , Ronald F. , Emily M. , and Thelma W.
MEMORY CARE RESIDENTS Elizabeth O. and Nora C.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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