Local Group Honored for Services to Seniors at W.S. Board Meeting

Aging Care Connections presented its 2012 Community Service Travelling Trophy to the Western Springs-Indian Head Park community action team of its Aging Well program for exemplary service in assisting senior and older local residents at Monday night’s Western Springs Board of Trustees meeting.

“[Western Springs] continue[s] to be a valued partner with Aging Care Connections,” ACC’s Ken Grunke told the Board. “Our hope is that each community action team displays the award proudly for all to see for one full month… as a representation of the significant value that they bring to older residents and their families.”

Founded 11 years ago to serve the townships of Lyons, Riverside and south Proviso, the Aging Well program consists of local community action teams (CATs) who interact with older residents to communicate about senior issues and identify and find solutions for problems facing seniors.

“We’re looking to [serve] the seniors and older adults in our communities and do whatever it takes to make this a place where people want to live as they age,” said Western Springs’ Mike Doepke, team leader for the Western Springs and Indian Head Park CAT.

Doepke also introduced and recognized five other members of the CAT: Sally Mitchell, Linda Hussey, Mic Cagney and Jim Reynolds of Western Springs and Aileen Henkel of Indian Head Park.

After the presentation, Village President Bill Rodeghier congratulated the group. “It’s always nice to honor an organization [that] is an asset to the community that serves our residents well and makes us proud,” Rodeghier said. “On behalf of the Board, I’m grateful to you for your fine efforts.”

Residents should note that the first October meeting of the Western Springs Board of Trustees will be moved forward a week and held on the evening of October 1 at 7:00 p.m.