Take a look outside, and you may barely even recognize that spring is almost here.

Despite the cold temperatures and recent snowfalls, there’s at least one local organization looking ahead to brighter and sunnier days.

Senior citizens anxious to break their winter cabin fever can check out the many offerings at the Bloomingdale Township Senior Center, 6N050 Rosedale Road, Bloomingdale, in coming weeks.
The center’s offerings include the AARP’s “55 Alive” program, which helps older drivers refine their skills; senior tax assistance; home delivery of meals, and much more.

To help you keep up with what’s going on, the center regularly sends out a free Senior Connection newsletter full of information about activities including trips to area casinos and an annual trip to Las Vegas.

Next month, an already sold-out tour will take visitors on a five night trip to Washington, D.C. to see the World War II memorial, Capitol Hill, and more.

As a side note, I understand my service picture is in the WWII monument’s registry. My sister-in-law Marie kept on me to send her a picture, which she sent on to Washington, D.C.

Other fun activities sponsored by the center include matinee movies every other Wednesday and an annual Christmas lunch celebration.

Assistant center manager “Bump” Waghorne, a Bloomingdale Township employee for 14 years who’s worked at the center for three years, told me that in addition to the newsletter, there’s a pamphlet available there listing many local activities.

Some of the other popular offerings include pinochle and bridge games, stained glass classes with instructor Woody Monroe, or a ceramics class with instructor Eveli Eitel. And, of course, you can play Bingo.

I joined a Tai Chi class, taught by Bob Plucinsky. One of his long list of athletic accomplishments includes competing in the 65 to 69 year-old class at the 2005 Illinois Senior Olympics and winning five gold medals.

The class, held from 10 to 10:30 a.m. every Thursday, has about 20 members. The atmosphere there is very low key; just come as you are and soon you will be following right along with all the moves.

Even if you are physically limited, you are welcome to join; we have some seniors who do the class while sitting down.  Bob always has some humorous stories to tell, as well.

In order to provide their activities, the center relies a lot on donations, said John Gervase, the center’s manager for the past 11 years.

Among their big contributors are Dominick’s Finer Foods, Lynfred Winery, Starbucks, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver.

All items donated are used for the seniors’ benefit.
The center, its gift shop, and various class activities also depend on personal donations, whether monetary or through a physical donation.

To check it out for yourself, just drop in, or give them a call at (630) 529-7794.

Their hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and they’re open to all seniors who live in Roselle, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream and some areas of Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Lombard, Itasca, Bartlett and Glen Ellyn.

Until next time.

The Roselle-Itasca Beat is a weekly column appearing on Thursdays. Ideas and items for the column can be faxed to Ed Obrochta at (630) 894-4251 or e-mailed to eobrochta@sbcglobal.net.