Murder Mystery Adventure Takes Over VSB

On an otherwise ordinary fall afternoon, twenty-four Villa St. Benedict residents and staff members gathered in the Villa St. Benedict lounge to participate in a murder mystery. Each participant played a role in the mystery. The characters included Harry Highstakes, owner of the Deadwood Saloon, his wife Henrietta, the Sheriff, Gambling Jack and his wife Anna Belle, Mitch Maverick, a business man from the east who won the poker game, Holly Kickok, gambler, Banker Bob and his wife Banker Bonnie, Montgomery Money, who was in Deadwood on a business trip but is secretly trying to buy the saloon, and Black Barbara. Mitch Maverick was murdered and participants had to identify the killer. Clues were given to the players as the party went on, but only one person correctly identified the killer!
Everyone had a great time and expressed interest in doing another play or murder mystery. We are already planning a second event for the Spring. No one realized what talented actors and actresses we had on campus!

Villa St. Benedict Director, Cycles 9,000 miles around United States

Exercise Physiologist Craig Broeder, Ph.D., FASCM, and Director of Villa St. Benedict’s Performance Enhancement Center, recently completed a 9,000 mile cycling trip around the perimeter of the United States. Dr. Broeder, age 55, began his trip on May 15th in Austin, Texas at Lance Armstrong's bike shop Mellow Johnny's, and ended his trip back in Austin on August 25th. The 9,000 miles took him through California and Washington State, east towards Ohio and Maine, and down south to Georgia and Florida. He completed his journey in exactly 100 days.

Dr. Broeder rode to raise awareness for ovarian cancer in honor of his wife Kay Broeder, an ovarian cancer survivor. With only nine days of rest during his journey, Broeder was biking an average of 100 miles a day. It was not easy but Dr. Broeder found his inspiration from his wife and this led him to complete his mission and raise $15,000 along the way.

Way to go Dr. Broeder we are so proud of you!

New Comer of the Year Award

Villa St. Benedict, Staff Member Recognized for Outstanding Efforts in the Senior Citizen Community

Law ElderLaw, LLP recently presented Courtney Shomo, Public Relations Specialist for Villa St. Benedict, with the “New Comer of the Year Award” for her dedication and efforts on behalf of the senior citizen community.

Villa St. Benedict is an active adult retirement community offering continuing care to seniors in Lisle, IL. As Public Relations Specialist, Courtney has taken an active role as the representative and spokesperson for Villa St. Benedict. In addition to her efforts of outreach Courtney has worked hard in the arena of Alzheimer’s care and research. Six months ago Courtney worked with the nursing department of Villa St. Benedict to implement a support group on campus that would be open to the entire community. Currently Courtney helps to facilitate the spousal Alzheimer’s and memory care support group which meets once a month at Villa St. Benedict.

“Courtney is a huge asset to Villa St. Benedict, we are proud to have her on staff and feel she is most deserving of this award. Her hard work and dedication to the senior community is one that is admired by many in the senior profession.”, stated Glenn Trembley, Chief Executive Officer at Villa St. Benedict.

To find out more about Villa St. Benedict and the Alzheimer’s support group you can find us on the web at www.villastben.org. You can also find more information the “New Comers” award and Law ElderLaw, LLP at http://www.lawelderlaw.com/.

Wii Bowling at Villa St. Benedict Gets a Boost

Villa St. Benedict Wii Bowling Team Goes Nation Wide


Wii bowling has been popular with the Villa St. Benedict (VSB) residents for almost two years. More than twenty residents and over 7 teams participate in the VSB leagues. Each team has their own name and square off against different opponents each week. “We have really gotten creative with our team names,” said Donna Tarnowski, bowler and score keeper. “Names like the “Holy Rollers” and “Spare Time” make up the teams of 4 or more.

Recently Villa St. Benedict has joined the National Senior League (NSL) that has created a first of its kind, nationwide, eight-week Wii™ bowling league, beginning on October 19. National Senior League™ (NSL) offers the chance to take this Wii Bowling phenomenon to the next level, uniting senior Wii players in senior living communities across the country in a national, competitive league.

Villa St. Benedict residents are looking forward to the increased challenge and competition from player’s nation wide. Residents hope to be among of some of the best players in the United States! Donna Zielazinski, Director of Activities at Villa St. Benedict said, “We are excited to bring together residents, friends and families who can all join in on the fun. We are also curious to see how many connections we may have with other communities. I am sure at least one resident will know someone from another community close by or even in another state.”

New Chairman of the Board is Named for 2009-2010

Dr. John Paul Vidmar named Villa St. Benedict’s Chairman of the Board for 2009-2010


Villa St. Benedict’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John P. Vidmar as the entering Chairman of the Board for the upcoming fiscal year. Villa St. Benedict is an active adult retirement community offering continuing care to seniors in Lisle, IL. As Chairman of the Board, Vidmar will be the lead over the ten person board and will act as the representative and spokesperson to the overall community.

Dr. Vidmar has made a name for himself on the Villa St. Benedict board in a short amount of time. After only serving on the board for 2 years he has stepped up to the Chairman role with enthusiasm. John holds a degree in Political Science and Sociology from Cleveland State University, a Masters in Divinity from Catholic State University, a Master in Political Science from University of Chicago and a Doctorate from the University of Illinois. He combines more than 11 years of Diaconate Assignments around the Chicago-land area and is currently the Global Director of the public sector for Synovate, a large scale survey and research company for the federal government and the healthcare industry.

In addition to his numerous accomplishments within work and education, Vidmar is also a devoted family man. Married to his wife Dawn for over 30 years they have raised three lovely children in and around the Chicago-land area.

Villa St. Benedict is happy to welcome John Vidmar into the Chairman position and anticipate an exciting year ahead for the young retirement community.

Judy Biggert visits Villa St. Benedict

Judy Biggert, Washington D.C. representative of Congregational District 13 recently visited Villa St. Benedict (VSB) to speak with the residents about Health Care Reform.
We had a wonderful turn out, over 90 residents gathered in the Piazza area to listen to Mrs. Biggert speak about H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. So many residents were interested in hearing how the proposed legislation would affect their medical care. Mrs. Biggert expressed her belief that America's health system must be reformed so that all Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, regardless of preexisting conditions or income. However, with all that said she does not believe that H.R. 3200 will accomplish the goals that have been set.
After multiple questions from the VSB residents, Judy shared the possible negative effects of the proposed legislation. When questioned she shared she would work with other members of Congress to develop and acceptable proposal. Ideally the solution would be worked out by a bipartisan committee bringing both political parties together.
This was a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the upcoming Health Care Reform from the inside. The residents truly enjoyed the evening and many are looking forward to the next Encore Speakers Series.

Alzheimer's Support Groups Offered at Villa St. Benedict

Did you know that Villa St. Benedict hosts an Alzheimer's Support Group the 4th Wednesday of each month? Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend. These groups are a wonderful way of sharing your story or just listen to others tell their story. Many times these groups just help others know, You are not alone! Below are the details of our monthly meetings. i hope you will make a point to join us.

We have two groups that meet at the same time in different locations on campus.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group for Spouses
or
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group for Adult Children


Each of these groups are made up of family members and spouses who have relatives with memory problems such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s Disease. Come and learn more about the conditions that cause memory loss, current treatments, care-giving tips, and programs and services that can help you.

The meetings are free of charge and open to all. Light refreshments
will be provided.

When and where do we meet?
The groups meet every fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm at:

Villa St Benedict
1920 Maple Ave.
Lisle, IL 60532

Spouses support group meets in the Villa Center Private Dining Room
Adult Child support group meets in the Benedale Center Private Dining Room


For more information, call Courtney Shomo, Outreach Coordinator,
Villa St. Benedict: 630-725-7037

Take a virtual tour through a villa home at Villa St. Benedict

Have you ever driven by Villa St. Benedict and thought, "I wonder what they look like on the inside?" Or maybe you have no idea who or what we are and would like to learn more and see for yourself what sets us apart from other active senior living communities. Well now is your chance! Take a look inside one of our beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa homes and see how easy it would be to call us home!

http://www.villastben.org/
Click on the green "take a tour" button on the right side of our webpage.

Villa St. Benedict Chef Receives Top Honors

Villa St. Benedict Chef, Chris Moore selected to Attend Culinary Institute of America in New York City

Chris Moore, the main chef at Villa St. Benedict has been a little busy lately. After a surprising nomination by the Regional Director of Operations for Morrison Dining, Chris was selected out of 850 chefs to attend the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York City for 1 week. The intensive week long training focused on new concepts, new ideas and great ways to help conserve and lessen our carbon footprint.

Being from England, Chris was excited about traveling to New York City as he has never had the opportunity to visit. Unfortunately the training was so intense he did not have the opportunity he had hoped to explore the city. “I did get to see the Statue of Liberty as we were driving in”, said Chris.

The training started immediately after the arrival of all 25 carefully selected participants. Chris said the most interesting part of the process was how secretive everything was. “They did not tell us a thing. Each of the chefs had no clue what to expect. One person had heard that it would be a lot of training and non-stop cooking, that person was very right”.

During the six day training each of the chefs spent time in the kitchen while also spending equal time in intense classroom style training. Each participant was encouraged to take back new recipes and ideas to their place of business. Master Chefs encouraged them to think beyond the ordinary and explore new and eventful meal choices. Celebrity chef, Cary Neff who most recently joined the Morrison team as VP of Culinary, conducted several demonstrations and shared with the small group new concepts for Morrison Dining. Most recently, Neff partnered with Morrison to create Flavors 450, a culinary concept that brings simple, nutritious and flavorful food to the dining experience. Working with Morrison executive chefs, he developed a menu featuring an array of more than 60 rotating recipes, each under 450 calories.
Post training Chris has been asked to put together a plan of action to implement some of the new concepts. “I am anxious about incorporating some of the wonderful things I learned. I can not wait to get started. I am most excited about a possible Mediterranean Cuisine night which will feature a different country or style of food each week”, said Chris.

Wii Bowling is a Real Hit at Villa St. Benedict


Now going into their 8th session, the Wii bowlers of Villa St. Benedicts are still going strong. Over twenty some residents and more than 7 teams participate in the league. Each team has their own name and square off against different opponents each week. “We have really gotten creative with our team names,” said Donna Tarnowski, bowler and score keeper. “Names like the “Holy Rollers” and “Spare Time” make up the teams of 4 or more.
To conclude the 7th session and kick off the 8th session the activities department through a Wii Bowling Banquet complete with the perfect bowling cake!

A Warm Welcome Home

Villa St. Benedict staff and residents gather at Midway Airport to welcome back one of their own aboard Honor Flight Chicago

On the evening of Wednesday, July 15, 2009 a group of 9 Villa St. Benedict residents, staff and sisters were brought together for one common reason, to honor one of their own. Mr. Phil Downey a resident at Villa St. Benedict and a former World War II Veteran was part of the 80 veterans escorted to Washington, D.C. Mr. Downey’s flight was the ninth in a series of “honor flights” dedicated to honoring veterans living in the Chicagoland area.
Early Wednesday morning Mr. Downey, flew out of Midway Airport headed for Washington D.C. This one day trip included a day of remembrance and reminiscing for many veterans who have waited over sixty years to see the highly anticipated World War II Memorial. In addition to the WWII Memorial Mr. Downey and his group of veterans visited the Iwo Jima, Korean, Vietnam and Lincoln Memorials. “It was a long (18 hour) day, but a worthwhile one”, stated Mr. Phil Downey.
Upon his arrival back to Midway Airport Mr. Downey was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. “No one anticipated the enormous turn out that came to give these veterans a welcome home they never had”, said Donna Zielazinski, a staff member at Villa St. Benedict. Along with Villa St. Benedict residents, staff and sisters, there were also other families, friends and associates. Also included were the JROTC Color Guard and the JROTC band.
“The entire day was absolutely magical and spectacular”, stated Mr. Downey. “I could not have asked for anything more. I was so surprised and touched by my fellow friends at Villa St. Benedict. It meant so much to me to see them at the airport when I arrived home!”

Bridging the Generation Gap

Villa St. Benedict Residents and Second Graders at Spring Brook Elementary School Participate in a Year Long Pen Pal Program

Mrs. Lewis’ second grade students were on their best behavior while awaiting the arrival of 27 senior residents from Villa St. Benedict on Tuesday, May 19. The children waited anxiously to meet the pen pals they had spent the last year getting to know via “good-old-fashioned” letter writing. Lewis, reminded the children while they were waiting, “Be sure to show the hospitality we learned and always be on your best behavior with proper adult manners.”

The new and exciting partnership began at the beginning of the school year in early October 2008. Kelli Cox, Director of Resident Services at Villa St. Benedict (VSB) contacted her daughter’s second grade teacher, Mrs. Melissa Lewis with an idea to create a Pen Pal program. “I just thought it would be a wonderful intergenerational activity. It turned out to be a big hit with the residents and children alike!” The year long program allowed the students to fulfill a curriculum requirement while making new friends from an entirely different generation.

Tuesday, was the meet and greet that everyone had been looking forward to. The children had prepared two songs for their guests. They also had food and drink and the afternoon wrapped up with a tour of Mrs. Lewis’ second grade classroom. Everyone in the room had a smile on their face.

“I am so excited about this program. I did not know what to expect when Kelli contacted me but it has been the best experience I have had since I began teaching”, said second grade teacher Mrs. Melissa Lewis. “The life lessons that the students have learned while writing to the resident of VSB could not have come from a textbook. The kids have learned so much more than just letter writing, it has been a wonderful opportunity and one that I hope we can continue.”

The Pen Pal program is just one of the ways VSB is working to bridge the generation gap these. In addition to the pen pal’s Villa St. Benedict is also working with North Central College students on a Learning Legacy Program that records history from participating residents. This is an on-going program that is really getting a lot of interest. Many additional programs are offered each month that include elementary to college age children performing a multitude of talents.

In asking what is next for this program, Mrs. Cox, stated, “I would love to continue to grow the program. It would be great to have the children take a field trip to visit Villa St. Benedict they could then see where their pen pals live.”


Villa St. Benedict is an Active Retirement Community located at 1920 Maple Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532. For more information about Villa St. Benedict or the
Benedale Center for assisted living, please contact a member of our
Marketing staff, at 630-852-0345.

Resident Charles McGowan Travels Back to Battle of the Bulge

Mr. McGowan had long awaited a trip back to the site where his 99th Infantry division helped defeat the Nazis in World War II. At 90 years old McGowan travelled back this past June 2009 for the first time. He was met with many emotions but was happy to revisit once again.

Read the full story on the Daily Herald at: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=303561

Villa St. Benedict and North Central College Partner to Record History

Villa St. Benedict and North Central College recently have teamed up to offer a program entitled, “Learning Legacy”. This new program based loosely on National Public Radio’s (NPR) Story Corps is becoming a big hit for the students and the residents alike.

Students from North Central College in Naperville, IL are volunteering their time to come to Villa St. Benedict and record the stories/history of the residents on campus. The stories are recorded and are turned into Compact Disc’s for the residents to share with their friends and families. North Central College as well as Villa St. Benedict will also keep a copy of the story for archive purposes.

This new program is a wonderful opportunity for the students as well as the residents to share information and really interact with each other while recording a little piece of history.

If you would like to know more about his wonderful program and partnership, or if you would like to visit while “history is being recorded” please contact me via email


Recording history, one story at a time.