Ice Cream Social for the Pen Pals

Yesterday, Villa St. Benedict hosted an ice cream social for the participants of the Pen Pal program. This is the second year that 28 of our residents have corresponded with second graders from Spring Brook Elementary School (District 204) in Naperville. Both the students and their families came to the Villa Center for the event.
Earlier this month, the VSB residents met their pen pals for the first time when they were invited to a party at the school. What a wonderful and fun way to keep the art of letter writing alive and well through this inter-generational way of communication.

Relaxing at the Salt Caves

Today, the residents are off to visit the Galos Salt Caves in Chicago. This man-made cave is constructed from Crimean salt from the Black Sea. Sixteen thousand tons of salt were formed into bricks to create the walls and several inches of loose rock salt cover the floor of the spa. For centuries, Eastern Europeans have sat in natural salt caves to help relieve respiratory, circulatory, skin ailments and stress.
VSB residents will have 45 minutes of relaxation, while sitting in beach chairs listening to gentle seaside music. When the session is over, everyone will be headed to a separate cave which is actually a restaurant that serves a wonderful Polish buffet. Sounds like a great day at the shore!

A Fragrant Day at the Park

Yesterday, Villa St. Benedict residents took a trip to Lilacia Park, better known as the jewel of Lombard. Located on 8.5 acres, Lilacia features a horticultural park, greenhouse and a historical building. This beautiful park was the former estate of Col. William Plum and his wife, Helen Plum. It became known as Lilacia, the Latin term for lilac. The Plums developed their love of lilacs after visiting the famous gardens of Victor Lemoire in Nancy, France. They purchased cuttings of two varieties--double white and double light purple--from which the present collection got its start. When Col. Plum passed away in 1927, he gave his land to the people of Lombard as a public park. Because of the Plum's generosity, Lombard has the most unique park in DuPage county.
Following the tour, VSB residents lunched at a Greek restaurant.

In Honor of Mom

The Villa Center dining room at Villa St. Benedict was the site of a special Mother's Day Tea for all residents of the community, both in independent and assisted living. This was the 4th year that the Resident Services Dept. sponsored this beautiful event, which also included family members. A blue and white motif was chosen for the place settings. The prayer before lunch was said by Sr. Regina Ann. The menu featured fresh fruit, the "Villa" salad of apples, strawberries, candied walnuts over mixed greens with raspberry vinaigrette and a delicious croissant filled with chicken salad. The dessert tray offered cream puffs, eclairs and chocolates. Of course, a myriad of teas were available. The residents were waited on by managers and staff members from various areas. Entertainment was provided by harpist, Laura Utley. Everyone left with a unique gift and a wonderful memory.