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Just for Seniors
seeking nominations for 2020 Senior Man and Senior Woman of the Year
The Village of Lombard is seeking nominations for its 15th Annual Senior of the Year Awards, which recognizes outstanding residents who go above and beyond to positively benefit the Lombard community.
Nominees must have an incorporated Lombard home mailing address and be 65 years of age or older. Nominations must include a brief statement, 50 words or less, on why the nominee should be considered, as well as a short biography of the nominee. Winners will be selected by the Village’s Community Relations Committee.
“It only takes a few minutes to nominate a neighbor, friend, or family member that has contributed to our Village,” said Trustee Dan Militello, Chair of the Community Relations Committee. “We look forward to the opportunity to honor those who help to make Lombard such a great place to live.”
All nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m., Friday, September 11th for consideration. The Community Relations Committee will vote for the winner on Monday, September 14th. Nominees and winners will be notified and announced publicly.
Nominations may be mailed to Village of Lombard Attention: “Senior of the Year”, 255 E. Wilson, Lombard, IL, 60148, or emailed to communications@villageoflombard.org.
2019 Senior Man and Senior Woman of the Year Announced
The 2019 Senior Man of the Year is Michael “Mickey” Rogers. A truly devoted citizen to both his community and country, Mickey is a veteran, having served in the armed forces. Within the community, Mickey has volunteered with local sports teams, the Cub Scouts, the Knights of Columbus Council 11027 at Christ the King Church in Lombard, the VFW Lilac Post 5815, The American Legion, Elks, Moose Lodge, Masons, and the DuPage PADS Daytime Support Center. Mickey is a graduate of the Lombard Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy, and an active member of the Academy’s Alumni Association.
The 2019 Senior Woman of the Year is Rita Schneider. A loyal Lombardian for more than 50 years, Rita has been an active member on the Village’s Historic Commission for decades. She has served as Lombard Park District Commissioner, and was the driving force behind the Historical Society’s 2007 cemetery restoration project. Rita was also recognized for her efforts in leading the Lilacia Park National Registry Project, a 10 year long project that resulted in Lilac Park being placed on the National Registry of Historical Places earlier this year.
Senior of the Year Winners
- 2019: Michael Rodgers and Rita Schneider
- 2018: Barb Madigan and Ronald Knecht
- 2017: Anna Weselak and Dennis McNicholas
- 2016: MaryMae Meyer and Steve Spoden
- 2015: Marv Schlugen and Lonnie Morris
- 2014: Barbara Barta and Wallace Johnson
- 2013: Claude Walton (only 3 male nominees)
- 2012: William “Bill” Mueller (posthumously)
- 2011: Margot Fruehe and Marlyn E. Meyer
- 2010: Caroline Walker and Eunice Treadway (no male nominees)
- 2009: Bertha “Boots” O’Kane and Ray Thompson
- 2008: Alvina VanDenend and Mike Mikulecky
- 2007: Bill Kaiser and Natalie Insley
- 2006: Eugene Polley and Mary Ann Grady
Senior Organizations
- American Association of Retired Person (AARP)
- Chase Place/Senior Home Sharing - Chase Place is a shared neighborhood home, across from Montini Catholic High School, for seniors 62 and over who are independent but could benefit from living with other seniors and enjoying three meals prepared for them each day. Residents have a private room and use of common areas. A live-in residence manager also cleans, provides medication reminders, and helps everyone stay safe and thrive during their golden years. For more information, call the non-profit’s main office at 630-407-0440.
- DuPage County Homeless Continuum of Care
- DuPage County Health Department
- DuPage County Senior Citizen Services
- Phone: 630-407-6500
- Services provided include:
- Case Management
- Choices for Care
- Community Care
- Elder Abuse and Neglect
- Family Caregiver Support Programs
- Home Delivered Meals
- Information and Assistance
- Long Term Care
- Money Management
- Outreach
- Residential Repair and Renovation
- Senior Transportation
- DuPage Senior Citizens Council
- Elderhostel/Roadscholar - This website provides information on the nonprofit organization that provides educational adventures in lifelong learning through domestic and global educational travel programs.
- ESSE Adult Day Care Center
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - This website provides information on FDA news, food safety, consumer advice, and food labeling.
- Meals On Wheels
- Medicare Information
- Metropolitan Family Services
- Phone: 630-784-4840
- Services provided:
- 60 Women's Support Groups
- Caregiver Counseling and Education
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
- In-Home Counseling
- Psychosocial Assessment
- Respite Care
- Senior Counseling and Mental Health
- National Council of Aging - The National Council on Aging promotes vital aging in America with an emphasis on information for seniors.
- SeniorNet - SeniorNet provides information and instruction about computer technologies.
Helen Plum Library Services for Seniors
The Helen Plum Library has a great deal of programs and services available for seniors. The following is a brief synopsis of some of these programs.
Adult Book Discussion Groups
The "Friends of the Library" book discussion is available to all adults. Groups meet on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The same book is discussed in both sessions. Copies of the selected titles are available at the Circulation Desk.
Adult Programs
Throughout the year, Adult Services offers various adult educational and recreational programs on Sunday afternoons. Please contact Adult Services at 630-627-0316 to learn more about these programs.
Big Print Computer
A computer with a magnifier setting that can access the online catalog, the internet, Microsoft Access and Excel as well as other software is available. The big print computer is located near the Adult Services Desk.
College of DuPage Continuing Education - Lifelong Learning
Lifelong Learning classes are designed especially for adults 55 and over, with a reduced senior rate. Explore topics areas such as art, hobby, health and wellness, humanities and more. Offerings have included bridge, digital camera basics, computer skills, painting, and tai chi, as well a variety of historical seminars. Free lunch lectures are also available throughout the term.
For more information, visit the College of DuPage's Lifelong Learning page or email Continuing Education.
Homebound Program
The Homebound Program is available to all Lombard residents who are confined to home either permanently or temporarily. The Helen Plum Library sponsors this free service with volunteers provided by the Tri-Town YMCA. A library card gives complete access to books (new releases and old favorites), large print books, books on tape or CD, music CDs and DVDs. All materials are delivered and picked up on a monthly rotation. A personal volunteer can help make selections if preferred.
For more information about this service, please contact the Helen Plum Library at 630-627-0316 or the Tri-Town YMCA at 630-629-9622.
Lyric Opera Lecture Series
This special series, sponsored by the "Friends of the Library" are held on Tuesday evenings during the opera season. Speakers discuss the operas to be performed by the Chicago Lyric Opera. This is a free series and a good way to keep in touch with the Lyric Opera.
Large Print Books
The Library has a collection of large print books that can be found in the front of the library near the Circulation Desk. Large print books can also be obtained from other libraries.
"Reserve a Librarian"
The "Reserve A Librarian" service invites cardholders to schedule an hour-long session with a librarian to learn how to use an online resource, discover all that the library offers or to do research.
Telesensory Machine
The telesensory machine is a magnifier for patrons with moderate to severe visual limitations. Material is placed on the glass and magnified on a screen above, allowing for independent reading. The telesensory machine is available for use in the library only.
Voices of Vision Talking Books
The Voices of Vision Talking Book Center is located at the DuPage Library System in Geneva and is sponsored by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped through the Library of Congress. This service offers a special cassette player and specially formatted cassettes through the mail free of charge. To find out more about this low vision program, contact the Helen Plum Library for an application.
Housing Programs Available to Seniors
DuPage County Portal
The DuPage County Senior Services page outlines many of the programs DuPage offers residents. Key programs of note ate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as the Home Weatherization and Single Family Rehab programs. Each of these programs provide some level of matching assistance to offset the costs of assistance.
The County also has programs for Disabled Veterans (Standard), Disabled Veterans Adaptive Housing, Returning Veterans, and Disabled Persons. For more information on additional exemptions, check the DuPage County Supervisors of Assessments website.
Property Tax Deferral
Seniors whose annual household income is under $55,000 may qualify for the Property Tax Deferral. Call the DuPage County Treasurer at 630-407-5900, before March 1st of each year, for information.
York Township Programs
Per the Assessor’s Office, exemptions provided by and through the Township include:
- Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption - This is an additional exemption provided to senior citizens eligible for the Senior Homestead Exemption, with one additional requirement: The total annual gross household income must not exceed $55,000. For applications or questions concerning the exemption, please call the DuPage County Supervisor of Assessments Office at 630-407-5858 or the Township office at 630-627-3354.
- Home Improvement Exemption - The Home Improvement Exemption for a residential property currently allows up to a maximum of $25,000 in assessed value ($75,000 actual value) when a proposed increase in assessed value is due solely to a new improvement of an existing structure. This is an automatic four-year exemption; application is not required.
- Residential Exemption (General Homestead Exemption) - Illinois statutes provide for an exemption of $6,000 in equalized assessed value on homes occupied by the person legally responsible for the payment of real estate taxes. Upon moving into a residence it would be advisable to contact the Township Assessor, so he/she may correct the records noting this fact.
- Senior Homestead Exemption - The Senior Homestead Exemption is granted to owner-occupied properties if the owner is 65 years of age or older and was the owner-occupant of the property on January 1st of the assessment year. The exemption reduces the equalized assessed value by $5,000. The exemption may be applied for any time during the year the owner reaches 65 years of age. Application may be made at the Township Assessor's office or the Supervisor of Assessments office. Proof of age and ownership is required with the application.
Additional Benefits for Qualifying Senior Citizens
York Township also offers a number of Senior Service Programs though this portal including the senior center, nutrition, and rides, to name a few. Visit the York Township Senior Services page for more information.
Public Safety
Dial 911 for emergencies.
Fire Department
The Lombard Fire Department provides services such as:
- Building Permits
- Changing A Smoke Detector Battery
- Construction Fraud
- Education - CPR, First Aid, High-Rise Safety, Fire Prevention, Emergency Procedures
- Hanging a Smoke Detector
- Hazard Check
- Home Safety Survey
- Knox Box
- Phone Checks
- Smoke Detector Awareness
- Vial of Life
- Well-Being Check
Police Department
The Lombard Police Department provides services such as:
- Elder Service Officers
- Identity Theft
- Scams and Fraud
Senior Transportation
- Seniors Ride Free - Free Mass Transit in Illinois.
- Social Security Administration - Provides information on disability, medicare and information about general social security benefits.
- Tri-Town YMCA
- 630-629-9622
- Services provided:
- Homebound Book Delivery
- Senior Fitness
- Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
- Senior Water Exercise
- Sunshine Calls
- VITAS Innovative Hospice Care - Hospice volunteers give their time to terminally ill patients and their caregivers during a critical time. In orientation classes, they are trained in listening skills, family dynamics and the right words to say to patients and their loved ones at the end of life. VITAS Innovative Hospice Care is the nation's largest provider or end-of-life care. A pioneer and leader in the hospice movement since 1978, VITAS has been caring for the terminally ill and their families in the Chicagoland area since 1988.
- York Township - Find out about more services that York Township has to offer.
Miscellaneous Programs & Services
Blood Pressure Screenings
Free blood pressure screenings are available at both Fire Stations in Lombard. Appointments are not necessary but screenings are subject to personnel availability. Questions? Call 630-620-5736.
Caregiver Support Programs
Caregivers need a network of support to help them do their jobs better. Information and assistance connects caregivers to the necessary service agencies that can help. Counseling, support groups, education, and training referrals are also available.
For more information, call 800-528-2000, or go to the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging website.
Lombard Senior Fair
This is held annually in the fall and sponsored by the Village's Community Relations Committee.
Lombard "Senior of the Year" Awards
Presented annually to one man and one woman at the Senior Fair, these awards strive to recognize senior citizens who have given back to the community. More information on these awards may be requested by email.