April Showers Bring Seniors Out to Spring Fling Luncheon

Tuesday's rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of the 130-plus seniors from Frankfort and Mokena who gathered for the annual Spring Fling luncheon, sponsored by and .

The luncheon has been around for about five years, said Barb Lewis of Senior Services of Will County.

"I started with 40 people in the old Township building. We've got 130 here now, and they were still calling today to try to come," she said.

Lewis, who handles the Meals-on-Wheels nutrition program for her agency, partners with Frankfort Township senior activity director  Jodi Gallagher-Dilling on many of the township's senior special events, such as the Spring Fling and the Christmas dinner. Lewis also serves lunch to the bingo crowd Tuesdays and Friday, as well as the craft club participants on Thursdays.

"She helps me, and I help her," Lewis said.

Gallagher-Dilling said she appreciates the help, as her offerings have grown over the past several years. In addition to staples like Spring Fling, the summer picnic and twice weekly bingo, the senior activity options through Frankfort Township include monthly casino, shopping and theater trips and even the occasional overnight stay. She's also introduced a weekly tai chi class ($15 for a six-week session) and Wii bowling on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

"It varies depending on the activity how many people come to what, but I have a database of 200-250 active seniors," Gallagher-Dilling said.

Both Lewis and Gallagher-Dilling said they couldn't run their events without the help of volunteers, like Tim Howe of Manhattan. Howe said he has been in charge of the dessert table at the Christmas party the past two years, rounding up a crew of talented bakers to donate items. For Spring Fling, he helped secure donations for the raffle and bingo prizes from area businesses, which give generously, Lewis added.

“I joined Frankfort Area Jaycees back in 2006, and I learned that they did an ice cream social at Frankfort Terrace Nursing Home," Howe said. "I drive past here (Frankfort Township office) every day, and I thought it would be great to do a social for the Autumn Valley Senior Housing residents."

One day, he finally stopped in and got information on volunteering. Now with two Christmas dinners and a Spring Fling under his belt, the next event he plans to attend is the annual picnic May 22. Held at the LaPorte Road Forest Preserve in Mokena, the picnic will feature a car show, a baby contest (extended family members are invited), games and food.

“They can call to RSVP on or after the 15th of every month (for the big trips and events),” Gallagher-Dilling said. “But when I get in to work on the 15th, the phone is already ringing, and it doesn’t stop. My events usually fill within a few days.”

For more information on the activities and services available to seniors through the Frankfort Township or Senior Services of Will County, call Gallagher-Dilling at 815-806-2766 or Lewis at 815-469-1499 or visit the township website. The Township offices are at 11000 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort.