11 November 2024 in Announcements
The Crete Township Community Center Planning Committee was formed by the Crete Township Board in 2021 and is comprised of community leaders representing the various government entities, civic organizations, business and non-profit entities within Crete Township.
The current members and organizations represented are: Sheila Einhorn-Angels on Assignment, Becca Wolfe-Crete Food Pantry, Randy Dunlap-Crete Bulldogs, Bryan Milburn-Crete Area Youth Baseball/Softball Association, Midge Koza-Crete Woman's Club, Betsy Janicki -Crete Chamber of Commerce, Tim Brennan–Crete Creative Gallery and School, Renee Chavez-Crete Park District, Howard Kaye–Crete F Men, Tim Piepenbrink and Ryan Margin–Crete Historical Society, David Sieffert-Crete Public Library, Sandi Smigel and Chris Manola-Crete Lions Club, Dr. Kara Coglianese–Crete-Monee School District 201-U, Pam Hoffman–Crete Rural Park, Valerie Butrón-Crete Community Runners Association, Tim Miller-Crete Township Fire Protection District, John Rzymski and Howard Robinson-Crete Township Plan Commission, Michael Liccar, Jim Buiter, Cheryl Albrecht, Frank Elton, Laura Hawkins, Jim Piacentini, Mary Tamez, Laurie Penman-Crete Township, Tony Recupito–Crete Township Road District, Lisa Smith-Steger Chamber of Commerce, Michele Helsel–Steger School District 194, Katrina Seifert–Village of Crete, Tim Perchinski-Village of Steger and Dr. Dan Gerk, Independence Physical Therapy.
The Committee met on September 12th at the new community center for an initial discussion and brainstorming session, A number of interesting ideas came forth, including programs for: a commercial kitchen, cooking classes, youth intramural sports, such as volleyball and basketball, foreign language classes, Seniors Social Club, community art classes and studio, craft workshops and market, woodworking, stained glass making, job skills and training, small business incubators, mentoring program, a “School of Rock” type musical instruction program for young people, historical displays and re-enactments, walking trails, fishing pond, outdoor concert pavilion, and possibly a community choir and theater.
We are now working with PBS of Crete, on space planning.
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Trustee Laura Hawkins, who leads Crete Township Senior Services, held a successful meeting of resident seniors at the new Community Center on November 22nd.
A number of planned programs were discussed as well as a call for volunteers. Other participants leading comments were Trustees Cheryl Albrecht & Frank Elton, Clerk Jim Buiter, Assessor Mary Tamez and Supervisor Michael Liccar.
The Township Board is planning to develop a designated space in the Community Center specifically for seniors, operating as a Senior Club.
The Senior Club will include comfortable seating areas for social activities such as coffee and refreshments, cards, board games and puzzles and films. Also, group activities such as exercise and fitness, educational programs, crafts, yoga, dancing, bingo, painting & sculpture, cooking classes, mentoring program, community choir, music and theater are also being considered.
The Township Board is currently working with Catholic Charities to expand senior activities in the Community Center and has also re-engaged AARP and Age Guide (formerly Area on Aging, a Federal Program for seniors) to provide additional programs and resources for our seniors.
We are in need of volunteers! Also, the Crete Township Board is forming an official “Committee for Senior Citizens’ Services” which will be comprised of senior volunteers to advise on all senior activities. If interested, please contact Trustee Laura Hawkins at l.hawkins@cretetownship.com or call the Township office at 708-672-8279.
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Crete Township
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