Oak Park Arms hosts Valentine's Ballroom Dance for Community

The Freenotes Big Band will provide music at a Valentine's dance from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017, in the grand ballroom at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The public is invited to enjoy an afternoon of music and dance. In addition, there will be light refreshments.

The Freenotes is an 22-piece orchestra that plays music from 1940s through the 1960s. The name “Freenotes” originated 30 years ago when the band’s founder, the late Art Mertz, gathered a few musical friends to perform at an outdoor fundraiser. The group didn’t charge – hence the “Free”notes.

The musicians had a great time that day, and the band has been growing ever since. Today’s 22 members range in age from 30 to 70.

“We have a repertoire of several hundred songs,” said Ron Chocola, the band's manager. “We play at concerts, parties and dances such as the one at the Oak Park Arms.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 708-386-4040 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.