Glencoe Senior Discussion Group Leads To Bench For Bus Stop

Family Service of Glencoe: Every third Thursday of the month, Family Service of Glencoe (FSG)’s Vibrant Living Senior Discussion group meets at the Glencoe Public Library. During one of these sessions, Joan Merlo, LCSW, group facilitator and therapist, invited Emily Mysel, Senior Program Manager at FSG, to meet with the participants in order to brainstorm ways that FSG could better support and advocate for their needs.

Among the many helpful suggestions given, the first recommendation was to place a bench on the corner of Park Avenue and Green Bay Road so people had a place to sit while waiting for the bus. The strong partnership between the Village of Glencoe and Family Service of Glencoe allowed a seamless collaboration so that the Vibrant Living Group’s request could come to fruition. In August of 2019, a beautiful bench was placed on that corner, and the members of the senior discussion group agreed on a plaque, reading “We’ve Got Your Back. Vibrant Living Senior Discussion Group - Family Service of Glencoe 2019.” As Glencoe becomes officially welcomed as a Dementia Friendly Community by the national organization, Dementia Friendly America, the response to and installation of this bench, per the request of an older adult Glencoe resident, is one more way that we are showing our commitment to making our community more inclusive, understanding, and supportive of the needs of the older population. The Vibrant Living Senior Discussion Group meets to connect, learn and converse about relevant topics in this season of life and socialize with other Glencoe older adults. Topics are decided on by the group members and have included finding balance in caring for your emotional and physical health, maintaining nourishing relationships, sharing life lessons, addressing fears and hopes, and more. To learn more, visit the Family Service of Glencoe website (www.familyserviceofglencoe.org) or contact Joan at 847.835.5111 or joan@familyserviceofglencoe.org.