For most kids, summer means riding bikes, going to the pool, heading off to summer camp or simply filling days by constantly asking mom or dad what to do for the next 15 minutes.
But for one 11-year-old Elmhurst boy, the usual activities just did not cut it.
In addition to developing a business that had him mowing lawns and caring for pets when his neighbors went on vacation, Greg Baker has used this summer to make a few new friends. Some of them have more than 70 years on him, but those Greg has met wouldn’t miss a chance to talk with him for the world.
Since June, Greg spent Tuesday and Thursday mornings visiting with the six senior citizens who live at the Van Buren House in Elmhurst, a residence run by Senior Home Sharing Inc. of Lombard. He filled the 90 minutes he spent there listening to the residents talk about their past and playing games with them.
“We just sit and talk about whatever comes up,” said Greg, who contends a summer spent in-line skating and just hanging out would be “too boring.”
It was Greg’s mother, Connie, who encouraged him to volunteer to visit with the seniors. She takes Greg, a 6th grader at Sandburg Junior High School, along with her when she spends volunteer time at a Bensenville shelter for the homeless.
Connie Baker said her son has really fallen in love with his new responsibility and often spends his free time planning activities to do with the seniors.
“He tells his friends, `Well, I have to go to my job now,’ ” Baker said. “I think it’s good for kids to learn work is not just about money and not just about themselves.”
On a recent day, Greg’s conversations with his new friends ranged from pets to a trip he made as an exchange student to France. He told 79-year-old Marie Sell he has two cats but will be looking to add a pet iguana to the household soon.
Sell did not encourage Greg to bring his planned new pet along on any future visits, but otherwise, she said, her time with him has been very rewarding.
“Greg has a winning smile,” Sell said. “He has a great personality, and he tries very hard to make us happy.”
Carmencita Neely, the residence manager at Van Buren House, said everyone in the home immediately perks up when Greg arrives.
Neely said she has nothing but admiration for Greg. Greg said he is happy just to be a friend to those who need him.
“Some of my friends are just couch potatoes that stay in all the time and play video games,” said Greg, who had to cut his visits back to once a week when school started. “I guess I just like to get out and do different things.”
