About 60 seniors attended Northbrook Park District’s annual holiday party Dec. 8 at the Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield.
According to a news release, the club’s ballroom, which was festively decorated with sparkling green wreaths, vibrant red poinsettias and a massive Christmas tree adorned with golden ornaments.
The attendees enjoyed camaraderie and lively conversation during a delicious meal served by attentive staff, the release said. Crooner Peter Oprisko charmed everyone with his impassioned rendition of classic and holiday tunes, and MC Nancy Eschker elicited laughs with her quick wit as she called out raffle winners.
“This is a favorite event for our seniors every year. There is so much holiday spirit in the air,” Eschker, the park district’s recreation manager, said. “Sunset Ridge Country Club is beautifully decorated and has wonderful food, and the whole atmosphere makes for a memorable event.”
Linda Yost, marketing director for The Lodge of Northbrook, represented the sponsor at the event.
“This is a gorgeous room, and the food is delicious,” she said, adding she especially liked the live entertainment from Oprisko. “He is fantastic. I love the way he tells the history of the songs and works the room, making everyone feel at ease.”
Many area businesses contributed a variety of gift baskets as raffle prizes. The list included Hyatt Regency Chicago, Once Upon a Grill, Sunset Foods, Jack’s Wine and Liquors, Rise N Dine Restaurant, Midwest Express Clinics, Carol’s Cookies, Rosati’s Pizza, Oscar’s Hair Salon and Best Salon & Spa, along with the park district’s Heritage Oaks Golf Club and Techny Prairie Activity Center.
“We are so thankful for the generosity of our sponsors and donors,” Eschker said. “The raffle is always a very popular part of our holiday event and without them, the party would not be the same. The seniors were delighted with the raffle items this year.”
The most coveted prize, a gift voucher for a one-night hotel stay, breakfast included, for two people at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. The winner was senior Theresa Brodde, who said she planned to give the voucher to one of her children, both of whom live out of state, according to the release.
“I am going to guess I’ll give it to my daughter, because she’s the traveler!” Brodde said, who, like many of the attendees, wore red in honor of the holidays.
Eileen Loftus, Northbrook Park District Director of Recreation, said the festive luncheon is a chance for everyone to feel the warmth of the holiday season.
“At a time when some seniors have a calendar full of engagements and others do not, this gathering ensures that everyone has something to celebrate,” she said. “It offers an elevated experience for all participants, and provides an opportunity for them to engage socially with friends and with our wonderful staff.”
Events like the holiday luncheon are among the many reasons the Senior Center is such a great place to meet people, Amy Malloy said.
“When I moved to Northbrook, I didn’t know many people,” she said. “Now I have a dozen or so more friends who are wonderful people. My life is so much happier.”
