On 60th Birthday, Friendly Center Club Energized as Ever

There aren’t many senior citizen clubs that can say they’ve been in existence longer than some of their members.

The Friendly Center Club can lay claim to that distinction.

On Thursday, the FCC celebrated its 60th birthday. Originated in 1951, the club is comprised of active adults, age 55 and better, who meet once a week throughout the year as the oldest active senior club in Illinois.

The Prisco Community Center is their central gathering spot, a home away from home every Thursday of every week.

The Friendly Center Club’s longevity, like that of its members, is a testament to the spirit that drives it.

“We really do make it friendly—that’s not just a name,” said club supervisor Jennifer Huber, who’s overseen the program since 1999. “It’s all about seniors getting together to enjoy themselves, and we’ve always had a nice mix of people who like being active and social.”

That’s exactly what John Lippold envisioned when he founded the club six decades ago, to “offer some form of recreation to older and retired members of (the local) population.”

Today the club hosts 250 members, and it has evolved in many ways from those early days. The Baby Boomer generation is entering the retirement ranks, but they’re not quite ready to put their feet up. As far as they’re concerned, the rocking chair can wait.

“The Friendly Center Club is more than cards and Bingo to them,” said Huber.

Recent active pursuits include bean bag baseball and bowling. Huber frequently invites speakers to the weekly luncheons. Many Friendly Center Club members also take part in Park District sponsored casino tours, regional trips to stage shows and shopping destinations and the Golden Foxes Walking Club that takes to the local trails every week.

Having been around for so long—both the club and its members—lends to some interesting dynamics with several mother/daughter and brother/sister members. Also, the husband/wife duo of Bill and Rose Thill, members since 1985, just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Aurorans Rose Comer and Dorothy Callahan are the most senior seniors, having been regulars since 1983, while Ruth Janko (age 98) and Ethel Smith (97) are the most senior of the seniors. Through the years, the club has boasted several members who’ve surpassed their 100th birthdays.

“There are wonderful friendships that are developed,” said Huber. “Many of our members make sure they don’t schedule doctor appointments or other commitments on Thursdays so they can be here. It’s nice that it means that much to them.”

Huber said new members are always welcome; all they have to do initially is show up. From there, they are welcomed by greeters who help them get acclimated by providing information and introductions.

“It may feel like you’re walking into a sea of strangers, but you’re really among friends,” said Huber.

That’s as it has been for 60 years now. And that never gets old.

Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net