CHICAGO: Senior Citizens of Sikh Community of Chicago were taken to an outing at Botanical Gardens of Chicago by Sikh Outreach Society of Chicago last week.
It was a Social outing so that seniors could know each other and make friends so that they have someone to talk to, share their everyday stories and find some sources of help. Although a good number of children take good care of their parents, yet it is different to have interactions with someone of your age.
Botanical Garden is located on 385 Acres and has lot of variety of plants, flowers and vegetables. They hold exhibits and classes on different subjects. This became a special day as they had Dress up Pooch day. Because of Halloween, they allowed dogs inside the garden and had dress competition.
It was enjoyable to see four legged lovables and their owners dressed up in different costumes. Seniors took one hour tram ride that explained whole history of the area where different trees, flowers are located, how they do research and keep making changes.
As weather was sort of cold, they enjoyed hot drinks after tram ride, then visited Fruit and Flower exhibit.
Small yoga demonstration was given by Yog Guru Kannubhai Brahmabhatt. Ms. Jasvir Kaur Singh made arrangements for sandwiches and treats. Thakar S Basati and S Khuspal Singh Sodhi made arrangements for transportation. Seniors enjoyed it so much they are already asking, “When is next time we can go for outing”.
They exchanged phone numbers so that they can keep in touch with each other, and when next program is planned, they can inform others too. Some of them have been to Botanical Garden before but they said, “It was totally different with people of their own age.” Changing colors of fall added glory to their sentiments. Bonsai exhibit attracted them a lot.
Sikh Outreach is already doing youth programs every month for last two months. Next outing is scheduled for November 15. You can get more information for Sikh Outreach by emailing Soschicago2014@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, of huge interest to seniors is a move by a group of community activists in Chicagoland to set up a housing colony for seniors with two bedrooms / two bath town houses with a Clubhouse for all amenities, common activities and even common meals. The proposed senior living facility is planned at a convenient location for seniors and would be available to them either on rent or outright purchase. This move, it is learnt, has generated lot of interest among members of community from the Indian sub-continent.
Harish Rao
