Contact: Donna Scherner/LeJane Carson; 847.884.0000
WHEATON, Ill., (July 2003) Residents of Wheaton's Wyndemere Retirement Community share the wisdom they have learned through decades of life experience, in a new book called "Reflections." "Reflections" is a compilation of the personal life stories and wisdom of nearly 150 men and women who call Wyndemere home.
The project, which was started to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Wyndemere on August 16, evolved into much more," according to Joseph Benson, president of Wyndemere. "Telling their life stories has had a powerful effect on many of our residents. Their personal histories serve as a rich reminder to all of us about what is really important in life," Benson said. "We are proud to be associated with such a wonderful group of diverse and interesting residents that continue to remind us every day regardless of your age to live life to its fullest."
The "Reflections" book captures stories of how the Wyndemere residents affected the world around them - - in both everyday and momentous ways.From Maxine Hansen, who was honored by the Glen Ellyn Jaycees 'As Man of the Year' in 1972, causing the name of the award to be changed to Citizen of The Year, to Kaz Horita, an American of Japanese decent imprisoned in a War Relocation Center during World War II, to John O'Melia one of the Dachau concentration camp liberators, whose experience led him to a life of service as director of the U.S. Y.M.C.A.'s International Division, to Ladonna Pipenhagen, who in one of her many careers, served as a secretary in the International Conference Division of the Department of the United Nations Affairs.
The life stories of the Wyndemere residents illustrate the commitment of the World War II generation. Other interesting residents include an inventor with 16 patents in research chemistry, the 1991 Illinois Mother of the Year and a member of a family choral group whose singing created a musical diversion for resistance activities against the Nazis.
"Reflections" will be officially unveiled at a preview event on Friday, August 8th at Wyndemere, at which residents will play a vital role. Copies of the book are available for $10, at select locations throughout the area. To learn where you can obtain a copy of "Reflections" call 630.690.8889. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of "Reflections" will benefit the American Heart Association for health initiatives in DuPage County.
Wyndemere Senior Living Campus is located at 200 Wyndemere Circle in Wheaton, Ill., and is a vital part of the Central DuPage Hospital network. A nationally accredited community, Wyndemere promotes independent living and a worry-free lifestyle, by offering an exceptional living experience with a wide range of amenities and activities designed to encourage a sense of community for residents throughout Chicago's western suburbs. Together with Westbridge, an assisted living facility and Wynscape, a nursing and rehabilitation center, this senior living campus provides comprehensive care for seniors throughout Chicago's western suburbs. For more information on Wyndemere or the "Reflections" project, call 630.690.8889.