Elwood Seniors Learn Officials Have Their Backs

Jackson Township Assessor Delilah LeGrett talks with Elwood resident Joanne Hattemer at the inaugural Elwood Senior Luncheon May 1. (Photos by Stephanie Irvine)

By Stephanie Irvine

Nearly 100 seniors signed up for an inaugural luncheon on May 1, sponsored by the Elwood Fire Protection District and geared toward improving programming for seniors and learning how to better serve their needs.

And due to the response, the district already is planning for another one on October 1.

“Our thought process was that we wanted to give back to our seniors who have been in this community for several years,” Fire Chief Chris Locacius said.

Partnering with the Elwood Fire Protection District were the Village of Elwood and Jackson Township, the program, held at the Silver Dollar restaurant – offered speakers during the first hour and the luncheon for the second hour.

“That’s part of our history here — our legacy is our seniors in this community. So, with the village and the township, and the fire district working together, we were able to do this event today.”

“This is fantastic,” Jackson Township trustee Norm Fanning said of the event’s response.

The turnout also impressed resident Mark Castelli, who noted people still attended despite foreboding rainy skies.

Not only did people show up for the free event in droves — they enjoyed it.

“I thought it was very nice that the community has come together for this,” explained Mark and Jean Cappozzo, finishing each other’s thoughts.

Following the welcome by Locacius, Mayor Doug Jenco, and Elwood’s Fire and Life Safety Educator Ehrin Villalobos, informational speakers included Jackson Township Assessor Delilah LeGrett, Elwood Police Chief Fred Hayes and Elwood Police Senior Service Officer Sarah Zimmerman.

“I especially want to thank Chief Locacius because he has really built that up since he’s been here. We really re-forged our partnership and commitment to make sure that you, the residents, are safe here in Elwood,” Hayes said.

He shared that the police department is fully staffed and has a dedicated school resource officer that the Elwood School pays to have.

He also noted that Zimmerman received training from the Attorney General’s Office to be a specialized Senior Service Officer to help keep seniors safe and provide them with what they need to stay safe.

“We get a varied amount of scams and fraud that come through our department, and they target you guys,” Zimmerman said, noting several types of scams geared toward seniors. The police department included a booklet that helps seniors identify scams, by phone, email, or text, before they become victims of them.

“We’ve seen everything from, what we call the grandparent scam, where they actually say that a member of your family is in jail and they need bond money,” Zimmerman explained.

She also touched on crypto scams, bank calls requesting personal information, warrant scams, and more where seniors specifically are preyed upon.

“If you ever get a gut feeling that something’s not right, hang up the phone, call us or your bank/financial institution, and we will help you out,” Zimmerman said, adding never to give personal or account information over the phone.

Villalobos informed seniors about various local community clubs for seniors, including the Jackson Township Twilighters, which meets the first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Elwood Community Church, and the History Club, which meets the second Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Village Hall basement.

The History Club brought several items for attendees to peruse, including many historical items about the fire district.

“I think it’s great to get all the seniors together and to tell us different things that are going on in the village that a lot of us don’t know,” Edith Pomykala explained, adding that she was especially excited to learn about the Twilight Club.

Villalobos also urged seniors who live alone or have limited mobility to contact the fire district for a Knox Box, which allows first responders to gain access in an emergency without breaking in.

LeGrett told seniors about a property tax exemption event held at the Jackson Township Hall the following day. The event would cover low-income senior assessment freezes, senior homestead exemptions, and disabled person or disabled veteran exemptions.

LeGrett also welcomed appointments, which could be made by calling the assessor’s office at (815) 423-5780.

“You guys are the backbone of the village,” Mayor Doug Jenco said in his remarks. He offered a few jokes, but in seriousness, gave a clear message: they’re available to help.

“If you guys have any problems, please, contact the village or call me directly,” Jenco said, adding that either he or Village Clerk Julie Friebele can take care of their needs, “from the littlest things to if you have something major.”

Attendees left with a goodie bag that included several informational pamphlets, the booklet about scams that Zimmerman mentioned, information on the clubs, fliers about upcoming events, a Waste Management senior discount form, and some other goodies, like a hot/cold pack and outdoor planter box windmill.

“They did a good job — I enjoyed it,” Peggy Agamy said.

At the event’s conclusion, the fire district shared their survey results. The positive reception showed that 72 seniors ranked the event 5/5.

Some left comments that they were “proud to live in Elwood” and that they felt “cared for and protected.”

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.