Signature Programs
Beyond beautiful surroundings, Alexian Village’s friendly vibe, robust daily programming and time-honored traditions contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle. Here are a few highlights of why Alexian Village is such a unique and special place to call home.
Award-Winning Gourd Fest
International Council on Active Aging Industry Innovation Award winner
Alexian’s award-winning Gourd Fest is truly a one-of-a-kind annual event. Recognized as a pioneering, life-enrichment program for older adults by the International Council on Active Aging, Alexian’s Gourd Fest starts humbly with the simple planting of seeds. After transplanting the gourds outdoors, residents work to create a “gourd hut.” Gardeners train the vines to grow over a trellis and hand-pollinate using paint brushes laden with pollen to dust into the center of the female flowers as they open in the evenings. After months of patiently tending to the plants, the result is a spectacular green-leafed, squash-blooming space that provides a shady spot to sit and a natural wonder of beauty in Alexian’s courtyard. Celebrating the harvest, residents and staff host the family-oriented Gourd Fest in the fall complete with artisans, musicians, storytellers, food and a bonfire!
Making a Better World
Alexian residents and staff unite for good causes as well as good times.
Alexian residents and staff unite for good causes as well as good times. Each June, they participate in Elk Grove Village’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Cancer has touched many lives at Alexian, so residents, family and employees walk to honor loved ones at the main event or at Alexian’s mini-relay. Others raise money by creating and selling arts and crafts. Resident also support the Elk Grove Village community by collecting food for the town’s food pantry and by hosting an annual lunch to honor local “heroes” such as police, fire and paramedic professionals.
Daily Dose of Fun
Day-to-day, residents have ample opportunities to keep mentally sharp, physically fit and socially engaged.
Day-to-day, residents have ample opportunities to keep mentally sharp, physically fit and socially engaged. Alexian residents actually lead many programs themselves like daily exercise classes and trivia quizzes as well as regular game nights and lifelong learning discussions. Fitness buffs can take the six pack ab attack class designed to help with fall prevention offered through Alexian’s rehab partner.
Programs such as Pathway’s ArtPath give residents a creative outlet for artistic expression. Alexian residents have studied and practiced Pennsylvania Dutch painting, Australian Aboriginal art and sculpting with polymer clay—a favorite! Another creative outlet, Good Vibrations, helps residents keep the beat while playing drums and rhythm instruments. Our bus driver, Mike, who is also a musician, leads drumming circles at the community two to three times a month.
Honoring Life Stories
While enjoying new experiences, preserving life memories is also a priority. Through Story Trails, residents reminisce about past stories, recite poems or even sing songs to be recorded and saved to a DVD for future generations to experience. On Valentine’s Day each year, some residents even share their sweet love stories.
Opportunity for Adventure
Some Alexian residents enjoy more extreme adventures . . .
Some Alexian residents enjoy more extreme adventures on outings like hot air ballooning, horseback riding or day and overnight Camp VIVA! trips. Our bus driver, Mike, also takes residents to museums, restaurants, theaters, sporting events and on an occasional scenic drive through the neighborhoods where many of our residents once lived. He knows his way around pretty much everywhere and is a fabulous guide!
There’s no telling where life at Alexian will take you! See for yourself by scheduling a tour today.