Signature Programs
There’s a good vibe at Victory Centre of River Woods, where the energy level is high and the mood is friendly among residents and staff. The community’s entranceway features a large living room with a gracious fireplace, but what usually grabs one’s attention first is the number of folks and amount of activity buzzing throughout the building.
See what keeps the energy up and flowing at Victory Centre of River Woods.
Exercise-Induced Happiness
Extremely active residents experience health and wellness benefits of exercise.
First off, a variety of well-attended fitness classes are offered one to two times a day, every day at Victory Centre of River Woods. The weekly exercise calendar features: Yoga, Chair Chi, Zumba Gold (seated), Fitness (with weights, exercise scarves and music) and Laughter Yoga. Many of the classes are led by Community Life Manager Janette, whose personal fitness drive, welcoming personality and choice of upbeat music inspires residents to join the classes and get moving.
Working in the River Woods Victory Garden is another way residents keep fit and active. They plant vegetables and herbs in the spring and then spend the summer watering, weeding and harvesting. Many of the homegrown veggies are served as healthy snacks during happy hours.
Residents also like to raise their heart rates while playing Wii bowling. The River Woods Wii bowling team competes annually in the Supportive Living Week state-wide tournament.
Residents Make the Magic
T-Bone the retired magic clown, a former church pastor and others share their gifts.
Many River Woods residents with rich backgrounds share their passions and talents by leading unique programs. T-Bone the retired Magic Clown hosts “Magic Movies” with residents and often shares the secrets behind some of his famous tricks. Retired church pastor Hazel leads a Bible Study group and other residents lead Brain Games and Pokeno. Residents also participate in, and occasionally lead, monthly ArtParth classes and rhythmic drumming circles.
Other River Woods residents are preserving history by creating audio legacies for their families through Storytelling. With the help of volunteer recorders, residents share fascinating stories, such as a Tuskegee Airman’s tale of survival at sea and an Oak Park native’s childhood memories of horse-pulled garbage pick-up carts and snowplows. The life stories and voices of grandparents will live on for future generations. Similar to Storytelling, Victory Centre residents can also participate in a “Spiritual Life’s Journey,” which has residents focused more on sharing insight about their spiritual path.
Residents’ kindness supports the larger public.
Weather collecting eyeglasses for the Lions Club, pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House toiletries for Yellow Ribbon Support Group or food for local pantries, River Woods residents generously donate their time and resources to help others who are less fortunate.
Melrose Park…and Beyond
River Woods residents enjoy regular trips to local destinations and have visited Black Hawk Park Pool, “Concerts in the Plaza” at Winston Plaza, Pleasant Home in Oak Park, Joliet Route 66 Museum, Museum of Broadcast Communications, Irish American Heritage Center, Millennium Park, Holocaust Museum, Dank Haus German American Cultural Center, Swedish American Museum, “The Nutcracker” at Dominican University, Jelly Belly Factory and Taffy Apple outlet store. They also enjoy an open invitation to participate in the annual opportunity to go horseback riding and camping on a day or overnight trip with Camp! VIVA.
There’s no telling where life at Victory Centre of River Woods will take you! See for yourself by scheduling a tour today.