Yorkville couple forms Golden Age Hispanic Social Club
SUBURBAN CHICAGO NEWS February 15, 2009
Frank and Consuelo Navarro were looking for ways to get out and have some fun. So they figured they'd invite a few friends to join them.
Five years ago, the Navarros started a free club for men and women age 50 and older. Known as the Club Social Edad de Oro (Golden Age Hispanic Social Club), its popularity has exploded to where it now draws seniors from across the globe during its meetings from 7 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora. The meetings are conducted in Spanish, and include cultural food, games and holiday celebrations.
Frank Navarro said after talking with Spanish-speaking senior citizens he knew, he saw a need for such a club.
"Some people spend a lot of time at home and there isn't much to do," he said. "And some people don't drive."
The first meeting was conducted in one of the group members' homes, but as the club grew, the Navarros moved the meetings to the Prisco Community Center. The Navarros, who live in Yorkville, often pick up senior citizens who need transportation to the center.
Members of the club have come to live in the United States from Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico, among other countries.
Frank Navarro is a Department of Children and Family Services supervisor and Consuelo Navarro is a supervisor at Caterpillar.
The Navarros were honored last year with the "Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award" by the Illinois Association of Park Districts/Illinois Parks and Recreation Association.
Jeff Long
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