Forever Young Club Event Helps Members Keep Young At Heart

It was a trip down memory lane for many of the Forever Young Club members in Oak Creek last week, as the age 50-and-older club took in a performance of classic love songs during a Valentine's Day-themed event at the community center.

The event featured vocalist Todd Pridgeon, a self-taught singer from Greenfield who sang hits from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and other popular singers from the 1940s and 50s. His performance included a presentation of photos and video clips from the "Rat Pack" era.

"It was a wonderful performance, and I even got to sing along," Forever Young Club member Rose Nicks said. "I never hear those songs on the radio anymore these days. They really brought back a lot of memories."

Nicks said the performance was also an educational experience, as Pridgeon told a story about some of her favorite singers that she had never heard before.

"A lot of people enjoy seeing the faces of the stars from back then," said Pridgeon of the video presentation that accompanies his singing. "So many of my audiences have great memories from that time but not much to remind them of it anymore. The presentation along with the songs really inspires old stories."

Club coordinator Deb Chvilicek said the event is just one example in a wide array of activities the club offers to help keep seniors in the community active.

"We have card socials, yoga and tai chi classes, and we take trips to theatres and casinos in addition to special events," said Chvilicek. "We have members in their 50s up to 90s, and we're planning to do all sorts of activities."

Chvilicek said most of the club's members are from Oak Creek but nonresident members are welcome to join. The club costs $7 per year, and nonmembers are welcome to attend the events.

The Forever Young Club is run by the city's Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and is open to anyone age 50 or older. People age 21 and older can attend events as a guest.

In keeping with the "iconic singers" theme, the next special event on the club's calendar is March 19, when Elvis, or at least an Elvis impersonator, is scheduled to appear in Oak Creek for a performance and then photos with his fans.

"We're trying to market more toward the Baby Boomers with some of our activities," Chvilicek said. "I think the Elvis show is going to be a lot of fun and  especially enjoyable for that age group."