Five Good Minutes with Loretta Pable

In June, Loretta Pable came on board as the North Shore Senior Center's new coordinator. After spending considerable time both working in the field and pursuing higher education, she comes to the job with a passion for seniors. Patch sat down with Pable to get to know her better and to hear how the first couple months have been.

Earlier:.

Patch: You started June 3. How's the job treating you so far?

Loretta Pable: It's been wonderful. The seniors in Morton Grove are just exceptionally warm and welcoming, and they have a broad range of interests.

Patch: Like what? Are there any fun outings coming up?

LP: You bet. We're going the Drury Lane Theatre and Light Opera Works. Then in September or October we're going on a "Chicago Pizza Tour" to learn about architecture, history and of course pizza. The seniors here really like fitness classes: ballroom dancing, Tai chi, Better Balance. And we're hoping to have swim aerobics in the future.

Patch: What was your path to the North Shore Senior Center?

LP: I've worked in nursing homes and with home health care; most recently I was with the Navy, coordinating drug and alcohol programs for the hospital. Also Park Place Senior Center in Waukegan. I have my master's degree in gerontology—the study of aging. 

Patch: And what got you interested in this kind of work in the first place?

LP: I started out working in a nursing home, and it was a transformational experience. I loved working with people there and also felt there was a lot I could do to have an impact and make people's lives better.

Patch: What are some misconceptions people have about senior centers?

LP: It's so much more than bingo. It's really about lifelong learning. Our model is "mind, body, spirit." The seniors are here to grow and learn, whether that's through card clubs, computer programs, crafts, etc. There's creative expression. We try to help them figure out if there's something they'd like to try.

Patch: The economy is obviously an issue right now for a lot of organizations. Are you getting the support you need?

LP: The village of Morton Grove is very aware of our needs and doing their best to match those needs with resources. Unfortunately, everyone's resources are running thin. A central issue is that a lot of people aren't aware of what's available. Transportation is another issue. It's the most difficult challenge here in Morton Grove. It's just one of those things that is chronic in suburban areas. You have people who have relied on cars all their lives, and it can be a tough transition.

Patch: Goals for the future?

LP: I'd like to expand membership and programing. We want to make sure we're offering high-quality things for them to do. I have no doubt the seniors will lead the way.