About Us
Learn about some of our key volunteers.
Dr. Jim Flanagan
The founder of Celebrating Seniors, Jim has chaired the Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services Committee since 2008. A nationally recognized expert on financial issues impacting older adults, he is also the author of “Packing for Retirement: A Practical Guide to Prepare for Retirement at Any Age.”
Dr. Lydia Manning
A former Professor of Gerontology and Program Faculty Leader for Gerontology at Concordia University Chicago, Lydia is a gerontologist, educator and entrepreneur with a wide range of experience in the field of aging. A social gerontologist, she investigates complex and pressing issues and problems related to aging, health, and well-being through independent research that integrates the perspectives and methodologies of gerontology, sociology, and women’s studies.
Pat Koko
A volunteer extraordinaire, Pat has been a tireless booster of Celebrating Seniors from its start. Among other activities, she has been instrumental in attracting advertisers and sponsors through endeavors such as the annual Resource Guide. In addition, Pat has been an influential Celebrating Seniors ambassador and liaison with a variety of organizations throughout the community. She and her husband, Paul, reside in Oak Park.
Richard Harrison
Richard has been one of the most dedicated Coalition volunteers for many years. Among other roles that he has served, he has been chairman of the BlazeATrail 5K Run/Walk. Richard and his wife, Tia have three grown children and are owners of a Home Instead Senior Care franchise based in Oak Park.
Nick Preys
Nick has been a Coalition volunteer since 2013 and chaired the “Celebrating Seniors 60 Over 60” Committee for several years. A lifelong Oak Park resident, Nick owns and manages Synergy Homecare of Oak Park.
Tool Kit
Interested in launching a Celebrating Seniors initiative in your community? We are pleased to provide this blueprint, based on our decade of experience, to help you emulate the model we have trailblazed. First unveiled at the American Society on Aging’s “Aging in America 2016” conference, the Celebrating Seniors Tool Kit covers the gamut of facets necessary to create a successful, sustainable program.
We offer the Tool Kit at no charge. To download the Celebrating Seniors Tool Kit, click here.