Ed Zmuda

Unlike what we see in the magazines and travel brochures, retirement is not all bingo games, fun-in-the-sun, and time to indulge in hobbies and travel. For most people the aging process is also a time of change. Our body refuses to do things that it used to do, frequently it is a time when living arrangements must change, daily routines are altered, and our circle of friends and relatives gets smaller. Ed Zmuda and his wife, Terri, had been married for 50 years when she passed away five years ago. He was devastated, but knew he had to keep going so he joined the Sheila Ray Elk Grove Senior Center, and began volunteering there. “Many people who have lost their life's partner think the whole world has ended, but it hasn't. Look again, get out and socialize with people, and volunteer. I knew from previous experience that there is always a need for people who are willing to pitch in, and I want to feel useful. I have made new friends while volunteering, and helping others has made me a happier person,” Zmuda said.

Barbara Walker, Adult Program Administrator, for Sheila Ray, said,” Ed has been with us for over five years, and he is always available to sub if other volunteers are off. He is a very lovely person; he loves people, and he has a wonderful sense of humor.”

Marge Hart, Adult Coordinator, Elk Grove Park District, also expressed her appreciation for Zmuda's dedication to helping others. “Ed is a super guy, and we appreciate his willingness to help anywhere he's needed,” she said.

Zmuda's regular duties include picking up meals from Alexian Brothers Medical Center for the daily senior lunch program and bringing them to the center, but he also helps out in countless other ways. When needed, he pitches in to help clean up the kitchen after lunch, helps with bingo games, and with rummage sales. He loves to dance, and looks forward to going over to Elk Grove High School where a group of seniors from the center volunteer to teach the high school seniors to dance. The students plan a wedding and reception as part of an elective Family Living class, and instruction in ballroom dancing is included. “When I was young I seemed to have two left feet, so I want to help the kids feel comfortable dancing at weddings and other special occasions. We teach them the fox trot, the waltz, and other basic steps so they can join in the festivities,” Zmuda said.

On the first Thursday of the month, dances are held at the center and seniors have an opportunity to put on their dancing shoes and swing and sway to the music of a live, 13-piece band. It is a win-win arrangement; the band is provided with a place to rehearse, and Zmuda and the other seniors enjoy the music and the dancing.

Zmuda was born and raised in Chicago, and is a Lane Tech. graduate. Prior to retiring, he was employed for 39 years as an associate engineer for Teletype Corp. (AT&T). He resides in Elk Grove Village, and his family includes his son, Michael, a daughter, Debra, and four grandchildren. He is a member of Elk Grove VFW post #9284, The Queen of the Rosary Church, Elk Grove, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). In his spare time Zmuda enjoys golf, travel, spending time with his family and gardening.

To obtain information as to how you can perform meaningful volunteer work in your local community contact The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago (all ages) at 847-228-1320, or the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (Seniors age 55 or better) at 847-228-1006. Check their website www.volunteerinfo.net for a description of the hundreds of types of opportunities for service that are available.

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