She got her first tattoo on her 81st birthday and was excited to show it off to her kids and grandkids.
Bonnie Bayser, a resident of Oak Trace in Downers Grove, was one of two dozen residents and team members to participate in the senior living community’s first (but not likely to be its last) Tattoos and Brews Fest.
As the name suggests, the event was the opportunity for residents to get tattoos and drink beer. It’s not necessarily the type of program you’d traditionally expect at a senior living community. However, the residents at Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove are not your traditional seniors, and the lifestyles team plans programs and events accordingly.
Jamee Harkabus, Lifestyles Supervisor at Oak Trace, organized the event. “I wanted to bring something new to the community, something they hadn’t done before. I wanted the residents to think outside of the box and try doing something different,” she said.
Tattoos and Brews Fest started with team member Luke Cummins explaining the many tattoos he’s gotten through the years. “That was very interesting. I learned a lot about his personality,” said Bonnie.
A representative from the National Museum of American Sailors was present, discussing the history and culture of tattoos in the Navy.
The residents then had the opportunity to have a beautiful hand-drawn henna, or a temporary adhesive tattoo applied.
A beer tasting was hosted by Imperial Oak Brewing.
“We love offering unique and fun programs and activities for seniors in addition to our more traditional offerings, including live performances, games, arts and crafts, fitness, and more. We seek to provide programming for typical, trending, and everything in between,” said Jessica Lazzara Cashman, Lifestyle Director.
