Military academy dreams nearly shattered

A family photograph of Bishop Noll Institute senior Brayden Banske and his sister, Courtney Banske, at her graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2012. She is stationed in Jacksonville, Fla.

Military academy dreams nearly shattered

Bishop Noll Institute senior Brayden Banske of Calumet City will attend West Point this fall. Banske had applied to the U.S. Naval Academy and needed a recommendation by his congressman. But his congressman was Jesse Jackson Jr., who had resigned his seat, leaving Banske without Congressional help.

Military academy dreams nearly shattered

Bishop Noll Institute senior Brayden Banske of Calumet City will attend West Point this fall. Banske was able to get a recommendation from newly-elected U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly in time for his application to go through.

Region's senior housing projects expected to rise as citizens age

Frances Wulf and her daughter Anita Beaudoin walk down a hallway at Rittenhouse Senior Living in Valparaiso. Wulf moved to Valparaiso from Wisconsin to be near her kids about three years ago.

Region's senior housing projects expected to rise as citizens age

Frances Wulf walks in the common kitchen area at Rittenhouse Senior Living in Valparaiso. Wulf, 92, is among a growing number of seniors in the region. To meet a growing demand, a number of senior living facilities are being constructed in the area.

Region's senior housing projects expected to rise as citizens age

As the number of people retiring rises each year, the need for senior housing centers also increases. Bickford Senior Living in Crown Point is currently under construction.

Region's senior housing projects expected to rise as citizens age

The exterior of the Bickford Senior Living will look similar to this, with a covered main entry and stone veneer.

Region's senior housing projects expected to rise as citizens age

Bickford Senior Living in Crown Point is a private development. The facility is situated near a pond and near a small retail plaza.

Region's senior housing projects expected to rise as citizens age

Jose Gonzalez, of Blue Island, tapes drywall Wednesday at Bickford Senior Living in Crown Point. The 36,000-square-foot facility will offer studios and one-bedroom apartments to seniors on a month-to-month basis with no contract.

Region's senior housing projects expected to rise as citizens age

Work continues on the new Bickford Senior Living facility in Crown Point. The 58-unit complex, which will offer memory care and assisted living, is set to open in late summer.

Region's senior housing projects expected to rise as citizens age

Bickford Senior Living in Crown Point is a private development slated to open in late summer. The great rooms include a fireplace and large-screen television. The 36,000-square-foot facility will offer studios and one-bedroom apartments to seniors on a month-to-month basis with no contract.

Seniors enjoy valentine's dance at Wicker Park

Evelyn and Willard Harmon, of Portage, join other seniors on the dance floor Tuesday at the Wicker Memorial Park Social Center. Evelyn made Willard's heart-spotted tie and handkerchief for him.

Seniors enjoy valentine's dance at Wicker Park

Frances and John Deasy, of Hammond, dance Tuesday at the valentine's dance for seniors at Wicker Memorial Park Social Center in Highland. The Deasys have been married for 63 years.

Seniors enjoy valentine's dance at Wicker Park

Peter Oprisko sings Tuesday during the North Township Senior Valentine Dinner Dance at the Wicker Memorial Park Social Center.

Seniors enjoy valentine's dance at Wicker Park

Peter Oprisko sings Tuesday during the North Township Senior Valentine Dinner Dance at the Wicker Memorial Park Social Center.

Seniors enjoy valentine's dance at Wicker Park

Jim Stablein and Dee Miller dance Tuesday during the North Township Senior Valentine Dinner Dance. The couple plan to wed on Valentine's Day.

Console Color

Couple in convertible car smiling

South Central senior swimmer Tori Klimczak

South Central senior swimmer Tori Klimczak practices at Wheeler High School on Wednesday. Klimczak and her brother Kane Klimczak are the only members of South Central's swim team so they practice at Wheeler's pool.