Endless Discovery & Growth

At the Encore Village Center for Lifelong Learning, every day is an opportunity to explore, grow, and connect. With over 500 activities each month, our dynamic programs offer something for every curious mind—from fascinating lectures and hands-on workshops to engaging discussions and skill-building courses.

Lifelong learning is more than just acquiring knowledge—it’s about staying engaged, fostering meaningful connections, and embracing new experiences. As an exclusive benefit included in your monthly service fee, this resident-driven program is designed to inspire and challenge, all while making learning an enjoyable and rewarding part of daily life.

Whether you’re passionate about arts and culture, history, technology, wellness, or beyond, our team works alongside residents to create a personalized learning journey that’s as enriching as it is exciting. At Encore Village, the pursuit of knowledge never ends!

Lifelong Learning | Encore Village

Partnering with Roosevelt University – Schaumburg

Expand your knowledge with our Winter Lecture Series, featuring thought-provoking topics led by experts from Roosevelt University. Dive into engaging discussions on subjects like Foreign Policy in the 21st Century, Women in Politics, and The Race to Save the Titanic. This non-credit academic programming offers residents the opportunity to explore new ideas, challenge perspectives, and stay intellectually engaged in a dynamic learning environment.

A World of Learning Awaits

At Encore Village, education comes in many forms—whether it’s a lively Trivia Night at Bluestone or thought-provoking Resident-Led Lectures on fascinating topics. Recent discussions have explored Medicare Fraud, Forensics, Transgender Issues, Historical Films, Religion, Polar Bears in the Arctic, and the Psychology of Conspiracy Theories.

With such a diverse range of subjects, there’s always something new to learn, debate, and discover!

Lifelong Learning | Encore Village
Lifelong Learning | Encore Village

Engaging Discussions on Today’s Most Pressing Issues

Stay informed and explore multiple perspectives in our Current Controversies Considered series. Recent thought-provoking topics have included Should Student Loans Be Forgiven?, Voting Rights and Restrictions, and Critical Race Theory, fostering open dialogue and meaningful debate.

Through Great Decisions, we dive deeper into global affairs, with recent discussions covering Famine in the 21st Century, War Crimes, and the Evolving Relationship Between China and the U.S. These resident-led forums encourage insightful conversations that challenge perspectives and promote lifelong learning.

Clubs & Connections: Explore, Move, and Make Memories

At Encore Village, there’s no shortage of ways to stay engaged, active, and connected. Whether you’re raising a glass with our Wine Club, cheering on friends with our spirited Cheerleading Squad, stepping to the beat in Line Dancing, or staying strong in Fitness Classes, there’s something for everyone. Love the outdoors? Cast a line with fellow fishing enthusiasts or dive into one of our many resident-led groups. With a community this lively, every day brings a new opportunity to learn, move, and make lasting memories!

Lifelong Learning | Encore Village
Lifelong Learning | Encore Village

Get Involved: Community Engagement & Volunteer Opportunities

At Encore Village, giving back and staying engaged go hand in hand. Residents have the opportunity to lead clubs, serve as New Resident Ambassadors, and take part in a variety of internal volunteer roles that make a difference within our community. Looking to connect beyond Encore Village? Join our ESL Volunteering Program through the Schaumburg Township Library, where you can help others build language skills and confidence. Whether you’re mentoring, organizing, or lending a helping hand, there are endless ways to contribute, connect, and create a meaningful impact!

Resident Committee Members

Sue Harty

Lifelong Learning Committee Chair
Resident since January 2018

For 32 years, Sue was office manager of a busy 24 hour animal hospital. After retirement, she became an active member of the Institute for Continued Learning at Roosevelt University, including serving as president. She has always had a love for learning and when she moved to Encore Village, she became chair of their Lifelong Learning Committee.

She began a Mystery Lovers Book Club and a People with Parkinson’s Social Group. She also helped form a discussion group dealing with controversial topics as well as the Great Decisions discussion group.

Jeanne Fox

Secretary of the Lifelong Learning Committee
Resident since 2015

Moved to Encore Village from Evanston, Illinois because of its on-going learning and fun opportunities. She was Director of Mental Health for the City of Evanston and led the 708 Board for 22 years. With two master’s degrees, she has been an administrator for non-profit agencies, provided quality assurance oversite for 15 years of all 15 Illinois State mental health facilities and served on numerous non-profit boards. Volunteering has always been a part of her service to the community and most recently she served on the board of the Elgin Salvation Army for three years as she served on the Evanston Salvation Army Board for 7 years.

At Encore Village she is the co-chair of two Book Clubs and a member of the Technology Committee.

Leonard Kofkin

Resident since January 2019

Holds finance and law degrees from Northwestern University, and practiced law for sixty years with offices in Chicago and a nation-wide clientele. He is active in many Lifelong learning events, committees, groups, new resident marketing efforts, and presentations.

He has lectured about interpersonal negotiations, many of the Jewish holidays, Jesus and the Old Testament, Russian hero Alexander Nevsky, Genealogy topics, and Partisan activities in Belarus in the 1940’s. He also helped establish and perpetuate the “Great Decisions” and “Current Controversies Considered” discussion groups.

Mary Crisanti

Resident since November 2021

Prior to retirement Mary taught mathematics at the 11th and 12th grade levels. She also served as a contract negotiator and grievance chair for her local education association. Upon retirement she joined the Institute for Continued Learning at Roosevelt University where she served a term on the Board of Directors and helped to start and coordinate a weekly discussion group that met for over fifteen years.

Here at Encore Village she has rebooted the weekly discussion group, Plato’s Place. It covers a myriad of assorted topics suitable for informal conversation. She is also the co-facilitator of discussion for the Current Controversies Considered group.

Marlene Brusko

Resident since September 2022

She is a retired clinical psychologist who utilizes teaching as a learning methodology as well as an opportunity to share ideas with others who are ready to join in a collaborative discovery of new topics.

Marlene’s Encore Village presentations began years ago through a shared program with the Institute for Continued Learning at Roosevelt University. Her classes and lectures range from psychology to the Big Bang; from the brain and its processes to history and current events.

Roseann Burke

Resident since 2018

Moved to Encore Village after a lifetime of teaching and administration of children. She has served as Chairman of the Activities Committee and helped create an exciting and vibrant array of programs. As a member of the Choir and the Radio Club her time at Encore Village has been very rewarding.

She has been instrumental in programs such as Great Decisions, Karaoke Night, the Pom Squad, Floor Captains, and the Volunteer’s club. By being a member of the Lifelong Learning committee, Roseann will continue to encourage the collaboration of ideas for Encore Village’s residents.

Terri Mertz

Resident since October 2021

Terri shares her home with 2 dogs and has worked her entire professional life in the field of education – as a teacher and administrator for children and adults with special needs and adults requiring ESL support. She also spent a summer presenting in-service training to
teachers in eastern Europe.

Her greatest passion is the protection and welfare of all animals. She has visited the great greys and polar bears in their natural habitats, is an avid Francophile, and has lectured to various groups on her travels.

Marge Olszewski

Resident since April 2021

Diana Garvey

Resident since May 2022

Donna McLaughlin

Resident since July 2019

Judy Malin

Resident since October 2020

Live Your Best Life, Effortlessly

Imagine a place where everything that makes life easier meets everything that makes life more fun—all in one vibrant community. That’s Encore Village, a premier Rental Life Plan Community in the heart of Schaumburg.

From exceptional services and world-class amenities to engaging activities and friendships that feel like family, this is senior living at its finest. But don’t just take our word for it—see what our residents and their families love about life at Encore Village!

Exceeded Expectations

"Encore Village has exceeded our expectations. We moved here before we had to move because, when you do, you have a better opprotunity to adjust to the new surroundings. That has been true for us. Rather than one restaurant to serve us in independent living, we have three restaurants plus a lounge with more than 120 menu items to choose from daily. Lifestyles programs are terrific. The Center for Life-Long Learning provides lectures, discussions, trips and other opportunities to keep your mind sharp and learn. The Fitness Center and pool have two staff experts to assist in just the right exercises for each person. Plus there are crafts, concerts and trips for all to enjoy. Finally, and most important, you won't find a more friendly and welcoming staff and residents. Rather than just sittiing in your single family home or condo without friends close by, Encore Village will provide options for friendships that you will highly value...some just like family!"

- Randy J., A Place for Mom Review

Excellent Lifestyle

"I am a long time resident. I have enjoyed many activities; from paint and sip, parties, educational lectures, card games such as hand and foot, We are a very welcoming friendly community. When you meet someone in passing there is always a smile and a hello. There are beautiful grounds including koi ponds, fountains, meditation garden and a labyrinth! There is a lovely swimming pool and whirlpool to enjoy. The fitness center has individual machines to work out, and the knowledgeable staff has many different classes to attend. Also available are massage chairs, putting green, pickle ball court, on site beauty salon and much more! Come check us out!"

- Ann K., A Place for Mom Review

We Couldn’t be More Pleased

"My parents moved in 6 weeks ago to assisted living and we couldn’t be more pleased with the care they are receiving. The entire staff is superb: from food service to nurses to RAs to activities team to the administrators. It is a truly caring environment that provides a safe home for our parents and peace of mind for us."

– Donna M., Google Review

Lifelong Learning | Encore Village

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, want to learn more, or are ready to schedule a personal tour, our team is here to help. Simply reach out below or give us a call—we look forward to connecting with you soon!

Lifelong Learning | Encore Village

Contact Details

Lifelong Learning | Encore Village