Music, Trips, Dining Experiences, and More are on The Calendar at Tallgrass Creek

When local entertainers fill the air with everything from classical music to 1960s rock tunes, it's standing room only at Tallgrass Creek, the Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kans.

The lively performances are coordinated by the community's resident-led entertainment committee, chaired by Barbara Fay. The committee meets monthly to review entertainers and typically books three events a month.

"We've had barbershop quartets, Dixieland bands, great piano players, a wonderful magic act, and lots more," says Barbara. "We try to host events everyone will enjoy."

Performances take place in comfortable gathering spots around the community, such as outside on Tallgrass Creek's shady patio. 

Many suggestions come from residents who have seen talented performers at venues around town. "Local entertainers also contact us requesting a spot on our calendar," she says. "We're a great audience, so it's a fun time for both performers and residents!" 

The entertainment committee works closely with Tallgrass Creek's Resident Life team, which helps coordinate activities for more than 85 clubs and committees at the vibrant community. 

"We have wonderful partnerships with each group and plan lots of activities together," says Shellie Sullivan, senior manager of Resident Life. 

The clubs and committees cover a variety of interests including travel, art, golf, writing, music, nature, woodworking, philanthropy, politics, gardening, reading, theology, and more. 

"There's even a ukulele club!" says Sullivan.

The different groups host fashion shows, craft fairs, happy hours, educational lectures, bird walks, dance lessons, concerts, day trips, lunch gatherings, and all sorts of other activities. Tallgrass Creek team members are often invited to join residents at social events. 

"At our recent 'Beach Blanket Bingo' party, residents and staff had such a good time," says Sullivan. "One resident said it was like playing at home with family."

Lifelong learning

Tallgrass Creek residents also enjoy learning opportunities organized by the lifelong learning committee. The committee, chaired by Myron Sildon, hosts presentations by business and health care leaders and other notables from the Kansas City area. 

Past speakers have included Michael Stern, music director of the Kansas City Symphony; Wai Lee, vice president of Garmin Labs; and Esther George, retired president and CEO of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. 

"The speakers are immensely knowledgeable," says Myron. "We always learn something new."

The lifelong learning committee also organizes presentations conducted by the Other Lifelong Learning Institute, part of the continuing education program at the University of Kansas. The Institute creates innovative learning environments for seniors and sends professional lecturers associated with the university. 

Past lectures have spanned a range of topics such as entertainer Frank Sinatra, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the wives of U.S. Presidents during the Civil War, and other unique subjects. 

In addition, the committee frequently arranges Tell Your Story presentations, in which residents share overviews of their own lives and experiences. These presentations are always well attended, as residents want to learn more about their neighbors. 

"There are all sorts of interesting people here," says Myron. "We love learning from each other as well as outside professionals." 

What's cooking 

Tallgrass Creek's dining team adds to the fun with themed dinners, holiday events, tailgate barbecues, and pop-up afternoon snacks. Dining team member Nicole Goodson says the dining staff enjoys the events just as much as the residents. 

"We've had dinners celebrating Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Oktoberfest, a 'Tour of Italy' dinner, and even a leap year celebration," says Goodson. "We often include music which adds to the festive atmosphere."

She adds, "We come up with our own ideas, but residents always have great dining suggestions to share. We all have fun with it." 

Tallgrass Creek's activity calendar also offers excursions to museums, theater productions, concerts, casinos, shopping malls, and more. Residents travel in luxury coaches so traffic, parking, and weather never interrupt the fun.

Residents plan their own neighborhood entertainment as well. There are residence building happy hours, dinners in the private dining rooms, restaurant gatherings, and quiet movie nights in Tallgrass Creek's spacious Bob Allen Theater. 

"There are so many different events and activities to choose from," says Barbara. "You can do as little or as much as you want, and all the choices are wonderful."

Residents keep up with the calendar via printed versions around campus, the community's weekly newsletter A Week at the Creek, and Channel 1851--Tallgrass Creek's in-house TV station.

"There's lots going on and lots of ways to find out," says Sullivan. "This is one busy community!" 

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

Floor Plan: 

Pendleton

Two bedroom, two bath with patio/balcony

The Pendleton features modern finishes, an open living area, and ample storage space. With a well-equipped kitchen and a flexible second bedroom, entertaining has never been easier!

Request a brochure to learn more about our floor plan options, which come in a range of sizes to meet every need and budget.