After almost three grueling years on the market, the family of six sold their suburban Joliet home. Their dream to move closer to Chicago for commuting reasons and to find a community with excellent schools finally came true this summer when they purchased a home in Clarendon Hills. But now that they’ve moved and unpacked, reality has settled in — they hardly know a soul. Their children were well-established in their old schools and social and athletic communities, but this year they’re starting fresh. They know it’s not going to be an easy transition, so they can’t wait for new opportunities to meet people.
The boys have played football the last two seasons at their local youth league and are now having a hard time adjusting to the Hinsdale Falcons’ Five-days-a-week practice schedule. At first they couldn’t imagine leaving their old teammates at their old clubs, but the first few weeks of practice have given them plenty of time to meet new friends and feel like part of the team.
The girls haven’t had the same experience yet. They are soccer players, and the AYSO season won’t begin for at least another week. Needless to say, soccer cannot start soon enough for these girls. They would love to be on a team with children from their new neighborhood, and what they’re really looking forward to is meeting new friends. With school starting in a few days, this will happen very soon.
The parents are also a little nervous about their new journey and meeting new people in the community. They only know a few people in town, so they are excited for the fall activities to begin. They want to get involved in many volunteer roles because they want to be a part of the community.
Many of you reading this are probably thinking the same thing: “Do they really know what they are wishing for? Oh, those crazy schedules!” There will be PTO meetings and fundraisers, Curriculum Nights, parent/teacher conferences, CHC02 Footprint Project events, Indian Guides and Princesses weekends, Infant Welfare meetings, Lions Club meetings, carpooling to practices, Falcon football games and AYSO soccer games. Saturday mornings will be a mess, and pretty soon they’ll wonder what happened to them! In no time at all, life will evolve, never to be the same again.
Would any of us want anything different?
Be on the lookout for these folks and many just like them. Starting out as newbies, they’ll be eager to take on many new roles and opportunities. They’re not yet stressed from being overworked and underpaid! When you see them, smile and give them encouragement. Soon, they’ll be just like you.
Mike is a Clarendon Hills resident; husband; Indian Princess; Indian Guide Dad; a Coach; an “old” football player and a real estate broker. Mike’s columns are usually crafted about the buzz in and around the area. It sometimes has a spin on real estate or cultural information, highlight a new business or announce school happenings. He might include a “get-to-know” about some of our interesting residents and even a little about history. Whatever it is, it is sure to be about the “Talk of the Town”.
Walker Elementary School in Clarendon hills
Clarendon Hills Middle School
Notre Dame Church and School
Hinsdale Central High School