2017 SUPPORTIVE LIVING WEEK TOOL KIT
Celebrate Supportive Living — April 24-28, 2017
601 W. Monroe Street
 Springfield, IL 62704  Ph: 217-525-0700 x 124
www. AALConline.org
Welcome Letter
Supportive Living Week is officially 10 years old!
That’s right, 2017 marks the 10th Anniversary of AALC’s Supportive Living Week and we can’t wait to start
celebrating! What originally started out as one week of festivities has morphed into weeks of special events
designed to show off the success of the Supportive Living (SL) model for our seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Last year, we demonstrated the health and competitiveness of our communities by holding a statewide “Keep
Moving” competition with an original goal of walking/moving collectively across the state of Illinois. However,
within a week of the Keep Moving launch, we realized we needed a bigger goal, so we challenged our seniors to
walk around the world. Well they met the
challenge and far exceeded it by circling the
globe more than two times! This year’s theme,
“Happiness is Ageless,” will keep that
momentum going. We are asking our
communities to focus on activities that make
them happy – mind, body and soul!
We believe the “Happiness is Ageless” theme highlights the many benefits of SL by focusing on the ways SL
communities support and encourage residents to live happy and fulfilling lives. Our 2017 Universal Activity will focus
on the wide variety of activities your residents participate in year round that brings them joy and happiness.
Supportive Living is more than providing a place to live; it’s about providing a community, a sense of belonging and
opportunities for residents to pursue their interests. Whether it’s celebrating a special holiday, participating in
weekly bingo competitions, decorating cookies or going on fun outings, we want you to brag a bit about the things
that brighten up your residents’ lives. We’ve seen the fun things you do on your Facebook pages, and we’ve seen
the faces of your smiling seniors, now we’re asking you to compile your activities into a colorful display that exhibits
the countless ways SL enriches the lives of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate SL 2017! With over a month of fun activities planned, including our Wii
Bowling competition, Spelling Bee, Capitol visit and Open House, our goal is to show to the general public and
elected officials the important role SL plays in the lives of our residents and showcase how your efforts prove that
indeed “Happiness is Ageless.”
I encourage every SL community to take part in the activities we have outlined throughout this Tool Kit. If you have
questions, let us know! In the meantime, we look forward to learning more about what makes your residents
happy!
Sincerely,
Wayne Smallwood
Executive Director
Affordable Assisted Living Coalition
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Table of Contents
1. Calendar of Activities…………………………………………………………....….4
2. Happiness is Ageless - Statewide Project ……………………….………….5
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Overview
Submitting Displays
3. SL Open House……………….…………………………………………………….…..7

Overview
4. SL Capitol Visit……………….……..………………………………………….…..….8

Overview
5. 8th Annual Wii Bowling Tournament…………….……………………..…...9
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Overview
6. Spelling Bee Competition …………………………….………………….……..10
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Overview
Rules
7. Resources Directory - Overview of Downloadable Resources…....12
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SL Products – Order Today!
Product Preview Guide
Online Order Form
Downloadable Posters
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Open House Resources
Downloadable Calendar Alert Sample
Downloadable Ad Samples
Downloadable Self-Mailer/Invite
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8th Annual Wii Bowling Tournament
Wii Bowling Registration
Wii Bowling Game Rules
Wii Bowling Score Sheet
Downloadable Wii Bowling Press Release Sample
Downloadable Wii Bowling Certificate
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Spelling Bee Competition
Spelling Bee Registration
Spelling Bee Rules
Spelling Bee Score Sheet
Downloadable Spelling Bee Certificate
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2017 Calendar of Activities
January 1, 2017
Online Product Orders Open
January 31, 2017
Deadline for Wii Bowling & Spelling Bee Signups
March 1, 2017
Online Product Orders Close
April 1, 2017
Happiness is Ageless Display Boards due at AALC
April TBD 2017
Happiness is Ageless Display at Capitol
South Hall of Capitol, Springfield, IL
2017 Wii Bowling
Schedule
Jan. 31, 2017
Deadline to Register Teams
Feb. 27, 2017
Wii Bowling Regular Season Begins
April 24– May 6, 2017
Regional Wii Bowling
Playoffs
May 31, 2017
April TBD, 2017
Top 4 Teams Compete*
Capitol Visit
SL residents and staff meet with Governor and elected officials
State Capitol, Springfield, IL
June 1, 2017
April 24-28, 2017
Supportive Living Week 2016
Statewide
April 26, 2017
SL Community Open Houses
Statewide
May 31, 2017*
Wii Bowling & Spelling Bee Finals
Final 4 teams compete in Wii Bowling
Top 10 teams compete in Spelling Bee Competition
June 1, 2017*
Wii Bowling & Spelling Bee Championship
Awards Ceremony Luncheon
Presentation of Bowling & Spelling Bee Awards
*President Abraham Lincoln Hotel
Springfield, IL
Wii Bowling Championship*
2017 Spelling Bee
Schedule
Jan. 31 2017
Deadline to Register Teams
April 1, 2017
Local Winning Team Names Due to AALC
May 1-5, 2017
Regional Spelling Bee
Playoffs
May 31, 2017
Top 10 Teams Compete*
June 1, 2017
Spelling Bee Championship Game*
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Statewide Project Overview
Last year, our Supportive Living (SL) communities showed us their
competitive spirit as they circled the globe more than twice during
our “Keep Moving” challenge. This year, we’re hoping to keep the
excitement going as we ask residents across the State to show us
what makes them happy! Whether it’s walking, painting, reading, or
playing a hotly contested game of Wii bowling, we want to highlight
all the ways “Happiness is Ageless.” Whatever the activity,
Supportive Living is here to ensure seniors and individuals with
disabilities have the support they need to lead a fulfilling, happy life.
Start Today!
This year’s “Happiness is Ageless” statewide project will ask
communities to tell us what make their residents happy by
compiling photos, quotes and overviews of programs, events and
hobbies that they participate in throughout the year.
Plan activities that make your
residents happy!
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Document your activities with
photos and quotes!
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Design a poster
highlighting your activities
There are no limits to what you can include: including once a year
activities and events, or regularly scheduled classes, the sky is the
limit!
Timeline
What kinds of things do you do to make your residents happy?
 Decorating your facility for a holiday?
 Holding a theme dance/dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
 Electing a Queen or King for the day?
 Planning a special outing to explore a park, go camping or visit
simply visit an ice cream shop?
 Holding regular exercise programs
or annual competitions?
 Volunteering time/services for a
community cause?
 Horseback riding? Golfing?
 Writing poems or playing an
instrument?
April 1, 2017
Poster displays due at AALC

April TBD, 2017
Posters will be on display at the
state Capitol

May 31-June 1, 2017
Posters will be on display at State
Championships
The possibilities are
endless and we want to
hear about them!
Let’s Get Started!
Turn the page to discover simple steps on how to participate in Happiness is Ageless!
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Statewide Project Submissions
How to Participate in Happiness is Ageless!
Each community will be asked to compile and submit photos of your
residents as they participate in hobbies and events that make them
happy. Be sure to describe the activities, take lots of pictures of
residents as they participate, and ask them for quotes about the
enjoyment they get while doing something they love. AALC will display
all the entries at the State Capitol to showcase how Supportive Living
communities continue to provide a positive, fulfilling and happy
environment for today’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Together, we can raise awareness of the Supportive Living program and
the reasons residents firmly believe, “Happiness is Ageless!”
Creating Your Happiness is Ageless Overview
AALC will select the most creative “Happiness is Ageless” overview display in the halls of the State Capitol in April to
showcase how our Supportive Living communities are creating healthy and happy living environments for residents.
We’ve provided you with instructions for compiling/designing your overview below.
Display Board Directions
Type up a one-page activity overview with the following information:
 Name of the community
 Describe what activities your residents participate in to bring joy to their lives
 Get quotes from your residents
 Take photos as your residents participate in activities
 Design a colorful display on foam core highlighting what your residents do to prove “Happiness is Ageless!”
 Include photos of your residents participating in the activities
 Include fun quotes/testimonials and any graphics
 Include the one-page activity overview on the display board
Submission Process
Mail Display Boards to AALC by April 1, 2017.
1. “Happiness is Ageless” overview should be typed on standard white paper and
glued to foam core. (No poster boards please!)
2. Decorate your foam core display with photos, testimonials, and fun
stories.
3. Displays will not be returned. They
Questions?
can be picked up at State Finals in
Contact Valerie Moore at:
Springfield.
[email protected]
4. Place display board in sturdy
or call: 217-525-0700 x 109
container and mail to:
AALC
Deadline for submissions:
601 W. Monroe
Springfield, IL 62704
April 1, 2017
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Statewide Open House
Celebrate Supportive Living!
Supportive Living Week will be celebrated from April 24-28,
2017. On Wednesday, April 26, Supportive Living communities
throughout the state will be celebrating and promoting the
benefits of the Supportive Living Program by hosting Open
Houses in their communities. Join us by hosting your own
Open House to show off the work you do and the warm,
caring environment you provide for today’s seniors and
persons with disabilities. Invite the general public and elected
officials to come tour your community on April 26 to talk to
your residents and educate them about the many benefits of
Supportive Living.
Ideas for your Open House:
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Provide guided tours of your community and its amenities (be
sure to highlight education, fitness and social events)
Have guests tour a model or resident apartment
Ask residents who are pleased with the program and
community to be on hand during the Open House to talk with
guests
Discuss financial assistance opportunities available for those
who qualify
Offer a brief overview about the benefits of Supportive Living
AALC has a PowerPoint presentation that can be used for your
open house
Explain how Supportive Living differs from other models namely nursing homes and private pay assisted living
A brochure that promotes the Supportive Living model can be
ordered from AALC
Hold a question and answer session
Invite guests to return to the community to discuss individual
needs and interests following the Open House
Advertise your Open House in the community events section
of your local paper
Send out flyers to your contact list inviting them to join you
Helpful Tools to Promote Your
Open House
To help you promote your Open House,
we’ve provided you with the following
downloadable items:
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Customizable mailer/invite
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Customizable promotional ads
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B&W Ad

Color Ad
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Customizable calendar
announcement that can be sent to
your local media

PowerPoint Presentation
These documents are all customizable so you
can add your own date, time and location!
For your convenience, all of our materials are
available for ordering or download on
AALC’s website.
Together, we can promote Supportive Living successes to the local community, seniors, persons
with disabilities, their families and our elected officials!
Celebrate Supportive Living!
Host an Open House on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.
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Capitol Visit
Join us at the State Capitol! Let’s Show Our Elected Officials that
At AALC, we’ve found that one of the most effective
ways of showcasing the many benefits of Supportive
Living is by having residents and staff members share
their Supportive Living experiences in person with
elected officials during our annual SL Week Capitol Visit!
Each year, we make a powerful impact by filling the
halls of the Capitol with Supportive Living residents. This
April, residents and staff members will travel to the
Capitol to meet with the governor and elected officials
to discuss issues relating to the Supportive Living
program. We know it works! We’ve witnessed firsthand
the impact these visits can have on both our residents
and elected officials.
Join us in Springfield!
This year, we’re showcasing how Supportive Living is
helping to ensure our seniors and individuals with
disabilities have the support they need to live
healthy, happy and fulfilling lives. We’ll
demonstrate how Supportive Living encourages
residents to participate in activities that make them
happy, fulfill their needs and support their ability to
stay active and surrounded by friends.
Wear Your SL Tees!
Purchase your 2017 SL tees before your capitol visit to
help SL residents and staff stand out! We encourage you
to wear your colorful SL tees to help us demonstrate
strength in numbers! This year’s tees not only sport the
Happiness is Ageless logo, they brag that “Aging Ain’t
for Sissies!” Let’s show elected officials just that!
We’ll have all the Happiness is Ageless posters on
display to demonstrate all the great ways Supportive
Living contributes to our residents’ happiness.
We’re sure the displays will serve as an inspiring
reminder about how Supportive Living promotes
healthy, happy living among our aging and disabled
population and we encourage you to join us in April in
Springfield. Check back for a date!
If you are interested in joining us, let us know! AALC will host a luncheon that day for those who make the trip.
Contact Wayne Smallwood at (217) 525-0700 x-124 or [email protected] for more
information and to sign up!
Transportation costs for those who wish to come are the responsibility of the SL community.
Lunch will be provided by AALC.
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Wii Bowling Tournament
8th Annual Wii Bowling Tournament
Our annual Wii Bowling Tournament has grown by leaps and bounds since
we began seven years ago and we expect this year’s event to be bigger
than ever! Wii Bowling is a great way to have fun, enjoy some friendly
competition, and it fits right into this year’s theme of Happiness is
Ageless! So get your teams together and get bowling!
Once again, the Wii Bowling Tournament will be played tournament style
with teams bowling against each other virtually over the course of eight
weeks. Teams will bowl two games a week starting in February through
April and the top four teams will come to Springfield for the Final Four
Championship, which will take place May 31-June 1, 2017.
We are expecting well over 90 teams to register in the 8th Annual
Tournament and compete to unseat last year’s champs, the Eden Strikers
– Eden Supportive Living (North Aurora). In 2016, the Final Four teams
included the Eden Strikers who battled the Heritage Woodsmen of
Heritage Woods of Charleston, the Bowling Brooks of Heritage Woods
Bolingbrook and the Fab 5 from Heritage Woods of Batavia.
Who will make the Final Four in 2017?
“Wii Love SL” t-shirts
can be purchased for $10.00
when you register!
“This year, our theme for
Supportive Living is
“Happiness is Ageless,” and Wii
Bowling is an activity that
embraces the theme as every
competitor has
a smile on their
face!
Best of luck to
all the
competitors!”
Wayne Smallwood
Executive Director, AALC
2017 Wii Bowling Schedule
Register your team today to take part in the 2017 Wii Bowling tournament.
The registration deadline is January 31, 2017
and the entry fee is $75.00 per team.
Visit the AALC website for more information and to download a participant
certificate and sample press release!
So, who will become the 2017 champs?
Register your teams today!
View rules
Lodging and some meals for the final four teams will be taken care of by the AALC as a way to raise awareness of,
and appreciation for, Illinois’ Supportive Living residents and Supportive Living.
Local Registration
Deadline
Regular Wii Bowling
Season Begins
Playoffs
State Finals
(Top 4 Teams)
Jan. 31
Feb. 27
Apr. 24—May 6
May 31-June 1
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Spelling Bee Competition
Spelling Bee Competition – With a Twist!
Back by popular demand – the Spelling Bee – with a twist!
Last year we had such success with our Spelling Bee with a twist that we’re bringing it back! The
fun twist is not only do teams have to spell the word but they have to bet on how confident they
are in their answer!
Similar to our previous competitions, AALC’s Spelling Bee teams will be asked to compete in local
and regional spelling contests with the top two teams from each region moving on to the state
championship, which will be held in Springfield on May 31-June1, 2017.
Step 1: Sign Up Residents
1. Spelling Bee participants must currently reside in an Illinois Supportive Living community.
2. Participants will form teams composed of two to three residents and each team is encouraged to
have one to two alternates. Alternates may participate during any of the competitions whenever an original
registered team member is unable to participate.
3. Each team that wants to participate in the Spelling Bee competition must register online by 1/31/17.
4. Each community shall include a $50.00 payment for registration. The $50 payment covers all teams from the
community.
Step 2: Compete at Your SL Community
1. Communities will first be required to conduct a local
Spelling Bee competition at their SL community. The
top team will advance to a regional competition.
2. A minimum of two judges will be required for each
spelling contest.
3. The local spelling contest will consist of 15 rounds.
4. Each team will then write down their answer and
assign a point value (1-15). Each point value can
only be used once.
5. During the two minutes, teams may ask the judges
for the word's part of speech and definition.
6. After two minutes, the team must slide the answer
sheet to the front of the table and put down their
pencils/pens.
7. A judge will come around and collect the answer
sheets and read the answers aloud.
8. If the team answers correctly, they earn the allotted
points. If the team does not answer correctly, they
will not earn the points.
9. Repeat this process for each team for 15 rounds.
The team with the most points at the end of 15
rounds is the winning team. No team is eliminated
until 15 rounds are concluded.
10. If at the end of 15 rounds there is a tie for first,
the match will become a single-elimination
tournament. The teams that answer correctly in
each round will move on to the next round. The
teams that do not answer correctly will not move
on to the next round. The last team remaining is
the winning team. You must complete each round
before a team is eliminated.
11. The words will be selected randomly from the
provided lists by the judges.
12. The winning team will advance to regionals.
13. If the winning team does not wish to advance, the
second place team will advance.
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Spelling Bee Competition
Regional Competition
1. Regional spelling contests will be held May 1-5, 2017. Dates and locations for regional Spelling Bee competitions
will be announced at a later date by AALC. AALC has defined the regions based upon geographic proximity.
2. The regional competition will follow the same format as the local competition.
3. The top two teams from each region will advance to the state finals in Springfield, IL on May 31-June 1, 2017.
4. These top ten teams will compete during the first round of the state Spelling Bee competition on May 31, 2017.
The top four teams from the first round of the state Spelling Bee competition will then move on to the final
competition, which takes place the next day on June 1, 2017.
Additional Spelling Contest Rules
1. The spelling lists for all contests will be provided by AALC.
a. The local and regional Spelling Bee contest will be emailed to the staff member that is provided on the
registration form.
b. Only the Spelling Bee words can be used during the local spelling contests.
c. Regional Spelling Bee words will be taken from both local and regional lists.
d. The state contest will use words from the local and regional sources. In addition, never before seen
words will be included!
e. AALC reserves the right to use never before seen questions in the case of a tie.
2. At no time during the contests will participants be permitted to use smart phones or any other aids or devices
that may assist the team in correctly answering. If an audience member gives audible help, the team will be
given a new word to spell.
3. If a team does not drop their pen/pencils at the two minute time period, the team must forfeit that question.
Questions?
Contact Valerie Moore at:
[email protected]
or call: 217-525-0700 x 109
Local Registration
Deadline
Local Winners/
Regional Players Due
Reginal
Contests
State Finals
(Top 4 Teams)
Jan. 31
Apr. 1
May 1—5
May 31—June 1
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Supportive Living Resources
AALC has provided you with the following links and
downloadable resources to help you celebrate a
successful, fun and healthy Supportive Living Week 2017!
SL Products—Order Today!
Product Preview Guide
Online Order Form
Happiness is Ageless Poster
Letter / Legal / Tabloid
Open House Resources
Customizable Calendar Alert
Customizable Ad: Color Ad / Black & White Ad
Customizable Self-Mailer/Invite
PowerPoint Presentation
Supportive Living Brochure
Wii Bowling Game & Playoff Rules
Wii Bowling Registration
Wii Bowling Game Rules
Wii Bowling Score Sheet
Wii Bowling Press Release Sample
Wii Bowling Certificate
Spelling Bee Competition
Spelling Bee Registration
Spelling Bee Rules
Spelling Bee Score Sheet
Spelling Bee Points Sheet
Spelling Bee Certificate
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2017 SUPPORTIVE LIVING WEEK TOOL KIT
Celebrate Supportive Living
All Year Long!
601 W. Monroe Street
 Springfield, IL 62704  Ph: 217-525-0700 x 124
www. AALConline.org