Adventure Bus

11/09/2024

Thursday, November 7, 2024, our dear friend Frank Nitikman finished his journey here on Earth. If it weren't for Frank and his wife, Adrienne Drell, we would never had the Handmaker Adventure Bus, which I organized and facilitated for 12-1/2 years (Jan. 2011 - Jun. 2023); and I would've never started my small business Desert Aloha day trips in June 2019.

I have created a slideshow of only 100 photos from the thousands that I took from the many bus trips and cultural programs that he participated in, before moving into a memory care community in Chicago. The second song in the slideshow is one that he loves. Every time it was played, he would dance and snap his fingers.

Those who knew Frank or had the blessings to spend time with him, knew that during the early and middle stages of his dementia, he loved to clap, drum on the table, dance, shoot pool, eat hamburgers, French fries, drink a coke, and eat Häagen-Dazs ice cream. He was always up for going on adventures, meeting new people, and engaging in creative activities, often surprised and pleased with the results of his creativity.

I remember the first time I met Frank, it was October 26, 2010, on a cold night in downtown Chicago. It was his birthday and he, "Bunny", Judy Holstein, and I had a late dinner and celebrated his birthday. The next day, due to a blizzard, the Chicago Culture Bus was canceled, so we never had the bus adventure that I had specifically traveled for. Nonetheless, Frank and I spent the day in the CJE Senior Life adult day program, having fun participating in a theater program, laughter therapy, and so much more. In the evening, the birthday festivals continued with dinner at Rebar, overlooking the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue Bridge. The weekend I met Frank is one I'll always cherish, as well as the many memories we shared.

Rest in peace, Beautiful and Jovial Soul.

Thursday, November 7, 2024, our dear friend Frank Nitikman finished his journey here on Earth. If it weren't for Frank and his wife, Adrienne Drell, we would...

09/14/2023

Adventure Bus is currently on pause. While you wait for an update, check out SandRuby Adult Day program at

SandRuby provides stimulating programs and activities that help older adults with physical and cognitive challenges, develop and retain social and independent living skills.

08/29/2023

08/29/2023

https://youtu.be/mFYn1Kkq7sw?si=Qkc6EAgoYjG_g8LK

Remembering Adventure Bus from January 2011 - July 2023

I, Angela Salmon, have had the great honor and pleasure of facilitating this marvelous outreach program for Handmaker Jewish Service for the Aging, as the Ad...

08/16/2023

Thank you ALL for your love and comments on the Adventure Bus posts over the last 12-1/2 years. We've had great and meaningful adventures together. You'll always have a place in my heart.

07/26/2023

Due to high temperatures even on Mt. Lemmon, we opt to go to Brunch & a Movie, and save our trip to Mt. Lemmon for the next session. Thanks to Steve & Sue, we tried out Biscuits Country Cafe and enjoyed the food, service, and patriotic decor. Afterwards, we saw “Indiana Jones: The Dial of Destiny”. Although both Steve’s saw it already, they were game to see it a second time. (I need to remember to bring earplugs for everyone next time. The theater surround sound is much too loud.)

It was a fun way to end the first summer session. See you on August 15th for our California Dreamin’ program.

07/25/2023

Our clay projects from Tucson Clay Co-op were fired and picked up last night. They turned out great! Thanks, Maxine.

07/21/2023

Enjoy this 6 min, 32 sec video of the beautiful performance by the Siva Maia Polynesian Dancers LLC

Our assisted living, long-term care, skilled nursing care, and memory care residents, including Adventure Bus participants, gathered in the Great Room to enj...