'Nothing but the best' for Geneva senior center

A crowd of about 150 people jammed the new Geneva Township Senior Citizen Center on Sunday, with many getting their first look at the center's amenities and programs.

Geneva Township Supervisor Pat Jaeger, the driving political force behind the center's creation, welcomed the crowd during a grand opening ceremony.

"We wanted a senior citizen center that was warm, inviting and welcoming," Jaeger said. "I think we can all agree we've achieved our goal. We have nothing but the best for the senior citizens in our township."

Located in Wheeler Park, the 6,000-square-foot building also houses offices for Geneva Township officials.

Jaeger said that despite much criticism, the township trustees stuck with a plan to change township government by selling the old town hall on Gary Lane and creating the senior center in what used to be the Geneva Historical Society building.

Many of Sunday's visitors were signing up to be members of the senior center. Membership is free for Geneva Township residents ages 55 and older.

The center features activity rooms, a dining area, and places to lounge, including an outdoor patio.

"I've never been here and I wanted to see it," said Evelyn Gunderson, who has lived in Geneva for 61 years. "I picked up all the brochures."

There were brochures and representatives from a variety of programs catering to seniors at the open house. Senior Services Associates, which provides health, financial and advocacy programs for seniors, will maintain an office at the center, said Ziv Sabin of Geneva.

Artist Janice Mayerhofer of Geneva was signing up center members for art classes that she will start teaching this week.

Retired pharmacist Bob Wilson of Geneva was promoting the "Vial of Life" program, in which seniors fill out a detailed medical information form on themselves that they place in a plastic vial and then store in their refrigerators for easy access by paramedics.

The Salvation Army Golden Diners program will begin serving lunch at the center three days a week starting next month.

Geneva Township Trustee Mark Wissing said the township is working on offering a transportation service to bring seniors to the center. But, he said, this will be expensive and the township board wants to hold the line on taxes.

Seniors Stan and Arlene Morrison of Geneva were impressed by the facility and signed up as members.

"I think it's been a long time coming," Stan said.