Open house set for township senior center
Think of it as an extension of your living room.
That's how Geneva Township officials want senior citizens to view their 6,000 square foot senior center.
"It's very comfortable and user friendly," said Rita Zalud, a Geneva Township senior who uses the center. "It's just a comfortable place where you can come and meet friends."
Township officials will celebrate the grand opening of the center Sunday with an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting, tours of the center and information on programs and services offered through the senior services department.
The center, in Wheeler Park at 400 Wheeler Drive, has been open since the end of spring. Since that time, some 200 seniors including Zalud, have signed up for membership at the center.
Officials anticipate Sunday's open house will draw more members to the center, which features four large rooms and a sunroom.
In addition to welcoming new members, township officials will be adding new programs at the center. In October, seniors can come to the center for lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The center also will begin offering watercolor and an arts and crafts class next week, said Sherry Weitl, senior center director. A driver safety program, sponsored through the AARP, also will take place Oct. 17 and 18.
Geneva Township Supervisor Patrick Jaeger added that Sunday's open house will feature a variety of services that have been available but may not be well known. Seniors will be able to sign up for services such as "well-being calls" or the Vial of Life program, which allows participants to alert paramedics of particular medical conditions by having medical information in a sealed vial kept in the refrigerator door.
Jaeger added there have been some "informal" discussions about adding Saturday hours. The center is currently open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"There are a lot of people who come knocking on Saturday," he said.
The center will continue hosting popular programs such as computer classes to aid members in the use of computers and setting up e-mail accounts and monthly birthday celebrations for members. The birthday celebrations can draw upwards of 100 people each month.
Membership is free for residents 55 and older who live in Geneva Township. Membership is $60 for those who live outside the township. A six month membership also is available for $30. The township also offers membership for $25 a year for couples of mixed ages -- for example if one spouse is over the age of 55 and the other is younger.
Visit genevatownship.com or call (630) 232-3600.