Batavia Senior Citizen Club to celebrate 40th anniversary

For 40 years, the Batavia Senior Citizens Club has been a place for seniors to meet new friends, learn new things and simply have a good time. The club will celebrate the milestone with a luncheon at noon Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Lincoln Inn Banquets, 1345 S. Batavia Ave.

Seniors, 55 and older, are invited to attend the luncheon. The lunch will include prime rib, mashed potatoes, vegetables and dessert as well as entertainment by Grand Avenue Combo. The cost is $12 for members or $17 for nonmembers. To reserve a seat at the luncheon, call the Batavia Park District at (630) 879-5235.

The club was started in 1969 by a group of seniors who were looking to socialize and stay active. The group met at the park district's Civic Center until 1995 when the park district purchased the Eastside Community Center and Shannon Hall. The larger space allowed the club to grow, and it did.

The club currently has more than 125 members, and new members are welcome. The club meets monthly at Shannon Hall, 14 N. Van Buren St., for a catered lunch and entertainment followed by a board meeting. The board consists of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and membership chair. Lorraine Winter has been the membership chair for nearly 10 years and thoroughly enjoys her duties. "I always try to convince new people to join because it's a great club," Winter said, "The members are friendly and happy to be there and Robin Soderquist is a wonderful leader."

Robin Soderquist, recreation supervisor for the Batavia Park District, has been the park district liaison to the club for 20 years. "I've been privileged to be part of the club for 20 years," Soderquist said. "I've enjoyed getting to know the members and their extended families and being welcomed into their lives. I hope they've enjoyed our times together as much as I have."

For information on the Batavia Senior Citizens Club, call Soderquist at (630) 406-5282, ext. 2164.