Geneva Senior Center officially opens Sept. 9

Geneva Township officials often say their 6,000-square-foot senior center, nestled in Wheeler Park, is the one of the best kept secrets in town.

On Sept. 9, that could change.

A grand opening/open house will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 9 at the long-awaited center, 400 Wheeler Drive, Geneva.

"We're quietly getting started," said John Anderson, a Geneva resident and member of a committee planning the big day. "We're hoping to make a lot of noise and have people come on down."

The facility has been in a "soft opening" since late spring, and construction crews still have some finishing touches to add before next month.

The building -- controversially acquired by the township in 2002 -- will offer four large rooms, each with enough space for seniors to use computers, take a class, play cards, or sit and read the newspaper.

Another highlight is a large patio that overlooks the 57-acre park and a three-seasons room where folks can hear birds chirp, warm themselves next to a fireplace or feel a summer breeze.

The room is the last area that needs significant work.

"But the time of the opening here it will be totally completed," said Sherri Weitl, center director. "We're very excited."

Township officials last fall postponed a grand opening because they wanted to make sure the facility was complete.

Anderson said he stopped by the center recently and there were card and knitting clubs meetings. The computer lab also is operational for seniors to learn to use PCs and check e-mail.

More than 200 seniors have joined and the township sends out its senior newsletter to nearly 400, Weitl said.

Membership is free for residents 55 and older who live in Geneva township.

It's $25 a year for township residents of mixed ages; for example, if a husband is older than 55 and a wife is younger than 55.

Membership will be $60 for non-residents. A $30 six-month membership is available for people who don't live in the area year-round.

"They've been coming in handfuls," Anderson said. "We've been getting a lot of members without any advertising."

For more information, call (630) 232-3600 or visit www. genevatownship.com.