Human Services Commission votes to rename Richfield senior center 'Jan Weber Social Center'

At a special meeting on April 9, 2026, the Human Services Commission voted unanimously to recommend renaming the Richfield senior center the Jan Weber Social Center and will forward that recommendation to the Village Council for final action.

The commission said the recommendation honors Jan Weber, who "had a vision to establish a place where seniors could gather and belong," and who championed the Village administration to provide a welcoming space for socializing, meals, activities and educational opportunities. Commission members emphasized the center will continue to be dedicated to residents aged 55 and older, consistent with the center’s by-laws.

Commission members reviewed results of a community ballot: 84 voting forms were distributed and tallied; 43 selected Jan Weber Social Center, 29 selected Jan Weber Senior Social Center, 8 selected Jan Weber Senior Activity Center, and 4 were write-ins. The commission adopted the plurality result and voted unanimously to submit the name change recommendation to the Village Council for consideration.

Members present were Commission members Lois Czekaj, Kevan Hudak, Marilyn Baade, Carol Campbell and Kathy Fedrowisch; Paul Swan was absent. Mayor Michael Wheeler and Gale Luther were also listed as present. The meeting record shows the commission made the vote during the agenda item titled "Renaming of the Richfield Senior Center."

The commission set its next meeting for May 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the senior center. Commission member Carol Campbell moved to adjourn the special meeting; Marilyn Baade seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.