Lewes Senior Activity Center marks 55 years of service in May

The Lewes Senior Activity Center will celebrate its 55th anniversary in service to local seniors with a dinner and dance for members Saturday, May 21, in the newly expanded and renovated center. Limited tickets will be sold; call 302-645-9293 to learn more.

The LSAC was founded in 1967 by Jack Luzzi, Lewes Lions Club president, at the request of then-Mayor Otis Smith, who saw an interest in the community for a place for seniors to congregate.

At first, members held meetings in their homes, then at the Lewes Presbyterian Church, before moving to a building on McFee Street. In October 1989, the center relocated to its current site at 32083 Janice Road, Lewes, purchasing a Cape Henlopen administration building from the state.

In 2019, the LSAC completed work on a $1.7 million expansion and renovation of the facility, funded by grants and donations, that doubled its size. The sun-filled center now features a second activity room, large fitness rooms, an inviting lounge with a fireplace and overstuffed sofas and chairs where members gather, and a dining area next to the kitchen where members can meet for coffee or lunch. The LSAC’s growing membership now totals more than 2,200 members.

An added feature for cyclists and walking enthusiasts is the facility’s proximity to the Lewes-to Georgetown Trail, which runs right past the building.

The center promotes health and wellness for individuals 50 and older, offering fitness and exercise classes, arts and crafts classes, social get-togethers, affordable travel, and community service opportunities for its members. The annual membership fee is $30.

Classes and activities currently offered at the center include yoga, tai chi, balance and strength training, walk aerobics, line dancing, Zumba, ceramics, penny bingo, jackpot bingo and games including mahjong, canasta, pinochle and Scrabble.

For details about the Lewes Senior Activity Center, go to lewesseniorcenter.org.