By Glenn Rolfe

SEAFORD — Nanticoke Senior Center members are now coming to a facility that has a safer and more modern entrance.

Enhancement has come to the main entrance on Locust Street, through a $150,000 project supported by state Community Reinvestment funding spearheaded by Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, along with Sen. Bryant Richardson, R-Seaford, and Rep. Jesse Vanderwende, R-Bridgeville.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting was held Wednesday at the former Seaford Golf & Country Club that became the new home for the senior center in 2011.

“A lot of times it takes a team to get things done,” said Rep. Short. “We had a little trouble with a shortfall on this … so, Sen. Richardson and Rep. Vanderwende were contributors to help get this done. Both of them know a number of people that come here. Both saw the need.”

“It has taken a little bit of time to do, but I think we have got a quality project,” said Jim Bowden, senior center board of directors’ building committee chair. “We had people that would come in for the monthly trip — and trip. We have enhanced the front, which I think is ironic because this is a life enhancement center that we have here. We’re very happy to be able to have over 1,000 members on an annual basis.”

The renovation, undertaken by Keith Callaway of Callaway Corporation LLC, included a makeover of the entrance, with new steps, more staging space, new glass and doors, handicapped accommodations and new flooring in the vestibule area.

In 2010, the senior center board, along with the city of Seaford, decided that the former country club facility, built 83 years ago, would become the hub for senior citizens.

“In 2011 we moved in. It has been a blessing for the community,” Mr. Bowden said.

Nanticoke Senior Center has served Seaford-area seniors for nearly 40 years. The center serves lunch every day at noon and sends out over 54,000 meals every year to homebound seniors. Members have access to the large fitness center and participate in weekly exercise classes.

Various other programs are also offered weekly. These include bingo, transportation to and from the center, local and out-of-state trips, billiards, cards, holiday celebrations, social gatherings, driving courses, flu shots and free Wi-Fi.

Additionally, the center provides health-related services, nutritional programs and  physical activities.