SEWARD'S LIED SENIOR CENTER
A Dream Came True

A dream came true on February 1, 1997 when the contract for the Lied Senior Center was finalized and Seward area seniors began attending activities, five days per week, in their new building at 1010 Manor Drive W in Seward. They previously had been meeting at the Civic Center just two days per week.

As the result of an agreement stating that the Center would bear the name of the first person(s) or organization to donate $125,000, the Center became known as the LIED Senior Center. This donation, plus the donation of the land by the Seward Housing Authority, a Federal Grant, donations by many other generous persons, and many fund-raisers, made it possible to open the Center without the use of tax money.

The only person on payroll is an Assistant to the Seward Aging Services Commission who receives a small salary. Volunteers are accountable for nearly all of the Center's functions. Approximately 60 volunteers donate nearly 12,000 hours yearly to provide the smooth operation of the Center.

Noon meals are served five days per week, with the exception of holidays or when special activities are scheduled. Kitchen volunteers serve over 500 meals per month. Monthly meal menus are published in the Seward County Independent, the Senior Center Gazette (available at the Center's front desk) and in this web site. Payment for meals, phone service and daily records account for several volunteers at the front desk.

A monthly catered meal allows seniors to enjoy a delicious meal and a social time together without the need of volunteers.

Building and grounds maintenance, quilting, recycling greeting cards, the library, etc. are other opportunities for volunteers.

Exercise classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11:00; and an equipped exercise room is available for use any time the Center is open. Also, for the convenience of seniors, the Memorial Health Care Systems provide yearly flu shots.

Various other activities include card playing, dominoes, LCR, puzzles, movies and the recent addition of a Wii computer system. Birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated each month with a special meal and program.

The headquarters for the Seward Senior Shuttle also is located at the Center. Drivers and phone personnel volunteers are responsible for this special service which is available to persons who are 60 years of age or older and are ambulatory. Service is funded entirely through contributions and donations from clientele, organizations and businesses.