CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — The Northern Senior Activity Center celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 10, 2025, with a lively community event that showcased its vital role in supporting St. Mary’s County seniors. Held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the celebration drew community members, St. Mary’s County Commissioners, and representatives from the Department of Aging & Human Services for a day of music, recognition, and tours.
Lori Jennings-Harris, Director of the Department of Aging & Human Services, reflected on the center’s mission. “What we do is help people maintain their life and remain active in the community, and bring them together for social contact and hang out with their friends,” she said.
The event featured a proclamation from county officials honoring the center’s two decades of service. Live music by local performers filled the air, while light refreshments fostered a festive atmosphere. An open house tour allowed attendees to explore the center’s facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness area, a ceramics and pottery studio with a kiln, a lending library, a game room with pool and card tables, an outdoor patio, horseshoe pits, a Group Fitness Studio, and a computer lab equipped with a scanner and printer. Visitors also learned about the center’s Recumbent Trikes, available for use on the Three Notch Trail after an orientation.
Established in 2005, the Northern Senior Activity Center, operated by the Department of Aging & Human Services, has become a cornerstone for seniors in St. Mary’s County. Its programs include fitness classes like yoga and tai chi, art workshops, educational seminars on nutrition and technology, and social events such as game nights and holiday parties. The center keeps members engaged through a monthly calendar and its newsletter, “New Beginning.”
In 2022, the center expanded with a 2,400-square-foot fitness facility, adding dance, yoga, and health-oriented programs, along with a full-service pottery studio and a bike and trike loan program. These enhancements have strengthened its ability to serve the growing senior population.
The anniversary event underscored the center’s impact on fostering health, creativity, and community. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in commemorating this important milestone and to all who have contributed to and supported the center over the past 20 years,” the Department of Aging & Human Services stated on its Facebook page.
Located just north of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, the center remains a welcoming hub for seniors to connect and thrive. As it enters its third decade, it is committed to evolving its services to meet the needs of St. Mary’s County’s aging population.
The Northern Senior Activity Center’s 20th anniversary celebration not only honored its past but also reaffirmed its dedication to enriching senior lives. For more information, visit the official website.
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