Rehoboth Beach — New energy, fundraising and maybe even a new building down the road are the objectives of the Cape Henlopen Senior Center’s new director.

Taking over the position is Leslie Boehlert, replacing Juanita Morch, who held the post for more than 30 years.

“It’s big shoes to fill,” she said. “But it’s exciting. It’s good, positive energy and positive change. It was exciting to come into a successful senior center and be able to build on what they have done.”

Originally from northern Virginia, Boehlert has lived in the area for 12 years. She has held jobs in both the public and private sectors, having worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Rehoboth Beach Country Club, where she worked for more than a decade. Boehlert said she hopes the relationships forged in her customer service work can translate to the center.

“I’ve always been a people person,” she said. “It’s fabulous. It’s a very nonpretentious center. The people have been so welcoming and warm and wonderful.”

Boehlert, who lives near her old job at the country club, took over as director last month and is looking to bring more attention to the activities the center offers to people 50 years and older, such as fitness machines and classes in yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi and Jazzercise. She said a huge part of her job is to not only get people to join the center, but to participate in all the center offers, like art classes and pool tournaments.

Boehlert said she wants to add a new energy to the center by emphasizing the low price of membership - $20 per year - and the many activities and programs available.

“It’s a great way for seniors or people 50 and over to meet people. We have an enormous amount to offer people,” she said.

In a statement, the center’s board of directors said, “Leslie brings with her the experience of management and organizational skills as well as an energetic approach to providing the 50 and older age group a place to have fun and meet new friends.”

The center has more than 1,000 members, and Boehlert said she enjoys being around the members, even though she is younger than they are.

“They teach you every day. You can learn all the time from them. I just like what they have to offer me in return. It’s very rewarding,” Boehlert said.

She said she hopes to bring the center into the 21st century with a website and email list. While many of the center’s members do not have computers, Boehlert said more and more members are computer savvy, as are their children.

Ultimately, Boehlert said she hopes a new center will be built, with fundraising being a major part of her job. The existing center has stood since the 1960s, she said, and there is land available for a new facility, but there is still much fundraising to be done to actually build one.

The Cape Henlopen Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 302-227-2055.

New Cape Henlopen Senior Center director Leslie Boehlert in the center's pool and exercise room, where people 50 and older can come, relax and work out. (Photo by: Ryan Mavity)