Community Center
The Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s Community Center offers residents and snowbirds a variety of free and fun programs throughout the year in Jarvis Hall.
Armilio Bien-Aime, the center’s long-time director, said he often sees the value of the center’s programs in the faces of the people who attend every day.
“People seem to be happier as they leave here,” he said. “This is a place where you can come to have some fun, learn new skills, and make friends. We have lots of great activities and excellent programs and classes.”
Participants enjoy presentations about travel or other informative topics. The center also holds a number of annual social events, including an open mic, holiday party, talk show, art show, magic show and the Sea Shorts Play Festival, its popular theater production featuring eight original 10-minute plays written by South Florida playwrights.
The center has two wonderful volunteers who help Armilio: Carole Montgomery, Robert Cravero and Lisa Johnson. Funded by the Town and a grant from Broward County, the center is located in Jarvis Hall, 4505 N. Ocean Drive (next to Town Hall). The center serves several hundred people during the course of the year. Retired doctors, lawyers, engineers and teachers often volunteer to teach a class or make presentations about overseas trips they’ve made or other interesting life experiences.
Classes and programs are free to all Town residents, regardless of age. Programs are also free to part-time residents who live in Town two months or longer (you must show a lease). It is also free if you are 60 years or older and live elsewhere in Broward. If you are under 60 and don’t live in Broward, the cost is $5 per class, $15 per week or $60 per year. For more info about the center and its programs, please call Armilio at 954-640-4225.