About Us

OUR STORY

The story of our senior center dates back to the 1950's, when a group of residents in the Country Club Estates (mobile home park) decided to create the Lucerne Seniors Social Club (LSSC) to remedy their isolation as older adults – providing membership services and social gatherings, for themselves and their neighbors.

From its humble beginnings in a tiny clubhouse on the front lawn of the mobile home park to the purchase of the former Lucerne Elementary School in 1978, the membership-only social club grew in numbers and strength as the hub of vital community services.

Like all great clubs, the members enjoyed activities, food, kinship, and neighborhood help together. Recognizing the community-wide needs of their aging members and families, the club sponsored the creation of the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center (LASC) to serve all of the towns and places in the Northshore – the basis of our present service area (Kono Tayee to Blue Lakes).

Lucerne Alpine Seniors, Inc. (LASI) was incorporated in 1985, using space in the old school building rented from the Lucerne Seniors Social Club. In 1988, the club donated the whole facility to the newly formed non-profit, which became the institution we know and love today.

Today, the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center board of directors and other dedicated volunteers are working to bring back a complete program of services and fulfill LASC's mission after two extremely challenging years of pandemic and natural disasters. With the help of generous community members, local businesses, and agencies, we are renovating our historic building, making needed system changes and offering essential services, as well as new activities and opportunities for seniors.

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Meet The board

charlie behne

Chairman of the Board

Charlie and his wife Diane moved to Lucerne in 1990 from Colorado and now both enjoy retirement. “I love that in a small community, such as Lucerne, you can have a voice and your efforts to help the town with your experience are respected”, says Behne. This is why he starting volunteering at the Senior Center and became a Board Member in February 2020. A career Mason for 46 years, Charlie’s breadth of experience in construction will greatly help in the upcoming renovations at the Center.

Amanda Gonzalez

Executive Director

Amanda Gonzalez assumed the role of Executive Director at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center in April 2025. A proud native of Lake County and long-time resident of Lucerne, Amanda has deep-rooted ties to the community and a strong passion for serving its residents. With a background in both caretaking and real estate, she brings a unique blend of skills to her new role.

While she continues to practice real estate locally, Amanda’s extensive experience in caretaking has fueled her desire to expand and enhance services for the elderly in her own community. She is excited to lead an organization that she has admired since childhood, with a vision of fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for seniors in the area.

Amanda is committed to enriching the lives of the elderly in Lucerne, advocating for their well-being, and ensuring the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center continues to be a place of connection and care for all.

BECKY SCHWENGER

Vice Chairman of the Board

Becky has been on the Board of Directors since 2022. She is retired from Mendocino County and she and her
husband fell in love with the environment and beauty of Lake County in 2015. They purchased a home in Lake County in 2017 and began living in Lucerne in 2018. Becky is very involved in the community and volunteers on various Boards in Lucerne. She became involved by helping area seniors access activities and services at the Center. Becky recognized the need for the community’s seniors to stay engaged and informed and is in charge of news and updates to the Center Facebook page.

virginia graziani

Board Secretary

Originally from San Francisco, Virginia developed strong interests in community issues and local government during a residence in Humboldt County that spanned 23 years. Other highlights included volunteer work at the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and for 16 years served on the board of directors of the Redway Community Services District. Working as a reporter for local newspaper, The Redwood Times, was an especially exciting experience and afforded great insight into community issues which Graziani bought with her when she moved to Lucerne in 2014. She has been working with the Senior Center for 5 years and is very excited about the improvements taking place.

ALEX NYIRENDAH

Board Member

Alex and his wife Eden moved to Lucerne in 2021 from Antioch, California. They now own and operate the Lucerne European Market and Bistro. Alex explains, "My wife and I love to serve others, and the Bistro gives us a chance to do just that. Volunteering at the Senior Center is an extension of my love to serve and it is an honor to serve on the board."

Alex has served on the Board since September, 2022. "During this time I have gained priceless knowledge from my associates," he says. "I feel my call was here in Lucerne, a small community, where almost everyone knows everyone."

With his background in Information Technologies, Alex has brought much-needed knowledge and skill to the Senior Center's renovation. Alex says, "I feel

honored to serve and use my experience and skills as needed."

join our team

Interested in being a part of our great team?

Or Call Us: 707-274-8779

EMAIL US

If you would like to volunteer, visit the Support page.

VOLUNTEER

volunteer
spotlight
PAULA BOWMAN

Our spotlight is on Paula Bowman, who retired in May from our Board of Directors, where she served for more than five years, including three years as Chairperson, while also managing the Thrift Store and taking an active role in community food distribution.

Paula moved to Lucerne from Santa Rosa in 2017, seeking a peaceful, less hectic lifestyle. Paula quickly recognized the activity going on around the Senior Center and wanted to give her time as a volunteer. Her background in high end retail merchandising made the Thrift Store especially intriguing and it wasn't long before she was actively involved in the management and organization of the store. Her expertise also inspired her to work with the Food Bank and to organize a pantry that helped community members of all ages with food access during the CoVID restrictions. Although she has retired from management, Paula continues to volunteer in the Thrift Store.

Thank you, Paula, for your hard work and outstanding dedication to Lucerne Alpine Senior Center!

Volunteers handing out food boxes for Redwood Empire Banks' twice monthly distribution.

our volunteers

THE HEART OF OUR SENIOR CENTER

Coming together and giving of yourself to help others is what makes
a good community GREAT!