Senior Topics

Gulfport Senior Center Makeover Completed

In recent years the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center has undergone a makeover to not only enhance its looks, but functionality. People are delighted with the results.

It took a few years, but for the numerous older local citizens who take advantage of the programs and services of the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center will tell you the center has never looked better.  The plan to improve the center first started back in 2008 with the bid process for various work, although no real initiatives took place until 2009, the popular senior center has experienced an array of cosmetic and construction improvements in recent years that are now finally complete. These improvements have not only helped to make the structure more attractive inside and out, but more functional, according to the center’s supervisor Susan Frank. The improvements project was funded via a grant under a Memorandum of Understanding with …

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Mixing it Up: Photos from the Chamber of Commerce Mixer

Despite sultry temperatures and a high heat index, turnout was strong for last night's Chamber of Commerce mixer.

Last night's Chamber of Commerce mixer was held in the Art Village Courtyard. Restaurants and businesses flanking the courtyard, provided tasty morsels and cool drinks to slake the thirsts of attendees. However, the weather did nothing to dampen the spirit of the evening, and organizers say turnout was strong. For some, it was their first mixer in town and a chance to mingle with other business owners and representatives from local organizations.

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Living Well

Living Well: How to Keep the Men in Our Lives Healthy

Men's heath matters! Read along as we offer insight into living well.

Each month has its designations, reminding us to focus on certain events. Men's Health Week is June 13 - 19! With Father's Day falling on June 19th, it's the perfect time to brush up on what you need to know to keep the men in your lives healthy! I scoured through some sources to locate good information and tips for achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In our country, the leading causes of death in men are: Men are generally less likely than women to establish a professional relationship with a physician. Yet considering these statistics, they ought to: According to the Centers for Disease Control, 32 percent of American adult males are overweight. Most health experts agree that following these simple steps, could improve health …

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Hurricane Season 2011: Resources, Checklists and Breaking News

Hurricane Season 2011: Assistance for Special Needs and Elderly Citizens

Maintaining independence in a storm is all about preparation. That's especially true for special needs and elderly citizens. Read along as we provide valuable tips and links to important forms and resources.

With hurricane season already underway, Patch is hard at work sifting through information for what experts predict will be an active season. This week, we’re offering information for those who may have special needs, which is defined as those who may require assistance during emergency evacuations. Being prepared and crafting an emergency plan ahead of time, are vital steps toward maintaining independence. Register: The first thing you should do is register as a special needs citizen with the Pinellas County Emergency Management.  Getting on the special needs registry ahead of time, allows access to transportation, according to Gulfport Mayor Mike Yakes.  Special Instructions: The Pinellas County Office of Emergency Services offers a …

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Living Well

Living Well: Preventing Heart Disease

Nationally and locally, communities are buzzing about the link between health and nutrition. Read along as we offer insight and links to help you understand how to stay heart healthy.

Last week, new food guidelines were released. Called MyPlate, it’s a bit of a change from the Food Pyramid. Experts and health professionals say it’s a step in the right direction. Locally, Theresa Zanicchi, a registered dietician, gave a talk on nutrition Monday, June 6 at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center. She offered insight into good nutrition for seniors. But her tips were relevant for any age group.   “Heart disease is 80 percent preventable and one half of risk factors are controllable, “ Zanicchi said. Cardiovascular disease affects one in three Americans and is the number one cause of death in this country, followed by cancer and then stroke. Yet the risk factors for heart disease and stroke are the same. That’s why changes …

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A Look Back at an Inspiring Life: More from Marie-Louise Love

The inspiring life of Marie-Louise Love, is the story of a woman who served in the Women's Army Corps, worked as an interior designer, and continues to live a full and active life filled with song, friends and volunteer work.

Although she's affectionately known as "Sarge", Marie-Louise Love radiates warmth. The nickname is a nod to her service as a member of the Women's Army Corps, from 1943-1947.  "Sarge" savors memories of those days. "When we make friends in the Army," she says, "they're friends for life." She keeps in touch with some of those friends. Ironically, some live in Florida, as she does. Love was in boot camp in Daytona Beach, Fla., about one month after taking her oath. "They cut a square out of the jungle and put up tar paper shacks for us," she says, chuckling a bit.  In Daytona, Love learned all about the Army, which included standing guard duty. "Day and night," she says. She attended Army Administration School in Texas, an experience she …

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Senior Topics

Older Adults Flocking to Gulfport Senior Center to Learn Computers

Older residents from throughout the area are descending on the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center in large numbers for the center's popular computer classes. The demand is so high there is a constant waiting list for classes.

“I want to learn how to use a computer because I feel almost ‘ancient’ these days not knowing how.  I tried once before to learn taking a computer class, but this time I am really trying.  At some point I do want to buy a computer, so this time I am really sticking with it in this class.”  -- Marian Bull, 87, Beginner’s Computer Class Student According to media research giant The Nielsen Company, the number of seniors taking to the Internet increased by more than 55 percent between 2004 and 2009.  In addition, the average amount of time seniors spent online increased by more than 10 percent – to an average of more than 58 hours a month, or two hours a day.  Furthermore, the study showed that seniors are engaged in many types of activities …

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Senior Topics

County Property Appraiser's Office Personnel In Gulfport February 23 to Help Senior Homeowners Apply For Special Tax Exemption

Representatives of the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office will be at the Gulfport Senior Center, February 23, to help seniors 65 and up with limited income who own property in Gulfport apply for a special additional $25,000 homestead exemption.

If you are a property owner in Gulfport, 65 years of age or older as of January 1, 2011, and have a household income of $26,203 or less, you may be eligible to receive an additional $25,000 homestead exception for 2011 that could mean a substantial savings on your taxes. Although you should already be aware of this additional significant property tax savings, if this is the first time you’ve heard about it, that’s okay.  On Wednesday, February 23, at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, 5501 27th Avenue S., representatives from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office will be available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to help senior homeowners apply for this special additional $25,000 exemption. According to Lisa Hamilton, director of …

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Senior Topics

Senior Chat Room Offers Chance at New Friendships and More in Gulfport

Every Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. older citizens living in Gulfport and surrounding communities come together for the Senior Chat Room at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center. For many it has been an opportunity for learning, fun and new friendships.

“I really look forward to attending.  I enjoy it a lot.  It is a great opportunity to get to know people and I have met some wonderful people there.” -  Hal Henton, 73 For more than a year a growing number of older residents living in Gulfport and surrounding communities have been gathering at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., every Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. for what many of them say is a very special time in their week. These senior-age men and women from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences come together to get to know and meet one another for a free, hour-long talk session known as the Gulfport Senior Chat Room. The Chat Room is the creation of Carol R. Ehrenkranz. Carol is the owner of Rent-A…

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Presentation Of Importance To Many Medicare Beneficiaries At Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center

On Wednesday, January 19 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, a presentation will be given of great significance to those who are Medicare recipients to ensure they have their benefit plans in order for this year.

Medicare experts say choosing a new health care or prescription drug plan is something every person who is qualified for such coverage should take seriously and in a timely fashion.  This means, according to Susan Samson, with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and liaison to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs for Elders) Program, Medicare beneficiaries need to carefully consider coverage and cost.  Furthermore, whenever necessary people should reach out to get the kind of information they need to make informed decisions about the benefits he or she is qualified to receive.  She says right now this is significantly important because a major change has been made in terms of when a Medicare…

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