How a Gulfport Couple Made it Through 70 Years of Wedding Bliss

She was 18, he was 23, 70 years later, the happy couple celebrated their wedding anniversary at the Gulfport Senior Center.

Editor's note: This story originally ran in December 2012. We're putting it in the spotlight again to highlight the accomplishments one person can make.   Every Friday Elaine and Charlie Waterhouse join their ever-so-talkative group of friends at the Senior Chat Room. For one hour every week, dozens of seniors gather at the Gulfport Senior Center to talk about their family, friends and their golden years. This past Friday was again filled with shared stories, memories and laughter, however, it was also a celebration in honor of Elaine and Charlie. As the couple walked into the room on Friday, Nov. 30, friends roared, cheered and congratulated the couple on their anniversary, not a silver anniversary or even golden anniversary. The …

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Gulfport Senior Center Food Pantry Receives Hundreds of Donations

For the past four years, Gulfport teen Elizabeth Brown Worthington has asked her birthday guests to bring a food item to donate in lieu of gifts.

Elizabeth Brown Worthington celebrated her 15th birthday just two weeks ago and instead of heading to the mall with birthday cash or packing away birthday gifts, she's hand delivering nearly 500 donated food items to the Gulfport Senior Center food pantry. "It's a great way to help the city," Worthington said. For the past four years Worthington has asked her guests to bring an item to donate rather than a gift for her. She hopes her bright idea and community service will inspire other teens as well. "It's just a great feeling, that you made someone's day," she said. Gail Biron, Gulfport Senior Center Supervisor, says Worthington is a bright girl with a big heart. "What kind of kid asks for food donations in lieu of gifts," she said. "I …

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Fabulous Irish Feast at the Gulfport Senior Center

Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner March 13 at the Gulfport Senior Center. Cost is $7.00. Tickets are available at the center or online.

Meals on Wheels Calls for Volunteers

One volunteer in Gulfport says he'll help pay for gas if you sign up to deliver meals to seniors in Gulfport.

Around 10 a.m. Monday through Friday, volunteers filter into the Gulfport Senior Center to donate their time and services with the Meals on Wheels Program through the Neighborly Care Network. Matt Orlando has been volunteering for about three years and says he loves it. "It's so gratifying. I love these people. Once you do it, you get hooked," he said. Orlando says he looks forward to socializing and getting to know the homebound seniors who depend on the meals. He often asks them about historic events and life stories during his stops. "Older people have so much knowledge," he said. Orlando is one of about 35 volunteers currently helping with about 11 routes in Gulfport. Each route includes 8 to 14 meals people in the program. Officials …

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Vaudeville Show Brings the '20s to Gulfport

The Gulfport Senior Center's Vaudeville show played tribute to old time theater with a variety of singing and comedy acts.

The roaring '20s were in Gulfport on Friday, February 8, when the Gulfport Senior Center put on their first Vaudeville show. The show was put together by The Toonsters, lead by Jay Wygant, and featured more than 25 different acts, ranging from dancing and singing to more slapstick comedic performances. When the Senior Center asks (The Toonsters) to do something, we do it," Wygant said. Most performances highlighted acts that people could've seen in the era of vaudeville, while a few performances added a modern flair to the affair. "This is vaudeville folks. Anything goes," Wygant said. To see some of the performances, make sure to check out our video above.

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Tailoring Senior Exercise to Individual Need

'Losing our body is like losing our best friend,' said Larry Prescott, who runs a local assisted living and dementia care community. Exercise needs to be adapted to a senior's needs.

As people age they tend to stay at home and get less exercise through daily  activities, such as trips to the grocery store, said Larry Prescott, executive director of Grand Villa. "The fear of falling, pain from arthritis and neuropathy of the feet, and not recouping as quickly from illnesses often keep people from exercising," Prescott said. The Gulfport Senior Center is a popular place to exercise. "The exercise is very stimulating and you feel good after the hour or however long you are here," said Fitness Center member, Laurel Page. Senior Fitness Center volunteer Flo Moon said fitness meets social and physical needs. "Fitness is very important no matter how old you are...it helps very much to get out and socialize," Moon said. …

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Seniors Give Back to Gulfport

Artists at the Gulfport Senior Center donated art to help the community. The center provides resources for seniors and caregivers.

Three senior artists, who have participated in Gulfport Senior Center activities, donated several paintings recently to help the center. The paintings were raffled at a health expo Feb. 6. Iris Collett, who lives part of the year in Town Shores, developed her love of art in her native Newfoundland. As a seasonal Florida resident, she enjoys taking art classes at the center. She stopped by at the expo and shared her passion for observing nature. "It gives me great satisfaction, depicting scenery or flowers, as I see it," Collett said. Bonnie Dupus, of Gulfport, is a multi-media artist who molds clay and paints with acrylics, watercolors, oils and pastels. Dupus volunteers at the center's food pantry. Anne Beachler Morton, of St. Petersburg…

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St. Johns Students Donate to Senior Center

A group of St. Johns sixth-graders donated much needed pet food and supplies to the Gulfport Senior Center's food pantry.

More than two dozen elementary students carried in dog food, treats, toys and other pet supplies to the Gulfport Senior Center Monday afternoon. For the second year in a row, Elizabeth Boyce's class collected pet food and supplies for Gulfport seniors for their community service project for National Catholic School's Week at St. John's Catholic School in St. Pete Beach. "Today, we're raising the standards of the community," Boyce said. Officials at the Senior Center say pet food and supplies are a huge help because many seniors struggle to buy pet food and specialty pet food for older animals. Want to donate? Drop off donations at the Gulfport Senior Center at 5501 27th Ave S. Call (727) 893-2237 for more information. About the Food Pantry…

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Congratulations, Sue Frank, on Your Retirement!

Senior Center Supervisor Sue Frank celebrates a new milestone in her life – retirement. Frank is credited with creating one of the best centers in the state. Friends say her passion will surely be missed at the Gulfport Senior Center.

For more than 20 years, Senior Center Supervisor Sue Frank has made thousands of people feel right at home. Frank has made each person feel loved, accepted and part of one big family at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center. “When I put the key in the door, its like going into your own house,” she said. That’s because the center has become more than a building, a gathering place, a community space . . . it's become a home away from home for many, including Frank. "It's been fun and rewarding," Frank added. Over the years the center has hosted fundraising events, community classes and celebrations, many of which would have never been possible if not for Frank’s vision and passion. Noted for hardly ever saying "No," it’s that dedication …

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