Sign Up and Start Training Now
Race T-Shirt Image
Sign up now and start training for the Gulfport Centennial Fun Trot 3K and 5K race coming November 6 when the weather will be much cooler! Cost to participate in the Foundation sponsored event is $15 in advance and $20 day of event. Funds benefit the Gulfport Senior Center Fitness programs.
A special t-shirt featuring a Gulfport scene will be included free in every registration packet.
For more information call 727-893-2237 or 727-893-1231
Register online HERE
Download registration form HERE (pdf)
You may return your printed registration form with payment by mail.
or stop by the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, 2808 58th Street South
Studies and surveys show that seniors are developing new computer skills and getting on the World Wide Web in leaps and bounds, According to Nielsen, the number of seniors actively using the Internet increased by more than 6 million in the last five years.
What are all these seniors doing online? Their three most popular activities were checking email, followed by printing maps and checking the weather. Other popular and useful online activities for seniors include bill paying, banking, shopping, and staying in touch with family and friends through social networking.
New Computer Class Coming
to the Center in September!
The Senior Center will offer a 12-week computer class for beginners, taught by Arthur Rubin. Classes will be held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. with sessions tailored to meet the students’ needs. Class size will be limited to ensure a hands-on learning experience for beginners. There will be a small fee for the course, payable in advance. Start date TBA.
For information call: Susan – 727-893-2237 Cynthia – 727-893-1231
by Colleen Godin
Ivy Nicholas
In 2002, Gulfport Senior Center regular Ivy Nicholas suffered a stroke that rendered her temporarily blind and almost paralyzed on her left side. Only four years later, she had a heart attack and a second devastating stroke. With the aid of therapy, Ivy was able to recover her vision and begin walking with a cane, but her real breakthrough didn’t occur until she moved to Gulfport.
Born in British Guiana, South America (now Guyana), Nicholas moved to New York at age twenty and eventually retired to Florida. In 2006, Ivy moved to Gulfport from Kenneth City to aid a friend in the care of her grandmother.
It wasn’t long before Ivy found herself at the doors of the Senior Center during one of her daily walks. Ivy immediately took advantage of the opportunities offered at the Center, especially the recently updated fitness room. The treadmill and Shapemaster machines became fast favorites as she dedicated five days per week to a workout routine. Ivy’s friends soon noticed a change that Ivy almost didn’t notice herself: She no longer needed her cane.
Ivy credits the Senior Center and the Foundation Fitness Center with her improved health. She reports that her heart is healthier, her steps are greater, and her mobility has increased. She enjoys the combination of exercise, dining and socializing that the Center brings to her life. “The staff is beautiful and the people are wonderful,” states Nicholas. “I love being here.”
