About the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center

• A highly significant senior-focused community resource in South Pinellas since 1983, yet open to all ages. Designated a Community Focal Point by the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. since 1985.
• One of 180 nationally accredited senior centers in the country and 9 out of approximately 260 in the State of Florida.
• A service of the City of Gulfport.
• Open Monday –Thursday, 8:00 am -9:00 pm; Friday, 8:00 – 4:00.
• Offers a wide range of programs and services – heath related, social, nutritional, educational, recreational and referral services.
• No registration fee required thus providing access to low income seniors.
• State of the art Fitness Center [for 50+ years of age]
• Supported by a 501 c3 non-profit Foundation

Audience

• Over 2000 registered members who are active, independent and live without mobility and self care barriers.
• Average daily attendance 200; 100+ volunteer support staff.
• Extensive publicity – Senior Center calendar of events, informational flyers, newsletter and website with links on City of Gulfport and community websites.
• Email distribution -over 600 members, friends, partner agencies and community businesses and organizations, including the media throughout Pinellas County and beyond.
• Senior events are announced in the local press weekly – circulation over 6,000.

Why the Gulfport Senior Center is a Vital Resource

• It offers innumerable opportunities for regular social interaction making seniors less vulnerable to depression, isolation and loneliness.
• It is a special place where community is found and friendships are formed.
• It provides opportunities for lifelong learning and education.
• It helps maintain independence.
• Involvement in programs and services such as those offered by the Senior Center are known to delay the progress of disabilities and institutionalization.

Benefits of Sponsorship

• Your business/organization can make a difference in the lives of elders as well as advance your own professional and business goals
• Your partnership with us will give you access to a very extensive and active senior audience in Pinellas County.
• Your business will be promoted to the over 2,000 member.

Sponsorship Options

• Health and Fitness Programs
• Educational Seminars and Programs
• Health Fairs
• Senior Outings
• Elder Ready Community Forums
• Special Events – Socials and Celebrations

HELP NOW

Vendors Include: groomers, pet stores, kennels, pet sitters, animal shelters & rescues, pet photographer.

Theme opportunity basket chances, giveaways, doghouse eatery, gift boutique

CERTS will provide information on hurricane preparedness for pet owners

Gulfport Senior Center
in the Rear Parking Lot
For information: call Jay at 727-321-0798

Margaret Reilly, longest serving volunteer

Margaret Reilly, 89, is a walking testimonial for the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center. “It’s the spice of my life,” she says. “Whatever you want to do is there.” Margaret should know since she has volunteered at the Center for more than 25 years. She was named Volunteer of the Year in 1986.

These days Margaret is the Center’s “card lady.” She volunteers two hours a day to maintain the rack of like-new greeting cards for sale in the Senior Center lobby. Before that she staffed the Center’s information desk for 25 years.

When Margaret’s husband died a month after their move to Gulfport from Dearborn, MI, she was left with a car but no driver’s license. “I had to do something,” she said. Her mother and her aunt were both members of the Senior Citizen Club that met at the Gulfport Casino, so she got involved.

After the current Senior Center was built in 1983, Margaret’s first volunteer job was maintaining a seasonal bulletin board with her aunt Ann Howay. She also got started by helping with the telephone Reassurance program. For ten years, Margaret was one of 16 Ukelele Ladies who performed at mobile home parks, nursing homes and malls all over Pinellas County. Their colorful singing and dancing act was even featured in The Gabber, the St. Petersburg Times and on local TV. As a member of the now disbanded Senior Center Craft Club, Margaret helped make Christmas stockings for disadvantaged children for five years. Now she plays canasta, visits the Fitness Center twice a week and participates in the Wii Fit group Thursday afternoons.

“There’s no reason for anybody to feel lonely,” Margaret says. “Everyone is so nice and so knowledgeable. I’ve learned a great deal being involved at the Senior Center.”

– by Amy Oatley, Community That Cares Newsletter Editor

EDITOR’S NOTE: Volunteering is good for your heart and your brain. Read this month’s issue of Community That Cares for ideas where you can help. Pick up your copy at the Senior Center or click here to read online.

Centenarian Janet Stutz (right) and daughter Jane Stretch

Read the January 2011 Community that  Cares Newsletter Here

Just as the City of Gulfport celebrated its centennial in October 2010, the Senior Center celebrated its 27th birthday and the 100th birthdays of several local women.  During the festivities, Mayor Mike Yakes acknowledged the centenarians, among them Janet Stutz, Margaret Scarfia, and MaryAnn Snow.  These women all have active lives and frequent many Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center events.

Janet Stutz celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 12, 2010.  A native of Chicago, Illinois, she came to Florida in 1976 to take care of her mother.  According to Janet’s daughter, Jane Stretch, she is fiercely independent, saying, “I can do that myself” about most things. She loves the hearing support group at the Senior Center on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month where she feels understood and a part of the group.

Lillian Tignanelli (sister) and centenarian Margaret Scarfia

Margaret Scarfia, born Dec. 2, 1910, came to Florida from New York City.  She and her husband owned “The Music Box” on Gulfport Boulevard for several years until retiring in the early 70’s.  Still active, Margaret says, “I’m a doer.  If something has to be done, I get up and do it.” She participates in many senior center recreational activities and appreciates the volunteers at the center calling her every morning to check on her well-being.

Centenarian Mary Ann Snow, friend Carol McCarthy and daughter Beverly Newcomb

Mary Ann Snow celebrated her 102nd birthday on May 6, 2010.  A snowbird for many years, she finally nested in Florida in 2000.  Mary Ann is active and until very recently played bridge every Tuesday and Thursday.  Her daughter, Beverly Newcomb, says she has “geared her life around the game” and no one could visit her on Tuesday or Thursday morning before bridge.
Article by Karen Gates

Meetings consisted of sing-a-longs, travel stories, card games and refreshments. Once a month they had a dance.  The first president was Alice Kittelburger. Senior Center Volunteer Margaret Reilly was one of those early members along with her mother Rose Chyz and her aunt Anne Howay. Every week Margaret played cards with her friends Lillian Tomkins, Katherine Lehnebach, and Katherine Dudka. 

The members paid annual dues of $1 and a weekly donation of  25 cents.  Jay P. Clymer (former Gulfport Mayor) was the Chaplain and his wife Naomi played the piano.

In 1983 the Club relocated to the newly constructed Senior Center on Beach Blvd. and 27th Ave. S.  By then there was a waiting list of seniors wanting to join the Club.  That took care of itself when the Club broke off into smaller interest groups.

A notable offshoot was a musical group called the Ukulele Ladies. The 16 member group played ukuleles and wore grass skirts and Hawaiian blouses made by Katherine Lehnebach.  Before long, the Ladies took their show on the road. The ladies held strong for 10 years.

It’s hard to believe the Senior Citizens Club, too, is now only a memory.  Lucy Maggio was its last president. With the exception of the Gulfport Garden Club, the groups dissolved one by one. Nevertheless, they are an important part of the history of the Gulfport Senior Center. Thanks to  Margaret Reilly for taking the time to share her memories.

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.”

Spice Up Your Life
at the Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Thursday, May 5, 11:30 a.m.
Tickets Only $5 – ORDER NOW

• Menu: Chili, Cornbread, Salsa & Chips, Sangria Punch
• Live entertainment, opportunity baskets and door prizes.

Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center
in the Dining Room
5501 27th Avenue S
For information, call 727-893-2237 or 727-893-1231