MIRACLES ON BEACH BOULEVARD!
Lots of folks coming out of Gulfport’s Multipurpose Senior Center are coming out with a new spring in their steps and smiles on their faces. Thanks to an $85,000 investment by the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation, Inc. in an array of Shapemaster chair exercise machines, hundreds of seniors are shaping up and toning up in less than 30 minutes per day of easy exercise.
Almost anyone in any condition can benefit from the Shapemaster program. From folks in good condition trying to stay in shape to folks just coming out of re-hab for strokes, joint replacements and heart surgeries there has been nothing but positive feedback.
Former City Council Member Mary Stull had been walking with a cane after a knee replacement. After several months on the machines, she says, “Now I can keep up with friends who are in their thirties. I’m able to climb up stairs and do yard work I haven’t been able to do in more than two years.” Men in their nineties, women with walkers and recent stroke victims are seeing improvement in their abilities to lead a full and happy life. These, among many others represent the miracles on Beach Boulevard that are happening every day.
Any member of the Senior Center can use the facility. For those who want a little more exercise, there are three treadmills and a recumbent bicycle next to the machines. The exercise center is staffed by trained volunteers Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM with extended hours to 7 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Users are asked to contribute an annual $15 maintenance fee or become members of the Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation, Inc., (the Foundation), in addition to being members of the Senior Center which is free to all over 50 years of age.
The Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 charitable organization that exists to raise and distribute funds that support and enhance the recreational, educational, social and health related programs of the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center. There are about 250 supporting members of the Foundation. The City supported Senior Center has over 2000 registered participants.
In addition to the recent exercise program, the Foundation provides lifelong learning opportunities to seniors in areas from computer courses to health training. The Foundation provides low or no-cost health screening, support groups and preventive care.
Transportation costs and food assistance are provided to seniors on an as needed basis. The Center Lobby snack-bar and all its equipment, a 42 inch, flat screen TV, a fax, laminating equipment and kitchen equipment are example of other enhancements provided to the Center by the Foundation.
Anyone can be a part of the miracle making on Beach Boulevard by contributing their time and money in several ways. Volunteers, even if for only a few hours a week are always needed. Simply joining the Foundation and paying annual membership fees of $35 for individuals and $45 for families, ($20 and $30 for seniors), is an easy way to get started. Life memberships are $300 each. Various sponsorships from $100 and up are also available. All donations are tax deductible
On December 4 and 5 the Senior Center and the Foundation are running a “Weekend Wonderland” to benefit the Foundation. On December 4 there will be an all day mammoth flea market with a special room full of Better Boutique items. Admission on the 4th is free. On December fifth there will be a live/silent auction and an opportunity raffle of twelve special theme baskets. For a donation of $5.00 each person will be given three raffle tickets toward the baskets and one ticket for a soon to be announced grand prize. Everyone in town who are or plan on being senior citizens should support this special event! Watch for announcements of special prizes like hotel stays and Starlight Cruise tickets. Bright House has contributed $10,000 in advertising to help promote this worthwhile event. Kudos to Bright House!
There’s still time to bring new and used items to the Senior Center for the silent auction or flea market. There’s also time to donate some prizes for the drawings.
Anyone wishing to help out in any way, call: 727-893-2237 or 727-893-1231 ASAP.
Wow, what a pleasant surprise–age 55 and up! I thought you had to be 62 to participate.
Your welcome to join Mtober, a little bird told me that Big Dog has been spotted on some of those machines himself. When your working out you can be assured that mesquite smoke will not enter into your cardiovascular workout, I’m sure Mary was pleased to not have to be threatened by such an invasion as she recovered.
I have worked with seniors since 1993 and have visited every senior center in Pinellas county. The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, in my opinion, stands out as the finest in the county…and probably beyond.
Actually, the center welcomes those age 50 and up.
We fixed the post to correct the age minimum to 50 not 55 as originally stated. What a great community resource and its available to a lot more people than we thought. Use it! Support the Foundation no matter how old you are!