The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center actively seeks to support independence & increase quality of life of its participants by encouraging involvement in programs & activities that promote health, welfare, safety, & dignity.
CALENDAR of EVENTS for DECEMBER 2021
Click image to enlarge.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Blanket & Coat Donation Drive
Just a little kindness can go a long way!

Donate new or gently used blankets and coats for the benefit of those in need through St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.

Donations accepted at the Senior Center, Mon-Fri at 8 am - 4 pm between Dec 6 to Dec 20.
Drive Thru Food Giveaway
THURSDAY, DEC 2 @ 10 - 11 AM
by MyCare Medical

Swing by and grab some groceries before supplies run out. All Medicare eligible seniors welcome.
It's a seniors food pantry
Gulfport ROCKS!
FRIDAY, DEC 3 @ 1 PM
Hosted by Moore Medicare Options

It's fun to paint together and this month we will be celebrating "Christmas with Friends".

The fun does not stop there! After you paint with us, give your rock as a gift or go for a walk and hide it for others to find and enjoy.

All supplies provided. Space is limited, you MUST call to pre-register.
Monday Mile Walking Club
EVERY MONDAY @ 8 AM

Start your week off on the right foot. Join Walter and other friends for an early morning walk.

Dec 6 - Meet in Senior Center North Parking Lot
Dec 13 - Meet at Clam Bayou near Coast Guard Auxiliary (3120 Miriam St S)
Dec 20 - Meet at the US Post Office (4222 22nd Ave S)
Dec 27 - Meet in Senior Center North Parking Lot
Let's Talk Emergency!
TUESDAY, DEC 7 @ 2 PM
Sponsored by HCA Palms of Pasadena Hospital

Have you ever wondered how to prepare for a medical emergency? Hear from the experts from HCA Palms of Pasadena on what to do and expect from calling 911 to the emergency room.
Veterans Coffee Connection
WEDNESDAY, DEC 8 @ 1 PM
Hosted by Empath Health

Veterans of all service eras are invited to join us for coffee and the chance to connect with other veterans and an opportunity to learn about available community resources.
Christmas Cookie Decorating Event
WEDNESDAY, DEC 8 @ 1 PM
Sponsored by The Princess Martha

The Princess Martha invites you to join them for some Holiday fun!

Meet your Senior Center friends there or catch a ride from the Senior Center & back on the GEMS Bus by calling (727) 893-5657.

Space is limited, MUST call to pre-register.
Health Talk with Labrador Primary
THURSDAY, DEC 9 @ 12 PM
The Basics of Sleep
Brought to you by Wendy with Humana

Dr. McCoy will be at the Center to provide you with valuable information and useful health tips.
Dr Christina McCoy Labrador Primary Care
Finger Weaving
FRIDAY, DEC 10 @ 10 AM

For those who love yarn, color, & texture. No knowledge or experience needed. We will explore the different things you can make with your fingers: bracelets, placemats, lanyards, pom-pom scarves, and more!

Let your imagination run wild!
Holiday Jazz Concert
SATURDAY, DEC 11 @ 4 PM
The Mistletoe Market in Horan Park
(7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach

What's more fun than JAZZ? Holiday Jazz!!

The New Horizons Band of Gulfport invites you to celebrate the holidays with them at this free concert in the park.
New Horizons Jazz Band of Gulfport Florida Logo
Money Mondays
MONDAY, DEC 13 @ 10 AM
All About Annuities

Meet with professionals from home, via Zoom or in-person at the center to learn all about annuities and how to make them work for you.
Memory Screening
MONDAY, DEC 13
By Appointment Only

Are you worried about your memory? St. Anthony's Memory Disorder Clinic is offering FREE & CONFIDENTIAL memory screenings at the Senior Center.

Please call (727) 893-5657 to make your appointment.
EPIC Social Club
MONDAY, DEC 13 @ 6 PM
Holiday Party

LGBTQ+ seniors and allies are invited to join us for an hour engaged in good conversation learning with others from different generations and different perspectives.

Come join us as we make the yule tide gay with food and friends. We will also be hosting karaoke!
Gingerbread House Workshop
TUESDAY, DEC 14 @ 2 PM
Sponsored by Dedicated Senior Medical Center

Do you have sweet icing skills? Join us to design your Gingerbread House Contest creation.

All supplies provided. Space is limited, MUST call to pre-register & for more info.
Gingerbread House Contest
Dazzle your friends with your baking and design skills in the first-ever Senior Center Gingerbread House Contest. Entries are due Dec 15 by 12 pm. See Senior Center Staff for Entry Forms and Contest Rules. 

Not a baker? You can still be a part by making your vote count. Contest entries will be displayed at the Center 12/15-20. Vote for your favorite in 4 categories. Winners will be announced 12/20 at the Holiday Party.
New Horizons Band of Gulfport
TUESDAY, DEC 14 @ 7 PM
Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert

Bring the family for a music-filled evening at the Catherine Hickman Theater where the New Horizons Band of Gulfport will be playing all the Holiday favorites.

While there is no cost for this event, your donations to help cover the band's expenses are appreciated.
Wellness Wednesday
WEDNESDAY, DEC 15 @ 9 AM - 12 PM

Make your health a top priority and track your progress with these FREE monthly wellness screenings.
iPhone / iPad Instruction
THURSDAY, DEC 16 @ 1 PM
Hosted by The Gulfport Public Library

Learn the basic functions of your iPhone or iPad.

Space is limited, must call to reserve your seat.
Clubhouse Chatter
FRIDAY, DEC17 @ 10:30 AM

Join other baseball fanatics to have open discussion about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the MLB season.
Movie Matinee
FRIDAY, DEC 17 @ 1 PM
Sponsored by Freedom Square of Seminole

Bring a friend and enjoy a movie on the big screen at the Catherine Hickman Theater.

Call for movie title.
Celebrate the Holiday Season at The Gulfport Senior Center
MONDAY, DEC 20 @ 5 PM

  • Hot Cocoa Bar
  • Holiday Treats & Snacks
  • Christmas Light Tours
  • Musical Performance by the New Horizons Band of Gulfport
  • Gingerbread House Winners Announced

$5 per person. Tickets are required. Tickets will be available at the Center on Dec 1.
EPIC Coffee Club
WEDNESDAY, DEC 22 @ 8:30 AM
Hosted by EPIC | Empath Health

Join other LGBTQ+ seniors and allies in a welcoming, safe space for discussion, encouragement, and growth over a warm cup of coffee.
Happy Birthday Celebration
WEDNESDAY, DEC 22 @ 3:00 PM
Sponsored by Cigna Medicare

Come celebrate this month's birthday's with friends whether it's your birthday or not. Cake and ice cream for all!
happy_birthday_kid_cake.jpg
Gulfcoast Legal Services
TUESDAY, DEC 28
By Appointment Only

Gulfcoast Legal Services is available for one-on-one appointments at the Gulfport Senior Center every 4th Tuesday to provide assistance with: * Lifetime Planning Documents * Medicaid/Medicare Issues * Social Security Issues * Food Stamps Issues * Family Law Issues * Consumer/Debt Collection Issues * Housing/Contract Issues *

Make an appointment to meet with a Legal Representative by calling (727) 893-5657. 
GEMS Getaways
FMI or to Reserve Your Seat (727) 893-2242
Robert's Christmas Wonderland
DEC 9 

$8 – GEMS Members / $10 – Non-GEMS Members

“One of America’s Largest and Most Beautiful Christmas & Collectibles Store” with 1000’s of ornaments, tree toppers, wreaths & garlands, and much, much more." We will stop for lunch at Whistle Stop Grill & Bar. Price includes: roundtrip transportation. Lunch paid for separately.
Sunken Gardens
DEC 16

$16 – GEMS Members / $20 – Non-GEMS Members

St. Pete’s oldest living museum is a botanical paradise in the midst of the bustling city. Meandering paths guide visitors through a living collection of more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, and a flock of flamingos. Lunch at Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro. Price includes: roundtrip transportation, parking, & admission to gardens. Meals paid for separately.
Foundation Happenings
The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation raises and distributes funds that support and enhance the programs and services of the Gulfport Senior Center.

You can be a part of the Foundation's work and support local seniors by becoming a member of the Foundation for only $35 per year. Your membership will include a free Senior Resource Magazine subscription, a discount card to be used at local merchants, discounts on Foundation events, and more.

Find out more here: www.GulfportSeniorFoundation.org

The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation will be installing a memorial ribbon in The Gulfport Veteran’s Park as a fundraiser to support the programs and services of the Senior Center. The meandering ribbon of engraved bricks will connect the sidewalk to the flagpole base at the beautiful waterfront park.

The bricks can be purchased to honor or memorialize a friend or family member, veteran or non-veteran, and will be a permanent part of the Gulfport Veterans Memorial Park.

Rather than stress about a car you no longer need, embrace the lazy days of summer by donating it to the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Vehicle donations make giving easy. Plus, we handle everything from the free pick-up and sale to sending you the necessary donation tax receipts for your generous donation.

For more information on how you can donate a car, call the Foundation office at (727) 893-1244 or visit www.donatecarsforseniors.org
Thank you to all Foundation Members and Donors for being a part of these and the many other services and programs offered to seniors in our community. To learn more about how you can be a part of the Foundation or support the Foundation's efforts, call (727) 893-1244 or go to www.gulfportseniorfoundation.org/
In The News
Lane DeGregory of Tampa Bay Times wrote a great article about the Gulfport Senior Center's Reassurance Program, highlighting volunteer Lorraine Gray.

Click here to watch the ABC Action News episode which highlighted the many great things happening in Gulfport, including the Gulfport Senior Center.
Other Resources & Services
Food Pantry
Through the generous donations of local businesses, residents, and the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation, the Gulfport Senior Center is able to provide supplemental food assistance to qualifying Gulfport Seniors in need.

If you or someone you know could use a little extra help, call (727) 893-2237. The pantry is open Mondays and Thursdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Donations are accepted Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Medical Equipment
Lending Program

The Gulfport Senior Center provides gently used medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches) to seniors in need.

Supplies are limited, call (727) 893-5657 today if you or someone you know needs assistance.
GEMS Transportation
The Gulfport Extended Mobility Service (GEMS) has resumed transportation services to grocery stores, medical appointments, etc. Any Gulfport resident 55 & older or residents with a disability can take advantage of GEMS door to door service for a yearly membership of $70 plus $2 per ride.

For more information, call the GEMS office at (727) 893-2242.
Reassurance Calls

Let the friendly Volunteers of the Gulfport Senior Center chat with you on a daily basis. Sign up for the Gulfport Reassurance Program and choose between two call times: early-morning or mid-morning. This service is designed to help you feel secure and connected.

For more information, call the Gulfport Senior Center at (727) 893-2237.
Gulfport Senior Citizens’
Advisory Committee on Aging

The Senior Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Aging is looking for new members.

This committee serves as a liaison between Gulfport’s senior community and the City of Gulfport. Appointed by City Council, committee members consider and advise the City on ways to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Gulfport.

For more information, contact Rachel Cataldo at (727) 893-1231 or [email protected].
EHEAP Cares Act - Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. provides Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly.

  • Households with a senior age 60 or older are eligible
  • Electric bill must be past due, deposits are allowed
  • Must reside in Pinellas County
  • Income must be below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • Includes Heating & AC Repair

The EHEAP program will provide financial assistance up to $600 based on the household’s emergency needs and the minimum amount due to solve the crisis. The program will also repair existing heating or cooling equipment up to $600.

Call (727) 821-0584 for more information.
Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellasagingcarefl.org 
The Agency provides the Senior Helpline, a federally funded service to help seniors and caregivers gain access to services in the community. Call (727) 217-8111.

Free Online Memory Screenings: alzfdn.org
Call Alzheimer's Foundation of America at 866-232-8484 to make an appointment.

Pinellas County Consumer Protectionpinellascounty.org/consumer 
Pinellas County government department offers consumer brochures, maintains online complaint form and a keeps a database of consumer complaints. Call (727) 464-6200.

2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares211tampabay.org
Online database for support groups, volunteer opportunities, organizations providing assistance and other resources. Call 211.

SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders)floridashine.org 
SHINE is a free, volunteer-based, award-winning program health insurance counseling program administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Counselors offer expertise on Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, long-term care planning and insurance. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates the information, counseling and assistance activities of the volunteers through the Senior Helpline. Make an appointment with a SHINE Counselor by calling (727) 893-5657.

Neighborly Care Networkneighborly.org
Adult day care, EZride transportation, home-delivered meals, and congregate meals. Call (727) 573-9444.

Lighthouse of Pinellaslighthouseofpinellas.org 
Services include comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs for adults and seniors, job placement services for adults, life enrichment programs for adults and seniors, an onsite product store, information and referral services. Call (727) 544-4433.

Gulf Coast Legal Services, Inc.: gulfcoastlegal.org
Legal assistance with priority given to economically and socially needy seniors. Call (727) 821-0726.

Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapteralz.org/FLGulfCoast
The Alzheimer's Association chapter serves Pinellas and surrounding counties in Florida. Includes information and support groups, Caregiver's Day Out, Safe Return Program. Call (727) 578-2558.