This town seems about 40% finished.

—Samuel Spears on the state of Gulfport

“When the weather is hot, go visit the Imagine Museum. Great experience.” —Susan Phillips with a solution for a summer day

“Meaning of life. To love and be loved. That’s it. So simple.” —Susie Rager’s loving mantra

“What will Caddy’s space be next? Fingers crossed for a ‘50s style restaurant and bar but hell, just a decent grilled cheese would be an improvement.” —Ramon Crowe, longtime visitor and St. Louis native

“Two’s company and three’s a crowd. But four? Four’s a party.” —Mark Persinger’s words of advice

Gulfport Senior Center 5501

27th Ave. S. • 727-893-5657 •

/gulfportseniorcenter

Annual registration required. Free, residents; $50, non-residents. All programs subject to change without notice. Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fri, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Stop by, join our weekly newsletter, or like us on Facebook for a full calendar of events.

Fitness Center now open! To provide physical distancing, the hourly capacity is limited. You must call to pre-register. Supplemental food assistance for qualifying Gulfport Seniors in need is available at the Senior Center. Pantry is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Proper verification required prior to use of the pantry.

GEMS (Gulfport Extended Mobility Service) provides affordable Door-to-Door transportation service, rides to medical appointments, shopping, and much more for Gulfport residents, 55 years of age or older or disabled. 727-893-2242.

Medical Equipment Lending Program provides gently used wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and other medical equipment to seniors who need it. Supplies limited.

Special Events

Medicare & Health Insurance Assistance Frustrated trying to navigate the insurance world? We have you covered! Make your appointment today.

Memory Screenings Worried about your memory? St. Anthony’s Memory Disorder Clinic offers free & confidential memory screenings.

Gulfcoast Legal Assistance Do you need assistance, with lifetime planning docs, Medicaid/Medicare issues, Social Security issues, food stamp issues, family law issues, consumer/debt collection Issues, or housing/contract Issues? Call to make an appointment with a legal representative. By appointment only.

EPIC Coffee Connections EPIC Generations invites LGBTQ+ adults for coffee, friendship, & support. Rm. 106. July 28, 10 a.m.

Movie Matinee Bring the grandkids and enjoy a movie on the big screen. Call for movie title. Theater. July 28, 1 p.m. HCA: Lunch and Learn Enjoy lunch as you learn about your well-being from a medical professional. Must Pre-Register.

D Hall. Aug. 1, 2 p.m.

Grab Some Groceries Food, laundry, and hygienic supplies that you may need, bought to you by MyCare Medical. Th Lobby. Aug. 2, 10 a.m.

Balance & Fall Recovery Leslie, with Keiser University will discuss the necessity of keeping your balance and/or recovering from a problematic fall. MUST Pre-register. Rm 106. Aug. 2, 2 p.m.

Pencil Drawing Workshop Bring your current project to work on with guidance from Jay and other classmates. Aug. 3 & 31, 3:30 p.m.

Veterans Coffee Connection Veterans of all service eras are invited to gather for coffee, support, friendship & to learn about available community resources. Rm 106. Aug. 4, 10 a.m.

Gulfport ROCKS! Join the party and create some fun rock art. All supplies provided. MUST Pre-register. Sponsored by Moore Medicare Options. Rm 106. Aug. 4, 1:30 p.m.

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls An award-winning program with documented results designed to manage falls and increase activity lev- els. MUST Pre-Register. Rm 106. Aug. 731, Mondays & Thursdays, 4 p.m. Craft Fun with Princess Martha Create your very own craft to take home & enjoy. MUST Pre-register. Rm 107. Aug. 8, 12:30 p.m.

Geared Up Gathering Bringing people together to find out how they can help solve community challenges. Partnering with local nonprofits to take the guess work out of volunteering for you. Space is limited, MUST RSVP. Sponsored By: Seniors In Service. D Hall. Aug. 8 & Aug. 15, 2 p.m.

Health Talk with Labrador Primary Talk about the importance of your health and practice of keeping a sound body. MUST Pre-register. Rm 107. Aug. 10, 12 p.m. Welcome to the Club Come meet the Senior Center Staff at this informative based orientation to welcome new members to the Senior Center. Rm 107. Aug. 10, 2 p.m. Rhythm & Groove Jam Session Bring your instrument & join others for a casual jamming group. Open to anyone & everyone, all instruments, all levels of experience, & listeners. D Hall. Aug. 10, 3 p.m.

Gems Getaways

Sunken Gardens & Lunch at Carrabba’s Aug. 2; $20 GEMS Members & $20 NonGEMS Members

Imagine Museum & Lunch at Big Apple Buffet Aug. 16; $14 GEMS Members / $16

Non-GEMS Members

Brunch at Chill Restaurant Aug 25; $4 GEMS Members / $6 Non-GEMS Members.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom 727-893-1070 • 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Country Western Two Step with Carol & Danielle July 28, 7 p.m., lesson, 8 p.m. dancing. $15 admission/$25 couples

Mind Body & Spirit Expo Aug. 5, 9 a.m. Vendors, speakers, readings. All things Metaphysical. Hosted by Unity of Gulfport. Free and open to the public.

Line Dancing with Aleta & Carol Aug. 7, 7 p.m., lesson; 8 p.m. dancing. $10 admission

Casino Weekly Dances

Ballroom Lessons: Tues., 12 p.m. $15 ($25 couple)

Argentine Tango: Tues., 6:30 p.m., $10

Swing: Weds., 7 p.m. $10

Latin Night: Thurs., 7 p.m. $10

Teen Space Spend time with friends and meet new ones. Play games, make art, watch movies, or just hang out. Activities vary – and what we do is up to you! Ages 12-18 only. Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Storytime Join us for stories, rhymes, music. Thursdays, 10:15 & 11 a.m.

Silly Sam’s Instrument Explosion This special Storytime event features a visit from our friend Silly Sam! We’ll all play some music to celebrate the end of our Summer programming! For additional information call 727893-1074. July 27, 10:30 a.m.

Trivia Night Hosted by Gulfport Librarian Alex, a prepared list of questions will be shared with players, who will compete to answer the most questions correctly. Team play is an option with enough attendees.

July 27, 6 p.m.

Garden Grampa He’s back! Garden fun for his friends in grades K-5 in our Reading Garden! Mr. Albert shares his knowledge of gardening and sustainability through storytelling and hands-on fun. Aug. 2, 4:30 p.m.

Come & Go Craft Express yourself! Drop in for creative, self-directed crafting. For all ages, but some pieces might be on the small side. Supplies are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. Located on the tables in the children's area. Aug. 5, 10 a.m.

Grownup Movie Series Four best friends take their book club to Italy. Stars Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenbergen, Don Johnson, and Andy Garcia. Rated PG-13. Call 727-893-1074 for title. Aug. 5, 1 p.m.

Paper Chain Wall Hanging Use colorful cardstock and dowels to create a beautiful wall hanging for this adult craft. All supplies provided. Registration required and opens on Aug. 2, call 727-893-1074 or email library.programs@mygulfport.us to sign up. Aug. 9, 2 p.m.

Annual registration: $3; $25, nonresidents Pickleball Tues., 6-8:30 p.m, All Levels of Play Adult Basketball Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m.

Programs

School Year Child Care Program Registrations have begun for the 2023-2024 School Year Child Care Program for children who will be entering Kindergarten thru age 14. Bus transportation is available from Pasadena Fundamental, Gulfport Montessori and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. Program hours are until 5:30 p.m. with extended hours available until 6 p.m. for an extra charge. Please contact the Recreation Center for more details.

Teen Night Registrations continue for the 2023-2024 Teen Night Program for teens in middle and high school, students 17 and younger. Recreation, social activities, field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects. Teens can use the gymnasium, game room and outdoor area. Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 6-9 p.m. Rec Center member- ship required: $3; $25 nonresidents.

Tot Time Program We are accepting pre-registrations for the 2023-2024 Tot Time Program. The Tot Time Program is a pre-school, hands-on program for children ages 3-5 aiming to make learning fun for children and help prepare them for Kindergarten. Two, three, and five-day monthly options are available. Program hours are from 8:45a.m.-12:30p.m. and will begin on September 5th. Hours for pre-registration are from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. A deposit of $25.00 is required to hold a spot and will be applied to first month’s tuition. Proof of residency is required for Gulfport residents.

VPK Program We are currently accepting VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) Vouchers for the 2023-2024 School Year. VPK is FREE for children who live in Florida and who turn 4 years of age by September 1st. Parents must apply on the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas, Inc. website (http:// elcpinellas.net) and receive a Certificate of Eligibility which needs to be turned in during pre-registration. Program hours are from 8:45a.m.-12:30p.m. and will begin on September 5th. Hours for pre-registration are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Classes

Call instructor for more information. Want to teach a class? Call Jami: 727893-1079.

Cardio Tennis Tues. & Thurs, 6 p.m.; Adult lessons are at Chase Park, 28th Ave. & 53rd St. S. $15/class. Mo: 727-515-1454.

F.I.T Tennis Fri., 6p.m.; Free for true beginners age 21 and up. Lessons are at Chase Park, 28th Ave & 53rd St. S. Mo: 727-5151454.

Hatha Yoga 6:15 p.m. $12/class or $40/ month. Denise: 727-251-8868.

Tai Chi Gung Mon. 6:30p.m. $15/class or $50/month. Call Kare 727-262-0880 Zumba Thurs., 6 p.m., $6/class, $20/ month. Magda: 727-214-7868.