Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014 31

Donations Needed It’s time for spring cleaning! But remember … One man’s trash could be another man’s treasure. The Gulfport Senior Center accepts gently used donations for the monthly flea market fundraiser. The Senior Center is also in need of all occasion greeting cards. All donations are tax deductible. For more information on what is accepted and drop off times, please contact Jay at 727-893-2242.

•••

Country Gospel Sing-a-Long Country Gospel Sing A Long is now held at Victory Church of the Nazarene, 4401 58th Street N. in Kenneth City. Ed Hoehn and his son Tyler will be with them on March 23 at 6:30 p.m. Tyler is about 13 years old and is planning on being a missionary to Germany. Call 727-565-5244 or email to cgospelsing@yahoo.com.

•••

Polish American Society News The Polish American Society, 1343 Beach Drive SE (next to Coast Guard commissary) is open with live bands on Sundays through May 4th. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. with music, 3-6 p.m. Please RSVP for dinner to Bev at 727-526-6835. Dance is $5 for members, $7 for non-members. Become a member! Polish dinner for $7 on Sunday. Bring family and friends and support Polish heritage. You will meet all nationalities. Kids are welcome! Join them for a Tea Dance on March 26th. Lessons from 11:30-12:30 p.m., $3, dance from 1-3:30 p.m. with Bobby Tess on trumpet. Cost is $7. Call 727-526-6835 or visit www.polishamericansociety.org.

•••

Yoga to Soothe the Body and Soul Are you feeling anxious, stiff, overwhelmed, unbalanced, stressed or unfocused? Using simple. gentle, calming yoga practices learn to bring balance, flexibility, ease of movement, peace and serenity back into your life. The series of classes will focus on breath work, visualization and

simple movement to balance body, mind and spirit. No prior yoga experience is necessary. Please join them for a 8 week session beginning Monday March 31st from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Suntan Art Center/Don Vista located at 3300 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach. Preregistration is requested. Please contact Beth Cole at 727-367-6554.

•••

Become a Lifeguard Become a certified lifeguard. Participants must be 15 years or older and must complete a pre-test in order to continue in the class. The pre-test consists of treading water for 2 minutes using legs only, swimming 300 yards without

stopping and swim 20 yards, surface dive and retrieve a 10 pound brick from bottom, resurface and swim back to the starting point and exit pool. Cost is $160 residents/ $180 non-residents and registration is open. Session III dates: March 24-28. Check out www.spbrec.com or call 727-363-9245 for more information.

•••

Fine Dining every Friday Come join them at the Sons of Italy, 2500 34th Street S. in St. Petersburg every Friday from 4-8 p.m. for a 3-course dinner. Happy hour is from 4-5 p.m. Cost is $10; donations to the scholarship fund. Call 798-6355 for reservations.

•••

32 Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014

DAVID R. MENDOZA, D.M.D.Preventive and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentistry for the entire Family321-5346

GULFPORTPROFESSIONAL BUILDINGConveniently located across from Save-A-Lot5026 - 5028 GULFPORT BLVD

DEDICATED TO THE HEALTH OF YOUR FAMILY.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

We Now Accept: MetLife, Delta Dental, Aermicus Life,Guardian, Aetna, Asurant PPO, AARP & Medicare/UnitedHealth Care, Liberty and Dentemax

GU

LFP

OR

TP

RO

FE

SS

ION

AL

BLD

G.

51st STREET

GU

LFPO

RT

BLVD

.

SAVEA LOT

Monday - Wednesday8:30 - 5:00

Thursday 8:30 - 1:00

City Whys? Email your request to News@theGabber.com

Have you got a question for your city government?

By Cathy Salustri

Squirrels Nibble on Gulfport’s Tree Lights

Q: I’ve lived in Gulfport for almost five years and constantly notice that the majority of the lights on the trees on Beach Boulevard are broken. Since Beach Boulevard is the main focal point of Gulfport, shouldn’t we do our best in making sure it is esthetically pleasing for visitors? Any idea on whose job it is to fix them? – Via Facebook

A: Blame the squirrels. They like the taste of wiring, says City Manager Jim O’Reilly. The city manager says tree growth and the “preponderance of squirrels who enjoy the taste of the wiring” has caused damage to the lights. Gulfport’s Parks Department has ultimate responsibility for repairing the lights, and right now they’re working with the Gulfport Merchants' Association (GMA), to rewire and rework the decorative lights in the trees. In the coming year, the city will install a new light pattern. The new pattern will also allow for easier maintenance than the current system, which requires a bucket truck. "We are aware of this ongoing issue and have included $12,000 in the city’s annual budget for tree light repairs and improvements," City Manager Jim O’Reilly says. The city did not have an immediate solution for the squirrels’ gastronomic proclivities, but the city manager said he hoped that by wrapping the lights lower the squirrels may lose interest.

Gulfport Resident has Exhibition at Ruth Hall Gulfport Resident, Janet Folsom has an exhibition of her paintings at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater. The show will run through April 8th.

•••

Teen Afternoons at the Library Hey Teens! Come hang out with Sherri and Cailey Wednesday afternoons at the Gulfport Library from 3-4:30. They play Xbox, watch movies, help with homework, listen to music, and just hang out and have fun. For more information contact Cailey at cklasson@mygulfport.us or 727-893-1074.

•••

Legion Post 305 News Tuesday night dinners are sponsored by the Auxiliary. They are serving meat loaf with mashed potatoes, gravy, salad and vegetable for $7. They also have meat loaf sandwiches and turkey or ham subs for $5 as well as chef salads for $6. Get your tickets now for a “Loving You Elvis Show” on March 30th. Tickets are $20 per person. This includes a buffet dinner with Pork Tenderloin and Grilled Chicken Oriental plus much more served from 5:30-6:30 p.m. a nd the show starting promptly at 7 p.m. The show stars Geno singing his favorite Elvis tunes with a little comedy thrown in. You won’t want to miss it. Even if you have seen the show before, it is never the same twice. But it has been a sell-out every time so get your tickets ASAP. This show is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 305. The proceeds will go to benefit the veterans at Bay Pines Hospital. To get your tickets, drop in at The American Legion, 6999 Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach or call 727-367-1596.

•••

Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014 33

Foster Homes Needed There are more than 3,500 dependent children in Pinellas and Pasco counties due to child abuse, neglect or abandonment. Many of them need loving foster parents. When you open your heart and your home to foster children, you open the possibilities for them. For more information on becoming a foster parent, please call the Eckerd Recruitment Line toll-free at 1-866-233-0790.

•••

Making City Services Available Soon Childs Park and southwestern St. Pete residents will have a satellite city hall at the local YMCA. This past week, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg jointly announced they would open a Childs Park YMCA satellite office at 691 43rd Street S. “We’re here to serve the people of the Sunshine City. That’s why partnering with the YMCA to provide better access to City Hall is a fantastic opportunity,” explained Mayor Rick Kriseman following the announcement. “At the Y, we believe that strengthening the community happens when we work together,” added David Jezek, President/CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “We value our strong partnership with the city of St. Petersburg, and believe that our community will certainly benefit from this improved accessibility.” Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, St. Petersburg’s Director of Urban Affairs, David Flintom, Director of the Mayor’s Action Center, and Small Business Liaison Jessica Eilerman will work at the Childs Park YMCA from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. The mayor’s office promises another satellite office at the Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Avenue South “in the near future.” In addition to the government-sponsored services, the Childs Park YMCA offers fitness training, parenting workshops, teen advisory councils, and afterschool care (among other programs). The YMCA makes its services available to everyone and does not deny people because of their inability to pay for those services.

•••

34 Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014

Local ObituariesBOLCER, JOhn h., 84, South Pasadena, died March 10, 2014. Mass at 11:30 a.m. on March 15, St. John Vianney Catholic Church on St. Pete Beach. Details and guestbook at www.VeteransFuneralCare.com.

•••EDEnS, GLEnn AuBREy, 59, of St. Pete Beach passed away March 8, 2014 after a courageous battle of cancer and liver disease. Celebration of Life 5 p.m. March 15th at Paradise Grille, 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach, FL. Gee & Sorensen FH.

•••LuDGATE, JOAn, 82 of South Pasadena, passed away on 3/17/2014 with her children by her side. She is survived by her brother, five children, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer’s, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter Clearwater, FL. There will be a celebration of life in memory of Joan at Most Holy Name of Jesus, 5800 15th Ave. S. Gulfport, in the social hall on Thursday, March 20, from 7 to 9 p.m.

•••

ThOMPSOn, Ann L., 82, of Pinellas Park, FL died on March 17, 2014 at Bon Secours Maria Manor. Born in Belleville, IL on Aug. 18, 1931 to Henry John Stuempler and Leona Schleicher, she graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, IL. While working as a secretary to Major Howard Dyste at Scott Air Force Base, she met and later married Thomas A. Thompson, Jr. on Nov. 24, 1951 in Belleville, IL. They were married for 62 years. Ann enjoyed bowling, camping and traveling around the country with her husband. She was an accomplished seamstress and needleworker, and although she “couldn’t boil water” when she married, she learned to cook and bake. Her decorated cakes were a key feature of any birthday celebration. She is survived by her five children, Mary Ellen Myers of Oreland, PA, Judith Eorgan (Steve) and Thomas J. Thompson (Linda) of St. Petersburg, David Thompson and Anne Rush (Randy) of Pinellas Park, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Rosemarie Stevens of Belleville, IL. Services

to be announced. Donations may be made in her memory to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760 http://www.thehospicefoundation.org or The Alzheimer’s Association http://www.alz.org/. More information at http://www.brettfuneralhome.net/obituary/Ann-L.-Thompson/Pinellas-Park-FL/1362012.

•••

Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014 35

5500 Shore Blvd. So.893-1070

Friday, March 286:00 – 10:00pmTHE IMPACS

Concert & DanceRock Roll & Remember!

50’s & 60’s music$15 in advance or $20 at the door

Available at the Casino or www.theim-pacs.com 727-512-0046

Saturday March 298:30pm – 12:30am

Milonga La Playa withKathleen & Steve Prucher

Dinner Buffet,Argentine Tango Dance & Exhibition

$15 Admission727-742-3368

Monday, March 317:00pm-10:15pm

USA BALLROOM DANCEU.S. Amateur Ballroom DanceAssociation Dance & LessonGreat DJ music, Dance hosts,Show at 8:30pm 727-576-1206

Members - $5; Non-members - $7

Casino Weekly DancesBallroom Lessons Every Tuesday

Noon – 3pm $7Argentine Tango Every Tuesday

7 – 11pm $7Swing Dance Every Wednesday

6 – 11pm $7Salsa Dance Every Thursday

6:30 – 10pm $7Band & Ballroom Dance Most Sundays

6 - 10pm $7Info 727-893-1070

Garden Club of St. Petersburg Events The following events will be held at the Garden Club of St. Petersburg, 500 Sunset Drive S. in St. Petersburg. Call 727-381-8920 or visit www.gardenclubstpetersburg.org. • Monday, April 7: “Create a Beautiful Shell Collage for the Bath (or Home).” A Creative Craft Program. Cost of materials is $4.50. • Tuesday, April 8: “Trash to Treasure Items Used in Floral Design.” Flower Arranging Circle members will show off their fabulous new finds to be used in Floral Design. 10 a.m. • Thursday, April 10: “Growing Tropical Citrus and Fruit Trees”

with guest speaker Jene Van Butsel of Jene’s Tropical Fruit Trees. A Horticulture Seminar presented at 10 a.m. • Tuesday, April 22: “Florida Native Trees”: how, why and where and recognizing tree diseases and how to treat them with guest speaker Tim Murray, ISA Certified Arborist, Murray Tree Service. 1 p.m. Presented by Jungle/Green Fingers Circles of the Garden Club of St. Petersburg.

•••

Coffee Club You’re invited to join the Coffee Club that meets at the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Avenue S. on the

1st Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am. Discussing current events, the economy and investing, in a relaxed, informal setting, is a great way to get to know one another as you learn from Edward Jones financial advisor, Scott O’Berry. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. Must be a registered Gulfport Senior Center member. Membership is easy and free for all individuals 50 years of age or older. For more information, please contact Rachel at 727-893-1231.

•••

36 Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014

Gulfport Library 5501 28th Ave. So. 893-1074 or fax 344-6386

Please visit the Circle of Friends Bookshop at the Library

Technology ProgramsOne-on-One Computer Instruction: Mondays ONLY, 10:00 am-1:00 pm. First come, first served.Beginning Digital Camera: Saturday, Mar. 22, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Digital photography is the way to go for fast & easy results! Cathy Salustri shows you how. Registration required; call 893-1073 or sign up at the Reference Desk.Beginning iPad Class: Thursday, Apr. 3, 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Learn how to both enjoy and benefit from your new technology. Pre-registration re-quired. Sign up at the Reference Desk or call 727-893-1073.

Adult/All Ages ProgramsSenior Workshop Artists Exhibit: Original paintings on display in our Purdy Friends Room thru Mar. 26.Free Thinkers Open AA (Twelve Step) Meet-ing: Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm. FMI: Call 727-360-9069.Gulfport Prompt Short Story Writers: Wednes-days at 10:00 am. (previously known as Gulfport Creative Short Story Writers).Gulfport Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. FMI, call 727-827-7875. Women’s AA Club: Fridays, 5:45 – 6:45 pm.

FMI, call 893-1073.AARP Income Tax Assistance: Mondays & Fridays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. TAXPAYERS MUST BRING SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS FOR ALL PERSONS LISTED ON THEIR TAX RETURNS, A PICTURE ID, AND ALL PERTI-NENT RECORDS SUCH AS W2s, 1099s, other income & credits, & a copy of last year's return if available. Free Electronic filing is available at all sites. FMI, call 727-893-1073.Coffee/Talk Book Club: Thurs., Mar. 20, 11:00 am. **Note new time. Discussion of Hiroshima by John Hersey, over coffee & light refresh-ments. Stop by the Circulation Desk to pick up a copy. Sponsored by Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library. Please call 893-1073 FMI. Guardian ad Litem Program: Tues., Apr. 8, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Informational presenta-tion on volunteering as a GAL. FMI, contact Kristi.Tolmer@gal.fl.gov .

Children/Family ProgramsScience Club: Mondays, 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Chil-dren in grades K-5 are invited to join us as we build our own creations with Legos and try a new experiment every week! Parents are wel-come to join in on the the fun! Earth Scouts: Tues., Apr. 1, 3:00 – 4:00 pm. New group, plans to meet on 1st Tues. of the month. Activities for school-age children and teens. Parents welcome. FMI, contact grateful-ashly@gmail.com .

Storytime: Join Cailey every Thursday morn-ing for stories & activities selected for toddlers & preschoolers. Sing songs, play instruments and meet other caregivers in the community. Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 am. Free Family Movie Day: Sat., Apr. 19, two mov-ies, starting at 10:30 am and 1:30 p.m. Join us as for this popular monthly program. Enjoy flicks with popcorn provided by our Circle of Friends. For movie titles, call 727-893-1074.

Teen Programs Teen Leadership Workshops: Mondays, start-ing Mar. 24, 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Presented by the Gulfport Toastmasters for teens. FMI, contact kellymenges@hotmail.com.TEEN GAME ZONE: Wednesdays, 3:00-4:30 pm. Come challenge your friends on the latest XBOX 360 games or just hangout. Free Re-freshments. FMI, call 727-893-1073 & ask for Cailey. For more details call Cailey, Youth Ser-vices Librarian, 727-893-1073.

Open Monday-Friday: 10 am-7 pm Saturday: 10 am-4 pm

All meetings and programs are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

PROGRAMS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

www.mygulfport.us/gpl

REC WEBSITE: www.mygulfport.us and follow the links: City Departments, Leisure Services, Rec. Center.

ACTIVITIES Open Gym/Gameroom - Mon.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and Tues. & Thurs., 7:30-9 p.m. Annual reg. $2 res/$22 non-res.

PROGRAMS 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR CHILD CARE PROGRAM – Ongoing registrations for the 2013-2014 School Year Child Care Program continue for children who are entering Kin-dergarten thru age 14. Non-refundable an-nual registration fee is $17 for residents and $22 for non-residents. Program hours are until 5:30 p.m. with extended hours available until 6 p.m. for an extra charge. Hours of registration are Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

2013-2014 TEEN NIGHT PROGRAM – On-going registrations for the 2013-2014 Teen Night Program continue for teens in middle school to age 17. The program is a great place to hang out and meet new friends. It provides recreation and social activities. It also offers monthly field trips, cooking proj-ects, guest speakers and service projects. The teens utilize the gymnasium, game-room and outdoor area. Program hours are Mon., Wed. & Fri. 6-9 p.m. Annual reg. $2 res/$22 non-res.

NEW CLASSES - Interested in teaching a class? Call John at 893-1079 for more info. *Italian- Starts Tue., April 29. 6:15-7:15 p.m. Call Roberto 727-866-6892. *Live in Color Mediation-Starts Thurs., Mar 27. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call Rasheedah at 850-339-4668.CLASSES - Call instructor for more infor-mation.

• BeVolley Academy Clinics – Call 495-6696 for more information or visit the web-site www.bevolleyacademy.com• Chair Yoga –Returns in the fall. • NOVICE Conversational Spanish – Mon 4:15-5:15 p.m. Call Ivone 727-482-2125.• Advanced Beginners Conversational Spanish – Mon 3 -4 p.m. Call Ivone 727-482-2125.• Teen Spanish – Mon., 5:30-6:30 p.m. Call Ivone 727-482-2125.• Fencing - Wed., 4:30 p.m. Call Ian Fores-tier at 823-0922. • Gymnastics – Thur., 5:30-6:15p.m. Call Barbara at 804-9400.• Hatha Flow Yoga AM – Mon.., 9-10 a.m. Call Valerie at 557-4258. • Hatha Flow Yoga PM - Wed., 5:00-6:15 p.m. Call Tamara at 512-2763.• Karate - Mon. & Thurs., 6:30 p.m. Call Diane at 459-1399.• Stretch-n-Tone- Tue. & Thurs., 9-10 a.m. Call Jean at 727-302-1016• Tai Chi – Tues. & Thurs., 9:00-10:15 a.m. Call Marge at 345-6708.

• Tennis - Tues., 5 p.m. for 10 & under, 6 p.m. for Adults and Fri., 5 p.m. for Juniors. Call Jack at 280-4276.• Urban Survivor Bootcamp Fitness – Tues., 6:15-7:15 p.m. Call Donnie Ali-Mc-Clendon at 727-550-7185.• Walking Club- Thurs., 9 a.m.- Noon. Call John at 893-1079• Women’s Self-Defense – Thur., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Call Donnie Ali-McClendon at 727-550-7185.• Yoga in the A M – Wed., 9-10 a.m. Call Valerie at 557-4258. • Yoga in the PM – Wed., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Call Tamara at 512-2763.• Zumba – Tues., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Call Ra-chel at 419-905-5562 for more info.

TOMLINSON LAKE SKATE PARK As of October 1st, ALL skaters/bicyclists MUST purchase a new City of Gulfport Skate Park sticker to use the City of Gulf-port’s Tomlinson Skate Park. Stickers MUST be visibly placed on the helmet. An-nual fee for stickers is $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Also, all skaters/bi-cyclists 17 years of age or younger MUST have a signed parental consent form filed at the Gulfport Recreation Center which is located at 5730 Shore Blvd. S. Availabil-ity to register: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Stickers valid from October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014. Bicycles permitted on SUNDAYS only.

Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd. So 893-1068

Search our online catalog: http://pals.polarislibrary.com

Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014 37

The Gulfport Senior Center Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 – 3 p.m. You must be over 50 and a Gulfport resident. Pre-qualification is also needed before use of the pantry. Please bring your Gulfport Picture I.D., a utility bill and proof of income. For more information, please see Rachel at the Center or call 893-1231.

Do you know someone who lives alone and could use a friendly check in call? Volunteers for the Reassurance Telephone Program call Gulfport seniors every Monday through Saturday between 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. To sign up for this program, please visit the Gulfport Senior Center and bring valid I.D.

Special Events

Bon Voyage – Where have you been lately? Bahamas? Italy? Grand Canyon? Share your travel stories, pictures, and tips with other travelers as you hear about their experiences at the NEW discussion group, “Bon Voyage” that meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Cruise specialist, Ester, from Four Seasons Travel & Cruise will be here to provide great tips and insider information. Don’t miss out!

Mike & Harold Present The Joe Koehler Variety Show – Enjoy a show full of singing, dancing, a bit of comedy, and a few other surprises on Monday, March 24th at 1:30 pm at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Tickets are $6 each or 2 for $10. NO tickets will be sold at the door.

HCA Health Talk “Preventing Falls” - Monday, 3/24 @ 2:30 pm. Strength, flexibility and increased balance each contribute to preventing falls and injuries. Learn about strategies, safety and exercises to help prevent falls.

Day of Pampering - Tuesday, 3/25 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Heatherlee with Mary Kay will take the first 10 people to sign up and give them a complete makeover.

Coffee Club –1st Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am. Coffee and doughnuts are provided by Scott O’Berry as you discuss current events, the economy, and investing in a relaxed setting.

1st Friday Flea Market – Friday, 4/4 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. You never know what treasure you might find at the 1st Friday Flea Market.

A Place for Mom – Monday, 4/7 @ 5:30 pm. Whether dealing with a crisis or planning the future, A Place for Mom Senior Living Advisors can guide you through finding senior care and housing options for you or your loved one at no cost to you.

Movie Day at the Snack Bar – Tuesday, 4/8 at 11:00 am. Watch a FREE, current movie and get a great deal on lunch for only $3.00!

Special Services

This is your Center! - Sign up today to enjoy all the classes and events offered at the Gulfport Senior Center. Ask Rachel to give you a tour! Pick up a copy of the December schedule at the Senior Center or online at www.gulfportseniorfoundation.org. The Senior Center currently offers 55 monthly classes for residents over 50 to choose from. Membership required. Senior Center registration is easy and free.

FREE Phones for persons with mild to severe hearing loss – Florida residents with certified hearing loss are eligible to receive a free amplified phone from the non-profit Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI). Cordless and corded phones are available through FTRI at the Gulfport Senior Center every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:30 am. You MUST call 727-399-9983 to qualify.

Community Law Program - Legal assistance is available from the Community Law Program every 3rd Friday of the month. You must be 60 years of age or older and qualify with the program. Call 727-582-7480 to qualify and to make the appointment. If you qualify, the legal assistance is free. The Community Law Program is provided by St. Petersburg Attorneys and exists to empower the most vulnerable in our community through pro bono legal representations and assistance and outreach.

G.E.M.S. Gulfport Extended Mobility Service Affordable transportation for Gulfport residents 55 and over as well as disabled under 55. $65 annual membership. $2 per ride and your ride to the Senior Center is FREE! Go to the mall, grocery store, doctor’s appointments and more. Call 727-893-2242 for more information. NEW SCHEDULE AVAILABLE.

FITNESS CENTER SCHEDULE: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Friday:

8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Annual sign up for the Fitness Center is an affordable $25 a year or $40 a couple. Stop by the Senior Center and take a tour of our state of the art fitness facility.

Snack BarBring a friend to the Senior Center and enjoy a light breakfast for only $2.50 or lunch for only $3.00. In a hurry? Order a boxed lunch-to-go by calling 893-2259. Great food! Great prices!

Support GroupsDiabetic Support Group on Mondays at 9:30am Caregivers: Every Wednesday at 12:30pmHearing Loss Support Group, 1st & 3rd Mondays at 2:00 pmVisual Support Group, 2nd & 4th Mondays at 2 pm

More ActivitiesTo view the Senior Center calendar in its entirety, please log onto HYPERLINK http://www.gulfportseniorfoundation.org

City Sponsored Activitiesin the Community

Senior Center

Gulfport Getaways – Tuesday, 4/8 – Fort De Soto. Whether relaxing on the pristine beach, touring the historic fort, or fishing the still waters, Fort De Soto is the place to be. Call GEMS at 727-893-2242 to reserve your seat by 4/2. GEMS Members $10 / Non-GEMS Members $12. Price includes roundtrip transportation, parking, and a boxed lunch. (YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A GEMS MEMBER TO ENJOY GULFPORT GETAWAYS.)

The Gulfport Multipurpose Center hours are Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. This month’s calendar is out with valuable information. Stop by the Senior Center or download your copy at www.mygulfport.us and click the Senior Center link. Like us on Facebook at “Gulfport Senior Center and Foundation.” Help our page grow and get daily valuable information!

5501 27th Ave. So. 893-1070

MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA

“IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR”Sunday, March 23, at 2:00pm

Starring Tony SandsA must see event for any Sinatra fan!

Tickets $20. Available at Casino & Beach Bazaar

http://www.itwasaverygoodyearshow.com/

38 Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014

Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014 39

Community Law Program Legal assistance is available from the Community Law Program at the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S. every 3rd Friday of the month. You must be 60 years of age or older and qualify with the program. Call 727-582-7480 to qualify and to make the appointment. If you qualify, the legal assistance is free. The Community Law Program is provided by St. Petersburg Attorneys and exists to empower the most vulnerable in our community through pro bono legal representations and assistance and outreach.

•••

Gulfport Getaways: Fort De Soto No need to be a GEMS member to enjoy the New Monthly Gulfport Getaways. Enjoy a day of relaxing on the pristine beach, touring the historical fort, or fishing the still waters of Fort De Soto with your Senior Center friends on Tuesday, April 8th. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, fishing pole, walking shoes, and water. Call GEMS at 727-893-2242 more information & to reserve your seat by April 2nd. GEMS Members $10 / Non-GEMS Members $12. Price includes roundtrip transportation, parking, and boxed lunch. Must be a registered Gulfport Senior Center member. Membership is easy and free for all individuals 50 years of age or older. For more information, please contact Rachel at

727-893-1231.•••

Learn Computer Skills from a Professional Are you 50+ years of age and still in a fog when it comes to computers? Don’t let technology get the best of you! Launch a second career or enjoy retirement more by registering today today for the next Beginners Level class starting on Tuesday, April 1st at 2 p.m. at the Gulfport Senior Center located at 5501 27th Avenue S. in Gulfport. If you’ve got the basics down, you might be more suited for the Intermediate Level class starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2nd. Both the Basic and Intermediate

level classes are a series of four, one hour sessions. New Toshiba laptop computers with Windows 7 are available for each student. Instructor Anne M. Pemberton, former NASA Systems Engineer is counting down to the next class “lift off”. Each class is restricted to 10 students or less to provide for more individualized attention. Tuition for the Basic or Intermediate Level is $40 for Gulfport residents, and $50 for non-residents. You may register at the Foundation Office inside the Gulfport Senior Center or online at www.gulfportseniorfoundation.org. Cash, check or credit card payment is accepted. Call Jane at 727-592-1933.

•••

40 Gabber March 20 - March 26, 2014

South Pasadena Mayor’s CornerBy Dan Calabria

Following is a brief report to bring you up to date on current goings on in the City. As always, we invite you to attend our Regular Commission Meetings, held the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall.Walmart neighborhood Market I’m pleased to announce that this newest Walmart, located at the Pasadena Shopping Center,

has announced its grand opening, scheduled for Wednesday, April 9. It could be an interesting event since, as you know, “first impressions last.” Come join us to celebrate and welcome a major new business partner to our city.Something’s new Work continues at the former IHOP location and we hope to have more definitive news about that soon. A new business partner is in the process of permitting and site planning for a major fast food chain on Pasadena Avenue, (next to Bank

of America and across from Body Dynamics) - stay tuned.Administration Department We are anticipating the availability of a new city web site in the very near future, which is currently “under construction.” We look forward to a more attractive, user friendly, web site that we hope will be more comprehensive and easier to navigate. The new web site will also include a new URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and email address, both of which will be more convenient to use. All of this is part of our arrangement with a new information technology provider to help us keep abreast and updated on the latest computer technology and advances. We will announce when it will be activated and hope you will visit the new website and let us know your opinion of this new step forward in our attempts to enhance our ability to make communicating with us more convenient. In addition, we are pleased to announce a new service for South Pasadena residents and business owners only. As of March 17, residents and business owners can have most documents notarized by the administration department between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (this does not include documents which require witnesses). However, you must call city hall in advance at 347-4171 to ensure that a staff notary will be available. Remember this service is available to residents and business owners only, and subject to the judgment of the notary. Please join me in welcoming our new Deputy City Clerk, Brianna Wetherwax, who recently joined us. Say hello to Brianna next time you visit City Hall.updates If you are a member of a local group (such as a condominium association or other group) and would like me to speak to your members or board, please be sure to let me know. Any subjects related to city activities can be discussed and I will do my best to respond to your questions. If your questions relate to finance, community improvement (zoning, permits, and the like), public safety (fire or Sheriff deputy patrols, for example) or public works (city infrastructure), and I’m