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SENIOR RECREATION CENTER

December 2020 Newsletter

Contact the Senior Recreation Center at:

(352) 265-9040

5701 NW 34th Blvd.

Gainesville, FL 32653

NEWS/UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

Our goal during this time of concern around COVID-19 is to continue to keep you up to date on what you

need to know. We will continue to monitor the information and send out updates as new information

becomes available. At this time, we have developed an opening plan for the Center but have not selected

a date. That being said, while we may be open at some point in the future, the total number of seniors that

will be able to enter the building will be significantly lower.

We will do everything possible to make the center available for all just as soon as we are able to do so in

a safe manner for everyone involved. If you are currently on the monthly newsletter E-mail list, we will

announce a projected opening date just as soon as we have it. There will also be postings on our

webpage and other social media outlets such as Facebook and PSA's on local television and/or

newspapers as they are available.

We are saddened by the negative impact the COVID pandemic has had on our community as a whole and

especially to our community's seniors. It is our goal to do our best to bring any services we can to our

seniors to help minimize the negative impacts during this time.

We appreciate your patience during this difficult time. In an effort to bring you resources, the Senior

Recreation Center is now offering Virtual Programs!

Please note: You must download Zoom at www.zoom.com to your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone

in order to participate in the virtual programs available.

To learn more about Zoom and how to join a meeting please visit,

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-meeting

**ANNOUNCEMENT: The Senior Center will be closed on December 25th for Christmas!!

**ANNOUNCEMENT: The Senior Center will be closed on January 1st for New Year’s Day!!

http://www.zoom.com/https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-meeting

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**REMINDER: The Senior Center offers lunch through our congregate meal program drive-through. Lunch

is served M-F, from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Senior Recreation Center. A short assessment must be

completed and renewed annually. Please call ElderCare at 352-265-9040 for more information!

**REMINDER: For your convenience, clients can now choose the option of receiving their monthly invoice

electronically, as well as the ability to pay your invoice online. In order to enroll in electronic invoicing,

please call 352-265-8739 and provide your email address.

**REMINDER- Senior Care Living Resource:

Check out this detailed and thorough information for families and senior citizens who are researching

available care options and programs that can help maintain their independence and quality of life. This

free resource provides comprehensive information on topics like financial support and care options that

are available in every city and state across the country.

You can read more here: https://www.senioradvice.com/assisted-living

**check out this resource for seniors**- simply click on the link:

https://www.seniorliving.org/research/apps-for-seniors/

**REMINDER- Freedom in Motion/Uber Program:

Don’t forget about the on demand transportation

program, an initiative to provide seniors safe and

affordable transportation through the smartphone

application of UBER!

The criteria for eligibility:

• 60 + years of age

• Owning a smartphone

• Living within Gainesville City Limits

Contact ElderCare of Alachua County and ask to

speak with Nick Hauzer at 352-265-9040 or email

Nhau0001@shands.ufl.edu for more information!

https://www.senioradvice.com/assisted-livinghttps://www.seniorliving.org/research/apps-for-seniors/mailto:Nhau0001@shands.ufl.edu

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**REMINDER- UF Department of psychology:

Researchers are seeking older adults aged 60+ to talk

about their life experiences. Please share your story with

us to help us help others!

Interested? Contact us! Phone: 352-559-9917

Email: lifestorylab@psych.ufl.edu

We want to learn from your life events!

Study participation involves:

• Brief phone interview

• In-depth virtual interview session

• Sharing memories of life challenges

Participants receive:

• Opportunity to share your stories

• $15 to thank you for participating

**REMINDER- University of Florida The ACT Study:

The ACT Study is now enrolling participants for a Thinking

and Memory Study!

This research is to help understand how to improve the

benefits of brain training in older adults!

• Do you worry about your thinking and memory?

• Would you like to improve your thinking and

memory?

Compensation of up to $75 is provided at completion of

each MRI Visit.

For more information 352-294-5827 Please call and ask

for Andrew or Stephanie Pollard, MPH 52-256-5823 or

email: spollard142@aol.com

mailto:lifestorylab@psych.ufl.edumailto:spollard142@aol.com

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**REMINDER- University of Florida Self and Others

Study:

The University of Florida wants you to participate in this

study

to learn how well you know yourself and others!

• Women and men, ages 18 to 100 years old

• Compensation for study completion

• Convenient location, & parking

For more information, please contact:

(352) 273-2141 or ebnerlab@psych.ufl.edu

Weight-Loss Study

Are you interested in losing weight and keeping it off

long-term? The UF Health Promotion Lab is seeking

volunteers to take part in Project STAR: a research

study aimed at helping people learn skills to lose weight

and keep it off long-term. Eligible volunteers will receive

a no-cost, 16-week program followed by an additional

20 months of smartphone-based support. You may be

eligible to participate in this research study if you:

• Are between 18 and 70 years of age

• Own an Apple or Android smartphone

• Are willing to complete the full 2-year program

For more information, call: (352) 273-5235 or email:

projectstar@phhp.ufl.edu

mailto:ebnerlab@psych.ufl.edumailto:projectstar@phhp.ufl.edu

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Living Healthy Workshop

Living Healthy Workshop

Location: On-line via Zoom

https://zoom.us/j/98385987138

Dates:

November 10, 17, 24, & December 1, 8, 15, 2020

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For Information Call:

(352) 378-6649 or email:

Healthyaging@agingresources.org

For registration via our website:

(copy and paste to your browser)

https://agingresources.org/healthyagingclasses/

VIRTUAL INFORMATIONAL PROGRAMS

Virtual SHINE Counseling:

Email: shine@agingresources.org or

call the Elder Helpline for individual

counseling at 1-800-963-5337. See

information below for reference!

https://zoom.us/j/98385987138https://agingresources.org/healthyagingclasses/mailto:shine@agingresources.org

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Gator Balance Fitness Class:

Are you concerned about your

balance? Have you ever had a fall?

Come out to UF Doctor of Physical

Therapy Program’s Balanced Gator

balance class! Our Physical Therapists

and Physical Therapist Students will

work with you to increase your balance,

strength, power, endurance and even a

little bit of tai chi!

Hi! We are a group of Doctor of Physical

Therapy (DPT) students at UF

interested in improving Community

Health. Our goal is to promote healthy

living in the community around us and

we hope this newsletter can help! If you

have any questions or want to reach out

to our team, please email us at

ufptcommunityhealth@gmail.com

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER COMMUNITY

OUTREACH GROUPS!

gaitorchallengept@gmail.com

Students are available to help you stay

active and respect social distancing

Through telephone, computer, or text,

ufpteac@gmail.com

Free telehealth physical therapy consultations provided by students with faculty supervision. Internet and

Computer access required.

Would you like to complete a full home safety self-check to

prevent falls? Go to https://tinyurl.com/HSSAT-5 to download

the Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool (HSSAT Version 5.0)

and access more fall-prevention resources created by the

University.

mailto:ufptcommunityhealth@gmail.commailto:gaitorchallengept@gmail.commailto:ufpteac@gmail.comhttps://tinyurl.com/HSSAT-5

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Virtual PrimeTime Institute / ElderCare of Alachua County

PrimeTime Institute (PTI) provides a wide variety of educational programs and social activities for people age 50+ that foster wellness, encourage personal and intellectual growth, and that provide an environment for developing new interests, making new friends, and becoming involved as volunteers.

PTI is a program of ElderCare of Alachua County, a non-profit organization providing various services for seniors such as Meals-on-Wheels, Alz Place, etc. All PTI programs and activities are planned and presented entirely by volunteer members and speakers. You do not have to be a PTI member to participate in our educational programs. Additional information about PTI, including program updates, is available at our website www.primetimeinstitute.org or by contacting Jean Outler at 248-480-5672.

We appreciate the speakers who provide free programs for our seniors, however, please understand that PTI does not endorse any company, product, or service.

***While the Senior Recreation Center is closed due to the COVID-10 pandemic, all our programs will be presented through online webinars. To participate, you can log in on your Internet-connected computer, tablet, or phone as the program gets underway. Advance registration is required. Please send an email request to primetime.inst@gmail.com with your name and email address. You will receive a confirmation message and a link to click on so you can join in at the appropriate time. No camera or microphone is needed to see and hear the presentation.

TIME: Unless otherwise noted, programs will be on Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thurs., December 3rd – Zoom 101: How to Use and How to Host Ming Yang, our speaker, is a UF Computer Engineering graduate who helped her mom apply for health insurance, something her mother couldn’t do on her own because she didn’t know how to use a computer. From this beginning, Ming Yang realized that many seniors weren’t able to connect with the world or access benefits, so she developed a service to empower them with empathetic technology coaching. The need for virtual coaching has become more prevalent during the pandemic as more people are depending on their computers and services like Zoom to stay in touch with families, friends, and learning opportunities like PTI’s webinars. Registration required; see above for how to register. Thurs., December 10th - Managing Diabetes to Minimize Complications Scott Crow PhD, RD, LDN, CDE , Diabetes Educator at UF Health Shands, will discuss how to define Blood Glucose targets (targets can change for groups of people as they age as well as individuals, organize diabetes maintenance (which doctors to see and how often), understand the importance of exercise and its effect on Diabetes management, and gain knowledge on using the “MyPlate” method for meal planning. Registration required; see above for how to register. Thurs., December 17th – Inventing the First Lady: Martha, Abigail and Dolley The role of First Lady has no constitutional or legislative basis, so had to be literally invented. This presentation will look at how the early presidents' wives defined and fashioned this role, each one contributing special skills that had a permanent impact. Barbara Oberlander, retired Santa Fe professor, is returning to PTI with this additional program in her enjoyable series on First Ladies. Registration required; see above for how to register. ** Our programs will resume in January. Be watching your email for our first program schedule of 2021.

Have a wonderful holiday season and stay safe!

http://www.primetimeinstitute.org/mailto:primetime.inst@gmail.com

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UF Health Wellness Univeristy Free Webinar Series!

UF Health Wellness University is hosting live webinars you can watch from anywhere. If you miss the live

sessions, seminars will be recorded for you to view at your own convenience.

Registration is required. After you register, you will receive instructions telling you how to view the Zoom

webinar. If you miss the webinar, we will send a link to the recording, as soon as it's available.

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT'S COMING UP:

What Parents and Expectant Moms Need to Know About Vaccines?:

in this webinar you will learn how to safely stay up-to-date on routine vaccines.

Tuesday December 1st at 11:00am. Click here for registration link

Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma.

Hear about the science of addiction and how you or a loved one can find the path to recovery.

Wednesday, December 9th at 3:30pm. Click here for registration link

Herniated Disk: The Good, The Bad, The Ouch!

Discover how personalized care can make the difference for your herniated disk.

Tuesday, December 15th at 2:00pm. Click here for registration link

**If you miss the live sessions, seminars will be recorded for you to view at your convenience

Virtual Civic Classes

Virtual Civic Webinars – Tuesday, December 8th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Post election Wrap up and More!

Virtual Classes are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Civics Classes are Co-Sponsored by the Community Coalition for Older

Adults (CCOA) and the LWVAC. To register for classes please contact: Nick

Hauzer: Nhau0001@Shands.ufl.edu | Tel: 352-265-9040

VIRTUAL GAMES & ENTERTAINMENT

Virtual BINGO! Fridays, 11am-2pm! **THERE WILL BE NO BINGO ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25TH!

The Senior Recreation Center is now offering Virtual Bingo!

Please email: virtualbingo01@gmail.com for more information on how to sign up!

https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/2616033130903/WN_UODn30N3QBSaV-5IDhy5mghttps://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/5516053023370/WN_WWU_LqIbRNalQKCaGPYjnwhttps://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/6016053043664/WN_IqtvlT5hTT-iz-CEALREfAmailto:Nhau0001@Shands.ufl.edumailto:virtualbingo01@gmail.com

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OTHER PROGRAMS

CCOA (Community Coalition for Older Adults) Monthly Meeting – 2nd Friday of Every Month at 10:00AM -

Topics discussed: health, art, exercise, affordable housing, travel, livable communities, AARP articles,

history, home and car sharing, retirement and community announcements. Join the community and stay

connected! Follow us on Facebook!

Please email Nick Hauzer: Nhau0001@shands.ufl.edu for more information!

Virtual ARTS and CREATIVE PROGRAMS

Virtual Quilters of Alachua County Day Guild (QACDG):

For more information, please contact, Marite Haynes at 724-971-3501 or visit

the QACDG website at www.qacdg.org

Virtual Support Groups

Pain Management Support Group:

Chronic pain is a pain that never goes away. If you have it, you know that often doctors and medicine

cannot fully help. However, you can learn to help yourself. The American Chronic Pain Association can

teach you how through small group meetings. Learn to deal with your pain in a positive way. Regain a

sense of personal control. Improve function and enhance your quality of life.

Please contact Marian Griffey at 352-213-1600 or email: mariangriffey63@gmail.com for more information!

Virtual Grief Support Group:

The Grief and Loss Zoom Support Group led by Shanti Vani, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, will take

place every other Wednesday afternoon from 4 to 5pm, beginning on December 9. In this group,

participants will provide mutual support for grief and loss, sharing our experiences in a confidential

environment, without advice, judgment or criticism. The 8-session series will explore a variety of topics

around grief, loss and recovery. This first series will take place on the following dates: December 9 and

23, January 6 and 20, February 3 and 17, March 3 and 17.

To register for the group or ask questions, please email shantivani@cox.net

Virtual Nami Support Groups:

NAMI Gainesville Connection and Family Support Group meetings are occurring at the regularly

scheduled times by virtual meetings on Zoom. See below for more information.

For instructions on how to log in, click on the meeting in the calendar on our

website: namigainesville.org/calendar

mailto:Nhau0001@shands.ufl.eduhttp://www.qacdg.org/mailto:mariangriffey63@gmail.commailto:shantivani@cox.nethttps://imsva91-ctp.trendmicro.com/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=https%3a%2f%2fnamigainesville.us3.list%2dmanage.com%2ftrack%2fclick%3fu%3da7205b2161a9f4b949fb1ccb3%26id%3d0e22975568%26e%3dd88ad940fc&umid=037D2BDB-B556-DA05-BB6C-09B83FF200A9&auth=5ab06289d9c3b14f9a77f69d29e7a25870e86301-c6a4512da51e5d5f03bfa198c8a440785f3172ae

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VIRTUAL EXERCISE PROGRAMS

Virtual Tai Chi Programs:

Are you not as sure footed as you would like to be? Do you have a fear of falling? Would you just like to do

some simple movements to get you up and out of your chair? Then this may be the exercise for you.

You will learn 10 Tai Chi forms which have been put together by Dr. Li of the Oregon Research Institute and

is brought to the Senior Center through Elder Options. You will move a lot and have fun while improving

your posture and your balance.

• Virtual Tai Chi for Better Balance: 12-Week Program, Tuesdays & Thursdays ,10:00am – 11:00am

Starting on Tuesday, September 15th. The 12th class and final class will be on December 10th,

2020. Due to the Election Day November 3rd and Thanksgiving November 26th, there will be no

classes broadcasting from the Senior Center. This class is limited to 10 people. To register,

please contact Betty Flagg at Elder Options: flaggb@agingresources.org

• Virtual Tai Chi Sequel! Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Starting on Wednesday, September 16th, “Tai Chi Sequel!” What is it? It’s an opportunity for

those students who have taken the Tai Chi Quan or Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance classes

to continue practicing the eight forms learned in those classes and to learn new variations.

Practicing this art increases flexibility and balance. Click on the link to participate!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83660799247

• Tai Chi 24 is the form of Tai Chi which is the most frequently practiced in the world. It involves

learning 24 tai chi forms in different sequences. For anyone who has taken Tai Chi for Better

Balance, you will know more than half of the forms already. The class will be for six weeks (12

sessions). Look for it to start in January, 2021. No sign up is necessary, this will be a Zoom

Class.

• Tai Chi & Me is a new class that is designed to help you learn a basic Tai Chi Balance Pattern in

six weeks (12 sessions). It will help you to move on to other forms of tai chi. This class uses

Sun Style Tai Chi (very non-aggressive but flowing movements) which will help to improve

posture as well as balance. Look for it to start in January, 2021. No sign up is necessary, this

will be a Zoom Class.

mailto:flaggb@agingresources.orghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/83660799247

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Virtual Zumba Gold: Friday’s, 1:00pm - 2:00pm **THERE WILL BE NO ZUMBA ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER

25TH!

• Friday’s, 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Sponsored by ElderCare

of Alachua County

The Virtual Zumba Gold Fitness program is second to none.

It is an innovative, fun and exciting program. It was designed

for the active older adult. The main difference between

Zumba Gold and Zumba Basic is that Zumba Gold is done at

a lower intensity, not as fast, but it certainly is as fun. Click on the link to participate!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81647331962

A medical waiver is required to participate in Zumba. This can be found on Eldercare’s Website:

www.eldercare.ufhealth.org. A physician’s signature may be required on this waiver prior to participation.

Virtual Yoga: M, W, F, 10:30am- 12:00pm **THERE WILL BE NO YOGA ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25TH!

Level 1 Amrit Yoga. In this online Zoom yoga class, you will work gently and at your own level, only doing

the postures in each class that feel right for you. These classes emphasize mindful breathing and

meditative awareness as well as yoga postures. Yoga builds strength, increases flexibility and relaxation,

and enhances your sense of well-being. Click on the link to participate:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84019786465

For further information, contact the Senior Recreation Center at (352) 265-9040

or email:

• Lynn Lefebvre, Instructor lefebvre@bellsouth.net (Monday’s class)

• Susan Mickelberry, Instructor smickelb@att.net (Wednesday’s class) or

• Sue Webster, Instructor slwebster1936@gmail.com (Friday’s class)

General Notes about Yoga: Yoga is rejuvenating, relaxing, and non-competitive. Yoga postures improve

strength, balance, and flexibility, while yoga breathing promotes concentration, oxygenation, and better

circulation. You will need to wear comfortable clothing. No special shoes are required since yoga is

done barefoot. Please try to be on time so that you will hear all opening instructions and be properly

warmed up for class.

A medical waiver is required to participate in yoga. This can be found on Eldercare’s Website:

www.eldercare.ufhealth.org. A physician’s signature may be required on this waiver prior to

participation.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81647331962http://www.eldercare.ufhealth.org/https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84019786465mailto:lefebvre@bellsouth.netmailto:smickelb@att.netmailto:slwebster1936@gmail.comhttp://www.eldercare.ufhealth.org/

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VIRTUAL ARTS IN MEDICINE PROGRAMS

Virtual Story song: Making Your Memories into Music: Mondays, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Have you always wanted to be able to write songs? Now's your chance. We’ll take your stories, individually

and as a community, turn them into poems or short prose, and then add music. Cathy DeWitt will lead you

through this process, helping you choose the tempo, rhythm patterns, chord structures, major or minor

key-- inspiring your creative expression and broadening your understanding of the songwriting process.

We will sing the original creations together, sometimes adding movement or other arts. This class is taught

by Cathy DeWitt, International Award-winning Songwriter, and Musician in Residence for UF Health/Shands

Arts in Medicine. Former Radio Host: Across the Prairie and Healing Journeys Through Music. Contact

Cathy DeWitt at www.cathydewitt.com to register!

Virtual Dance for Lifelong Health: Tuesdays, 11:30am – 12:30pm

This is a program of free weekly dance classes that focus on fun, fitness, creativity and community using

easy dance techniques from jazz, modern, ballet, and various national styles that contribute to

experiencing the joy of motion. By creating an original dance each week, participants have fun with

others, develop a sense of accomplishment and help retain independence through maintaining and

enhancing fitness, and general wellness. Dance for Lifelong Health is facilitated by Rusti Brandman, UF

dance faculty emerita and UF Shands Arts in Medicine dancer in residence. Wear comfortable clothing

and shoes. Dance for Lifelong Health is sponsored by UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine. Contact Rusti

Brandman at drdance@ufl.edu to register!

A medical waiver is required to participate in Dance for Lifelong Health. The medical waiver can be found

on Eldercare’s Website: www.eldercare.ufhealth.org. A physician’s signature may be required on this

waiver prior to participation.

Virtual Dance for Life: for People with Movement Disorders: Wednesdays, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Dance for Life is a dance class for people with movement disorders and their significant others. The

program is designed to help people with movement disorders improve their quality of life through enhanced

overall physical well-being, social interaction, creative expression, and targeted improvements in balance,

strength, and mobility. The program is led by professional and student dancers from the University of

Florida School of Theatre and Dance and UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine, and combines elements of

modern dance, ballet and social dance. No prior dance experience is necessary. Comfortable clothes and

shoes are recommended. Contact Whitney Wilson: wwilson@arts.ufl.edu to register!

A medical waiver is required to participate in Dance for Life. The medical waiver can be found on Eldercare’s

Website: www.eldercare.ufhealth.org. A physician’s signature may be required on this waiver prior to

participation.

Virtual Encore Dancers Workshop: Thursdays, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Provides mature dancers with an opportunity to continue their practice in an adult- friendly environment.

Rusti Brandman, UF dance faculty emerita and Shands Arts in Medicine dancer in residence, facilitates

the classes with input from participants welcomed. These weekly sessions consist of warm up, skills and

conditioning, creative exercises, and dance phrase work using concepts primarily from ballet and modern

http://www.cathydewitt.com/mailto:drdance@ufl.eduhttp://www.eldercare.ufhealth.org/mailto:wwilson@arts.ufl.eduhttp://www.eldercare.ufhealth.org/

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dance. The classes will focus on fun, fitness, creativity and community, and goals important to the group.

If you are dancing and/or have danced in your recent or even distant past, please join us and keep on

dancing forever. Wear comfortable clothing. Flexible shoes or stockings or bare feet are suggested.

Encore Dancers is sponsored by UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine. For more information, please call:

352.733.0881. Contact Rusti Brandman: drdance@ufl.edu to register!

A medical waiver is required to participate in Encore Dancers Workshop. This can be found on

Eldercare’s Website: www.eldercare.ufhealth.org. A physician’s signature may be required on this waiver

prior to participation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The mission of ElderCare of Alachua County is to be an advocate for the elderly and provide services that

will build capacity, maximize independence, and enrich the quality of life for the seniors in Alachua County

and north central Florida.

NOTICE: The Senior Recreation Center is closed at this time due to community efforts to limit the spread

of COVID-19.

Main Location:

ElderCare of Alachua Count Hours: Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00PM

Senior Recreation Center

5701 NW 34th Blvd. Phone: 352-265-9040

Gainesville, FL 32653 Website: www.eldercare.ufhealth.org

(Calendar events are posted on website)

All classes are FREE to any resident of Alachua County who is 60+, unless otherwise noted.

Fitness Center Eligibility:

• Alachua County Residents

• 55+

• $64.20 annually. (Prorated from the time of registration).

• The Fitness Center is closed at this time due to community efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19

mailto:drdance@ufl.eduhttp://www.eldercare.ufhealth.org/http://www.eldercare.ufhealth.org/