Seniors flock to winter activities

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The arrival of the winter season means events and activities for senior adults are heating up along the beaches at The Ark and the Panama City Beach Senior Center.

"We are starting our Winter Program this coming Friday, Dec. 1, which will run each week until the end of February," said Donna Coyne of The Ark (formerly called Noah's Ark). "Cost of membership is $40 per month, and you can take part in all or any activity you desire at no extra cost. We are all volunteers, so if you have a class that you would like to teach, please contact us."

The Ark, 12902 Front Beach Road, is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The public is invited to drop in to pick up a schedule of activities; the office is at the corner of Laurel Street and Front Beach Road, in the complex's middle building.

The Ark's annual Snowbirds and Locals Winter Craft Program begins Friday, Dec. 1, and includes: a fully equipped Woodwork Shop for bowl and pen turning, and carving; a Stained Glass Workshop, where guests can work on their own or take lessons (1-3 p.m. each Wednesday); Sewing classes with sewing machines on site (first meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 4); Pine Needle Baskets workshop 1-3 p.m. starting Monday; Paper Tole workshop or lessons starting 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7.

Other activities to join at the Ark include creative writing, bridge, embroidery on cards, exercise for seniors, darts, karaoke, clogging and dancing. The Ark is also planning for its annual Christmas Craft Show and Open House, which will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 16, in the Ark's chapel.

SENIOR CENTER

The Panama City Beach Senior Center is open year-round, but really gets hopping once the snowbirds migrate south for the winter. Located at 423 Lyndell Lane, the center sprawls across three buildings, including a classroom building, gymnasium and offices.

"This is an especially exciting time for us locals because we have so many new and returning visitors from such a wide variety of northern areas and we always welcome our snowbirds," said a note in the most recent Senior Center newsletter.

Daily activities include chair yoga, strength and exercise, yoga and bocce; arts and crafts including painting, stained glass, woodcarving, and beading; games including Mahjongg, dominoes, billiards, and card games. Social activities include the morning coffee shoppe, potluck luncheons, health luncheons with speakers from the area, and art workshops.

"Our very popular Wednesday Coffee Shoppe is well attended," the newsletter said. "It's a great time to meet new people, enjoy the sweets and bread provided by Panera Bread and of course, coffee!"

Upcoming events at the Senior Center will include the annual Christmas Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 in the Oatfield Center. Mugsy Parens is in charge of the event and has about 30 local vendors scheduled with a wide range of crafts, jewelry, food and specialty items, including a Bake Sale.

"This is a wonderful place to start your Christmas shopping and find unique items for all those on your Christmas list," according to a Senior Center release. Food will be available for purchase and some lucky person will win a raffle basket.

All events are open to the public, and the center relies on funds raised at the events to help keep membership costs low.

In addition, plans are under way for Phil Chester's sixth annual Fish Fry at the Oatfield Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 8. Chester will again furnish the locally-caught fish and cook them on site. The luncheon will include fish, baked beans, cole slaw, hush puppies and desserts for $10 a plate (limited to only 150 tickets, available for purchase at the Oatfield Building).

"The best way you can support our Senior Center is by attending and supporting all of our events," the newsletter said. "We can always use volunteers to help us. Please contact one of the staff if you are interested in volunteering."

More events geared toward senior adults and snowbirds will be announced throughout the winter. Check the Entertainer for an updated Seniors and Snowbirds Calendar beginning next Friday, Dec. 8. To get your event in the calendar, email information to tsimmons@pcnh.com.

SENIORS AND SNOWBIRDS