Expand Your World Through
Senior Advantage

If you're at least "50 years young" and haven't yet joined Manatee Memorial Hospital's Senior Advantage Program, consider doing so. It offers a variety of fun, educational and enriching experiences.

Program Coordinator Randy Brooks says that the most popular new events are the computer classes, which she teaches several times a month in Manatee Memorial's computer lab. The classes are 90 minutes long and cater to beginners as well as those who might be more tech-savvy. "People who never used a computer are learning to search the Internet and send email, which really impresses their grandchildren," she says. "We're also planning to offer advanced classes on Microsoft Excel [a spreadsheet program] and Publisher [a desktop publishing program]."

Other events include bus trips to the Tampa casinos, book club meetings, bingo and bunco games, singles mixers and holiday parties. Future plans include a bus trip to Savannah, Georgia, and a cruise from the Port of Tampa. Brooks also wants to expand the program's health and wellness-related offerings with seminars on understanding Medicare benefits, preventing falls and safe driving.

Randy Brooks, Program Coordinator

"We currently have 4,200 members, and more than 1,000 new people joined last year," Brooks says. "They love the activities and are always suggesting new ones, but the best benefit is the chance to get out and make friends. Members will meet each other for the first time at an event, exchange phone numbers, and before they know it, they're attending Senior Advantage activities together or meeting up on their own."

Join a Senior Advantage Activity
Senior Advantage members may enjoy many activities held at Manatee Memorial. For a complete list and details, please visit www.manateememorial.com and click on Senior Advantage 50+ in the left column. On the following page, under the More Information headline, click on Seminars and Events for Senior Advantage Members. All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Reservations are required — please call 941-745-7548.

Singles Breakfast: Celebrating the First Day of Spring!
March 20, 9 -- 11 AM
Breakfast buffet served with conversation and games in the Auditorium.

Book Club Meeting
March 20, 1 -- 2:30 PM
"The Night Birds" by Thomas Maltman will be discussed. Please read and join us for a discussion in Classroom A.

Hard Rock Casino Bus Trip to Tampa
March 25
Space is limited. Please call for details.

Newcomer's Club
April 3, 10 -- 11:30 AM
If you have lived in Manatee County less than two years, please join us for refreshments and to meet fellow Senior Advantage newcomers in the Auditorium.

AARP Two-Day Driver's Class
April 22 and 23, Noon -- 4 PM
Fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Lunch will be provided by Manatee Memorial. It will be held in Classroom A.

Make New Friends
For further information on the Senior Advantage Program at Manatee Memorial Hospital, please call Randy Brooks, Program Coordinator at 941-745-7548.

206 Second Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5111 FAX: 941-745-6862