News Worthy

Featured Business

Not that long ago, “fun” and “senior” would have had a hard time coexisting in the same sentence, let alone the same business name. But don’t try telling today’s seniors that, especially in Punta Gorda….

…The 4,500-square-foot center, decorated with photographs of classic movie stars and jumping with piped-in big-band music, fills an activities void for seniors, in an area far from other cultural centers.

There are two rooms of casino-style game machines (to help hone skills, not for gambling), a movie theater with reclining seats and free popcorn, a Wii bowling alley with three “lanes” (screens), dart boards, pool table, classes, dog friendliness and, most of all, companionship and healing.

…“Roy, one of our members, lost his wife two years ago and comes here every day, just to read a book and have a cup of coffee. We try to be a home away from home, especially for those who don’t have family here….Many are either widowed or living in a place that lacks activities. We’re a center for independent people like them, who don’t need adult daycare but want to remain active.”

…Housed in Senior FUNdamentals’ two casino-like game rooms, its high-definition, high-intensity graphics capture all the light, sound and excitement of casino gaming, without the risk. These are skill-building games, not games of chance.

Pattern-recognition skill games like these not only stimulate and benefit members, even those with dementia; they can also win them prizes, from Walmart gift cards to TVs and barbecue grills.

… “We want this to be a social center, where seniors can get out of the house for a couple of hours instead of sitting in front of the TV. And we want to accommodate them with something for everybody.”

Members get tech training for smart phones and tablets, free medical screenings and flu shots, tai chi and yoga classes, a singles group, ballroom dancing, a book club and game nights for a generation that loves board games. There’s always something going on.

…Monthly membership fees are $25 per member, $10 for a spouse and $10 for veterans…

…The Punta Gorda center is the flagship for three future Senior FUNdamentals, with a first sister location coming to Venice Pines shopping center Oct. 13.

Senior FUNdamentals, 941-347-7648, is at 10169 Tamiami Trail, #112. Look for it to the right of Muscle Car City’s new location in the former Sweetbay plaza on U.S. 41 southbound. As of Oct. 1, hours are Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday to 11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Animal Welfare League

We were please to sponsor the ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE of Charlotte County for the month of August. Our members came together throughout the month donating necessities on their wish list…from food to blankets and detergents… many items that this worthy non-profit needed. Senior FUNdamentals love our furry friends!

We encourage support for all the non-profits and whether or not it is our spot-lighted cause,…We enjoy being able to help local causes that are near and dear to our hearts.