SHARE Club gets busy as autumn approaches
Things are a little slow right now, but the SHARE Club has a lot of new programs planned for the fall at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.
SHARE Club is run through the Lee Memorial Health System to keep those over age 50 healthy and out of the hospital through special activities
Every day, the rec center has a full slate of activities for SHARE club members, many of which are free of charge and run the gamut from card games and exercise classes to language courses and ceramics.
“We provide lectures, socialization, health screenings, and once they become a member, they are entitled to 20 percent off in the cafeteria and gift shop at the hospital,” said Paula Short, SHARE Club assistant coordinator.
The card games and socials are generally free, with exercise programs usually charging a $3 fee.
Socialization is a key component of wellness, Short said, because it gets people out of the house and gives them a chance to get up for a reason and to meet new people.
There will also be a series of lectures for members throughout Lee County, with two of them at the rec center.
On Monday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m., the rec center will host the program, “Keeping Your Balance: Are You at Risk,” presented by Nathalie Grondin, a physical therapist from LMHS and sponsored by Shell Point Retirement Community.
On Monday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m., is the program “Is There a Bathroom Nearby?” regarding physical therapy for urinary urge and frequency. Pat Curr, LMHS physical therapist, will explain how physical therapy can play a role in reducing symptoms of urinary urge and frequency of relief. Sponsored by Hidden Oaks Senior Living.
Short said a yoga class will be offered in November. Salute to the Veterans will be Nov. 7, and a health fair is planned for Nov. 18 at the rec center.
Also, on Sept. 19, the coffee bar will open at the rec center, blood pressure screenings will begin Oct. 3, crochet starts Oct. 13, and a hands-on writing class kicks off on Oct. 16, with more classes to be added.
Bill Oberman, who manages the program, said he is looking for ways to expand the programs into other areas of the county, since a large amount of the programs are hosted at the rec center.
“We have 3,000 members and 80 percent of them gravitate to this facility. There’s only a handful in Bonita and Estero,” Oberman said.
Along with your SHARE Club membership these programs will also require a general Lee County Parks & Recreation membership, which is available for a one-time fee of $10 per person or $25 per family.
“It’s inexpensive compared to the types of activities we have here. It’s a great way to get out of the house and meet others and interact socially and expose yourself to a lot of things,” Oberman said.
You must register to attend these events. Call 424-3765 for more information.
The SHARE Club is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more, call 533-7207.
SHARE Club membership dues are $10 per year. To apply and pay by phone, contact the SHARE Club at 424-3765.