The Gulfport Senior Center was the venue last week for the Spotlight Awards ceremony, where the United Way and the Neighborly Care Network were honoring seniors who volunteer their time to Senior-related issues. Volunteer Richard Struckmeier, 81, was honored for his efforts at the Senior Center, where last month he logged in over 80 hours, while still helping to set up at band equipment at city functions in his “spare time.” Mr. Struckmeier was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the United Way and was also a candidate for Volunteer of the Year. All this and he just recently had eye surgery, truly remarkable.
Gulfport Mayor Yakes was on hand to congratulate all of the efforts of the Neighborly Care Network, who are responsible for the Meals on Wheels program and who regularly offer lunch to seniors at the center, provide a taxi service and pharmacy delivery to seniors around the area, covering all of Pinellas County.
Kids Tot Time, from next door at the Rec Center provided the musical entertainment and clearly transcended any age gap with their hilarious pantomimes and adorable singing. The Seniors applauded enthusiastically as the little ones took their bows.
Appropriately, one award recipient, Ed Ambeau, missed the ceremony. He was out delivering Meals on Wheels.