PrimeTime Institute (PTI) provides a wide variety of educational programs for people age 50+ that foster wellness, encourage personal and intellectual growth, and that provide an environment for developing new interests, making new friends, and becoming involved as volunteers.
PTI is a program of ElderCare of Alachua County, a non-profit organization providing various services for seniors such as Meals-on-Wheels, Alz Place, etc. All PTI programs and activities are planned and presented entirely by volunteer members and speakers, with expenses supported by optional memberships and donations. Additional information about PTI, including program updates, is available at our website www.primetimeinstitute.org or by contacting Susan Williams at 352-214-6219.
We appreciate the speakers who provide free programs for our seniors; however, please understand that PTI does not endorse any company, product, or service.
We continue with HYBRID programs — the speaker in-person at the Senior Recreation Center, along with attendees willing to gather there, and a simultaneous online webinar option through Zoom. We have learned that many people are able to participate online who are unable to come to the Center for a variety of reasons. Watch for Sunday messages each week to learn of any changes in that week’s Thursday program.
In February we begin a monthly series entitled, "250 Years of American Revolution," created and presented by Dr. Barbara Oberlander and concluding in June with a program by Donna Waller.
TIME: Unless otherwise noted, programs will be on Thursdays from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
April 9th, Spiders Can Be Charming! How to charm a cannibalistic mate: insights from colorful courtship in Jumping Spiders Lisa Taylor, Ph.D. Behavioral Ecologist in the Entomology and Nematology Dept at U.F. will present her research and show us these beautiful spiders and how they evolved to have so many colors. (Rescheduled from January due to illness)
April 16th, Zip Code or Genetic Code and Health What does your zip code and/or your genetics have to do with your health care? Dr. Vinny Antony will explore these issues.
April 23rd, Diplomat Extraordinaire: Benjamin Franklin Part 3 of a mini-series, 250 Years: Famous and Unknown Faces of The American Revolution presented by Dr. Barbara Oberlander, Santa Fe College Emerita Professor of History. This mini-series invites you to explore the legends and lesser-known figures of our history, offering insights that foster reflection, education, and inclusivity as we commemorate this pivotal moment. See the flyer for details on the upcoming parts 4 and 5.
May 7th, The Maltese Falcon (Note room change for this date only) The Driveway Theatre Project will present an old-time radio play in the Multipurpose room. This is the thriller adventure of Detective Sam Spade, who, after his partner gets killed, searches for the killer and ends up involved with a group of nefarious characters all in search of a statue of a falcon.
May 14th, How to Manage Neuropathy and Improve Your Life Come discover practical ways to manage diabetic and other nerve pain to improve your daily comfort. Dr. Walter Johnson, a UF Health pain medicine expert will explain why neuropathy develops, how to recognize early warning signs, and what you can do to manage symptoms to support better long-term nerve health.
May 21st, How Pre Columbian Pots Tell Us Stories By tracing pots, we can uncover stories of migration, identity and how people built renewed lives in a rapidly changing world. Anthony Farace, Ph.D. candidate, is the presenter.
May 28th, Choosing Sides: African Americans Fight for Liberty Part 4 of a mini-series, “250 Years: Famous and Unknown Faces of The American Revolution” presented by Dr. Barbara Oberlander, Santa Fe College Emerita Professor of History. This mini-series invites you to explore the legends and lesser-known figures of our history, offering insights that foster reflection, education, and inclusivity as we commemorate this pivotal moment.
June 4th, Inalienable Rights: The Legacy of the Revolution Donna Waller, Emerita Professor, Santa Fe College will present the finale of our series, “250 Years: Famous and Unknown Faces of The American Revolution”.
PLEASE NOTE: This concludes our 2025-2026 program year. Watch for announcements of programs beginning again on September 10, 2026.Recent Events
Strolling to the River Sink
Outing to O'Leno State Park
Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, it disappears underground and reemerges over three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve. One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The suspension bridge built by the CCC still spans the river. During our visit, park staff gave a fascinating presentation on the exploration of the underground portion of the Santa Fe.