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

Jan. 22nd, PROGRAM CANCELLED  We regret that our speaker is ill, and no alternate speaker or program is available.

Jan. 29th, Cultural Sites of North Florida: Cultural Sites of Florida, A Backroads Guide to Small Museums and Other Local Treasures highlights 43 intriguing, little-known destinations in the northern part of the Florida peninsula that reflect the stories and communities of the region and show what makes this area of the state unique.  Co-authors Ronnie Lovler and Dixie Neilson will discuss their book published this year.

Feb. 5th, Hawaiian Ceremonies  Christina Gilman Sc.D. will talk about ceremonies and their importance based on her experiences in Hawaii.  She has performed many ceremonies and says Hawaiians have ceremonies for everything.

Feb. 12th, Heart Health and Wellness  Join us for an interactive presentation providing easy lifestyle modifications to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular health during Heart Health Month.  UF Health speakers are Elizabeth Warren, STEMI coordinator and Cheyenne Ferrell, Chest Pain Data Administrator.

Feb. 19th, Honoring a Legacy: Prue Tucker   Join us for the presentation of the Shirley Bloodworth Senior of the Year Award!  PrimeTime Institute’s own Prue Tucker has been posthumously selected to receive this award for her commitment to lifelong learning, and her lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Feb. 26th, George Washington: The Man and The Monument  Part 1 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 next parts 2 – 5 being held monthly.

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.