For more info:

The Renaissance on 9th

Address: 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton

Phone: (941) 749-0100

Email: jyannotti@renaissanceon9th.org

Activities and offerings: bistro, library, fitness center, fitness classes, ballroom, senior outreach services, social activities, computer classes, dance classes and various art classes.

Annual memberships: $45 for singles and $75 for couples.

Manatee Memorial Hospital Senior Advantage Program

Address: 206 Second St. E., Bradenton.

Phone: (941) 745-7548

Activities: Bingo, singles events, newcomer groups and more.

Annual memberships: $15 for singles and $25 for couples.

H2U — Health, Happiness, You

Address: Cortez Center, 6670 Cortez Road, or Bayshore Gardens Center, 6049 26th St. W.

Phone: 792-0211 and 758-8343

Activities: Aerobics, including water; card games, craft classes, bingo and various travel activities.

Annual memberships: $15 for singles.

By NATALIE NEYSA ALUND

nalund@bradenton.com

BRADENTON — Casino trips.

Dance classes.

Internet instruction.

Just a few activities for Manatee County seniors who want to get up, get out and do something active.

Pop into the Renaissance on 9th, which includes the Senior Enrichment Center operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS, to find a broad range of activities and services including a bistro, library, fitness center and ballroom.

The 25,000-square-foot building, which officially opened in 2008, is designed as a social hub for seniors.

Programs at the facility are designed to promote healthy lifestyles and maximize the quality of life, said Kristen Theisen, Renaissance development director.

Watercolor, painting, ceramics, pottery.

They’re all available in the art center at the facility, located at the corner of Ninth Street West and 18th Avenue West.

“It’s an upscale, beautiful community center designed and geared for people who are 50 plus,” said Meals on Wheels PLUS Director Ellen Campbell. “A lot are still working. It’s a place for them to interact with others and socialize, or continue education.”

Other activities available include card games, knitting, crocheting and crafts. Dance instruction is also provided.

For those seeking to stay in shape, the facility has a fitness calender with schedules for pilates, tai chi and aerobics.

In addition, health counseling and support groups are provided.

“We have caregiver support groups for adults who are caring for their parents or a loved one,” Theisen said. “They have times they meet to discuss different situations and how to cope with it and deal with stress.”

Special speakers and visiting lecturers are offered monthly.

So are programs including theater, music appreciation and instruction.

“We have live music occasionally,” Theisen said.

A resource center with computers and an AARP office also is available.

Additional services include legal help, a tax aid program and income assistance; referrals to income assistance programs, employment assistance, money management and credit counseling services.