OLDER AMERICANS MONTH : Centers of Activity : The community facilities offer a full schedule of social, recreational and educational events during May.
To observe Older Americans Month, several May events have been planned locally.
If you are a senior citizen who still has not explored your local senior adult center, you may be missing out on social, recreational and educational opportunities. In addition, you often can obtain free or low-cost advice and assistance from representatives of social service agencies who regularly visit these centers.
VENTURA
* Saturday: “Celebrate the Centers” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center, 420 E. Santa Clara St., 648-2829, and the Ventura Avenue Adult/Senior Center, 550 N. Ventura Ave., 648-3035. The two centers sponsor activities for senior citizens, including excursions, crafts, hobbies and dances. Sports opportunities include lessons in fencing and self-defense as well as the annual Senior Olympics, which attract more than 500 participants every September from the tri-counties.
* Senior citizens who join the centers for $10 during the annual membership drive will receive a tote bag and membership card, in addition to a quarterly newsletter mailed to their homes. Those who pay $25 will also receive a coffee mug and a free cup of coffee each time they bring the mug to a center. A $50 payment entitles the member to all the promotional items plus a 5% discount on excursions costing between $50 and $200. Annual membership dues benefit special senior events and classes.
* The Ventura Avenue center, Sunday: A free tea dance featuring live music and light refreshments will be held from 2 to 5 p.m.
* On May 14, a Plant and Flower Show and Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to noon by senior center members who belong to the African violet, fuchsia, orchid and rose societies.
* On May 22, a Wild West Day and potluck lunch is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Western Aires Band will play and participants are encouraged to wear Western dress to get in the spirit of the day. Admission is free to those who bring food to contribute and $2 for others.
* The Santa Clara Street center, May 16: To kick off Senior Adult Day, the Ventura Suburban Kiwanis will sponsor a senior breakfast for $1.50 per person from 8 to 10 a.m. Tickets are available at both Ventura senior centers and reservations are requested by Wednesday.
* The Buenaventura Mall: Senior Adult Day on May 16 will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring health screenings, informational booths, entertainment and door prizes. It will be held at Mills Road and Main Street.
THOUSAND OAKS
* The Goebel Senior Adult Center will hold its annual Senior Expo on May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the auditorium of Cal Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road.
This year’s theme, “Empower Yourself for a Better Tomorrow,” will feature a presentation by Linda Dobie, a registered nurse and an attorney with Westlake Medical Center. Ken Kantor, former publicist for Bob Hope, and comedian-musician Ken Delo will provide entertainment. More than 30 providers of services to senior citizens will be at information booths to answer questions.
A morning snack and lunch will be provided for those attending the expo. Registration is $1 and is open to people age 50 and older.
Tickets and maps may be picked up beginning this week at the center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, 497-1639. Tickets are limited to two per person on a first-come, first-served basis, and cannot be reserved by telephone.