QUESTION: I recently retired and would like to spend some of my free time volunteering. I am interested in doing something that would benefit my community. Could you give me any leads?
ANSWER: I commend you for thinking of volunteering your time. Many activities and events we enjoy are possible only because of volunteers.
There are many volunteer positions that benefit our communities, and I have just been given information by three organizations that are looking for new people.
Our schools all rely on volunteer help, and with school opening in just a few weeks, now would be the time to see if this type of position would be of interest to you. Conejo Senior Volunteer Program sponsors an Intergenerational Classroom Program and has scheduled an “interest meeting” 10 a.m. Aug. 25 at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. The position requires a commitment of at least one hour per week during the school year in local elementary schools. For more information or to sign up for this informative meeting, call CSVP at 381-2742.
If you have ever attended a show at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, you were ushered to your seat by a volunteer. The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Theaters Usher Program is currently looking for ushers. The application period is currently in progress and will close on Aug. 21. Training for new ushers who have completed the application process will begin in September. The application process includes a short interview and completion of forms by the closing date. All information can be obtained by calling the Civic Arts Plaza information line at 449-2741.
The third opportunity I currently have on my desk should be of interest to crafters. The Senior Craft Shoppe located at 429 E. Main St. in Ventura is looking for new volunteer members. Any creative senior older than 50 — man or woman — is welcome. The Shoppe is a place where volunteers can put their handmade items up for sale. It is a money maker for the seniors and a way to fund the store.
The requirements to be a member include $25 annual dues and 20 hours per week in the store. Benefits include socialization with other crafters and customers and a place to market your crafts. The Shoppe is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information call 643-3059 or drop in for a visit.
Each one of these volunteer positions is a win-win opportunity for both the senior and the community. Happy volunteering!
Happenings
Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to noon: Workshop — Alzheimer’s Community Speaker and Elder Law Attorney Craig Ploss will present “Legal and Financial Planning for Caregivers” at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. Call 583-6363 to register.
Aug. 19, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Rummage Sale at Wilson Senior Center, 350 N. “C” St., Palm Street lot, in Oxnard. For more information call 385-8042 or 385-8019.
Aug. 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m.: History Comes Alive with the Stagecoach Inn Museum actors, “Women of the Conejo,” at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For reservations, call 381-2744.
Aug. 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Seminar — “Elder Financial Abuse and How to Protect Yourself” — at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For reservations, call 497-0189.
Aug. 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: “Memory Café,” a social gathering for those with memory loss and their family caregivers at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. Reservations are required and can be made at 497-0189.
Aug. 26, 3 p.m.: Presentation — “Opera Delicious,” a look at the six upcoming LA Opera mainstage operas for the 2017-18 season — at the Oxnard Public Library, 251 S. “A” St., Oxnard. For more information call 385-7532.
