QUESTION: I am looking for a Driver Safety Program for seniors. Do you have information on such a program and where and when it is given?
ANSWER: I think you are looking for AARP’s Driver Safety Program. This is an eight hour classroom refresher class for drivers aged 50 and older.
This course is designed especially for the senior driver and takes into consideration the physical changes that occur as we age and how we may compensate for these changes. The class structure allows participants to identify their individual problem areas and what steps to take to improve their driving.
The class is designed to help the senior recognize and understand the effects of aging on driving and learn driving strategies that take those changes into account. Learn what the most common crash situations seniors face and how to reduce the chances of having one.
The class will also update the attendees’ knowledge and understanding of today’s roads, vehicles and other drivers on the road and allow them to think about how they personally drive.
Also during the class an attendee may discover that he or she should no longer be driving.
The “Initial” 8 hour Smart Driver Course is divided in two 4 hour sessions scheduled on two consecutive days. Attendees must attend both classes to receive a Certificate of Completion.
Also offered is the “Refresher” 4 ½ hour Smart Driver Course. The refresher course requires previous completion of the Initial 8 hour course within the past 3 years. Cost for each course is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.
These classes are scheduled at most of the Senior Centers in Ventura County with the Initial Course and the Refresher Courses being offered in alternating months.
For more information call your local senior center or contact AARP at 1-888-227-7669 or visit their web site at www.aarp.org/drive.
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HAPPENINGS:
SATURDAY – January 13 – 2:30 to 4:45 pm – Presentation – In Honor of Martin Luther King’s birthday – The Oxnard Public Library will present a docudrama which chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965.
WEDNESDAY – January 17 – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm – “Wellness Fest” – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks – over 65 local businesses and public service agencies to provide information about local services and resources. For more information call (805) 381-2742.
WEDNESDAY – January 24 – 1:00 to 5:00 pm – “AARP Smart Driver Refresher Course” – at Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 Burnly Street in Camarillo. Registration must be completed by January 17 to reserve a seat. For information call (805) 482-4881.
THURSDAY – January 25 through March 8 – 10:00 to 11:30 am – class – “Reflexology 40+” – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks – for more information or to register for the class call (805) 381-2744.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) is looking for business leaders, non-profit agency personnel, and those working in the fields of aging or volunteerism to serve on its Advisory Council. New appointments are being considered for three-year terms; council meets every other month; council members advise and/or assist with fundraising, volunteer recruitment, recognition and generating community awareness. For information about submitting an application call Julie at (805) 381-2742.
Thousand Oaks Dance Club is looking for volunteers on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at the Goebel Adult Community Center – need male host dancers from 6:30 to 10:00 pm and volunteers to set-up and break-down from 5:00 to 10:30 pm. E-mail or call CSVP office for information at csvp@crpd.org or (805) 381-2742.
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Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks 91362 or call (805) 495-6250 or e-mail bberry@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
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