QUESTION: I have just returned to the Conejo Valley and am trying to get caught up on activities that take place in the community. If I remember correctly every August or September Senior Concerns had a function – the Ultimate Dining Experience. Does that event still take place?
ANSWER: Yes, the Ultimate Dining Experience is still a very popular event.
The 33rd Annual Ultimate Dining Experience is scheduled for Saturday September 15 at the Hyatt Regency Westlake, 880 S. Westlake Boulevard in Westlake Village.
The doors will open at 5:00 pm for the Chef’s samplings and wine tasting in the garden area that will be accompanied by live music and a silent auction. Then at 7:00 pm attendees will move to the ballroom for a three-course gourmet dinner with wine pairing and a “spirited” live auction.
Following dinner attendees will enjoy the Governor’s Ball after party and dance the night away to the top Hollywood-themed tunes and other award-winning favorites.
The Ultimate Dining Experience is a major fundraiser that enables Senior Concerns, a non-profit organization, to provide vital services and programs to seniors and their family caregivers in Ventura County and western Los Angeles cities.
The tickets are $225 or $425 per couple and must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets visit www.seniorconcerns.org or call (805) 497-0189. For sponsorship information or to donate an auction item please contact Janet Young, Director of Development, at the same number.
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QUESTION: I have just been informed that a very close relative has been diagnosed with dementia. I plan to be the caregiver but really need some guidance as to how, what, when and where to do this task correctly. Are there any classes I could take?
ANSWER: I have just received information about a workshop series that is exactly what you are asking about.
The Alzheimer’s Association Savvy Caregiver Program offers a professional-level dementia care training for the non-professional caregiver.
The Savvy Caregiver Workshop is a 4-week program for family caregivers offering 12 hours of face-to-face training with dementia experts.
This program addresses the caregivers’ biggest concerns: understanding Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, managing daily life and behaviors, communicating with a person with dementia, decision making, taking control and goals for caregiving.
The class also addresses the toll of caretaking on the caretaker and the need for the caregivers to care for themselves while caring for another.
The next workshop will be on Wednesdays in September ( 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th) from 9:00 am to noon, The workshop will be held at Sunrise of Westlake Village located at 3101 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village.
To register for this series call the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900 – a 24 hour line. The manual fee is $25.
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HAPPENINGS:
THURSDAY – September 13 – 10:00 to 11:30 am – Seminar – Path to Positive Aging Series – “End of Life: What Matters Most” – at Agoura Hills Recreation & Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills. For reservations call (818) 597-7361.
THURSDAY/FRIDAY – September 13-14 – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm – AARP “Initial” 8-hour Smart Driver Course – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. To make reservations call (805) 381-2744. Class fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.
SEPTEMBER: Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association diabetes classes: Wednesday, September 5 – 10:30 am to 12:00 noon – at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley; 2:30 to 4:00 pm at Camarillo Community Center, 1605 Burnley Street in Camarillo and Tuesday September 4 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm at Livingston Memorial Community Room, 1996 Eastman Avenue in Ventura. For information call (805) 642-0230. No registration needed – just drop in.
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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, CA 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.
