Q: I am looking for information about a variety of services and wonder if there is a single place where I can start my search. Do you have any suggestions?
A: You are looking for an expo type event and you are in luck. The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program is having a Wellness Fest this month with more than 65 providers of information and services.
This free Wellness & Fun Fest is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.
The day will feature free health screenings, mini massages, lunch (pick up your free lunch ticket in advance at Goebel’s front desk), games, raffle and prizes. You will be able to “ask the doctor” and “ask the lawyer.” There will be insurance and financial specialists, Area Agency on Aging personnel and Senior Advocates to answer your questions and explain what services they provide.
A blood panel service will also be available for a nominal fee and pre-registration. Registration for this service can be made at the Goebel Center or by calling 381-2744.
Entertainment will include music and performances by the Conejo Players. This should be a fun and informational day. For more information call 381-2742. Hope to see you there.
Q: Since I have had to give up my driver’s license it has been difficult for me to get to where I need to be. I recently heard of a new transportation program coming to Ventura County. Do you have any information?
A: Yes. I attended a meeting where this new program was announced. It is known as the “Mileage Reimbursement Program” with benefits beginning in January 2015.
This new program puts the person needing transportation in charge. The rider is responsible for applying for the program, requesting trips to be reimbursed, finding their own driver or drivers and requesting reimbursement monthly for the approved trips.
When all requirements fall into place reimbursement will be paid to the rider, who in turn has the responsibility to pay the driver from the reimbursement received.
The program can be used throughout Ventura County for any transportation need and can be used outside of Ventura County for verified Medical needs.
The program is available to any Ventura resident who is 65 or older.
The applicant, the rider, must go through an eligibility process to determine transportation needs and to set up a monthly mileage bank. The rider is also responsible for finding their driver or drivers.
The benefits of the program include being able to reimburse a friend, neighbor, caregiver or family member for driving. It provides for the convenience of arranging transportation for when and where it is needed and can be after hours, on weekends or out of the city limits.
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Riders who are interested in such services are encouraged to attend a participation workshop. See below for next meetings or call 888-667-7003, ext. 516 to find out more about the program.
HAPPENINGS:
SATURDAY: Grand Opening of the new home of the Agoura Hills Recreation Center, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 29900 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills.
SATURDAY: Electronic waste collection, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thousand Oaks Teen Center, 1375 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.
Mileage Reimbursement Program Meetings:
WEDNESDAY: 5:30 p.m., Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks 497-0189
Jan. 15: noon, California Health Care District, 3639 E. Las Posas Road in Camarillo, 388-1952
Feb. 17: 10 a.m., SCAN Health Education Center, 6638 Telephone Road in Ventura, 658-2182
