Measure R, passed in the February 2008 election, consolidates the former Measures Y and S and includes both a “Senior Exemption” and an annual CPI-U adjustment. To qualify for the Measure R Senior Exemption in 2008-09, senior citizens must be 65 years old by June 30 and must own and occupy their properties as their primary residences. Seniors who have previously received the Senior Exemption from the Measure S tax parcel will be sent a form for Measure R in May 2008, which must be completed, signed, and returned to the District Office by July 31, 2008. If you do not receive a form by mid-June, please call 310.450.8338 x269.
ONGOING
Adapted Gentle Restoratives for Seniors, yoga classes for seniors with Bea Ammidown, 310.358.3338.
The Balance Disorders Institute is offering the Drivewell Senior Driver Therapy program, to help seniors assess their driving skills, improve their skills through exercise, learn safety measures, and discuss when it is appropriate to retire from driving, 310.569.1570.
Bereavement support group, facilitated by a professional therapist, Tuesdays 10-11:30am, not a drop-in group, WISE and Healthy Aging, 2125 Arizona Ave. To join call Sheila Segal, 310.576.2554 x373.
Experience Works, the nation’s largest training and employment organization for mature workers, is searching for California’s outstanding older workers for the Experience Works Prime Time Awards. Nominees or applicants must be 65 years of age or older, a resident of California, currently employed, and working at least 20 hours each week for pay. Deadline is June 1. The online nomination form is available at experienceworks.org.
Free Caregiver Support groups for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or stroke, first and third Thursdays, 10:30am-noon/second and fourth Tuesdays 6-7:30pm, WISE and Healthy Aging Adult Day Care Service Center, 1510 Pico Blvd., 310.452.7802.
Free Stroke Recovery Program at the WISE and Healthy Aging Adult Day Service facility at 1510 Pico Blvd. The program runs from 9am-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays and includes therapeutic exercise and classes on the psychological aspects of stroke recovery for stroke survivors and family members. Pre-registration is required, 310.575.1699.
H.O.P.E. Unit Foundation for Bereavement, Loss, and Transition offers Widow/Widower Support Groups for people coping with the first two years of loss. Two ongoing support groups are available and meet Tuesdays, 7-9pm, at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Irmas Campus, 16611 Olympic Blvd., WLA, 818.788.4673.
Meals on Wheels offers hot meals for persons who are homebound or have difficulty shopping or cooking on their own. It is not an age-specific program. To order Meals on Wheels service or to volunteer to deliver meals, call 310.394.5133.
Musicians invited to meet weekly and perform in concert with the Santa Monica College Emeritus Band, Lincoln Middle School, in the Bandroom, California and 14th Streets, Tuesdays, 7pm, 310.474.5271.
News Discussion For Seniors, moderated by Jack Nordhaus, every Thursday 1pm, free, Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Boulevard, 310.450.0443.
Senior Citizen Bible Study, 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 11am, Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1730 Wilshire Blvd., 310.829.4113. Bring a sack lunch.
Senior Improv Workshop, ongoing free class for seniors over 55, 1-3pm Tuesdays, Santa Monica Senior Rec. Cent.0er, 1450 Ocean Ave., 323.512.8245.
Senior Suppers, discounted meals for people over 55, 3:30-7pm in the cafeteria at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, 1250 16th St., $3.25 plus tax, 310.319.4837.
Volunteer opportunities at WISE and Healthy Aging include AARP Tax-Aide Counselors, Adult Day Service Center, Advocates for Conserved Elders, America Reads, Daily Money Management, Friendly Visitor, and other programs, 310.394.9871.
The Westside Community Adult School offers exercise classes for seniors. Weekly classes are held at Westside locations such as Barrington Park, WLA, Stoner Recreation Center, and Pacific Presbyterian Church in PP, $1 per month, 310.477.2084.
WISE and Healthy Aging Retired and Senior Volunteer Program offers opportunities for volunteers 55 plus to tutor children at lower income schools. Tutor reading, work with children on art, and other projects or use computers to teach literacy, training available, 310.394.9871 x450.
WISE and Healthy Aging is helping fight fraud at its Senior Fraud Prevention Call Center. “Fraud Fighters,” as our volunteers are known, place phone calls all over the United States to fraud victims and people at risk of becoming victims. Fraud Fighters tell consumers about current scams and offer tips on avoiding fraud. Volunteers needed for only three hours a week. Call Petula Storey, 310.394.9871 x441 or email pstorey@wiseseniors.org.