Feb27Written by:Betty Berry
2/27/2009 9:54 AM 
By Betty Berry
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Q: I am a fairly recent widow and at a bit of a loss when it comes to issues concerning finances. I know I should be reviewing the legal papers we had prepared and do some planning, but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any suggestions?
A: When it comes to legal issues and making important decisions, I believe that many people, men and women, feel at a bit of a loss.
To ease into this complex subject, I would like to suggest you mark your calendar for the next “Solving the Aging Puzzle” seminar being offered by Senior Concerns.
The “Estate Planning — Don’t Leave Your Family in the Dark” presentation is scheduled for March 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Senior Concerns Adult Day Center, at 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.
This most informative presentation will be facilitated by Cheri L. Kurman, attorney at law. She is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a certified specialist in estate planning, probate and trust law. She is one of three female certified estate planning specialists in Ventura County.
Kurman also is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Ventura County and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
This presentation will explain what probate is, why you may want to avoid it and what a living trust is and how it avoids probate. It also will point out the importance of funding a trust, the importance of healthcare directives and financial powers of attorney, and it will address estate tax laws.
For reservations and information, call Terry at 497-0189. Reservations are strongly suggested and should be made by March 9 but, should you forget, walk-in attendees are always welcome.
If you are a caregiver for a special needs senior and require respite care while attending the presentation, that care is available at the center and must be arranged when you make your reservation.
The “Solving the Aging Puzzle” 2008-09 series will conclude in April with “Financial Planning — Plan Today For Tomorrow.”
There are no fees for these unbiased informational discussions, and at each presentation there is always time for questions from the audience.
This educational series is funded in part through a grant from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.
Q: I’ve been reading articles about keeping your mind fit through exercise such as doing puzzles and word games and learning something new. Do you know of any classes that might be of interest to seniors?
A: You are so right; mind exercises really help keep us alert and healthy. This exercise is just as important as physical exercise is for our bodies.
If you haven’t heard of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, you have a great surprise in store. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, known as OLLI, is based at CSU Channel Islands and provides people 50 and older the opportunity to learn about subjects that interest them.
Attendees discover academic subjects that cover history, science, politics, the arts, culture and more and simply learn for learning’s sake without taking tests and worrying about grades.
While classes are offered at CSUCI, they also are offered off campus at Little House of Ojai, Simi Valley Senior Center, CSUCI Extended Education Center in Thousand Oaks and Santa Clara Senior Center in Ventura. So you can participate right in your own backyard.
Right now the winter session is coming to a conclusion, but registration is currently taking place for the spring session, which starts in March.
These classes are of university-level quality, taught by professional instructors entirely for the 50-and-older-learner.
For more information, call 437-2748, fax 437-8859 or e-mail osher.institute@csuci.edu.
Happenings
March 6: “Be A Financially Savvy Senior — Beat the Scammers at Their Game” is the name of a seminar from 11 a.m. to noon at the Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Ave., Moorpark; it is facilitated by Julia Wysong, FAST coordinator. For information, call 517-6261.
March 11: “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?” is the title of a seminar from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village; it is facilitated by the senior advocate. For more information, call 495-6250.
— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.