QUESTION: I read your column and have a question about an item that appears under HAPPENINGS. Can you provide more information about the “AARP Smart Driver Course?”
ANSWER: I certainly can. The AARP Smart Driver Course teaches driving strategies that help keep senior drivers safe. You might call it “Driver’s Ed for Grownups.”
There are two classes offered. The AARP Full Smart Driver Class is the initial class. It is an 8-hour class given in two 4-hour sessions. The second class is the AARP Refresher Smart Driver Class and it is a one day 4-hour session. The refresher course requires that you have completed the full class within the past three years.
These classes teach and review effective safe driving practices. Skills and strategies you can use on the road every day. Instruction also includes defensive driving techniques to help deal with aggressive drivers.
Review of local law and traffic rules including techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way and round-abouts. Also covered is proper maintenance of your vehicle so it’s safe before you drive.
Upon completion of the course attendees receive a certificate of completion that may make them eligible for a multiyear auto insurance discount. The cost of the program is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.
These classes are offered at most of the senior centers in Ventura County. You will see two classes listed under HAPPENINGS in this article. For information in your community contact your senior center.
The AARP Smart Driver classroom course is taught by 4,000 volunteer instructors. The AARP Driver Safety Program is looking for volunteers. If you are interested go to www.aarp.org/volunteernow.
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HAPPENINGS:
WEDNESDAY – September 12 – 1:00 to 3:00 pm – Parkinson’s Disease Support Group – Jennifer Parkinson, owner and co-founder of Neuro Boxing – a non-contact therapy program that helps those with Parkinson’s Disease – at The Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street in Ventura. For more information call Patty at (805) 766-6070.
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 reservation 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.
SATURDAY – September 15 – 5:00 pm- Senior Concerns Ultimate Dining Experience – at the Hyatt Regency Westlake, 880 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village. Tickets must be purchased in advance – $225 or $425 per couple. For information or reservations call (805) 497-0189.
MONDAY – September 17 through October 26 – six week free exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. Class will meet 3 times a week from 9:00 to 10:30 am – at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. Call (805) 583-6363 for details and to make a reservation.
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY – September 26 & 27 – 1:00 to 5:00 pm – AARP “Initial” AARP Smart Driver Class – at Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 E. Burnley Street in Camarillo – cost for AARP members $15 for non-members $20. Registration must be completed by September 19 and can be made by calling (805) 482-4881.
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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 all (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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