Q: I am a new caregiver for my widowed father and concerned about facing the holidays this year. Someone told me that Senior Concerns was giving a seminar for caregivers about getting through the holiday season. Can you tell me when and where?
A: A “Strategies for Beating the Blues” seminar will be offered from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Nov. 15 at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.
The presentation will be facilitated by Steve Leman, manager and health and resource specialist at SCAN Resource Center; and Sue Lindemann, a founder of the local Alzheimer Association who is active with the association on the state and federal levels and a past caregiver.
Leman will discuss the risk factors of the holiday blues and the difference between the blues and depression. He will describe the symptoms of the blues and explain when to see a doctor, what to ask and what treatment options are.
Lindemann will speak about taking the relieving the pressure of stressful situations and provide techniques for managing situations that may arise during the holidays and at any time during the year.
Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 497-0189.
Q: I am retired and thinking about volunteering. Is there a job that would serve seniors and my community?
A: A number of options that fit what you want.
One is the Council on Aging. Every city in Ventura County has a Council on Aging. The council consists of volunteers and serves as an advisory board to the City Council on senior issues and supports programs vital to seniors in the community.
I know Simi Valley is seeking people interested in serving on the executive board of its Council on Aging. Applicants must be 60 or older and live in the city.
Applications are available at the Simi Valley Senior Center or at http://www.simivalley.org/COAapplication. The filing period ends at 5 p.m. Nov. 13. For more information, call 583-6363 or visithttp://www./simivalley.org/seniorcenter.
If you live in Simi Valley, submit an application. If you live elsewhere, check to see whether your city’s Council on Aging has openings.
HAPPENINGS
Saturday: Holiday Craft Bazaar. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. For more information, call 381-2744.
Monday to Nov. 16: RSVP Boutique Holiday Sale. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.
Monday: “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?” seminar. 1:30-3 p.m.; Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For information and reservations call 381-2744.
Nov. 7: “Medicare 2013 — What’s New?” seminar. 1-3 p.m.; Thousand Oaks Council on Aging Meeting, Civic Arts Plaza, Board Room, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks. For information and reservations, call 381-7362.
Nov. 13: “Social Security 101” seminar. 1:30-3 p.m.; Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. For information and reservations, call 583-6363.
Nov. 14: “Identity Theft, Fraud and Scams” seminar. 1:30-3 p.m.; Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive in Westlake Village. For information, call 495-6250.
One-stop shops to assist with Medicare questions and Part D Prescription Drug selections for 2013 will be at the following locations. Call 477-7310 for details.
Monday: Pleasant Valley Senior Center, Camarillo;
Monday and Nov. 6: Area Agency on Aging Office, Ventura; and
Nov. 8: Wilson Senior Center, Oxnard.
Brain fitness classes (six-week sessions):
Nov. 6: Borchard Community Center, 381-2791; and
Nov. 7: Agoura Hills Recreation Center, 818- 597-7361.
