If you’re a senior living in Pleasant Hill, you’re in luck when it comes to programs tailored to your needs. Both the city, through its Commission on Aging, and the Rec & Park District, through its Senior Center, offer scores of activities just for you.
The Commission on Aging and the Senior Center, along with the Civic Action Commission, hold the first annual Senior Spring Cleanup Day on Sunday, May 7. The event is intended to help Pleasant Hill seniors with clearing weeds, trimming shrubs and other light landscaping needs.
Register for assistance (Pleasant Hill seniors 65 and older) or to volunteer at www.pleasanthillca.org/senior-cleanup, or contact Martin Nelis at 925-671-5229.
June is Brain Awareness Month so, the commission has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to present three different one-hour workshops focusing on how to maintain a healthy brain.
The workshops will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. June 8, 15 and 22, at City Hall. The workshops are “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body,” “Maximize Your Memory, Tips and Strategies” and “Know the Signs, Early Detection Matters.”
For more information or to register, contact Danielle Habr at 925-671-5221 or dhabr@pleasanthill.org.
The commission also partners with the Senior Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, local churches, AAA, Kaiser, AllStar Medical Supply, and Pleasant Hill stores and restaurants to provide free programs and workshops such as CarFit and the annual Family Caregiver Retreat (to be held again this fall).
The commission oversees the Pleasant Hill Senior Van Service, an alternative means of travel for Pleasant Hill seniors (age 55 and older) run entirely by friendly volunteers. The fare is $1.50 each way.
For more information about this service, to volunteer as a dispatcher or driver, or to make a ride reservation, call the Senior Van Service at 925-671-5272.
I asked Kendra Luke Diamond, the Senior Center supervisor, for a list of some of the programs and events put on by the Senior Center. Big mistake on my part!
I thought I’d get a list of maybe a dozen or so programs. Instead, I got a list of more than five dozen programs, including 12 special services, 20 classes and 24 activities offered to seniors.
And this doesn’t include its travel program, which offers four to six trips each month at extremely reasonable prices. They take seniors on day trips to places like the races at Golden Gate Fields and the Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton. Overnight trips are planned for Lake Tahoe, Reno and Monterey.
Curious where they will go next? Join the group in the center’s Chateau Room at 1 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month for the latest travel presentation.
Through its Care Management Program, the Senior Center has the professional resources and staff to help prevent premature placement of seniors in nursing homes.
One of the goals of the program is to help seniors remain living in their homes for as long as possible or find alternative housing that is affordable and supports their need for independence.
If you have a parent or grandparent who is facing challenges associated with the aging process, you can appreciate the importance and value of this service. You can reach Dana Krider, care manager, at 925-798-8788 for more information.
One of the major events that supports the Care Management Program is the annual “Love, Laugh and Learn Senior Live Well Forum.” This year’s forum is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 5, at the Senior Center.
There is a free vendor resource fair with more than 50 local vendors. The forum includes presentations on medical marijuana, avoiding fraud and scams, and a day in the life of a romance author. The program and lunch cost only $25.
Think of a service that seniors might need, and the Senior Center provides it. Everything from health screening to notary services, to legal, tax and estate help are available. Classes include exercise programs like yoga, tai chi and Zumba. If you want to learn how to quilt, do watercolors or play the ukulele, there are classes available.
There are hiking groups, book clubs, bridge tournaments and pinochle. No matter what your age, your physical condition or your interest, there is something for every senior.
And to take advantage of all these activities, all you have to do is be over 50 and pay your annual dues of $20. Yes, that’s right, $20 for all these activities and more!
If you’re not already a member and taking advantage of these terrific activities, it’s easy to join. Just stop by the Senior Center at 233 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill or call 925-798-8788.
Yes, seniors in Pleasant Hill area are lucky to have the Commission on Aging and the Senior Center and the great programs they provide.
Michael Harris is the mayor of Pleasant Hill. Contact him at mharris@pleasanthillca.org.