• The Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Program seeks caring individuals who can devote 15 hours a week at local schools working one-on-one with children.  For details, contact Diana Slais at 884-7226 or (800) 322-6994. Ext. 7226

    Red Hatters Ladies' Fun Tennis meets Tuesdays and Thursdays weekly, weather permitting.  Call Dot at 928-8266, or Nancy, 928-2760 for information.

    An "Active Fit Seniors" class is offered by the Pismo Beach Recreation Division, 9 to 10 am. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Pismo Beach Veterans Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.  Cost $40 per month info and to register 773-7063.

    Free Senior Exercise Classes are at 8:30 a.m.Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Church Hall at First United Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande, 481-2692 or www.WorshipWeekly.com

    California Telephone Access Program provides free telephones to California residents who have disabilities which make it difficult for them to use standard telephone equipment.  Call (866) 821-3733 for more information.

    If you are over 55 and need a job, stop by the Workforce Resource Center for information from 2:00 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, 1410 South Broadway, Santa Maria; Carol 928-2161, Ext. 107.

     The Senior Resource Directory is available free of charge and can be picked up at senior centers and health care facilities throughout the community, or mailed to homebound seniors by calling Area Agency on Aging at (800) 510-2020, or accessed on the AAA Web site at www.centralcoastseniors.org

    New And Experienced Players Are Welcome To Join the "Bunco Squad."  Both men and women are invited to an afternoon of playing the first Tuesday of each month, Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 East Park Avenue.  Cost is $3 per day; 925-0951, ext 207.

  • Mussell Center Dances are held from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on the first and third Sundays at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 E. Park Ave., Santa Maria.  The dance is open to all ages with music provided by Jim Enos and Charlie B.  Cost is $5 per person, including refreshments.  Ardeth 925-3775 or Bonnie at 348-9234.

  • Santa Barbara County residents over 55 are invited to participate in the Preventive Health Care for the Aging, sponsored by County Health Care Services.  At clinics throughout the county, you can make an appointment for a thorough health assessment, and time to discuss your health concerns with the community health nurse.  Services are free, however, donations are appreciated, 681-5266 for appointment or information.

  • The Book Exchange Program meets from 1 to 3 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays, Mussell Senior Center, 510 E. Park Ave.  Bring books to exchange or a 50-cent donation to buy a book; 925-0951, Ext. 207


    Senior Scrabble Players     are invited to play from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Fridays, 4845 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria.  All skill levels are welcome: 934-1519

    Senior Dial A Ride - SMOOTH transportation will provide curb-to-curb transportation for seniors 60-plus in the Santa Maria and Orcutt area, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  A questionnaire is requested to initiate service.  Cost is $2 per trip or $4 round trip.  Call  922-8476 or 922-0146 for more information.

  • EOC offers free minor home repairs for senior citizens in the Santa Maria area who need help in their homes, apartments, or mobile homes.  Call 541-4122 or (800) 495-0501, Ext. 10 or 12, for more information.


    Meals on Wheels has an urgent need for volunteer drivers to deliver noontime meals to persons unable to prepare their own meals.  Approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day every other week; Darrell, 937-7929 or the Rev. Fred, 928-9707.


    Central Coast Assistive Technology Center offers low cost, vision and hearing programs and services to individuals with permanent or progressive vision or hearing impairments.  Services include evaluation and free loan of appropriate assistive technology (CCTVs, assisted listening devices, etc.) to help in all facets of independent living.  These services are by apointment only.  Call CCATC at 549-7420, or e-mail slomortola@aol.com.

    AARP Driver Safety Program offers an 8 hour (2 days) or 4-hour classroom refresher course especially designed for drivers age 55 and over.  The new 4-hour class at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center is for drivers who have taken the 8-hour class in the last five years.  Drivers age 55 plus completing either class will receive a DMV certificate that provides a three-year reduction in their auto insurance premium.  To pre-register for the next class, call the City of Santa Maria's Elwin Mussell Senior Center at 925-0951, Ext. 207.


    La Lucha, Spanish PACE (People With Arthritis Can Exercise) - 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Senior Center, 4545-10th St., Guadalupe; 343-2525


    Luis OASIS Senior Center events for the week are as follows. 
    Monday:  8:00 a.m. Exercise; 8 a.m. HAMS; 9:30 a.m. PACE, 11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch; 12:30 p.m. Bridge,  1 p.m. Faceting & Silversmithing.

    Tuesday 9 a.m. Creative Card Making Group; 9:00 Watercolors; 11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch;  12:30 p.m. Beginning Ukulele Band; 1:00 p.m. Oil Painting; 2 p.m. Ukulele Band; 6:00 p.m. Floral Design.

    Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. Exercise; 9:30 a.m. PACE; 9:30 a.m. Needlework;  11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch; 12:30 p.m. Bingo to all ages; 6:00 p.m. Floral Design

    Thursday: 9:00 a.m. Watercolors; 11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch; 1 p.m. Woodcarving; 1:00 pm. Drawing; 2:00 p.m. Widowed Support Group; 6:00 p.m. Floral Arrangements; 6:30 p.m. Weight Watchers.

    Friday: 8:00 a.m. Exercise; 9:30 a.m. Exercise; 9:00 a.m. Ceramics; 1l:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch; 12:30 p.m. Hand and Foot Card Group; 1 p.m. Faceting & Silversmithing

    The Luis OASIS Senior Center is located at 420 Soares Ave. in Old Orcutt, 937-9750.
  • Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club, sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Department, offers the following at the Mussell Senior Center, 510 East Park Avenue, Santa Maria.  Call 925-0951, Ext. 207 for information.
    Bunco from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. the first Tuesday.
    Travel office is open from 12:30 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
    Beginning Bridge from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays
    Book Exchange from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. the first and third Wednesday.
    Preventive Health by appointment from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the second Wednesday.
    Movies from 1:15 to 4:00 p.m. Thursdays
    Party Bridge from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Thursdays.
    Dixieland Band from 10:00 a.m. to noon Thursdays
    Folk and Round Dance from 2:30 to 3:45 P.M. Thursdays
    Bingo from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Fridays
    Pool, open play from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    Pool, open play from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
    Duplicate Bridge from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays; 12:15 to 4:00 p.m. Mondays

    Equal Singles 60 Plus     is a nonsmoking group of equal gender active seniors who meet monthly who enjoy tennis, golf, dancing, theatre, travel, cards, dining, etc; 481-1793, 489-5481 or dg17@juno.com for information.

    Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is dedicated to helping all Medicare beneficiaries with assistance in billing problems, insurance claims, denials or appeals.  HICAP offers free and confidential appointments; (800) 434-0222 or 928-5663.

    Community Partners in Caring offers support in the following categories:

    1. Widowed Persons support services on Thursdays at 1 p.m. at Luis Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., in Old Orcutt.
    2. Life Transitions/Bereavement support-For loss or death of a loved one; Relocation and other losses related to aging or illness.  For information and services, call Community Partners at 925-8000.
    3. Free private memory screenings for those who are concerned about memory loss.  By appointment only: 925-8000.
    4.  The Community Partners Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program prepares, educates and supports caring individuals willing to volunteer their time and energy.  Learn how you can get involved by calling 925-8000.

    California Department of Aging administers a broad range of home and community based services throughout California, working primarily with the Area Agencies on Aging who serve seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.  For more information on specific programs and services, visit: http://www.aging.ca.gov/index.html.  Phone: 916-322-3887

    Advisory Council Of the Area Agency On Aging meets the second Friday of each month at 10:15 a.m. at the Edwards Community Center, 809 North Fremont, Santa Maria.  The council meets to discuss senior issues, and gathers information from their task forces regarding legislation, health and nutrition in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.  Meetings are open to the public; 925-9554 for more information.

    Join others in a ministry that puts your Faith in Action.  You are invited to join a compassionate team of voluinteers who make a difference in the quality of life for people in the Santa Maria Calley: 925-8000.

    Senior Connection serves as a specialized information and assistance program for senior citizens, caregivers and their families in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.  There is no fee for Senior Connection services; 928-2552 or (800) 510-2020.
    Specialized information and assistance program for senior citizens, caregivers and their families in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
    Utility Assistance Programs can help reduce the cost of gas and electric bills for low-income seniors.
    Senior Connection offers updated lists of senior housing opportunities in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties at no charge.  Three housing lists are maintained; Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing; (800) 510-2020. 

    Senior Wheels USA Program makes Power (electric) wheelchairs available at no cost to senior and permanently disabled citizens who qualify.  The power wheelchairs are provided to those who can no longer walk or self-propel a manual wheelchair, and who meet additional guidelines of the program.  No deposit is required.  If a patient's need is for use in the home, Call (800) 246-6010.

    The Older Americans Act of 1965     provides relief for some financially strapped, unemployed seniors.  Low-income seniors (55 and over) can obtain paid training assignments through the Senior Community Service Employment Program; San Luis Obispo 788-2643.

    Low Income Seniors may be eligible for Utility Assistance Programs to help reduce the cost of gas and electric bills.  To learn more, call Senior Connection at (800) 510-2020.  Senior Connection is a free information and referral service for senior citizens, serving Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

    The Senior Resource Directory is available free of charge and can be picked up at senior centers and health care facilities throughout the community or mailed to homebound seniors by calling the Area Agency on Aging at (800) 510-2020, or accessed on the AAA Web site at www.centralcoastseniors.org.

    Composing Your Life Story-9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Avenue.  Write the story of your life with the direction of an experienced instructor and support of other autobiographers.  Materials free.
    Transitions-1:00 to 4:00 p.m. every Friday at the Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Avenue.  Explore how travel, recreation and leisure enhance the transition to mid-life and beyond.

    Sunshine Seniors, a social club involved in community service projects, group travel, fund raising and monthly get-gethers, meets at 11:30 A.M. the second Wednesday of each month, St. Mary's Hall, 302 South Miller Street, Santa Maria; 934-3896

    Santa Barbara County Preventive Health Care for the aging, is a free health screening and counseling program for adults over age 55.  Clients are seen by appointment only, by the public health care nurse.  Call 681-5266 for more information.

    Central Coast Assistive Technology Center offers free low-vision programs and services to seniors over 55 with permanent or progressive visual impairments or blindness.  The following are offered: Independent living skills; activities of daily living; orientation and mobility; transportation issues; assistive technology and computer skills; low vision training; referral to other agencies and more;  549-7420, Ext. 2 or judi@ccatc.org for more information.

    Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) is in need of volunteers.  The following is a partial list: caregivers, office clerks, patrol, activity leaders, food service and deliverers, teaching children, museum docents, committee advisory members, drivers, nursing care, support personnel, speacial events personnel, animal care, aides in health care centers, libraries, chambers, and senior centers.  To volunteer, call  922-9931 or stop by 104-A E. Boone Street. 

    Santa Maria Wisdom Center's Adult Day Health Care offers R.N. care, physical and occupational and speech therapy and activities, light breakfast and hot lunch.  If needed, transportation will be provided.  The center's hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The Wisdom Center is a nonprofit organization and accepts Medi-Cal; Henriette, 349-9810, Ext. 211 for more information.

    Men and women over 50 are invited to senior softball from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at Hagerman Softball Field, Santa Maria.  For information and location, call Clyde at 937-2888 or Ruth, 925-8364.

    The AARP in cooperation wtih the IRS will have trained income tax counselors to assist seniors and those who are low income in completing and filing their 2005 Federal and California Income Tax returns, free of charge.  Counselors and volunteers have been certified by the IRS after completing training and passing the examination.  The service will be offered at the Minami Center through April 15.  Call the Elwin Mussell Senior Center to schedule an appointment.  A Taxpayer information Form must be picked up from the Mussell Senior Center and filled out prior to the appointment; 925-0951, Ext. 207, for information.

    Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department, along with Cuesta College Emeritus Program, offer the following free ongoing senior classes.  Call the Emeritus Program at 546-3955 to register.
    Paint with Acrylic --12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave. Materials fee.
    Painting with Watercolor--9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays, Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Avenue. Materials fee.
    Reader's Theater--9:00 a.m. to noon Wednesdays.  Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Avenue.

    City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division and the YMCA are offering ongoing Active Older Adults Fitness Classes for those 50 and older.  The class is from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Pismo Beach Veteran's Hall, 780 Bello Street, Pismo Beach.  Cost is $40 for 8 classes; 773-7063 or www.pismobeach.org to register.

    Disabled American veterans in need, who qualify, may apply for fimds to The Vance Memorial Fund, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 218, 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93101; John Kerr at 688-5337

    Santa Maria Duplicate Bridge will be held at the following times: 12:45 Mondays; 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Fridays.  Lessons are offered at 10:30 a.m. Fridays, 1350 Suey Road, Santa Maria. Call Vi at 929-0113 or Joe, 928-1415 for more information.

    If you are 55 and older and need a job, call Senior Employment Services at 934-3537 or stop by 2450 Professional Parkway, Suite 220, Santa Maria.  If eligible, you may earn money while looking for a permanent job.

    If you are at least 50, and would like to enhance your life through tap dancing, join the Central Coast Follies from 11 a.m. to 2:30 P.M. each Monday, at the Moose Lodge in Pismo Beach; Emily, 543-9542 for details.