Seniors

Achievements, activities

LAGUNA BEACH

Volunteers Will Help Police the Streets

Nine senior citizens, including a 93-year-old man, will soon begin work as members of the Senior Citizens Police Volunteer Program.

The volunteers, who received badges from the Police Department, were introduced to the City Council on Sept. 20 by Deputy Police Chief Jim Spreine.

Their duties will include writing parking tickets, checking vacant homes, following up on graffiti complaints and handling office work. Spreine said the seniors will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the department.

Along with their badges, members have been issued uniforms, baseball caps and a modified police car.

“They will be personally driving city streets, identifying problems and reporting those problems back to the Police Department,” he said.

The seniors are in the midst of a training program and should be hitting the streets by late October, he said. The department plans to expand the senior patrol until it has 20 members.

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NEWPORT BEACH

Classes to Explore Healthier Cooking

Seniors who want to lose weight, lower the cholesterol in their diet or just learn to cook healthy meals can enroll in a free class called “Cooking for the Winning Weight” at the Oasis Senior Center.

The class meets Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. through Jan. 23 at the center, 800 Marguerite Ave. Newcomers are welcome to join at any time during the session. For more information, call the center at (714) 644-3244 or instructor Lynn Bernzweig at (714) 631-1044.

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Medicare Insurance Assistance Offered

Medicare insurance assistance is available to seniors on the second Tuesday of each month at the Hot Springs Dance Hall, 32506 Paseo Adelanto.

Doris Sterling, a volunteer trained in the insurance field, offers her expertise during these sessions. Appointments are necessary. Reservations: (714) 443-6358.

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NEWPORT BEACH

Prepare for Season With Free Flu Shots

Senior citizens can get free flu shots from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 29 at the Oasis Senior Center, 800 Marguerite Ave.

Shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis until the vaccine supply is exhausted.

The vaccine is recommended for people ages 60 and older.

Annual shots are recommended. People who are allergic to eggs, paralyzed by the Guillain-Barre syndrome or running a fever on inoculation day must have a doctor’s permission to receive a shot.

Information: (714) 644-3244.

--COMPILED BY ALAN EYERLY, WITH JEFF BEAN, LESLIE EARNEST AND HOLLY J. WAGNER