The Arlington Red Cross, 4333 Arlington Blvd., is sponsoring AARP's 55 Alive Mature Driving Program, a refresher course for experienced motorists 50 and older. The course is intended to help older drivers improve their
skills, while teaching them to avoid accidents and traffic violations. Cost is $10, payable at time of the class. To register for the next session on April 15 and 18, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., contact Jodi at
moppinj@usa.redcross.org or 703-527-3010, Ext. 701.
The Arlington County Seniors in Action program offers a wide range of activities for seniors 55 and over. Fitness programs include aerobic exercise classes, strength training, walking groups, water aerobics, line dancing, square dancing, tennis, bowling, golf, yoga and Tai Chi. Join the Senior Adult Programs for $5 annually, and access all activities. In some instances, an additional cost, such as $2 a class, may be necessary. Call 703-228-4744.
Senior Wellness. Kristen Taranto, senior wellness programmer, Office of Senior Adult Programs, meets weekly with seniors at Aurora Hills and Lee senior action centers. Taranto discusses ways to access county services and programs available to seniors. She will be at Aurora Hills, 735 S. 18th St., on Mondays at 10 a.m., and at Lee, 5722 Lee Highway, on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. There is no fee.
Fitness and Exercise. Seniors who belong to the county's Office of Senior Adult Programs, Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, are eligible to use the fitness and exercise equipment at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. Second St., free of charge. Hours are Monday-Friday, from 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Participants pay a $5 annual registration fee, which allows them access to the fitness programs, as well as any program at senior centers countywide.
Computer Classes. Cyber Seniors/Cyber Teens is a program of youth teaching seniors how to use the computer, Internet and e-mail. Each course consists of four one-hour sessions taught at a local school or senior center at a cost of $20 per class. Currently there are three basic instruction courses being offered, a health-related course and classes in Word and Excel. Individuals over the age of 50 are eligible to register for the classes by calling Joyce Bissonette at 703-228-6425.
The senior male singing group, The Songfellows, is currently recruiting new members. Men over 55 who enjoy barbershop harmony are eligible. Songfellows rehearses every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon at Culpepper Garden Senior Action Center. The next rehearsal is Thursday, March 28. Call 703-536-5160.
Teacup Centerpieces at Lee Senior Action Center, Thursday, March 28. Bring your own teacup and saucer; decorations and candles supplied. Fee is $2. Call 703-228-0555 to register.
The Walking Sticks, a senior, slower-paced walking club, will walk around Hains Point, on Thursday, March 28, at 10 a.m. No fee. Newcomers welcome. Call to register at 703-228-4403.
Shopping at the outlets at Queenstown, Md., is the destination of Arlington seniors, on Thursday, March 28. Cost is $11. Call Arlington County Senior Adult Travel to register at 703-228-4749.
The Lee Walkers, a senior walking group from Lee Senior Action Center, will walk for three miles at Mount Vernon, Friday, March 29, at 10 a.m. Cost is $2.50 for van transportation to walking site. Newcomers welcome. Call 703-228-0555 to register.
The Arlington Agency on Aging needs volunteers for its Personal Advocate Service. Personal advocates are trained to identify and explain community resources available for older Arlington residents and to work with elders and their families to access these resources. Personal advocates meet with older neighbors in Arlington, help to direct them to appropriate programs and services, help complete application forms, explore housing options or explain transportation services. To inquire about the program and have a pretraining interview, contact Donna Cornman, Personal Advocate Service coordinator, at 703-228-1734. The next day-long training session will be held on April 13.
“Life Changes-Where Do I Go to Get Help?” will be presented on Sunday, April 21, at the Arlington Aging and Disability Services Division, 3033 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700A. The free event will provide information about regional services and programs designed to help people cope with disabling conditions or illnesses at any age. U.S. Rep. James P. Moran (D-8th) will be the keynote speaker. Exhibits will be on display with assistance on insurance, legal issues, transportation, care options and more.
Life Changes is sponsored by Women’s American ORT (Organization for Educational Resources and Technological Training) and the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Division of the Department of Human Services. To register, call ORT at 703-918-0678.