Sensational Senior Saturday Entertains and Educates

Huntington Beach Beaches: By C. MacDonald

The Huntington Beach Council on Aging, one of many such organizations in California representing the interests of the senior population, presented its 25th Senior Saturday yesterday as hundreds of Baby Boomers and others came to HB Pier Plaza to dance, sing, eat and especially learn the latest news from 75 vendors on healthy living (from doctors, nurses and health care providers), home health care, transportation, banking and investments, physical fitness, memorial services and senior living centers.

This year's festival theme was "Senior Centers—Experts at Living Well" and there were several such businesses on-hand to explain the value of their services, including Sunrise Senior Living.

"I think it's terrific that the city and these vendors care enough about us that they provide this invaluable festival," said Wes Williams of Huntington Beach. "It gives me a chance to find the information I need by talking to the experts one-on-one. I really appreciate it!"

"This is my favorite event in HB," said Molly Larson, who has been coming to "Senior Saturdays" for 25 years. "No other event in the city does as much for me in terms of helping me understand health care and live my life better."
"I come here for the incredible giveaways," said Kevin Kurtz. "It's really nice what is provided free-of-charge."

There were plenty of free giveaways, ranging from helpful manuals on senior services as well as actual pillboxes, First Aid kits, stress reducing squeezers, pens, cloth bags, plastic drinking glasses, magnifying sheets, hand sanitizers, sponges, nail files, jar openers, candy, bubbles, playing cards, plants and so much more. Walgreen's gave away several of these items, along with a personal pedometer to measure walking distances.

There were valuable health screenings to determine your risk of stroke, measure your blood pressure and to test cholesterol. Hoag Medical Group even gave out cards enabling people to meet with one of their physicians and receive a complimentary health screening, including Body Mass Index evaluation.

Brokers were on hand, like Donna Templeton, to help seniors understand their healthcare options, which can be confusing with recent government legislation. Representatives from HB Senior Services, HB Senior Transportation and HB Council on Aging were answering questions and offering suggestions to participants. There was even Free Parking at City Hall and Free Shuttle Service to the festival, which was attended by Mayor Connie Boardman, City Historian Jerry Person and many more. Enthusiastic entertainment was provided by "The Singing Goodtimers," "Rene's Tap Flash," "Don Gay and Friends," Jacqi Bowe, "Tony Odell Rogers" and more. A Continental Breakfast and Lunch was $2.

We want to applaud all the sponsors and the HB Council on Aging for providing such an informative and invaluable service to the citizens of Huntington Beach. For further information on senior activities, you can contact Michael E. Rodgers Seniors' Center, 1706 Orange Ave., Huntington Beach, at 714-536-9387.