The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District has scheduled a series of special programs starting Wednesday to mark National Senior Center Month.

The month full of activities, services and is supported by the National Council on Aging, comes with the theme of "Celebrate Life at Your Senior Center."

The events and programs are being offered to residents of Livermore and Pleasanton.

The programs include:

Preventing Diabetes, Wednesday, Sept. 9 thru 23, 9:30 to 11:10 a.m., Free.

This three-day workshop will discuss what causes diabetes, how it is diagnosed and tools for prevention. The Alameda County Public Health Department offers this class free. Class size is limited; reserve a spot by Sept. 7.

Kick-off Social Event, Thursday, Sept.10, 2 to 3 p.m., Free.

This free social event gets the fall activities started with fun. Learn about the Passport contest to win prizes while participating in Passport-eligible events. Refreshments will be served. Reserve a spot by 4 p.m. Sept. 3.

How to Grieve

Tuesday, Sept. 15 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free

Presented by Gregory Burns from Senior Support of the Tri-Valley, this is the first of three free "Live and Learn" topics this month. Learn about the many types of grief and the best ways to deal with them. Reserve a spot by 4 p.m. Sept. 8.

Hop on Board - Transportation Forum

Wednesday, Sept. 16 10 a.m. to Noon Free

This transportation forum will teach about Clipper Cards and more. Wheels, BART, ACE Train and Community Resources for Independent Living will be on hand to talk about their services for seniors and their travel training programs. Learn to navigate public transportation from Livermore and throughout the Bay Area. Wheels will be joining the Clipper Card system. Get a free Clipper Card and learn about the new one-day bus fare by Wheels.

Holiday Comfort Food - That's Good for You

Tuesday, Sept. 22 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free

Commonly known as "The Squash Lady," Marlene Champlin will demonstrate and share many recipes with nutritional information. The bountiful fall harvest produce is featured in this annual sell-out event. Space is limited. Reservation deadline is 4 p.m. Sept. 15.

A Peace Corps Volunteer Experience

Tuesday, Sept. 29 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free

A senior volunteer from the Peace Corps will be here to discuss his experiences in the Peace Corps and the need this fills around the world. The Peace Corps was started during the Kennedy Administration with the goal to establish an international volunteer organization by living and working in a developing world.

Walk Away Your Pain

Thursday, Sept. 24 10 to 11:30 a.m. Free

Walking is great exercise for everyone, but it the most repetitive action we do. We develop different habits that may compromise our bodies and result in pain in hips and other areas. Local physical therapist Ida Hirst will show you how you can walk away your pain.

Also this September - seniors can join classes and seminars in Zumba, yoga, light and easy aerobics, Feldenkrais method, tai chi, walking, writing, estate planning and more.

LARPD offers a wide array of services and programs throughout the year for persons 50 and up including exercise, health and wellness classes; information and referrals; consultations about aging and caregiving issues; special luncheons and socials; movies; educational talks; selling senior BART tickets; and both day trips and international trips.

More details can be found in the Senior Services newsletter, "Prime Time," or on the LARPD website at www.larpd.org. Newsletters are available at all of the city libraries and at the Robert Livermore Community Center.

The LARPD Senior Services Center is located at the Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. The district has been providing Senior Services in the area for 45 years, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Senior Services Center at the Robert Livermore Community Center.

LARPD's Senior Services programs are for ages 50 and up, unless otherwise noted.

Reservations are required for most of the programs. To reserve a spot, call 925-373-5700. For more detail about each program, call the Senior Services office at 925-373-5760.

-LARPD-

Lea Blevins

Public Information

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

4444 East Ave., Livermore, CA 94550

925-373-5746