March 2007 Vol. 26. No. 3

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Area Agency public hearings set March 8 and March 12
Senior tax assistance
'Tis the season - Freeman Trust helps pay for spaying and neutering
Owned by our pets
Lunches at home, rides to events, are available
Activities at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in March

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Ferndale seniors
Lunches at home, rides to events, are available
by Richard Hooley

Ferndale seniors are fortunate to have the Ferndale Senior Resource Agency dedicated to helping seniors and disabled people remain independent and in their homes as long as possible.

The Ferndale Senior Resource Agency was formed as a nonprofit organization almost two years ago to meet the needs of seniors 62 and older living in and around Ferndale. Its primary goal is providing transportation, home delivered meals five days a week and a bi-monthly lunch for seniors at the community center, all at a reasonable cost.

A wheelchair-accessible van was purchased with funds from a private donation. The operating costs are funded solely through private donations and a small fee for meals and transportation. With the exception of one chef, two delivery people and a van driver who are paid, all effort is accomplished by volunteers. This allows the agency to operate without the use of public funds.

Transportation passes for seniors and disabled people are $36 and may be purchased at Rings Pharmacy or Beckers Insurance. Riders must use a pass as the van driver does not handle money.

Round-trip fees are:

The agency has also partnered with Our Savior's Lutheran Church to provide seniors and disabled people free transportation to the Sunday evening movies at the church. Call 786-4141 to arrange a ride.

One meal a day five days a week will be delivered to the home for $4 a meal. Weekly tickets may be purchased at Rings Pharmacy or Beckers Insurance for $20. Those wishing to only participate in the bi-monthly luncheon on the first and third Thursday of each month may purchase tickets at the Ferndale Community Center door.

In its continued quest to further enhance the quality of life for the valley's seniors the agency is planning to add a senior balance and exercise program to help maintain strength and reduce injuries from falls. The agency needs three or four volunteers who receive special training to facilitate the exercise classes. Interested people should contact Mary Ann Bansen at bansen@hughes.net or phone 786-4141.

The agency is also interested in hearing from Ferndale seniors about other services they would like to see included.

Richard Hooley is the volunteer writer for the Ferndale Senior Resource Agency. His e-mail is richard@the-hooleys.com.