SENIOR NOTES

Soroptimist makes gift to Seniors for center

Laguna Beach Seniors has announced that Soroptimist International of Laguna Beach has made a $20,000 capital campaign pledge to help build the new Susi Q Senior Center. Janeen Hamera, president of Soroptimists, recently presented the group’s first payment of $10,000 to Bea Field, executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors and board President Lee Andersen.

The lower plaza entry into the new Senior and Community Center will be dedicated in the Soroptimist’s honor.

“We are delighted to make this donation to the seniors,” Hamera said. “Soroptimist is an international organization who works to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. The name ‘soroptimist’ means ‘best for women’ and that is what Soroptimist International of Laguna Beach strives to achieve. We are women at our best, working to help other women to be their best.”

Free health screenings offered for 50-plus

County of Orange Preventive Health Care for Adults 50+ and the city of Laguna Beach Senior Services are now offering Preventive Health Assessments at the Laguna Beach Senior Center. Those older than 50 can receive basic health screenings, health maintenance counseling and follow-up for clients with special needs and health problems.

Health Assessments include: blood pressure; vision screenings; urine screenings; hemoccult (home kit); hemoglobin testing; blood sugar testing; and a hearing test.

Registered nurse Cheryl Lowes conducts the medical screenings and provides health and nutritional counseling. All services are free. Call (949) 497-2441 to schedule a comprehensive physical assessment appointment.

There is also a special cholesterol screening clinic. The next cholesterol screening is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 21 by appointment only. To schedule your cholesterol screening appointment call (949) 497-2441 after March 1.

Participants must not have had a screening within the last year. The Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides) is done with a finger prick.

Fasting in the last eight to 12 hours is preferable. Handouts will be provided.

No medical treatment is provided. If treatment is required, referrals and coordination of care with providers is made available.

All services are provided at the Laguna Beach Senior Center, 384 Legion St., lower level.

Tax help available

Volunteers are available to help seniors prepare their taxes through April 10 at the senior center. Appointments are available Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15.

Those obtaining tax assistance need to bring all their tax forms, such as 1099s and W-2s; information for other income; information for all deductions or credits; and a copy of last year’s tax return. Volunteers are not trained to prepare tax forms that report income from rentals, partnerships or large business depreciation.

To schedule an appointment, call (949) 497-2441.