Joe Beautz 'I think that's the whole nature of growing old, to remain active.' With a new $9million addition dedicated this past April, the Simi Valley Senior Center has more to offer than ever.

One of the main reasons for its multitude of program offerings is the centerbased Council on Aging, a group that works diligently to meet the needs of Simi's older population, according to Laurie Dickinson, senior services manager at the center.

"The council is an adviser to the Simi Valley City Council . . . on any issues concerning seniors," Dickinson explained.

Council on Aging membership is open to anyone who is 60 years or older and resides within the city. Its nine-member executive board is appointed by the City Council.

All members of the Council on Aging are volunteers. Joe Beautz, 69, a longtime Simi Valley resident, is chairman of the executive board.

"We advise the city on all matters relating to seniors. If a program we endorse turns out to be a good one for seniors, the city in turn endorses us to administer these programs," Beautz said.

After the Council on Aging was established in 1984, one of the first programs it sponsored was Meals on Wheels, a nationwide endeavor that delivers daily hot meals to seniors, the disabled and those who are homebound.

The council continues to administer the Meals on Wheels program today and the brown bag program, a state-funded program that provides surplus and donated edible fruits, vegetables and other food products to low income individuals 60 years of age and older.

The council also has a joint venture with the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District to hire full-time recreation directors to create events for seniors at the senior center.

"They put together various events and programs for seniors-exercise programs, educational programs . . . just fun programs," Beautz said. "Since we've hired them, they have instituted some 70 programs."

Beautz said the goal is to do everything possible to extend the life expectancy of seniors by giving them more opportunity for exercise and new interests.

The Lifelong Learning Institute is another program the council sponsors. A manager within the council sets up events like art museum trips or ongoing classes.

"It's all part of learning as we grow older," said Beautz, a retired residential builder and developer.

Life Line is another Council on Aging program; it's meant to focus on the emergency needs of seniors.

Participants in the program, who may live alone, wear a chain around their neck with an electric device that can be activated by a button. If a medical emergency occurs, the person presses the button and automatically transmits a signal to Simi Valley Hospital.

"Through a bio we do on every person who uses the Life Line unit, the hospital knows exactly what their medical condition is, and they can respond accordingly, either sending an EMT or ambulance or just calling a volunteer to see what's wrong with the person," Beautz said.

The Life Line program is the most expensive to support, with units costing about $800 each. The center has an inventory of 192 units, most of which are currently in use.

According to Beautz, Simi Valley is the only community that doesn't charge for the units or their maintenance.

Financial support for the council's programs and $75,000 budget comes solely from fundraisers and donations. One of the main fundraisers is their annual fashion show. Last May's show drew more than 225 people and raised money from ticket sales and advertisements in the show's program.

Every month more than 3,800 people receive a newsletter from the senior center. About 400 to 500 people daily come to the center to participate in various classes or just sit quietly reading a book or putting together a puzzle.

Among the center's offerings are art classes, woodcarving classes, quilt-making, tai chi and choral groups. Consulting on healthcare, insurance and bereavement is available to the seniors. There are fitness classes, a billiard room and a computer lab with 21 computers.

"People can enjoy life to the fullest by becoming more active," Beautz said. "I think that's the whole nature of growing old, to remain active."

For more information on the Council on Aging, please contact Dickinson at the senior center at (805) 583-6363.