Baby boomers head out
By Alex Wilson 06/19/2008
Ventura’s Senior Recreation Center should soon appeal to an active set of newcomers now that it is starting outdoor adventure programs, such as a mountain excursion north of Ojai on Saturday, June 21.
It involves a three mile day-hike along Sespe Creek to the beautiful sandstone rock formations known as Piedra Blanca. A picnic lunch will be provided afterward at the trailhead.
Recreation Coordinator Doug Reed says it’s a good chance for people 50 and older to get out and about.
“It’s an opportunity for seniors to get together and see an area in the backcountry they might not have seen on their own, meet other people, and do it in a fairly safe environment with a group leader. And they don’t have to drive to get there,” Reed says.
The senior center is organizing outdoor programs like this one to attract a large group of people who might not yet consider themselves to be in their golden years.
“It’s an attempt to move toward a more active adult program for seniors and attract some of the baby boomers, up and coming seniors,” Reed says. “There’s going to be a lot of people coming in, and they’re going to be doing a lot of different things than seniors typically did in the past.”
Some other upcoming events geared toward active seniors include excursions to Malibu Lagoon, the spectacular Lotusland gardens in Montecito and longer trips to places such as New Orleans and Canada. They’re also headed on European river cruises on the Rhine and the Danube.
More information is available on Ventura’s city Web site at www.cityofventura.net or by calling 648-2829.
Hillside helpers
A charity devoted to protecting Ventura’s remaining bare hillsides from development and encouraging recreational uses needs help from volunteers interested in lending a hand.
The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is looking for volunteers who can devote lots of time or just a little bit working on a variety of projects. They need people who can help with things like media relations and marketing, graphic design, Web site upkeep and landscape architecture. They’re also looking for volunteers to explain the conservancy’s mission at community events like Ventura’s Fourth of July Street Fair.
Conservancy Board President Stephen Svete says volunteers are essential to their success. “It’s extremely important,” Svete says. “Our volunteers do the work of the equivalent of 30 full-time staff.”
Since the conservancy was formed in 2003 it has raised money through a popular annual concert at Arroyo Verde Park that has featured musical stars including Jack Johnson and Kenny Loggins staged with help from volunteers. The group also received its first donation of land on a west Ventura hillside that it is now managing. The conservancy is hoping for future donations and planning to buy land to preserve with money it raises.
Program Coordinator Jenise Wagar says volunteering is fun and supports a worthy cause.
“It’s a very dedicated group of folks who have a strong interest in preserving the hillside, she says. “So it’s camaraderie. It’s getting together with people in the community who share your interest and your passion for the outdoors and outdoor recreation. And honestly our volunteers have a great time. It’s a really positive way to give back to a really important aspect of our community, which is preserving our hillsides.”
More information on the conservancy and the volunteer opportunities is available on its Web site at www.venturahillsides.org or by calling 643-8044.
Please contact Outdoor Observer with details and contact information about environmental events, volunteer opportunities and adventure sports at outdoors@vcreporter.com.
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