Most people want to continue to drive for as long as possible. Driving provides a level of independence that’s hard to achieve any other way, even if your neighborhood has good public transportation or, even better, good senior public transportation, as does Burbank, CA, home base for EngAGE. But not everyone can or should continue to drive indefinitely. AARP offers a list of 10 signs that it’s time to limit or stop driving.
If you are still driving, there’s something you can do to make your time on the road safer: take a Smart Driver Course. According to AARP: “The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. In many states, drivers may benefit from a discount on their auto insurance premium upon completing the course. And you will learn something new along the way. In fact, an evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.” AARP is offering a discount during March for Roadside Safety Month.
Check with your auto insurance company to find out if taking a seniors’ safe driving course from AARP or another provider they recommend would lower your rates. Most likely, it will, but even it if doesn’t, it will help you tune up your skills and keep you safer.
CARMEN LUNDY is celebrated throughout the world for her vocal artistry and innovation. Her contribution of over sixty self-penned compositions is considered the New Jazz Songbook. Ms. Lundy’s 2005 release, the critically acclaimed “Jazz and The New Songbook-Live at The Madrid,” features some of the best known musicians paying tribute to Ms. Lundy. She is currently touring the U.S. and her most recent album is entitled, “Soul to Soul.” More information 
CHARLES OWENS is a master woodwind musician who is in demand as a first-call studio musician, a popular nightclub/concert performer, and a jazz artist of international repute. He is also devoted to teaching. He lectures at UCLA and the Los Angeles Jazz Society “Jazz in Schools” Program has employed Owens as leader of an entertaining group of musicians who present free interactive jazz concerts in Los Angeles elementary schools. These concerts are designed to stimulate jazz awareness and create a future audience. A featured soloist with the Clayton Hamilton Orchestra, he also serves as conductor of the Luckman Jazz Orchestra. More information 
More than eight million Baby Boomers age 50 to 64 are turning to charitable food assistance to make ends meet, according to 
“Debra Borda is one of the most successful arts leaders in the country. In her 15 years as the L.A. Phil’s president and chief executive, she has presided over the opening of Disney Hall, amassed the largest budget of any U.S. symphony and instilled a corporate savviness that has increased the orchestra’s endowment nearly fivefold to $222 million. . . .
Piano Hour at Villa Anaheim Senior Apartments: Resident volunteer Susie plays the piano in the community room, others sing along, and everyone is entertained. This music time follows Exercise/Fitness Class on Tuesdays, and we have now added Fridays, too. Management provides donuts and coffee on Tuesdays. This is an opportunity to see residents whom we rarely see in programming. The community room audience enjoys socializing during this informal gathering.
Art Class: Creative expression through various mediums is offered in this class. Instructor Nicole Galardo reports: “We completed our abstract art piece in acrylic paint on canvas. Arthur (in photo) made leaf shapes that overlap and created a third color through overlapping. I like this piece, in particular, because Arthur thought about his composition and created a nice movement with his shapes. I’m very proud of Arthur! He is vocal to other residents about how he loves painting now because of our Art Class.”
