The Area Agency on Aging has some very interesting statistics on their website. In Sonoma County the age group of 60 plus will have increased by 44% from 2000 - 2010. The fastest growing group is 85 plus. Our community must plan and prepare for our growing and "living longer" senior population.

One service for seniors is the Transportation Program offered by the Senior Center. This is door to door service is available Monday through Friday. Reservations are required: 829-2440. Please call if you need help getting to the doctor, the grocery, or ask about your particular needs and see if they can help.

Local authorities are also beginning to work on local transportation systems to ensure we are offering better services for everyone. Our local bus service, # 24, is a lifeline for Sebastopol seniors, and recently we almost lost the first trip of the morning. The residents at Burbank Heights took action and the trip was restored by the SCTA.

Wacco posted a list of businesses offering senior discounts last year. We can add to the list a 40% discount at St. Vincent de Paul.

I am very interested in senior issues, so please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Kathleen Shaffer