SENIOR SIDELIGHTS

Guardian Angels of Trumbull County, a volunteer program of the Trumbull County Probate Court, is looking for volunteers. Angel volunteers receive training to become advocates who reach out as friends to seniors who may need a friendly phone call, a visit in a nursing home or a visit at home. Angels also are involved in planning special events for seniors such as health fairs and Make a Difference Day projects.

Ohio Living Park Vista Senior Center, 1110 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, has scheduled the following activities: Monday, diabetic empowerment program at 1 p.m.; Tuesday, strength and toning and brush, knife and needle club at 10 a.m. and beginner, intermediate and party bridge at noon; Wednesday, watercolors at 10, tap class at noon, 500 bid card club at 1 p.m., line dancing at 1:30 and variety show rehearsal at 2:30 p.m.; Thursday, woodcarvers at 9 a.m. and multimedia art and socialization at noon; and Friday, Christmas party at 11 a.m. and chair yoga ($7 or $5) at 1 p.m. Call 330-744-5071 in advance for reservations for all classes and events. Silver Sneakers classes are available Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:15 p.m. in the North Lounge. To find out more about Silver Sneakers, or to verify whether your health plan covers the program, visit silversneakers.com. If your health plan does not cover the program, there will be a small fee for each class. For information, call 330-746-2944, ext. 1214.

Senior Corps Retired Senior Volunteer Program, located in First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 201 Wick Ave., is under the Corp. for National and Community Service. It is a volunteer program with the mission of linking volunteers, age 55 and older, with a variety of volunteer opportunities within their community. There are sites throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties with opportunities such as senior companionship, transportation to museums, meal delivery for homebound seniors and construction. There is no maximum requirement of volunteer hours. There is a short application, and the program coordinator will meet with volunteers to match them with their preferred site based on their interests, skills and location. Volunteers can contact Deborah Cunningham, program coordinator, at 330-480-0352 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email dcunningham@fcsohio.org.

Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, a volunteer program that advocates for people who use long-term care services, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities, to resolve resident concerns or complaints, is looking for volunteers. Volunteer ombudsmen receive free training and are certified as an ombudsman associate before beginning volunteer work. There are no experience requirements but there is a short application. Background checks are done at no cost to the applicant. Contact Max Bumgardner, volunteer coordinator, at 330-505-2375 for information and an application. Applications are available online at www.aaa11.org/volunteer.html.