Did you say free? Yes, I did. From today until Aug. 23, become a savvy senior while turning flab into a well-toned body. Take advantage of water exercising sessions for seniors at two high schools. If you are 50 or older, you can swim or take part in a water exercise program on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Thousand Oaks High School pool. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, drive over to Newbury Park High School, and exercise or swim there.

What better way to spend a hot summer than to tone up your body and replenish your energy by safely working out in water while meeting new friends and improving your health at the same time? No sign-up is necessary.

Just drop in, and don't forget your bathing suit and towel. The swim time is scheduled from 12:35 to 1:25 p.m. each of the scheduled days at both locations.

Don't miss out on this great summer offer. Call locations for the addresses of both schools.

Getting to the senior centers

Please remember that all senior centers are air-conditioned and are great places to spend hot summer days. If you don't drive, you can ride with a friend or call Dial-a-Ride or the senior taxi service in Thousand Oaks.

A wheelchair lift that kneels for seniors who cannot climb up that one step will be operating all summer. Watch for special opportunities to purchase a ride discount pass at a senior center information desk.

Simi center has new schedule

New summer scheduling at the Simi Valley Senior Center begins Tuesday. Offerings include Learning How to Knit. Classes begin Tuesday from 8:30 to 10 a.m., and are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday throughout this summer season.

On Wednesdays, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., it's Tea Time, a chance to enjoy the company of others while listening to great music or taking part in stimulating conversation with other guests. This program runs through July 18.

Signing up for your summer classes is easy and available at both ends of the Simi center at the west or north entrance reception desks. Just ask about the hot pink summer brochures or sign up online at http://www.rsrpd.org. These programs are available for those 50 and older.

Top-caliber entertainment

The one thing that seniors love almost as much as Social Security is reliability and consistency. Special recognition this week goes to entertainers Lorrell Cooper and Don Newcomer. Both of these men continue to be a special part of the senior scene in Simi Valley.

Cooper provides top-caliber entertainment with his easy-listening sessions. For each performance, Cooper is required to carry from his car numerous speakers, sound equipment, keyboards and microphones. His setup alone takes about 30 minutes.

This retired fire captain has struck a chord with the nutrition meal crowd. He has proven to be a reliable performer who can be counted on to be where he is scheduled, and the crowd loves him and his music. Newcomer brings a Western touch to his performances. He not only dresses the part, but entertains as well. He comes early most Fridays and will strum his guitar before his scheduled time to lend support to senior singers who enjoy their 15 minutes of fame.

His music is easy to dance to. He is a professional performer who takes requests and delivers quality musical performances to what would otherwise be just another Friday afternoon nutrition meal gathering.

Thanks, gentlemen, from all of us.

David Nankivell is a Star columnist. He may be reached by fax at 482-6167.