Q: A neighbor and I were talking, and he mentioned the Love Run. I had not heard of it or participated before and would appreciate some details and how to obtain entry forms. Also, who benefits from this event?

A: I will be very glad to provide answers to your questions. The 15th annual Love Run is scheduled for June 1. Registration and the start of activities will take place in front of 2801 Townsgate Road (Brent's Deli parking lot) in Westlake Village.

This is an event that provides something for every member of the family. Race day registration will start at 7 a.m. with runs scheduled to start at 8 a.m. (5K timed), 8:50 a.m. (10K timed) and 9 a.m. (1 mile run/walk).

The 5K/10K is on a USA Track & Field certified out and back flat course around the lake in Westlake Village. Mile timings and final time will be provided.

There will be awards for the top three male and female finishers in all age groups in the 5K and 10K race, medals to all 1-mile finishers, and medals to all children younger than 11.

Pre-registration is $25, and race day registration $30. For more information about the race or to register go to http://www.seniorconcerns.org and click on the Love Run logo.

The Love Run is a major fundraiser for Senior Concerns' Meals on Wheels program, and all proceeds from this annual event go directly toward providing nutritious meals to the area's homebound frail elderly who cannot shop or prepare meals for themselves.

Meals are delivered by friendly volunteers seven days a week, including holidays, and in addition to delivering food, the volunteers offer a few minutes of socialization to those who are isolated from society.

Delivery provides two meals, one hot meal and one brown bag meal. Meals meet the federally required nutritional standards, and those participants with special dietary needs can be accommodated.

The cost is $8.50 per day with a sliding scale for low-income individuals. Those who are 60 and older, homebound and have no one to prepare their meals are eligible to participate.

Participation in the benefit is a win-win opportunity. Meals on Wheels wins because of the proceeds, and the attendees win because they will have gotten good exercise and quality time with family members and friends.

Q: Some time ago I attended a seminar about Caring for Aging Loved Ones and found it very informative. Now several people I know are asking if that particular subject will be presented again. Do you know if or when such a seminar is scheduled?

A: Yes, I can tell you that the seminar you mentioned was given by Senior Concerns in the fall of 2007 and it will be given again this month.

This presentation will be hosted by the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church for its parishioners, and it will also be open to the public. The seminar is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 21. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church is at 588 Camino Manzanas (at Lynn Road) in Thousand Oaks.

The seminar will be facilitated by the Senior Advocates and will explore the importance of communication between the caregiver and the loved one needing the care. Emphasis will be placed on communication between grown children and their parents.

Attendees will also learn who today's caregivers are, how care giving happens and why caregivers must take care of themselves and learn to ask for help.

There will also be a discussion about the four federal/state programs that seniors and caregivers need to understand. Those programs are Medicare, MediCal, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income.

At the conclusion of the presentation a handout consisting of detailed information and resources vital to a caregiver will be provided.

For more information or reservations, call 498-4502.

May happenings

Wednesday: Going on Vacation — Make it a Safe One seminar, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. Information: 495-6250.

Saturday: Generation Celebration Festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Goebel Senior Adult Center. Information: 381-2744.

May 29: Savvy Senior, Can You Pass the Street Smarts IQ Test? seminar, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. Information: 583-6363.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.