Feature News Item Published from Media Release by Sarasota Herald Tribune Jul 08

Senior Centers to teach living smartly and safely

Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, July 7, 2008 at 6:10 p.m.

Starting Friday, senior citizens can learn about staying safe and preventing dangerous situations.

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Capt. Steve Burns, left, with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, captures the trophy from Assistant Fire Chief Paul Dezzi, of the Sarasota County Fire Department, during the kickoff event to raise money for the Suncoast Communities Blood Bank.
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COURTESY PHOTO / MICHELLE DENDY

The Senior Friendship Centers has joined forces with the Palms-Robarts Funeral Home and Memorial Park and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to present the Summer 2008 Smart and Safe Living Conference.

The Smart and Safe Living Program is sponsored by the Dignity Memorial network of about 2,200 funeral homes and cemeteries across the country.

"Smart and Safe Living Program has been around for about 16 years nationally," said [name redacted for blog publication], community service counselor at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home. "But this is the first time we've done a conference schedule.

"It's just something different and interesting to do over the summer."

For the next three Fridays in July from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Senior Friendship Centers will host talks on topics such as preventing identity theft and home invasions and how to stay safe during the hot summer months.

The Smart and Safe Living Program also deals with Community Outreach programs like Escape School for children, along with various other programs.

"Community Outreach is focused on living longer and being smart about avoiding things that can actually put you in a dangerous situation," said Toner.

The conference will feature speakers Cynthia Cooper of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Area Agency on Aging, and Sarasota County sheriff's Sgt. Neil Scully.

For more information about the Smart and Safe Living Conference, contact Vicki at the Senior Friendship Centers at 556-3243.

-- Michelle Dendy