By Neena Strichart
For a very short period in my life, I had the honor of working as a senior trip chaperone for the City of Signal Hill. I helped take reservations for the various outings and accompanied the folks on their bus trips. I LOVED my job. It gave me the opportunity to visit places I had never been— and might have never taken the time to visit. I went along on trips to the Getty Museum (the first month it was open), Lawry’s Restaurant, Temecula for the hot-air balloon festival, Palm Springs for the Follies and various other jaunts. What a hoot!
At nearly 90 years of age, Mom still enjoys her occasional tours with the Signal Hill group— when she can fit it into her busy schedule. I envy her!
Earlier this week Lucy Daggett from the Long Beach City College Senior Studies Program called and asked if I would pass the word about their upcoming local mini-tours. I told her I would be happy to. So, here it is— enjoy!
The Long Beach City College Senior Center invites those 50 years old and over to join them on any one of a series of mini tours to interesting local destinations from August through October. Tours cost $20 for the bus and a minimal charge that varies with the destination. Walk-in registration starts Tuesday, August 11 at 8:30am in Dyer Hall (FF107). Phone registration is Wednesday, August 12 at 8am. For information, please call (562) 938-3048 starting August 4, or sign up at the LBCC Senior Center on the LBCC campus, 1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Tuesday, Aug. 25 Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna
Leave: 9:15am Fee: $6
Lunch: on your own at the various festival cafes
Thursday, Aug. 27 Pasadena Splendor with Jonathan
Leave: 10:15am Fee: $10
Lunch: at Paseo Colorado Mall
Tuesday, Sept. 1 L.A. County Museum of Art: “Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples”
Leave: 11am Fee: $13 payable at registration
Lunch: in the museum cafe
Thursday, Sept. 3 The Nethercutt Collections in Sylmar
Leave: 8:15am Entry is free. Fee: $9 including lunch and extra bus time Lunch: included box lunch on the bus on the way home
Tuesday, Sept. 8 “Gardens of the World” in Thousand Oaks
Leave 9:15am Fee: $3
Lunch: bring your own picnic lunch to eat in beautiful picnic area
Thursday, Sept. 10 Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Dodger Stadium
Leave: 9:30am Fee: $7
Lunch: at Philippe’s French Dip Restaurant nearby
Tuesday, Sept. 15 The Old Town Music Hall and “Phantom of the Opera” in El Segundo
Leave: 11am Fee: $9
Lunch: in the area before the movie
Tuesday, Sept. 22 Tour of the U.S.S. Lane Victory
Leave: 9:15am Entry Fee: $3 payable at registration
Lunch: at Ports of Call or in the area
Thursday, Sept. 24 The Bowers Museum: “The Baroque World of Fernando Botero”
Leave: 9:15am Entry Fee: $9
Lunch: at the Main Street Mall
Tuesday, Sept. 29 Richard Nixon Library and Museum
Leave: 9:15am Fee: $9
Lunch: at the Yorba Linda Station Plaza
Thursday, Oct. 1 Ditch Day with Frances Keys
“Secrets of Palos Verdes” with Dr. Howard Shifflet
Leave: 9am Fee: $40 including bus and picnic lunch