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 City of El Cerrito, California
The Open House Senior Center
Home Town Programs That Fit Your Lifestyle
6500 Stockton Avenue, El Cerrito
Monday - Thursdays, 8AM-5PM
Friday, 8AM-4PM

Tel.(510) 559-7677
Fax.(510) 524-3965

Our Mission
The Open House Senior Center is committed to improving the quality of life for older adults.

It is the goal of our staff and volunteers to provide programs and services for the vigorous and independent person as well as the frail and vulnerable in the most integrated setting. We value and respect every ones right to age in place.

Classes & Programs

  • Alzheimer Respite Program, Art Classes (Acrylic, Drawing, and Watercolor), Awareness Through Movement, Balance Training & Fall Prevention, Barber, Birding Trip, Broadway/Old Time Songs, Caregivers Support Group, Case Management, Cash Bingo, Chess Group, Computer Classes, Creative Writing, Easy Ride Transportation Service, Excursions & Shopping Trips, Exercise, Folk Dance, Footcare Clinic, Grocery Bingo, Hairdresser, Health Insurance Counseling (HICAP), Hiking, Kayaking, Knitting & Crochet, Mah Jong, Massage, Mat Exercise, Matting: Work of Arts, Mind Works, Music Composition, Podiatry, Senior Legal Service, Senior Women's Support Group, Tai Chi, Tea Dance, and Health Workshops.

    60 Plus Bulletin
    To keep current on services and programs benefiting older adults, call (510) 559-7677 and ask to be put on the 60 Plus Bulletin mailing list. Join our wellness program, senior excursion/trips, free workshops, computer classes and special events. No membership. Click here for May issue.

    El Cerrito CoCo Cafe
    Enjoy a nutritious meal at a friendly atmosphere. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, 12 noon, at the Open House Senior Center. 4 Daily Entree Choices: Entree D'Jour, Cheese Burger, Chef's Salad and Seafood Louie Salad. Please call (510)559-7677 for advance reservation. $2 Suggested Donation. Click here for May menu.

    Calendar of Events
    Single Payer Health Care & Movie "Sicko"
    Wednesday, May 7, 1PM-4PM at the Open House Senior Center. Viewing of Michael Moore's movie "Sicko" plus discussion on prescriptions, glasses, dental, hearing aids, mental health and more with Sandra Decker. Free admission.

    Assest Allocation
    Making Your Assests Work For You

    Wednesday, May 21, 1PM-2:30PM at the Open House Senior Center with Micheal Levenson, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. This seminar helps investors understand the importance of proper and regular asset allocation as a foundational element of an investment strategy. The talk will be interactive and full audience participation is welcome. Free admission.

    El Cerrito Committee on Aging
    Wednesday, May 21, 3PM at the El Cerrito Community Center, City Council Chambers, 7007 Moeser Lane. General Public is invited. MEETING CANCELLED.

    Tea Dance
    Wednesday, May 21, 1PM-4PM, at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane.

    Sakura Kai Festival
    Talent Show Fundraiser

    Saturday, June 14, 1:30PM-3:30PM, at Fairmont School Auditorium next to the Open House Senior Center, Stockton Ave. & Lexington Ave., El Cerrito. Featuring performances by the Sakura Kai Senior Classes: Taiko, Line Dance, Karaoke, Shigin, Odori, Drama Skit, Flute Duet..Plus, Silent Auction, Craft Displays and Food. Tickets available by donation. All proceeds will be donated to the Sakura Kai Building Fund. For more information, please email ecsakurakai@hotmail.com.

    What's NEW at Open House!!!
    Wii for Seniors
    Virtual Bowling/Golf/Tennis/Ballball

    What is Wii? Wii is very intuitive, just like playing the real game! It is easy to learn and play. By pressing a button and swinging the controller, people can bowl, golf, and play tennis, baseball or boxing. This interactive game allows seniors who can no longer bowl or play golf continue with the virtual version of their favorite games. Have lots of fun while working on improving hand-eye coordination, balance and muscular strength & endurance. Call (510) 559-7677 for schedule.

    New Walking Group
    Join Ollie Beasley and other walkers as they explore the Ohlone Greenway, aka as the BART Pathway. This is a wonderful chance to experience the restoration of Baxter Creek. The group departs at the Open House Senior Center on Thursdays at 9:30AM. Cost is FREE.

    Talk Back
    Join an new informal discussion group on Tuesdays, 9:30AM-10:45AM, at the Open House Senior Center with topics ranging from motivational issues, self-help for seniors, health & welfare and various other subjects. Group led by Ollie Beasley. Fee per session: $4 resident/$5 non-resident. Call (510) 559-7677.

    Senior Citizen Emergency List
    El Cerrito residents who would like to register at the Open House Senior Center, call Liz Espadilla at (510)559-7677 to leave your name, address, telephone #, and contact person outside the state in case of a local emergency.

    Caregivers Support Group
    1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month,
    11AM-1PM, at the Open House Senior Center, 6500 Stockton Ave. FEE per SESSION: $4 EC Resident and $5 Non-resident. Learn new skills to help manage the stresses of caregiving, painful changes in life circumstances and relationships and caring for the caregiver. Facilitator: Alena Gonzalez, Case Manager/Senior Peer Counselor/
    B.A Gerontology. Call (510) 559-7677.

    Volunteer

    Volunteer!

    Volunteer Job Opportunities
    Volunteers bring very special skills and talents to the City of El Cerrito. The City's performance delivering services to the public is greatly enhanced by volunteers. Rewards are many for those who volunteer. Job experience is gained, new skills are learned while keeping active and doing something worthwhile. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

    There is an immediate need for volunteers to perform the following tasks at The Open House Senior Center:

  • Respite Group Volunteers: Provide assistance to persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other memory loss. In turn, this gives caregivers a break.
  • Meals on Wheels Volunteers: Deliver noon day meals to the homebound in Kensington, El Cerrito and Richmond Annex.
  • Computer Lab Volunteers: Teach computer skills at our Computer Learning Center.
  • 60+ Newsletter Volunteers: Help label newsletters for our monthly mailing.

    For more information, call Ellen Paasch, Program Supervisor at (510) 559-7035.

  • Volunteer Dinner
    50's Theme...2007 Volunteers Rock!


    Social Recreation
    Click here! for Active Aging!

    Click here! for Senior Excursions!

    The Open House Senior Center (OHSC) offers many exciting and informative programs and excellent services for older adults. Experience travel, computer classes, exercise opportunities, day trips, shopping, health lectures, and more!

  • Aquatics
  • Cultural Arts & Literature
  • Health and Wellness
  • Support Groups
  • Social Recreation

    East Bay Paratransit
    (El Cerrito Residents Only)
    The City of El Cerrito subsidizes East Bay Paratransit fares with Measure C sales tax funds. El Cerrito residents who are enrolled with East Bay Paratransit will be able to buy a book of ten tickets (worth $30) for $15. There is a limit of two books per month and enrollment with East Bay Paratransit will be verified. Tickets may also be purchased at the Open House Senior Center, or by mail at City of El Cerrito, Paratransit Tickets, 10940 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Checks are payable to City of El Cerrito. For further information or to find out if you qualify for this service, call (510) 559-7677.

    Riders Guide

    Eligibility

    Application

    Easy Ride Transportation
    Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9AM-5PM
    (El Cerrito Residents Only)
    Fee: $1.00 each way

    Easy is a transportation service to help senior citizen and disabled residents perform daily activites within the City of El Cerrito. Funded by the City of El Cerrito and Contra Costa County Measure C sales tax revenue.

    Arranging transportation with Easy Ride is fast and simple for seniors 60 and older and the disabled. El Cerrito residents may schedule a ride for the same day as your appointment between 8:30am - 9:30am or anytime in advance of your trip between 8:00am - 5:00pm providing space is available.

    Please call (510) 559-7677 to schedule a ride. When Calling please provide your first and last name; your requested pick-up and/ or drop off time; pick-up address and destination address within the City of El Cerrito; make sure to let us know if you will be using a wheelchair or other mobility device; if you will be traveling with a caregiver, the caregiver will ride for free.

    Easy Ride Application Form (PDF Format)

    Plans For Giving
    The Open House Senior Center (OHSC) provides a broad range of programs and services for older adults. Our activities promote physical and mental well-being, educational and recreational opportunities, and encourage continued involvement and service to the community. The Open House serves the full spectrum of seniors, from the most active and independent to the frail and isolated.

    OHSC raises funds to cover the cost of many of its programs and activities. All donations will provide direct service to older adults. Tax-deductible contributions from individuals and groups are gratefully acknowledged. Donations can be made as memorials, tributes and bequests. Your gift, if made by check, should be made payable to The Open House Senior Center and mailed to 10940 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Donations also can be made in person at the Open House Senior Center, 6500 Stockton Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530.

    El Cerrito Committee on Aging
    Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month,
    3 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, City Council Chambers, 7007 Moeser Lane. General Public is invited to attend the meetings.

    COA Retreat 2006

    At a Retreat gathering, but not retiring, are members of
    City El Cerrito Board of Committee on Aging inviting residents of all ages to join. Councilwoman Janet Abelson
    (right front) is liaison from the the City Council

    For comments and suggestions about Senior Services or the website, please contact
    Liza Espadilla, Admin. Specialist,
    at (510) 559-7677 or email
    lespadilla@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
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    10940 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530-2323
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