MOORPARK : Volunteers Are Sought for Senior Center

Hoping to expand the programs at its Senior Center, the city of Moorpark is seeking volunteers interested in working at the Moorpark Avenue facility.

“Volunteerism does make that place vital and active and makes it possible for them to do as many events as they do,” Mayor Paul Lawrason said Tuesday. “They really do have a full schedule of activities over there. I mean, every day they have something going on.”

Center coordinator Carol Ghens said she is looking for people willing to perform a wide variety of tasks, from manning the front desk to playing piano at lunch or visiting homebound senior citizens.

“We will train and try to prepare each volunteer to be the best that they can be,” Ghens said. “They can just call and say, ‘I want to help, but I’m not sure what I want to do,’ and we’ll talk about it.”

Residents who have a particular interest--such as dancing, music or art--can also volunteer to help establish a club or group at the center devoted to the activity.

There are about 100 active volunteers now working with the seniors, but more are needed, Ghens said.

“A number of them only help at a certain time or a certain month, I need someone at the front desk all week and I don’t have that and it’s only a one-morning or one-afternoon commitment,” Ghens said.

Working the front desk Tuesday was volunteer Dan Diasio, 80, a Moorpark resident who has been filling an afternoon shift answering phones once a week while his wife, Bernice, helps prepare the center’s monthly newsletter.

“I enjoy the work and I feel like I’m doing something good for the seniors,” Diasio said. “I feel that everybody owes something,” he said.

For more information or to volunteer at the center, call Ghens on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 529-6864, Ext. 261.