Looking to escape the confines of the City, make new friends and see new places? There’s a world of opportunity awaiting travel-minded senior citizens.
Neighborhood resident Dottie Fritts describes herself as an avid traveler. Four years ago, she inquired about a travel service for senior citizens known as Shiney Pennie Tours, owned and operated by Pennie Shine. Several excursions later to destinations such as Branson, Mo., and the St. Lawrence River, Fritts is sold on Shiney Pennie.
“Pennie is great to go with,” Fritts says. “She goes along and gets it all set up.
I go to get away and go with a group of people. Usually you don’t want to travel alone, and it’s great to be able to go to all these places.”
Randy Shine, Pennie’s son, helps his mother run the business, accompanying her on trips and arranging future adventures.
“The biggest advantage is that we take care of all the details,” Shine says. “We take care of the whole trip, and all they (travelers) have to do is show up and get on the bus.”
He says an average of 30 people usually go on the trips, which range anywhere from one to 10 days.
“We plan to offer about 45 trips this year,” Shine says. “It’s a great way to make friends.”
For more information on Shiney Pennie Tours, call 214-337-7329.
Lakewood Travel, 214-821-3303, arranges unguided trips for senior citizens. Travel consultant Jody Burch, who specializes in senior travel, says bus tours and Alaskan cruises are popular among his senior clientele.
“The best rates are generally in the fall,” Burch says. “kids are in school at that time, and seniors are usually able to take off at any time.”
Local senior organization and clubs such as the Greater Lakewood Shepherd Center also offer travel opportunities.
The Shepherd Center offers a 10-day Mediterranean cruise in October. Adventurers leave Dallas Oct. 10 and return Oct. 20. Various fares apply depending upon the accommodation chosen.
For information on the cruise or any other Shepherd Center excursions, call Carolyn Dennis at 214-824-2583.
NEWS & NOTES
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
Ridgewood Park AARP: The Ridgewood Park Chapter of the AARP will meet May 22, at 10 a.m., at the Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church, 6445 E. Lovers Ln. The program will feature Ms. Odena Breman, who will speak on “HERBS.” Lunch will be served for $1.50 per person. Everyone is welcome to attend. For information about the program or the AARP, call Dorthea Sooby at 214-827-6678.
White Rock Newcomers Club: The White Rock Newcomers Club will meet Tuesday, May 6 at the Holiday Inn, LBJ and Jupiter. Hospitality time is 9:30-10 a.m. The luncheon is $13 and begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by bridge and games. Newcomers meet the first Tuesday of every month and membership is open to all residents of Dallas County. Call 321-2993 or 495-2397 for reservations.
HEALTH HAPPENINGS
C.C. Young: C.C. Young is sponsoring a three-part series on food, nutrition and health beginning May 22 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the “B” Chapel. There will be a recipe demonstration and food tasting fair featuring new products on the market. There is no charge and the public is welcome. C.C. Young is located at 4829 W. Lawther, between Mockingbird Ln. and Northwest Highway. For information, call Linda Rogers at 214-827-8080.
Doctors Hospital: Doctors Hospital offers several free educational seminars this month regarding health issues. On May 3, Julie Pao, M.D., OB/GYN will present “Treating Osteoporosis” at 10 a.m. Kevin Hopkins, M.D., Plastic Surgeon will present “Sun, Surf, and Skin Cancer: Protect Yourself from Those UV Rays” at 10 a.m. All lectures are free to the community and held in the West Tower Conference Center at Doctors Hospital, Ste. 206 & 207, 9440 Poppy Dr. Parking is free. To register for seminars, call 214-324-6640.
Cooking Lowfat: The Skillman Southwestern Library, 5707 Skillman, will kick off a health series on May 31 with a seminar discussing ways to eliminate the fat from meals by using lean, flavorful foods. Susan Albert of Whole Foods Market at Skillman will conduct the seminar and offer snacks and appetizers. The event begins at 3 p.m. and two more health programs will follow at the same time on June 7 & 21 presented by physicians from the Presbyterian Senior Medical Centers staff. For information, call 214-670-6078.
A Nurse Visit: The White Rock Senior Center, 9100 Diceman, has several nurses from the City Health Department visit the center the fourth Friday of each month to give free blood pressure checks to seniors. Free physical exams are available if a reservation is made beforehand. The nurses will be at the center at 9 a.m. on May 23. To make reservations, call 214-328-4863.
