HELPING HAND FOR SENIORS CENTERS OFFER CLASSES, ASSISTANCE WITH NEEDS.

Byline: - Lisa Van Proyen

Whether seeking a unique dance class, guidance on legal issues or just a way to stay active, the San Fernando Valley's 190,000 senior citizens have a multitude of enriching programs from which to choose.

Ten senior centers throughout the Valley offer an array of classes, including Scottish and Hawaiian dancing at the Canoga Park Senior Center or Spanish lessons at the Robert M. Wilkinson Multipurpose Center in Northridge.

At Wilkinson, one of the busier senior centers with 200 daily participants, seniors can reduce their car insurance bills by taking an eight-hour state-approved mature driving class.

Others at Wilkinson participate in Wilhelmina von Hodissen's free jewelry-beading class.

``You'll get the sexiest seniors with their anklets on,'' von Hodissen chuckled.

Some seniors bring in their old jewelry to repair during class.

``People will say, 'I can't tell you how happy I am. This thing has been laying around my home for 60 years!''' von Hodissen said. ``That gives me a good feeling.''

At the same center, 91-year-old Sarah Denk has volunteered for 23 years, writing weekly reports, assisting with bingo, and driving the center's surplus food to the needy.

Wilkinson's director, Linda Chan, said it's volunteers like Denk who keep the center running.

``No matter how busy her schedule is, she always makes the time to help. She just keeps going like the Energizer bunny.''

At ONEgeneration Center in Van Nuys, the staff recently began a program that pairs pregnant teens with seniors who teach them to care for their babies.

``It's hands-on learning for parenting skills, nutritional information and job preparation,'' said Joyce Grair, intergenerational manager. ``We try to help build their self-esteem.''

In addition to senior centers, myriad other resources exist for Valley seniors, including peer support groups. A dog shelter owner in Woodland Hills specializes in locating senior companions for aging dogs.

``I get that call that 'Mom's in a rest home and they don't allow pets.' I find a lonesome senior citizen and I put a little bow on the dog and get them spayed and we find new homes for them,'' said Caroline Rose, 84, who has rescued animals for 72 years.

The following is a list of resources available to Valley seniors:

--Southwest Valley: ONEgeneration Senior Center, 18255 Victory Blvd., Reseda; [phone]. Director Rebecca Mostow.

--East Valley Multipurpose Senior Center (includes Handiworker Program, which provides free home repairs and meals to qualifying seniors), 5000 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood; [phone]. Director, Lori Litel.

--Bernardi Multipurpose Senior Center, 6514 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys; [phone]. Director, Rosalinda Gonzales.

--Northeast Valley Multipurpose Senior Center, 11300 Glenoaks Blvd., Pacoima; [phone]. Director, Pat Austin.

--Robert M. Wilkinson Multipurpose Center, 8956 Vanalden Ave., Northridge;

[phone]. Director, Linda Chan.

--Canoga Park Senior Center, 7326 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park; [phone]. Director, Rich Kinoshita.

--Mid-Valley Senior Center, 14450 Valerio St., Van Nuys; [phone]. Director, Christine Washington.

--North Hollywood Senior Center, 11430 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood; [phone]. Director, Pat Kent.

--Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick Ave., Sunland; [phone]. Director, Cathy Judy.

--Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Senior Center, 5040 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks; [phone]. Director, Rob Tabora.

--Los Angeles Department of Aging: [phone].

--Meals on Wheels: [phone].

--San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council Senior Nutrition Program, a meal program for seniors over age 60. Recommended donation of $2.50 per meal. [phone].

--Computer Help: Mel and Gladys Roseman of Encino help provide technical support for seniors interested in using the Los Angeles Free-Net, a voluntary, nonprofit Internet service. [phone].

--ONEgeneration Center, 17400 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys; [phone]. Offers adult day care, rehabilitation, physical therapy and counseling. Director, Bill Daniel.

--Elder Abuse Hotline: [phone].

--H.O.P.E. Unit Foundation Inc., providing group support for bereavement, cancer patients and family members; (818) 788-HOPE.

--Golden State Care Center for Alzheimer's disease and dementia residents, 21820 Craggy View, Box 3909, Chatsworth; [phone].

--Jewish Community Center of the North Valley, 16601 Rinaldi St., Granada Hills; [phone].

--Legal services for seniors; [phone].

--Alternative Living For the Aging, 937 N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood; [phone]. Director, Janet Witkin.

--Senior Companion Program: a voluntary peer support program that provides volunteer opportunities for low-income persons 60 years or older; [phone].

--Medicare Information, [phone].

--Elder Care Locator, [phone].

--Social Security, [phone].

--Jewish Family Services, [phone].

--Housing Authority, [phone].

--L.A. Department on Disability, [phone].

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The following is a list of resources available to Valley seniors: (see text)