After moving to Lemoore last August, Gail Bruckner, 69, realized she needed to meet some people her own age.

Bruckner moved to Lemoore from San Diego to be closer with her daughter, Candace, a naval officer at Lemoore Naval Air Station.

She said for the first few months after her move, she was hanging out with her daughter's friends, but realized she needed to make an effort to meet her own friends.

"At my age it's kind of hard making new friends," Bruckner said. "At first I stayed in and it's kind of hard doing that. Then I started going to the senior center and that's helped."

Bruckner spends about one day a week at the Hanford Senior Center socializing, playing games or helping out with office tasks at the center. She has also gone on trips offered through the center.

She is just one of the Kings County seniors who has availed herself of the activities provided to area seniors. During the month of May - federally recognized as Older Americans Month, the city of Hanford's recreation department and other area organizations will offer several events for seniors.

Sharon DeMasters, executive director of the Kings County Commission on Aging Council, a non-profit organization that provides services and referrals to those over age 60, recommends seniors get out and interact with others.

"They've found that people live longer if they have social ties and friends and family. Lots of times as they get older they are separated from their families ... it's healthier in the long run, if you stay active," she said.

Here are a few of the upcoming events and workshops offered by the Kings County Commission on Aging and the Hanford Senior Center.

s Senior Friendship Day Luncheon - from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. The event will include music, dancing, door prizes, drawings and food. R.S.V.P. at the Hanford Senior Center. Suggested meal donation for seniors is $2 per person. Non-senior meal cost is $3.80 per person.

s Antique Appraisal Clinic - from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Hanford Senior/Veterans Center, 401 N. Irwin St. Bring in a family treasure for a free informal estimate by the owner of Osterberg's Mercantile in Clovis.

s "Lawyers in the Courtyard" free legal clinic - from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 5. (Sponsored by the Kings County Bar Association - not just for seniors.) Attorneys will be on hand to answer legal questions.

This event will be helpful for seniors who would like direction on legal issues of particular interest to them, including estate planning, power of attorney (financial and health), wills and trusts, and contracts and mortgage issues, said Scott Harvey, community service specialist at Kings County Commission on Aging.

s Health and Beauty Day -from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 12 on the lawn area in front of the Hanford Senior/Veterans Center. Tai-chi, aerobics, yoga and line dancing demonstrations will be offered.

s Senior Day in the Park - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16, at Mooney Grove Park, Visalia. Lunch will be offered, music and dancing, bingo, a carnival, cake walk and live entertainment. Donations of $2 are suggested for seniors and non-seniors $3.80 per person. Contact the Hanford Senior Center at 585-2531 if a ride is needed.

The reporter can be reached at 582-0471, ext. 3052

(April 29, 2007)