By Mary O’KEEFE

Today at 4:30 p.m. at the La Crescenta Library a special speaker series for seniors will be held through the support of ASTER (Assisting Seniors Through Enhanced Resources).

ASTER is a non-profit organization with a mission to serve the foothill community of older adults and their families by advocating for issues pertaining to seniors and providing resources and services that enhance independence, health and quality of life.

Seniors, 60 years old and older, are invited to today’s event to hear from Glendale police Detective Zaun on how to protect themselves from scams and fraud.

“[Det. Zaun is knowledgably] about financial fraud with mail and [online] scams targeted at seniors,” said Robbyn Battles, Crescenta Valley Town Council member and one of the founders of ASTER.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Bat. Chief Ron Larriva will also speak to seniors on emergency preparedness.

The organization was in the planning stages for almost three-years and has been up and running for the last six months. In the short time is has been active, ASTER has received support from many local businesses and praise from local seniors.

“One of our [more popular] offers is the discount card,” Battles said.

Businesses were approached by ASTER representatives to participate in the discount.  Over 50 merchants have joined in giving discounts to those with an ASTER card.

“It is [the size of a] credit card,” Battles said. “It is free for seniors.”

The discounts are from businesses from La Cañada to Sunland.

“We will have the cards at the speaker [event],” Battles added.

In addition to speakers, seniors will be able to obtain information on various programs throughout the foothills. There will also be raffling off some prizes including a 30 to 90 day senior membership at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA.

“Seniors can also sign up to go to the Hollywood Bowl. [Los Angeles County] Supervisor Michael Antonovich has graciously given us 40 tickets to the ‘Bowl’,” she said.

The event will be catered and is scheduled to begin at today at 4:30 p.m., La Crescenta Library Community Room, 2809 Foothill Blvd.

  Mary Okeefe