Aging Well October 5th

Where can you learn about a kaleidoscope of subjects – from local history to Medicare; from your health and well-being to local civic affairs; and from recreational activities to fall prevention? At the Center’s every Tuesday from 11:00 to noon. From every lecture I have personally learn something new and I truly believe these Tuesday lectures are the real reason my wife compliments me so often by calling me a “know-it-all”.

Did you know that even though several doctors in The Dalles have retired, there are plenty of doctors accepting new patients? And MCMC has fulfilled its goal of recruiting a board certified doctor in Geriatrics by hiring Dr. Tomas. She has already started practicing with Nicole Pashek who is an Adult Nurse Practitioner with an emphasis in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics.

Did you know that Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation if offering several activities for adults including an Acrylics Basics Workshop, Decorative Books Workshop, Hand Drumming Fun and Creative Movement? Plus they have scheduled three “Theatre Enrichment Outings” for all of you theater buffs for $27 or less including transportation. Anya Kawka, who is a theater major, will be your host for the plays including Oregon Children’s Theater’s “Alice in Wonderland: A Rock Opera” and two plays performed by Portland Center Stage: Moliere’s hilarious “Imaginary Invalid” and “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. For more information call 541-296-9533.

And did you know that The Dalles Transportation Network or LINK offers a fixed route bus service in The Dalles between 10:00 and 2:00 every Monday and Wednesday so you can “Shop ‘til You Drop”. There is no limit on the number of shopping bags and the driver will help you load and unload your bags. The fixed route includes stops at Bi-Mart, K-Mart, Grocery Outlet, St.Vincent DePaul, the Downtown Transportation Center, Safeway, Fred Meyer and then back to Bi-Mart. And the fare is only $3.00 fare for unlimited stops. Space is limited so call 541-296-7595 for more information (and to test their new customer friendly phone system that improves their ability to schedule rides.)

And why take my word for it. Stop by the Center next Tuesday, October 12th at 11:00 and learn more about the three ballot measures Wasco County has referred to the ballot: designating the offices of County Commissioner as non-partisan offices; 1% Transient Lodging Tax; and three year local option tax for Animal Control and Shelter services. I know – so much to discover, and so little time!

And speaking of elections, it is time to attend that election year tradition: the Candidates Forum sponsored by the Wasco County Farm Bureau and The Dalles Chamber of Commerce. The event takes place this Thursday October 7th at the Civic Auditorium starting at 5:30 to meet and chat with the candidates. The Candidates Forum itself will start at 7:00 PM. For questions call the Chamber of Commerce at 541-296-2231.

Are you living with diabetes, arthritis, asthma, heart disease or any other chronic disease and it feels like the disease is controlling your life – making it difficult to enjoy your golden years. The Area Agency in Aging is offering “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” a six-week workshop that offers the resources, skills and supports for living a healthy life while dealing with the emotions those chronic conditions may bring about. The class starts on Wednesday October 13th from 1:00 – 3:30 at the Center. To register call the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101.

Andre Lemoureax heard that good country music is just “three chords and the truth”. You will have a chance to find out when Andre‘s group “The Strawberry Mountain Band” plays tonight and the “Dufur Boys’ play next week. The fun starts at 7:00 and its all free but donations are appreciated.

It was “As the World Turns” that ran from April 2nd 1956 until September 17th, 2010. And is there anyone else out there besides Gertrude Peppers (who was the winner of a free Saturday breakfast) who saw both the first and last shows? This week’s “Remember When” question is little more contemporary – only from 45 years ago! His last name was Zimmerman; several of his songs became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements during the sixties and he will turn 70 in May of next year. (I remember my grandmother complaining when she heard his records.) E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a perfect condition 45 record of “Like a Rolling Stone”.

Well it’s another day in the life of a wondering soul. Until we meet again, as you peer into your crystal ball, remember the words of Niles Bohr, the famous Danish Physicist: “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.”

“We live for the nights we’ll never forget with the friends we’ll always remember.” – Author unknown