Are we all ready to hum a few rounds of the English nursery rhyme “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” while we find out if we can drive in circles and still find our way home? There has been quite a bit of talk about the “roundabout” that will open soon as the eastern gateway to historic downtown The Dalles. I am all for it – I go in circles all the time – but I do have one serious concern. I fear this roundabout is just the first step in a vast conspiracy that will eventually lead The Dalles to adopt the metric system, form a parliamentary form of city government, and become more European than the French. Someday could we be living in “La Dalles”?
If you would like to learn more about the roundabout, Dan Durow, The Dalles Community Development Director, will explain the benefits of the roundabout and answer any of your questions at the Center on Thursday April 29th at 11:30 am. Dan has been a true asset to The Dalles community and you can find his fingerprints on many of the exciting changes in The Dalles.
Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Many live with the daily challenges of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, arthritis, or stroke. And although the conditions may never go away, there are proven real life skills that will help you live a full and healthy life. The Area Agency on Aging will be offering a six session workshop on “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” starting on Tuesday May 11th from 1:00-3:30 at the Center. This fun and interactive class will help you better manage your health. For more information call 541-298-4101.
As I mentioned last week, Tuesday May 5th at 11:00 am, Anya Kawka will be showing a slide presentation of her hike along the Pacific Coast Trail. You may know Anya as one of Mike and Colleen Ballinger’s offspring who has returned to The Dalles with her youthful energy and enthusiasm and is now working for the Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation. After Anya’s presentation you may just want to put on your hiking shoes.
Which leads me back to our trail hopping, flower hunting, soul searching Skip Tschanz. Skip has been waiting anxiously for the wildflowers to dress up in their “church going” best so he can lead his popular hikes to our local bastions of natural beauty. And it is time! The first Monday hike is next week May 3rd to Catherine Creek which is an easy hike with paved portions. The following Monday Skip will take you to the Mosier Syncline which is a moderate hike with some uneven ground. And the last -but not the least – will be Tom McCall Point on the 17th which is an intermediate hike. Skip suggests you wear good sturdy traction shoes, and bring along water and a snack. And the disclaimer : although God may giveth, God may also taketh away and the hikes could be postponed because of the weather. Meet at the Center at 1:00 to car pool the day’s destination.
There is always music to be found and on Tuesday nights the Center is the place to look. Next Tuesday May 5th, the Strawberry Mountain Band – three generations of the Lamoreaux’s – will be performing for your listening and dancing pleasure. And tonight if you want to “make the scene” the Jazz Generations will be laying down a few beats for your listening and dancing pleasure. Frolic the night away and still get home before dark. The music always starts at 7:00 and it is free, although donations are always appreciated.
I know there are more folks out there who pulled a few pranks in their day (unless you are like my wife who can’t remember any. But I think she lies!) The winner was Betty Richmond who remembers when she was six, hiding in the back seat of the car when her sixteen year old aunt was picked up for a date. And following the KODL Classic Car Show, this week’s “Remember When” question is, “What was your favorite car you ever drove?” A ‘57 Chevy, ‘65 Mustang, or Volkswagen bug? Call 541-296-4788, email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com. or write your answer on the fender of a ‘63 Buick Skylark convertible and park it at the Center.
Well that is plenty for another week. Until we meet again, if you don’t like what I write, don’t look at me. Because as the sage of the baseball diamond Yogi Berra once said, “I didn’t say everything I said”.
“If people never did silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done.” philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein
