Many of you who read this column probably have never and will never access the Internet – there are too many better things to do: gardening, reading and visiting the grandkids. But there are a growing number of folks over and under 70 who are finding the benefits of this connectivity to a larger world: 24/7 news access, reliable medical information through sites such as MedlinePlus, and reconnecting with long lost friends. But there is also plenty of misinformation circulating on the Internet particularly from forwarded emails. Before you forward emails of such rumors as the postcard virus warning – true and false; listing guns on your tax return – false; euthanasia counseling – false, check their validity at Snopes.com, the #1 source for checking out various internet rumors and email forwards..
If you want to learn more about Medicare; its benefits and complexities and how to help others become better informed about Medicare, attend the free “Learn the Medicare ABC & Ds” on Wednesday August 19th from 2 – 4 pm at the Senior Center. To register call the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101, ext. 218. Seating is limited! This two hour workshop is presented by SHIBA – Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance.
This Saturday Bonnie has cooked up something special for the Center’s monthly breakfast: delicious Quiche. (But if you are not a “real man” there will be scrambled eggs as an alternative.) The menu will also include bacon, muffin and fruit besides the usual suspects for drinks. We are proud that the sponsor this month is Columbia Gorge Community College where “building dreams and transforming lives” is alive and well. And you are never too old to dream.
The Center’s Nu-2-U Shop is having a half price sale for one whole week starting tomorrow and continuing through Wednesday the 19th. Because there isn’t much space in the NU-2-U shop, Betty and Martha need to move the clothes out. So this is your chance to add some fine clothes to your wardrobe at give-away prices.
Congratulations to The Dalles’ own P-51 gal, Anna Monkiewicz, who was named the recipient of a Congressional Gold Medal. Last Sunday, she was warmly honored by Senator Ron Wyden for serving our nation during WW II as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP). As Senator Wyden acknowledged, she was a trailblazer and a patriot.
It has been said that “Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance”. So tonight let’s dance! Truman Boler will be playing his country favorites and next Tuesday the Hardshell Harmony will get your toes tapping with their high energy bluegrass music. You just can’t sit still when they play. And each week I have to keep moving the tables back to provide more room to dance – last Tuesday there were twelve couples on the dance floor at the same time. Folks just like to dance.
If you would like to share your passion for a hobby or activity give me a call. We are always looking for folks to teach classes this fall during the day or evening. And for you budding artists, Nancy Russell will be back again teaching her “Yes, You can Draw” art class starting Thursday September 17th. .
The answer to last week’s question was the “Schnozzola” Jimmy Durante and the winner of the free breakfast was Jim Goff, King Bing of a couple years back. This week’s question is who said “All things considered, I’d rather be in Philadelphia.” Email me your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call and leave a message at 296-4788.
Until we meet again, remember the words of the venerable philosopher W.C Fields “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no point in being a damn fool about it.”
“We’ve put more effort into helping folks reach old age than into helping them enjoy it.” ~Frank A. Clark
