When does old age begin? A Pew Research Center study found that it depends on who you ask. Those thirty years old and under believe old begins at 60; those between thirty and forty nine, believe 69 is the turning point; and for those who are sixty-five and older, old age begins at 74 (which may just prove Bernard Baruch wasn’t far off when he said “To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am”.)

 But although chronological age can be a predictor, in reality we all age differently, we all deal with life differently; and it doesn’t matter whether we are young old (65–74), middle old (75–84) or the oldest old (85+); chronological age really doesn’t mean squat.

 Old especially in the context of “I’m too old” is just a broad broom that sweeps away possibilities and opportunities: an attitude that can color everything we do and limit what we can still accomplish. There are many of us who thirty-something’s might consider too old to set tables for a Saturday Breakfast, maintain the church grounds or serve on administrative boards. Or too old to mentor young children, dance with a friend and lover, or play a mean guitar. (Or as some overly protective adult children might believe – too old to live alone or drive a car!)

 But “too old” is not a good reason to avoid doing something – or anything. If you are not interested or unable, that’s okay. Not everything is possible – and you are the boss. But we are never “too old” to do what is possible: to play, explore, connect with others and in many simple ways – still make a difference.

 The Center will be hosting a Community Parking Lot sale on September 28th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Spaces are $25.00 each. This is the third year Sylvia Loewen and Barb Pashek have organized this fundraiser for the Center. The deadline for reserving a space is September 20th. If you have any questions you can call Sylvia at 541-298-4682 or stop by the Center to pick up an application.

And at the same time the Nu-2-U Shop we will be clearing house with a sidewalk sale while cleaning and reorganizing the Nu-2-U Shop. This may be the year’s last chance to buy or sale good used items on one of the busiest corners in The Dalles.

 Tickets are now available for the Baby Back Rib Dinner, the Meals-on-Wheels and Center’s big fall fundraiser on October 4th – the first Friday in October. Once again it is sponsored by our neighbors to the east: The Springs at Mill Creek; and once again the tickets are only $15 a person. In addition to the lip smacking, back slapping, finger licking baby back ribs, there will be an expanded silent auction. And I have heard there just may be two tickets to the OSU – University of Washington football game in Corvallis on November 23rd including a tail gate party and a gas card to help pay for the trip. You can pick up tickets at the Center or at Klindt’s.

 Tonight at the Center, Truman will be playing his Country Gold. And next Tuesday “For the Good Times” will show you how to have a “good time” dancing and listening to classic country western. The doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00 and suggested donations are $2.00 per person or $3.00 for a couple.

 You probably thought last week’s question was too easy, but ask any nineteen year old what an 8-track is and he would be probably just give you a blank “what are you talking about” look. (And the winner of a free Saturday Breakfast on September 21st is Jerry Harris.)

But this week’s “Remember When” is a “double your pleasure, double your fun” test with two unrelated questions, but the answers have something in common. 1) Who was the prominent British teenage model, who in the mid-1960s epitomized the swinging sixties? 2) What was the name of the animal cartoon character that first appeared on television in 1957 and was known for his famous staccato laugh: “ha-ha-ha-HA-ha”? And “tree” is the common element. E-mail your answers to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with a pack of Wrigley’s “Doublemint” gum. Well, it has been another week trying to stay ahead of the curve on the twisting road of life.

Until we meet again, always question, but don’t let it keep you from acting.

 “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C. S. Lewis