The one thing in life that doesn’t change is change. And whether it is the price of gas or the space for this column, nothing remains the same. I am extremely fortunate – and the envy of many – to have the opportunity to write a weekly column sharing information that will help us all age well. But with the Chronicle making positive changes to meet the challenges in the newspaper business, I need to reduce the length of this column. So in the next several weeks I will rethink the column’s purpose and content to make the best of this opportunity. If you have any suggestions or thoughts you can call, write or e-mail me or just stop me in the store. And although as I am writing this column today it feels like I am trying to squeeze into an old pair of pants to look good for the forty year high school reunion, I will try to follow Thomas Jefferson’s advice “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”
The Next Chapter Lecture on the 24th at 11:00 will feature Duane Francis CEO and President of the Mid-Columbia Medical Center. Duane will discuss the exciting changes occurring at MCMC and the future of the health care industry. It is a changing landscape with many challenges ahead. One illustrative example: every year in the US, 33,000 doctors are retiring and only 8,000 are graduating from medical schools.
The Great Decision group will meet again on Wednesday February 25th to discuss “U.S. and the Rising Powers”. Great Decisions is a national program of the Foreign Policy Association to help the public better understand important foreign policy issues facing the U.S. Twenty-eight folks attended the first meeting which was used to get acquainted and organized. Thanks to Dorothy Rooper for urging me to reestablish the series and to Ken Farner for facilitating the first meeting. You can still sign up by calling the center or e-mailing me. With the changes in American leadership there seems to be an increased interest in global issues.
There is plenty of history in The Dalles and Wasco County to get your brain synapses snapping. A reservoir of local historical information can be found on the Internet at www.historicthedalles.org. You can find picture puzzles of historical sites and learn more about the Oregon Territorial Express Stagecoach Mail Run arriving in The Dalles in September.
The Theater Company of The Dalles presents the popular and entertaining comedy “The Odd Couple” starting Feb 19, at 7:30 at the CGCC Little Theater in Building 2. Adults $12, students and seniors $10. More information at www.thetheatrecompany.org.
In Hood River, the Cast presents another comedy “The Foreigner”, continuing through February 28th including a special 2:00 matinee on the 22nd. The setting is a rural fishing lodge in Georgia where Charlie – Froggy’s shy friend – is introduced as being from a foreign country unable to speak English. Charlie hears more than he should creating fun filled misadventures. Adults $15, seniors and students $12.
Thanks to Mill Creek Point, the Center’s lounge – or you could say living room – is more comfortable and inviting with the addition of four used but good condition stuffed chairs. Because of Mill Creek Point’s major expansion, the chairs were no longer needed, but were exactly what we have been searching for. The Center appreciates their generosity.
For the Center’s Tuesday Night Music and Dance on the 24th, the Olde Tymers will return to play “music from the days when gas was 22 cents a gallon”. Enjoy a night out on the town with fine music and good friends. The music starts at 7:00 and admission is free although donations are gladly accepted. Everybody is welcome.
And a last minute addition, The Center’s NU-2-U Shop is having a $1 a Bag Sale this Thursday from 10:00 – 2:00 to make room for spring items. Come by and check it out.
That’s another week. Until we meet again, “brevity is the soul of wit”.
