Change, not that jingle jangle left in your pants pockets or at the bottom of your purse, is one of the constant expressions of life that we depend on, but often a curse as well. But adapting to change – the pleasant surprises and the unwanted challenges – is a key to aging well. If you haven’t yet encountered any of those curve balls thrown your way, you are fortunate. But in the years ahead, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll encounter something that will test your resilience and perseverance.
But change should not be feared. In Connie Goldman’s book “The Ageless Spirit” she shares with the reader her conversations with celebrities and friends about the challenges and rewards of aging. In her conversation with Art Linkletter, TV host and author of the book “Old Age is Not for Sissies”, he addresses the need to embrace change. “I like to think that every day some experience or some new acquaintance or some new challenge is going to change my life. There’s always one hill higher with a better view, something waiting to be learned I never knew. So till my days are over my prayer is, ‘Never fill my cup, let me go on growing up.”
Change can be difficult – it can create uncertainty and magnify our fears. But change can also be a gift of new beginnings and new opportunities – if we adapt. As W.R. Inge, English author and Anglican priest, wrote “We must cut our coat according to our cloth, and adapt ourselves to changing circumstances”.
One positive change is the Hood River Valley Adult Center’s new kitchen. Can you imagine living in your house unable to use your kitchen for six months because of remodeling? But with a dedicated staff – who had to operate out of a food cart! – and the patience of all who use the meal programs, they made it through, and the new kitchen is open. They plan to show it off on February 14th with a special lunch, so be sure to call the Center (541-386-2060) before February 9th to sign up.
It’s been a journey. The previous kitchen was too old and small and the number of older adults needing meals skyrocketed. So, in 2020 the HRVAC capital campaign committee went to work hoping they could raise the necessary funds.
And the community came through. They were able to raise $350,000 in community donations! There are many more to thank: The Collins Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Providence Foundation, MCEED, Hood River County as well as many, many more.
Now they are on to their next project: building offices upstairs for programs serving older adults to rent at low cost. The goal is for The Center to be a one-stop shop making it easier for older adults in Hood River County to access needed services in one location.
Brain Tease: Another one too hard for my simple brain.
A 3-letter word has been taken out of each of the following words. Can you figure it out?
C_ _ _H; SP_ _ _CH; _ _ _ION; PI_ _ _
The legendary musician who wrote and originally recorded “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (1949) as well as other country classics was Hank Williams. I received correct answers from Sam Vilycer, Nancy Higgins, Judy Kiser, Dave Lutgens, Rhonda Spies, Rose Schulz, Keith Clymer, Donna Mollet, Eva Summers, Bruce Johnson, Pat Evensen-Brady, Stephen Woolpert, Rebecca Abrams, and Doug Nelson this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Julie Carter.
It’s Super Bowl time with Taylor Swift’s Kansas City Chiefs playing the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. But one of the greatest sports upsets of all time was Superbowl III when the Baltimore Colts played the New York Jets. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the New York’s Jet’s brash young quarterback who guaranteed a win even though they were 19 ½ points underdog? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a picture of the 1964 Alabama Crimson Tide football team.
Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the sun when it shines. Until we meet again, keep it simple.
“You gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it.” Jimmy Dean
Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Answers: LOT.
