by Scott McKay

“There are only four kinds of people in this world: Those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Rosalynn Carter

And yet most of us are not prepared for the challenges of caregiving: caring for someone recovering from a stroke, someone with memory loss, or someone who needs support to continue living in their own home.

It’s difficult, challenging, and may continue for years but we carry on and learn by doing what needs to be done. But it’s not unusual for the caregiver to ignore their own health jeopardizing the care they can provide.

If you are a caregiver, you may be asking how do I take care of myself? How do I manage my emotions: the guilt, anger, and depression that often accompanies caregiving? How do I increase my self-confidence in coping with the demands of caregiving? And how do I find the community resources when I need support?

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (https://www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org/) can help answer those questions. It is a six-session class held once a week led by experienced class leaders.

The next class in Oregon is virtual and will be held at 2:00 on Tuesdays starting on September 13^thsponsored by Community Connections of Northern Oregon. To register contact Kathy Ganung at kathyg@ccno.org or 541-963-3186.

It is hoped that more Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes can be held in person in the Gorge IF there are more trained leaders. To become a trained leader, GOBHI (Greater Oregon Behavioral Health Inc.) is offering a virtual training 1pm – 4pm, September 19th through September 23rd. That is 15 hours but if you have the time and are interested in helping others learn how to care for themselves while caring for others, it is worth it. The cost is $200 plus $30 for the book. If you want to register or if you have questions, email Britta Willson at bwillson@gobhi.org. The deadline to register is September 1st.

My wife and I are back home from our trip driving to California to spend time with our children – and thankfully missing the 100-degree heat. (We did feel a little guilty!) It was a great trip, but I did learn several lessons.

First, being away for eleven nights felt like four nights too long.

Second, you don’t need to worry about stopping every few hours to stretch your legs – your bladder will remind you.

And finally, and most importantly, if you’re going to use the Google Maps app for directions, make sure you know how to use it BEFORE you leave. Learning to use it while seeking the best route out of Bakersfield is not good for any relationship. Trust me!

Brain Tease: How do you make the number 7 even without addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division? Hint: It’s not really a math problem.

To catch up on the “Remember When” question, here are the names of those who sent in correct answers from the last three weeks.

July 20^th – Pentagon Papers: Pat Evenson-Brady, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Donna Mollett, Rebecca Abrams, and Steven Woolpert the quilt raffle ticket winner.

July 27^th – Lightening bug or firefly: Scott Franke, Rebecca Abrams, Dave Lutgens, Margo Dameier, Deborah Medina, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer, Judy Hanson, Doug Nelson, Billie Maxwell, Chuck Rice, and Patty Burnet the quilt raffle ticket winner.

August 3^rd – Jaws: Lana Tepfer, Rhonda Spies, and Donna Mollett and Doug Nelson who both remembered the fictional beach town was Amity Island and are this week’s winners of a quilt raffle ticket each.

This week’s question is a tough one – well, at least my wife couldn’t answer it. The bestselling single in 1969 was “Sugar, Sugar” outselling The Rolling Stones, The Temptations, and The Fifth Dimension. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this fictional cartoon band? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with their previous single, “Feelin’ So Good (S.K.O.O.B.Y-D.O.O)”,

Well, it has been another week, thankful for all the skilled and dedicated firefighters and support personnel. Until we meet again, it’s always good to be back in the Gorge.

“It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.” Andy Rooney 

by Scott McKay

Were you ever called a “Fraidy Cat”? Unable to go to sleep without a night light. Or teased because you were too scared to watch Godzilla. Your imagination could run wild with all the “could be’s” and “maybe’s” – that monster could climb out from under the bed!

Fear. How many of our decisions are driven by this unpleasant emotion that often controls our lives? Afraid of seeing the doctor about a persistent cough, fearing the worse. Afraid of expressing what we really want to our adult children, because it may hurt their feelings. Afraid of starting a new activity because we might look silly or inept. Afraid of making an emotional commitment because it might not be shared – or last. And afraid of the unknown when an overzealous imagination conjures up only the worse that could happen. What are you afraid of that keeps you from doing what you want to do?

Our lives are full of fears. But it is important to distinguish between those things we are afraid of from those things that are truly dangerous. I may ride my bicycle along the Riverfront Trail, but I don’t think I will try a “backside heelflip” on a skateboard. And I will still use a step stool, but you won’t see me climbing thirty-foot ladders anymore. We are old enough to know where the line is between being fearless and just plain stupid. (Now let me point out that wearing a bright pair of lime green pants is not fearless or stupid – it is just showing really bad taste!)

Know the true risks. But don’t make your fear of what could happen make nothing happen. Because of our fears, we miss meeting new friends, starting new hobbies, or experiencing new adventures we never even imagined! Fear is a choice.

It takes tenacity and courage to move beyond our fears, to distinguish between the real dangers and the imagined, and to live our lives to their fullest, and although fear may be a passenger, don’t let it take control of the steering wheel.

To manage our fears, it helps to stay connected with family; enjoy the laughter and support of our friends, and plan and prepare for the “inevitables”. (I hate to remind you who are in denial, but we are going to get older; we are going to lose friends and loved ones; and someday, we will pass from this earthly existence – but hopefully not too soon!)

Life is too short to worry about how short life is; too short to play it safe and miss all the opportunities and possibilities. None of us know what is going to happen today or tomorrow, let alone ten years from now. But as we live with our fears, we can still embrace each day – while enjoying the dance as long as the music keeps playing.  April 2^nd, 2013.

To read about Louise Palermo who lives with little fear and embraces each day with enthusiasm and heart, check out this month’s “Through the Eyes of an Elder”.

Brain Tease: Can you cut a cake into 8 pieces with three cuts?

The name of the flying insect that has a rear section that glows in the dark that many of us enjoyed catching during the summers was called a lightning bug in my home state of Indiana or a firefly in other parts of the country. I will mention those who sent in this week’s answers as well as last week’s answers next week.

This 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg is the model for the summer blockbuster that we have come to expect. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this movie, and for bonus points what was the fictional name of the New England beach town where the movie was set? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with a map of Martha’s Vineyard.

“Fear is an insidious and deadly thing. It can warp judgment, freeze reflexes, breed mistakes. Worse, it’s contagious.” Jimmy Stewart

Well, it has been another week, watching the pelicans bob in the river. Until we meet again, enjoy the special gift of each other – nothing on this earth is forever.

by Scott McKay

Remember those hazy, crazy days of summer: making out in the back seat at the drive-in theater, hanging out with friends at the pool, and cruising the gut in my ‘63 Buick Skylark convertible? Those are some of my memories from the days of my youth.

But now that I’ve “grown up” my summers are more domesticated – each summer driving to California to visit our children. Since I’ll be enjoying their company for the next two weeks, I’m going to use the best of two columns I wrote several years ago and hope you feel they are still relevant. So here goes from October 13^th, 2009.

Do you really want to stay young? Or let me put it another way. Do you really want to relive middle school? Although staying forever young may not be our goal, we do want to live independently; we do want to see our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and set out on their own paths; and we do want to live caring and meaningful lives so that who we are and what we do matters.

The other day Jan Holt gave me a list of eleven simple rules that although they are titled “How to Stay Young”, are more about achieving those things we do want; about how to live well. Here they are for your consideration – plus my short observation for each rule.

1. Keep learning – see the world with virgin eyes.
2. Enjoy the simple things – as in the Shaker song, “Tis the gift to be simple”.
3. Laugh often, long and loud. – it’s contagious,
4. The tears happen – the ones we love won’t live forever.
5. Keep only cheerful friends – leave the rest alone.
6. Surround yourself with what you love. – not with what others say you should have.
7. Cherish your health – don’t take it for granted.
8. Don’t’ take guilt trips – life happens.
9. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity – stay current.
10. Forgive now those who made you cry. You may not get a second chance and forgiveness can set you free.
11. Try everything twice – except Brussels sprouts.

During one of the Senior Planet technology lectures, I learned about Gorge Learns (www.gorgelearns.com) a website providing educational resources on the history, art, science, and technology in the Gorge created through a collaboration with local Gorge cultural institutions. On their website, you can view videos of local performances, historical sites, and much more. It is especially valuable if you have difficulty getting out to see many of these events and sites. 

Gorge Learns is an outreach project of The History Museum of Hood River County. Its funding is made possible through the History Museum and grants from Oregon Humanities and the Providence Foundation.

Brain Tease. Well not exactly a tease, but I found this memory tip posted on the blog “Marc and Angel Hack Life”. (It seems like memory isn’t just a concern of us older folks.) To improve your memory, they suggest before going to sleep, reviewing everything you did during the day – in specific detail as if you were watching a video replay. At first you may not remember much, but with experience you will gradually remember the details of your day – and maybe even remember where you misplaced that missing book!  Try it for thirty days and see if it helps.

The unofficial title for the classified study “The History of U.S. Decision-Making Process on Vietnam,” released by Daniel Ellsberg was the Pentagon Papers. Since I’m enjoying the sunny skies and sandy beaches in San Diego, in two weeks I’ll mention all of you who sent in correct answers.

One thing I enjoyed about the hot, humid Indiana summers was trying to catch a particular flying insect. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what do you call this flying insect that has a rear section that glows in the dark? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or with a picture of the Indiana state insect.

Well, it’s been another week trying to decide – should I or should I not. Until we meet again, keep singing even if you can’t follow the tune.

 When your friends begin to flatter you on how young you look, it’s a sure sign you’re getting old.”  Mark Twain 

WHAT TO ASK IF CONSIDERING ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY by Scott McKay

When you reach a certain age of “maturity” your body may need more than just maintenance. You may need orthopedic surgery to replace or repair that knee, hip, or shoulder that’s causing a real pain in the … well, knee, hip, or shoulder. But orthopedic surgery shouldn’t be taken lightly. Because there are risks, surgery is recommended only when it interferes with your lifestyle.

Knowing what to expect is crucial to a healthy recovery. To help you prepare, many hospitals and surgery centers educate patients and caregivers on what to expect before, during and after an operation. (Before her surgery, my wife and I attended MCMC’s Joint Camp.) So what should you know when considering orthopedic surgery?

On the website Next Avenue, I recently read “What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor Before Orthopedic Surgery?” by Sheryl Stillman. She poses questions to ask yourself and your doctor so you and your doctor can make the best decision.

To make an accurate diagnosis the doctor will need to understand the pain you are experiencing. Ask yourself, when did the pain start? Where is the pain? What makes it worse, better and what have you tried that has been effective and what hasn’t been? This information is critical

Once the diagnosis is determined to decide on the next step you’ll want to know if there is anything you can do to prevent the pain from getting worse. Are there any non-surgical options such as physical therapy or medications? What are the surgical options? What is the expected outcome? What, if any, are the risks? What can happen if I wait?

If you then decide to proceed with surgery, you should know what to expect after surgery and particularly during the first couple of days.

How long is the procedure? How long will I be in the hospital? What medications, including painkillers, will be prescribed? What type of post-surgery care will I require (wound care, medications, bathing, etc.)? What resources, including skilled nursing facilities or caregivers, are available to me? Will a nurse and physical therapist come to my home? How long until a full recovery? When can I expect to drive again?

When considering orthopedic surgery, there is plenty to understand. Asking your doctor and care providers the right questions is the first step to making informed decisions and a healthy recovery.

But what leads to many orthopedic surgeries besides that old nemesis arthritis? Falls. One program that improves your strength and prevents falls is OSU Extension’s StrongPeople (formerly known as StrongWomen.) Through the Gorge, there are currently 10 programs, and it is hoped more will start this fall with newly trained leaders!

If you are interested in becoming a leader there is a training scheduled on Tuesday, August 2nd from 8:30am-5pm at the FISH Food Bank in Hood River located at 1130 Tucker Road. To register contact Lauren Kraemer at 541-386-3343 x38258 or 541-296-5494 or by email at Lauren.Kraemer@oregonstate.edu. For more information about StrongPeople go to https://extension.oregonstate.edu/strongwomen

Brain Tease. After last week’s brain tease this one should be easier.

What is the next letter in this sequence: J F M A M J?

The diluted chemical compound commonly used as a mild antiseptic but also as an inexpensive hair dye was hydrogen peroxide. I received correct answers from Rose Schulz, Donna Mollett, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Pat Evenson Brady who from her days clerking in a drugstore tells me that hydrogen peroxide doesn’t dye your hair but actually bleaches it and you may need several bleachings to get that “peroxide blonde” look.

During the summer of 1971, the classified study “The History of U.S. Decision-Making Process on Vietnam,” was released by Daniel Ellsberg, a U.S. military analyst. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was this study commonly called? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with a copy of the front page of the June 13^th, 1971 edition of the New York Times.

Well, it has been another week, waiting for the bread to rise. Until we meet again, don’t let a piece of good advice stand in your way.

“I really don’t mind getting old, but my body is having a major fit.” Anonymous

In the Gorge, we don’t experience Midwest tornadoes or east coast hurricanes, but we do have our summer threats: heat, wildfires, and the accompanying smoke. We’ve all experienced those conditions, but here is a quick reminder on how to be ready.

Prepare an Emergency Kit. It should include food and water to last at least three days – and don’t forget your medications. Also, know where you keep your important documents so you can quickly take them with you.

Create a plan. Do you have a personal support network? A family communication plan? An evacuation plan? A plan for your pet? If you rely on electricity or battery-dependent medical equipment, do you have a plan for a power outage?

Stay informed. Do you have your mobile phone registered with your local emergency notification system such as Citizen’s Alert? This enables Emergency Response Agencies to provide you with critical information quickly. As they’ll tell you, they can’t warn you if they can’t reach you. (All landlines automatically receive emergency notices).

You can register on your county’s website or call one of the following numbers for assistance.

Klickitat County Emergency Management (509) 773-0582)

Wasco County Emergency Management (541) 506-2790

Skamania County Department of Emergency Management (509) 427-8076

Hood River County Sheriff’s Office (541) 386-2098

Sherman County Emergency Services (541) 565-3100

But what causes more deaths than hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, and floods combined? Heat-related illnesses.

Older adults are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion exhibited by heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. But if untreated it can progress to heat stroke the most severe form of heat illness – a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heat stroke are lack of sweating, headache, confusion, rapid heart rate, nausea or vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

So how do you protect yourself? Stay cool, hydrated, and connected.

Avoid sun exposure; wear light-weight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothes that cover your skin; wear a wide-brimmed hat; try ice packs, cool showers or sponge baths. But do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.

Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty; Drink enough to have to urinate every four hours. The color of your urine is an indicator of whether you are hydrated.

Be aware of local heat advisories; have someone check in on you; and identify places to stay cool such as senior centers, libraries, or your favorite coffee shop.

You can find more information about preparedness at www.Ready.gov. As the saying goes, “Hope for the best, but plan for the worse.”

An inexpensive way to get that deep tan was baby oil. I received correct answers from Rebecca Abrams and Deborah Medina; and Dave Lutgens answered Man Tan a much safer alternative to sunbathing, But this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Margo Dameier who took sunbathing a step further with a combination of baby oil and iodine which I also used. Remember we were just kids!

From the previous week, those who sent in ”Itsy, Bitsy, Teenie, Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” were Sandy Haechrel, Donna Mollett, Cindy Winfield, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Maria Kollas, Deborah Medina, Rebecca Abrams, Linda Frizzell, Lana Tepfer, Margo Dameier, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Jess Birge, Chuck Rice, Billie Maxwell, Stephen Woolpert and this week’s two winners of a quilt raffle ticket: Joy Bee and Bob Sallee. And way back when I missed Rhonda Spies.

A quick Brain Tease: Can you find the next 3 letters in this sequence? o t t f f s s _ _ _

Remember when girls and boys would dye their hair blond or in some unfortunate cases orange? For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was this diluted chemical compound commonly used as a mild antiseptic but also as an inexpensive hair dye? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with a bottle of H2O2.

Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the mornings on the front porch. Until we meet again, when there’s a problem, acknowledge it, work through it, and move on.

“Life is too short to waste time matching socks.” Forwarded to me by Sandy Haechrel.

When you consider the key influences affecting your health, are your primary care providers, medical specialists, and prescribed medications the first things that come to mind? Maybe because you spend too much time getting poked, prodded, and tested in a doctor’s office? Medical services are essential, but they are not the only factors influencing our health.

Over the past years, the medical community and local social service providers have recognized that to improve an individual’s health and health outcomes there must be a broader approach by addressing the social, economic, and environmental factors that affect our health. These social determinants of health (SDOH) such as adequate nutrition, safe and affordable housing, sufficient income, available and accessible transportation, and social connections can significantly impact our health, well-being, and quality of life especially our ability to live independently and age in place.

I have often written about many of the providers that address these social determinants of health: Aging and People with Disabilities in Oregon, Klickitat County Senior Services, Skamania County Senior Services, CAPECO Area Agency on Aging, Housing Resource Center, transportation providers, local senior centers and meal sites, and the many volunteer organizations such as Circles of Care.

I know I depend on the medical community. I seem to have a doctor for every organ in my body!  Access to health care is critical, but now there is also a greater understanding of how addressing the social determinants of health can reduce the risk of physical disease, mental illness, and even death.

But as you may know, accessing the many available services is not easy. One response has been employing community health workers such as Joel Pelayo, a senior community health worker for The Next Door, Inc., who is profiled in this month’s “Through the Eyes of an Elder”. Community health workers such as Joel have a deep connection with their community and can provide the personal and caring support when connecting individuals with the needed health and social service providers that will improve their quality of life and health outcomes. I encourage you to read his personal story to appreciate the important work Joel does in our communities.

To better understand the importance of social connections, the Aging in the Gorge Alliance is distributing the bestseller Together, The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by former Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD. This timely book explores the importance of human connection, the hidden impact of loneliness on our health, and the social power of community. You can pick up a copy after July 15^th at the libraries in Hood River, The Dalles, and White Salmon.

There will be discussion groups in September where participants can connect with others and consider how to increase connections in their lives and their communities. More information will be coming, but if you have questions now you can contact Britta Willson at bwillson@gobhi.org.

Brain Tease: Find the next number in these number sequences:

a.       a.       1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 18, ?

b    b.    4, 7, 15, 29, 59, 117, ?

              c.     2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 24, 27, ?

The 1960 hit novelty song sung by Brian Hyland included the lyrics, and you can sing along, “Two, three, four, tell the people what she wore. It was an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini.” Because of the July 4^th holiday, I have once again submitted this column early and will announce next week all those with the correct answer.

During my long-ago days of lifeguarding, when I wasn’t embarrassed wearing a Speedo and before I knew about wrinkly skin and melanoma, I would go to great lengths to develop a tan. For this week’s “Remember When” question, when Coppertone tanning lotion wasn’t enough, what was commonly used as an inexpensive way to get that appealing deep tan? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with a bottle of SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Well, it has been another week, wishing for fall during the heat of summer. Until we meet again, be cool, keep cool, and whatever you do – don’t blow your cool.

“I never feel more alone than when I’m trying to put sunscreen on my back.”

—Jimmy Kimmel

Answer:

a.        Answers:

            a.   29   (a+b=c, b+c=d, c+d=e, …)

b.                 b.    235   (×2-1, ×2+1, ×2-1, …)

c.                 c.   54   (×2, +1, ×2, +2, ×2, +3, ×2, +4, …)

Technology offers tremendous benefits: staying connected with family and friends, virtual medical visits, accessing services from your home, and immediately contacting help in case of a fall – all things that can help you stay in your home longer.

But you may be thinking, “I know, I know, but it is so FRUSTRATING!” And it is! There is so much to understand. I mean what is this “Internet of Things”? What is the benefit of PayPal?  Where is this cloud everyone talks about? And why is this robotic dog barking at me?

But a basic knowledge about current technologies can be frustrating and but can also improve your life and help you stay as independent as possible. To help older adults learn more about the benefits of technology, GOBHI in partnership with Senior Planet is again offering five lectures and one class facilitated by locally trained volunteers. And this time they will be held at both the Mid-Columbia Senior Center (MCSC) in The Dalles (1112 W 9^th Street) and the Hood River Valley Adult Center (HRVAC) in Hood River (2010 Sterling Place).

There is one lecture for each of five consecutive weeks starting July 12^th on Tuesdays at MCSC from 2:00 – 3:15 pm and starting July 13^th on Wednesdays at HRVAC from 3:00pm – 4:15pm.

The weekly lectures cover the following topics. Week one: Smartphones. Week two: Cloud Storage. Week three: Google Workspace. Week four: Internet of Things. Week five: eBay and PayPal.

Following the five weekly lectures, there will be a five-week IPAD ESSENTIALS class. For this class, there will be two sessions each week starting August 16^that the Mid-Columbia Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 – 3:15, and starting August 17^th at the Hood River Valley Adult Center on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:00 – 4:25.

You must bring an iPad device! But if you don’t have one, the Area Agency on Aging has them available to loan – for free! Call 541-276-1926.

You will also need a Gmail address and Apple ID. If you need help setting up a Gmail address or Apple ID or have any tech questions, please call the FREE Senior Planet hotline: 844-410-0268 available from 9am – 5pm EDT, Monday through Friday. (That’s 6:00 – 2:00 for us left coast folks.) If you have questions about the local classes you can call (541) 256-4623 or email Britta Willson at  bwillson@gobhi.org

While helping facilitate the previous classes I heard about Gorge Learns (www.gorgelearns.com) a fascinating website that provides educational resources on the history, art, science, and technology in the Gorge through collaboration with local partners in Gorge cultural institutions. Gorge Learns is an outreach project of The History Museum of Hood River County with funding made possible through the History Museum and grants from Oregon Humanities and the Providence Foundation.

Brain Tease: When I was in grade school, I imagined I was an international spy deciphering secret coded messages. You won’t save the world from destruction but see if you can break this code to answer a simple riddle.

Why do chickens lay eggs? JG UIFZ ESPQ UIFN UIFZ CSFBL

The 1963 American musical romantic comedy film that was inspired by Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army and made Ann-Margret a superstar was Bye Bye Birdie. I received only two correct answers from Lana Tepfer and Margo Dameier who are both winners of a quilt raffle ticket. But three others, Kim Birge, Keith Clymer, and Doug Nelson instead remembered the 1964 box office hit Viva Las Vegas starring both Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret – which led to an off-screen affair. And again, I’ve missed several folks. This time Debbie Medina and Marlene and Keith Clymer.

These hot days of summer remind me of going to the pool in my “baggies” and seeing the girls wearing this controversial type of bathing suit popularized in a 1960 hit song. For this week’s “Remember When” question, in that song the girls were wearing an “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie” what? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with a picture of Brian Hyland.

Well, it’s been another week, keeping an eye on the temperature. Until we meet again, take time to challenge yourself – if only by trying to program the new air conditioner!

“Time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time.” T. S. Eliot

 Besides the warm weather, summer trips, and struggling to manage the overgrown garden, summer is the time when you can enjoy fresh local produce and meet the people who grow it at one of the many Farmers’ Markets in the Gorge. You may have your own ways of shopping at a Farmers’ Market but here are several quick tips to make the best of your experience.

1.) Plan ahead. Have an idea of what you need. To see what is available, check out the market’s website or Facebook page. And if you need a ride, call your local public transportation provider to learn how they can help you get there.

2.) Bring a bag. Having a bag that can go on your shoulder will help keep your hands free. Or try a backpack! And a mini cooler with a few damp paper towels can keep highly perishable items like fresh herbs and certain vegetables from wilting on the way home. When you leave, you don’t want to look like a circus performer juggling your newly purchased fresh meats, vegetable, and fruits!

3.) Ask questions. Get to know your local farmers. Take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the food and how it’s been grown.

4.) Try something new. Challenge yourself to try at least one new food item. How about the vegetables Arugula or Kale?

6.) Make a farm-to-table meal. Now, use everything you bought to prepare a tasty locally grown meal.

And don’t forget the basic sanitary practices: make sure meat is kept cold in a closed, iced cooler; keep it separate from other fresh produce to prevent cross-contamination; rinse your fruits and vegetables and pat them dry with a clean paper towel; use separate cutting boards for produce and raw meat; and as our parents told us always wash your hands first. Remember, you are the last line of defense in reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

To find information about all the local Farmers’ Markets go online to https://gorgegrown.com. But for those of you who can’t, here is a quick listing of the time and places for all the local Farmers’ Markets.

Hood River: Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; 5th and Columbia lot in downtown Hood River.

The Dalles: Saturdays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; downtown City Park, Union and E. 5th Street.

White Salmon: Tuesdays 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Rhinegarten Park at 282 N Main Avenue.

Goldendale: Saturdays: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm; Chamber lawn, 903 E Broadway.

Odell – Mercado del Valle Farmers’ Market: Thursdays, July 7^th and 21^st, August 4^th and 18^th, and September 1^st and 15^th4:00 pm – 6:00 pm; Mid-Valley Elementary School, 3683 Davis Drive.

Stevenson: Saturdays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; the Waterfront at 140 S Cascade Ave.

Brain Tease: I shared these two riddles five years ago and you would think I would remember both answers. Well, I did for the first, but I couldn’t for the second – it was a little too cerebral for me. See if you can do better.

1.) How many times can you subtract 5 from 25? 2.) Imagine you are in a dark room. How do you get out? 

The portable radios popular in the ’60s and ’70s were called transistor radios. I received correct answers from Doug Nelson, Jess Birge, Lana Tepfer, Donna Mollett, Dave Lutgens, Margo Dameier, Jim Tindall, Rhonda Spies, and since this week I’m in a generous mood both Tiiu Vahtel and Scott Franke are winners of a quilt raffle ticket. Last week I missed Rebecca Abrams.

This 1963 American musical romantic comedy film was inspired by the sensation of singer Elvis Presley being drafted into the United States Army in 1957. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this movie that is credited with making Ann-Margret a superstar during the mid-1960s? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with an autographed picture of teen idol Bobby Rydell who played the part of Hugo.

Answer: 1.) Only once. 2.) Stop imagining. 

Well, it’s been another week, watching the weeds keep growing taller. Until we meet again, keep your nose clean and your hands dirty, because as the old farmer from Fossil once said “Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

“The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” — Mark Twain

Life is full of risks: stepping out of the shower, driving down I-84, walking around the neighborhood, flying the friendly skies to visit the grandchildren, speaking in public. Many of those risks we try to avoid, others we find ways to reduce, and still others we ignore the risk and proceed full steam ahead. Choosing one of those options was a difficult choice many of us made during the pandemic.

When calculating risk, we rarely rely on rational calculations but instead are influenced by emotional perceptions, the context of the situation, and personal experience. That is called our perception of risk. This can cause us to overact to risks that trigger us emotionally and underreact to risks that do not.

Then there is actual risk. It is more objective and quantifiable such as the likelihood and severity of the consequence of taking that risk. 

You may not be surprised, but our perceived risk is not always in line with the actual risk.

For example, I feel much safer driving than flying.  While driving I feel I have greater control. And flying? Who can forget all the catastrophic aircraft incidents we’ve heard about? But as you probably know, statistically flying is far safer than driving. The greater risk is driving to the airport.

One risk most of us are familiar with is the risk of falling. I imagine there are very few of you who haven’t fallen at least once in the last ten years. One reason older adults fall more often is we frequently overestimate our physical ability and take unnecessary risks of falling. Have you taken the shorter ‘risky’ path covered in ice, instead of the longer, ‘safe’ path? For myself, I perceived the risk of falling when walking down steps as very low. And then I missed a bottom step, fell, and broke my hip. Now that I have experienced the actual risk, I ALWAYS hold on to the handrail when walking down any stairs.

When assessing our risk, we should go beyond what we feel, and realistically appraise our physical abilities both our strengths and weaknesses to avoid unnecessary risks with serious consequences. We may be wiser, but we are no longer that spry twenty-something!

To live a full and rewarding life we need to take risks. And the right to take reasonable risks is essential for our dignity and self-esteem. So be adventurous – but also smart. And although they want the best for you, don’t always listen to your overly cautious and protective adult children!

Brain Tease: In my hand, I have two coins that are newly minted. Together, they total 30 cents. One isn’t a nickel. What are the coins?

The correct answer to May 25’s “Remember When’ question was Bell Bottoms. I received answers from Chuck Rice, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer, Nona Moore, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Rose Schulz, Margo Dameier, Doug Nelson, and Marlene Clymer this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

And from last week, the American comedian who in 1972 first used “seven dirty words” in one of his monologues was the irreverent George Carlin. I received correct answers from Rebecca Abrams who was “right on!”, Keith Clymer, Jess Birge, Steven Woolpert, Barbara Cadwell, Margo Dameier, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Rose Schulz, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Cheryl Rockowski who reminded me of “a blast from the past” – another popular expression from the 60s.

This singer-songwriter with her writing partner Gerry Goffin wrote such hits as “Take Good Care of My Baby” “Up on the Roof”, “One Fine Day”, and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin. What was the name of this artist who recorded Tapestry which won the 1972 Grammy Award for album of the year? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with a copy of her memoir A Natural Woman.

Well, it’s been another week, looking up and down and all around for that elusive wisdom of old age. Until we meet again, as Dave Barry wrote, life is too short to not be a part of something stupid – but that doesn’t mean climbing a 15-foot ladder!

“There’s something liberating about not pretending. Dare to embarrass yourself. Risk.” – Drew Barrymore

Answer: One wasn’t a nickel but the other one was. So, the answer is a quarter and a nickel.

 Life is full of risks: stepping out of the shower, driving down I-84, walking around the neighborhood, flying the friendly skies to visit the grandchildren, speaking in public. Many of those risks we try to avoid, others we find ways to reduce, and still others we ignore the risk and proceed full steam ahead. Choosing one of those options was a difficult choice many of us made during the pandemic.

When calculating risk, we rarely rely on rational calculations but instead are influenced by emotional perceptions, the context of the situation, and personal experience. That is called our perception of risk. This can cause us to overact to risks that trigger us emotionally and underreact to risks that do not.

Then there is actual risk. It is more objective and quantifiable such as the likelihood and severity of the consequence of taking that risk. 

You may not be surprised, but our perceived risk is not always in line with the actual risk.

For example, I feel much safer driving than flying.  While driving I feel I have greater control. And flying? Who can forget all the catastrophic aircraft incidents we’ve heard about? But as you probably know, statistically flying is far safer than driving. The greater risk is driving to the airport.

One risk most of us are familiar with is the risk of falling. I imagine there are very few of you who haven’t fallen at least once in the last ten years. One reason older adults fall more often is we frequently overestimate our physical ability and take unnecessary risks of falling. Have you taken the shorter ‘risky’ path covered in ice, instead of the longer, ‘safe’ path? For myself, I perceived the risk of falling when walking down steps as very low. And then I missed a bottom step, fell, and broke my hip. Now that I have experienced the actual risk, I ALWAYS hold on to the handrail when walking down any stairs.

When assessing our risk, we should go beyond what we feel, and realistically appraise our physical abilities both our strengths and weaknesses to avoid unnecessary risks with serious consequences. We may be wiser, but we are no longer that spry twenty-something!

To live a full and rewarding life we need to take risks. And the right to take reasonable risks is essential for our dignity and self-esteem. So be adventurous – but also smart. And although they want the best for you, don’t always listen to your overly cautious and protective adult children!

Brain Tease: In my hand, I have two coins that are newly minted. Together, they total 30 cents. One isn’t a nickel. What are the coins?

The correct answer to May 25’s “Remember When’ question was Bell Bottoms. I received answers from Chuck Rice, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer, Nona Moore, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Rose Schulz, Margo Dameier, Doug Nelson, and Marlene Clymer this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

And from last week, the American comedian who in 1972 first used “seven dirty words” in one of his monologues was the irreverent George Carlin. I received correct answers from Rebecca Abrams who was “right on!”, Keith Clymer, Jess Birge, Steven Woolpert, Barbara Cadwell, Margo Dameier, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Rose Schulz, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Cheryl Rockowski who reminded me of “a blast from the past” – another popular expression from the 60s.

This singer-songwriter with her writing partner Gerry Goffin wrote such hits as

“Take Good Care of My Baby” “Up on the Roof”, “One Fine Day”, and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin. What was the name of this artist who recorded Tapestry which won the 1972 Grammy Award for album of the year? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with a copy of her memoir A Natural Woman.

Well, it’s been another week, looking up and down and all around for that elusive wisdom of old age. Until we meet again, as Dave Barry wrote, life is too short to not be a part of something stupid – but that doesn’t mean climbing a 15-foot ladder!

“There’s something liberating about not pretending. Dare to embarrass yourself. Risk.” – Drew Barrymore

 Answer: One wasn’t a nickel but the other one was. So, the answer is a quarter and a nickel.