Aging Well in the Gorge April 18th 2017

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You can’t be bored this coming weekend, because its “Once Upon a Cherry” time! Thanks to the Dalles Chamber of Commerce, there will be plenty to do uring this year’s Cherry Festival including spotting your friends in the Gorge’s biggest parade starting at 10:00 AM on Saturday. But before the parade, come by the Center and enjoy a good old fashioned breakfast sponsored by our neighbors, Cherry Heights Living. Breakfast incudes pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit and juice or coffee, all for $6.00 and $3.00 if you are 12 or younger. Breakfast is served starting at 7:30 so you can have time to eat before the 8:00 coronation of this year’s King Bing and Queen Anne: Chuck Sandoz and his sister, Mary Leighton.
As with Dan and Kay Erickson, and Dennis and Shannon Morgan, the previous year’s royalty, Chuck Sandoz and Mary Leighton represent what is best about The Dalles by contributing to the economic health of the area while also giving back to the community. Congratulations to Chuck and Mary!
And if you want to have fun AND a chance to win some cash, stop by the Center for Saturday Night Bingo where over $1200 is paid out every night. (Last Saturday, a lucky winner took home $1000 – and that was in addition to the over $1000 paid out to other winners during the evening.) Bingo starts at 6:00, but new players are encouraged to arrive by 5:30. Minimum buy-in is $10.
I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up – and I know, I had better hurry because time is running out. But even though you may have figured that out long ago, you may still be on life’s journey of trying to better understand yourself, whether it is accepting who you are with all the complexity of being human; working through losses you have experienced over time; or acknowledging and honoring the contributions you have made.
One way to understand and express who you are is by of creating your own SoulCollage facilitated by Clyde Santa. SoulCollage is described as a process for accessing your intuition and creating cards with deep personal meaning that will help you with life’s questions and transitions.
Last month in the Chronicle, you may have read about the SoulCollage workshop Clyde held at the Library. But if you missed the workshop, Clyde will be offering it once again at the Center on Tuesday April 24th, May 8th and 22nd. It’s preferred that you attend all three sessions of the workshop, but it’s not required. The workshop is open to all ages, with all materials provided and no art experience necessary. And for you folks who avoid anything “artsy”, I’ll say it again. NO ART EXPERIENCE necessary! The workshop is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
If you thought last week’s music announcement was too easy to read, I’m stepping it up a notch. See if your billions of grey cells can figure out this week’s music announcement.
Siht gnimoc Yadseut thgin ereht lliw TON eb cisum ta eht Retnec. I ma llits gnikool rof rehtona dnab ot llif ni rof eht htruof Yadseut tols. Os fi uoy nac daer siht dna yalp ratiug ta eht emas emit, llac em dna ew’ll ees fi ew nac enil uoy pu rof a gig (taht’s naicisum gnals – I kniht) ta eht Retnec.
The name of the television show about the adventures of widow Lily Ruskin, played by Spring Byington, that aired on CBS from 1954 to 1959 was December Bride. (Answers were received from Margaret McBride, Virginia McClain, and the randomly selected winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Delores Schrader, who wishes we still had television shows like it.)
Sticking with television during the 50’s and 60’s, this week’s “Remember When” question is about game shows. What was the name of the CBS show that was a take-off of What’s My Line?, but instead of celebrity panelists trying to determine a contestant’s occupation, the panel tries to determine something that is unusual about the contestant? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with autographed pictures of the original host and panelists: Garry Moore, Bill Cullen, Henry Morgan, Faye Emerson and Jayne Meadows.
Well, it’s been another week, hoping for a dry, pleasant weekend. Until we meet again, I’ll see you at the Cherry Festival.  

“The art of living lies in the fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” Havelock Ellis

Aging Well in the Gorge April 11th 2017

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It is often said, “Nothing remains constant except change itself.” But why do we resist change particularly as older adults who have a reputation of being stick-in-the muds, averse to any kind of change?
According to Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a professor at the Harvard Business School, there are many reasons why people of all ages resist change. See if any of these reasons feel familiar.
First, change often creates uncertainty – often interrupting our routines which we find comforting because we know what to expect. Every morning I have my regular routine for eating breakfast and taking my pills.  But when I go on vacation, the routine changes, and it is difficult to adjust.
Second, change creates concerns about our own competence. Take technology. There is always some new “latest and greatest” software update to learn. And you just figured out the previous version!
Third, change creates more work – which takes time and energy. Although you may have the time, do you have the energy? With the kids moved out, it is time for my wife and I to move to a smaller house, but I always reconsider when I think of all the work it would take.
Fourth, a loss of control. If you decide what to change, that’s okay, you’re in control. But when the change happens to you that is another story. And that seems to happen more often when you get older, as your family, friends or doctors start telling you where you should live, when you can drive and what you should eat.
But change is inevitable. And embracing change even with all the reasons to resist: more uncertainty, feelings of incompetence, more work and loss of control, change can help you continue to live a full and productive life. And having seen all the tremendous changes over your lifetime from types of television sets to personal cancer treatments, would you really want to go back to those “golden” years? Okay, maybe you don’t have to answer that question!  
After this past terrible, horrible, no good winter, more folks have decided to get their bodies moving by attending the Center’s movement and exercise classes. The classes are affordable and all you have to do to join the fun is show up. The classes include: Tai Chi on Tuesdays from 1:15 – 2:00 taught by Corliss Marsh, Line and Folk Dancing on Thursdays from 10:15 – 11:30 taught by Jacquie Hashizume, Strong Women on Tuesdays and Thursdays taught by Sally Forester, and Zumba Gold on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 – 11:30 taught by Marsha Morrison. Also, Debra Lutje teaches two classes: Chair Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15- 10:30 and Strength Yoga on Wednesdays from 9:30 – 10:30.
Besides helping your brain by exercising, you can also challenge your brain by reading this week’s Saturday Night music announcement – backwards. And you don’t even have to get out of your chair.
.appreciated always are donations although – free is it And .welcome is everyone ,left your with follow or foot right your with lead you whether and 30:6 at starts music ,00:6 at open Doors .Country of Shades be will 18th April on Music Night Tuesday s’Center the for Performing
In the television series, Gunsmoke, the name of the woman who was the owner of the Long Branch Saloon and with whom Matt Dillion had a close personal relationship was Miss Kitty. (Answers were received from Vicki Sallee, Alice Mattox, Johnie Douglas, Jim Ayres and the randomly selected winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Don Smith.)
Sticking to television during the 50’s and 60’s, this week’s “Remember When” question is not about a western but a television sitcom (which I don’t remember because I was more interested in Saturday morning cartoons) that aired on CBS from 1954 to 1959.  But if your memory is better, what was the name of the television show about the adventures of widow Lily Ruskin played by Spring Byington, that for first four seasons followed I Love Lucy? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a picture of next-door neighbor Pete Porter played by Harry Morgan, who in 1960 starred in his own show Pete and Gladys.
Well, it’s been another week, sorting through all my spring clothes. Until we meet again, I know it’s spring because the ants have returned to the kitchen counter.  

“Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.” Robert C. Gallagher

Aging Well in the Gorge April 4th 2017

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A friend from southern Wasco County once told me there are three stages in life: a time when you do what you are told, a time when you do what you think you should do and the final stage: when you can do what you really want to do.
During your retirement years, you have the time to start doing what you want to do: travel more, reconnect with past hobbies or start new ones, or just spend more time with the grandkids.
But among all those competing interests, I would encourage you to find time to volunteer, not because it is something you should do, but because it can be as rewarding and fun as any cruise to the Caribbean.
You have probably heard why you should volunteer: chance to make new friends, keeps you mentally sharp, or just gets you out of the house. The evidence is clear that volunteering is good for your health and well-being.
Nonetheless, what do you want to do?
Recently, there have been several excellent articles in the Chronicle about volunteering. At the Center, we have lost three volunteers. For them volunteering was not a “should do”, but a desire to do something they truly enjoyed, whether it was teaching a dance class, tending the rose garden or helping at the front desk.
So, if you decide that volunteering is something you want to do, how do find the right place? Here are a few tips that could help in your search.
1.) Look for a group that deals with a subject which you strongly care about. Could it be politics, arts, or mentoring young people?
2.) Consider your special talents and look for a volunteer opportunity which can utilize them. Have you managed projects? Do you enjoy meeting strangers? 
3.) Or if you are tired of doing the same old thing, find a volunteer opportunity where you have a chance to develop new skills. 
4.) Think outside the box! There are probably community groups looking for volunteers you haven’t even thought of. 
5.) When you find an organization, check it out by requesting an interview to make sure it matches your interest and skills. 
6.) Find the volunteer activity that fits your schedule. Is it seasonal so you can still winter in Arizona? Is it a short term or long term commitment? 
7.) Start by volunteering with friends. It can help make the transition into a new volunteer position more comfortable. 
8.) Don’t wait to be asked. Find a place to volunteer and go for it!
Sometimes we are too modest, but everyone has skills and abilities that non-profit organizations need. And I know, if you want to volunteer, there is a place for you.
A fascinating free workshop will be presented at The Dalles Public Library on Thursday, April 7th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. SoulCollage offers you a chance to create a card with personal meaning while building intuition and wisdom. And it is simple, easy and fun. All materials are provided and absolutely no art experience is necessary. It is free but donations are gratefully appreciated.
As a reminder, Betty Harlan’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Mid-Columbia Senior on Saturday April 8th from 11:00 – 3:00. Lunch will be provided and donations to Meals-on-Wheels will be accepted.
Performing for the Center’s Tuesday Night Music on April 10thwill be Martin and Friends. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are appreciated.
The brand of small die-cast toys first introduced by Lesney Products in the 1950’s and were designed for the co-owner’s daughter because her school only allowed children to bring toys that could fit inside a matchbox were, you guessed it, Matchbox Toys. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Virginia McClain.)
For this month’s “Remember When” questions, the focus is television from the 50’s and 60’s starting with the western which became a hit genre in a large part due to the success of the long running television series, Gunsmoke – one of the first adult westerns. In that television series, what was the name of the woman with whom Matt Dillion had a close personal relationship, although the two never married? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a picture of the Long Branch Saloon.
Well, it’s been another week, grateful for every passing day. Until we meet again, sometimes if you want to get from one shore to another, you have to build your own boat.   

Aging Well in the Gorge March 28th 2017

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Did you hear about the three guys sitting in a bus shelter: The first says “Windy, ain’t it?” The second answers, “No it’s not, it’s Thursday.” And then the third eagerly adds, “So am I. Let’s go and have a drink!”
Even with my hearing aids, that type of conversation is all too common in my household, and to put it mildly, it drives my wife nuts. But I’ve learned when I have trouble with my hearing aids, it is often because they need cleaning. And one of the major culprits is that nasty, embarrassing earwax – because like cats and dogs, hearing aids and earwax do not play well together when the wax clogs the hearing aid’s microphones or receivers causing poor performance.
But if ear wax is a problem for my hearing aids, wouldn’t a preventive solution be to use Q-tips to clean my ears? Nope. The best advice is the adage you may have heard: “Put nothing in your ear that is smaller than your elbow.” Inserting Q-tips, or any sharp or pointed object into the ear will only push wax further into the canal and may even cause trauma to the canal wall or eardrum. Instead just leave the wax alone, which is formed in the outer part of the canal near the external opening, and it will naturally migrate out of the ear.
In fact, it is not a bad thing to have wax in your ears – unless there is too much wax causing pain, drainage, bleeding or hearing loss. Ear wax actually play an important role protecting the ear by trapping and preventing dust, bacteria, and other germs from entering and damaging the ear; and protecting the delicate skin of the ear canal from getting irritated by water in the canal. To clear the unsightly earwax, simply use a washcloth or tissue to wipe the outer ear after you bathe or shower.
Besides keeping earwax from clogging your hearing aids, you can help keep your hearing aids functioning properly by doing the following: clean the hearing aids regularly with a soft, dry cloth; check batteries – they should last from one to two weeks; minimize moisture in the hearing aids; and something I never heard before, use a listening tube to ensure your hearing aids sound clear and not weak or scratchy.
Because functional hearing is critical to an active and engaging lifestyle, take proper care of your hearing aids. And make sure to schedule regular appointments with your hearing professional to test your hearing and to check the performance of your hearing aids. Because, trust me, if you can avoid it, you don’t want to be the one to drive your spouse or friends nuts!
How do you feel about dancing? Would you agree with James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul”, who said “The one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing.” Or Christopher Morley who thought dancing was an important life lesson. “Dancing is wonderful training for girls. It’s the first way you learn to guess what a man is going to do before he does it.” But if you are a little self-conscious, all you need is Dave Barry’s advice “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.”
If you like to get up and dance, there are many opportunities in the Gorge including at the Center’s Tuesday Night Music. Performing this coming Tuesday, April 3rd will be Shades of Country, and on April 10th, Martin and Friends will be playing. Music starts at 6:30 and donations are appreciated.
The job that required operating a desk top machine that punched holes on stiff paper cards to store information was a keypunch operator. (I had two correct entries: Tina Castanares and the randomly selected winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Marcia Lacock.)
This brand of toy was first introduced in the 1950’s and because it was inexpensive enough for children to afford, it became the household word for small model toy cars. For this week’s “Remember When” question what was the biggest-selling brand of small diecast model cars and trucks until Mattel introduced the Hot Wheels series in 1968? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a Superfast No 9 AMX Javelin in Blue.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to keep my balance in an unbalanced world. Until we meet again, I know it must be spring when Bruce Harris of Today’s Rays comes to turn on the Center’s irrigation system.  

Aging Well in the Gorge

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Many friends tell me they read the Chronicle every day, not for the local news and great sports reporting, but to see if their name is in the obituaries. Although I don’t know anyone who has found their own name, unfortunately, we do find the names of many of our friends.
Death is a difficult subject. But when we check the obituaries, we become more familiar with death as we are reminded our existence on this earth doesn’t last forever. Death no longer is a nightmare experienced in our youth, but becomes a reality with which we struggle to come to terms with in our own way. Learning of friends who have passed away becomes a part of life. And no matter how difficult, somehow, we learn to live with our loss and to keep living.
Over the past two weeks we have lost several people who in their own special ways have contributed significantly to the Center.
Ardyce Edling was the inspiration for the tap and clogging class that she taught at the Center for I don’t know how many years because she was teaching it when I arrived at the Center ten years ago. She was still teaching the class, when they celebrated her 90th birthday, and I thought if I can be that active at 90, I will have had a good life.  
We also lost David Zopf. David, with his wife Nancy, was a faithful driver for Meals-on-Wheels, as well as spending hours taking care of the grounds around the Center – particularly the rose garden. You would often see him trimming the roses and bushes on the weekends. When he saw something that needed to be done, he would just do it. David had a dry sense of humor and when he talked to me, I was often uncomfortable, because I wasn’t smart enough to tell if he was teasing or if he was serious and I had better shape up.
Then to make bad things worse, Betty Harlan also passed away. She was an integral part of the success of Meals-on-Wheels including director – even before Meals-on-Wheels moved to its present location at the Center in 1987. She was also the Center’s interim director when I arrived ten years ago. When she retired, she couldn’t stay away – volunteering her time working at the check-in table for Meals-on-Wheels and as an afternoon receptionist for the Center. And Betty didn’t stop volunteering when she could no longer walk comfortably and was confined to a wheelchair.
It has been an inspiration to have known Ardyce, David and Betty. It is comforting to know they lived a good life – with determination, purpose and compassion, making The Dalles a much better place. In the back of our minds we knew this time would come, but it is still a sad surprise. The Center and Meals-on-Wheels will truly miss them.
If you enjoy listening or dancing to live local music, stop by the Center on Tuesday Nights, when the Simcoe Boys will be performing on March 21st. The doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are always appreciated.
The name for a mechanical instrument used to compute mathematical problems that looked similar to a ten-inch ruler (but I also learned came in circular models) was the slide rule. (It must be hard to forget those math classes, because I received a slew of correct answers from: Bernie Sleep, Lucille and Harold Stephens, Sandy and Bob Haechrel, Lana Tepfer, Ed Anghilante, Jerry Phillips, Sonja Peterson and Kathy Shebley, who is this week’s randomly drawn winner of a quilt raffle ticket.)
But this week I’m moving from science to romance. Back in the 60’s, I found dating wasn’t easy for me during high school. But to assist in that extracurricular activity, my friends and I would wear one of the popular colognes – back when fragrances weren’t discouraged because of allergic reactions. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was your favorite cologne or perfume during your high school or college days? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a bottle of Jade East, my favorite cologne.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to adjust to the time change. Until we meet again, as Leonard Cohen once sang, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

 “It’s not that I’m afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” Woody Allen

Aging Well in the Gorge March 7th 2017

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With social media, and the technological advances, the world is a lot different than when I was growing up. I wouldn’t say I would like to go back to those days (although there are many times I wish for a less connected world where I didn’t know everything that happened when it happened). But those memories of growing up bring back a time that seemed less complicated – even if it wasn’t. Every generation has those shared experiences that we can tell our children and grandchildren – often with the intention of reminding them that if they think they have it rough – think again.

For my children, it is hard to imagine a time when there were only three television stations – and if the test pattern came on, you knew you were up too late; when the choice of gym shoes were between high top or low top Converse shoes; when school desks were in rolls bolted to the floor; when you would jump in the piles of leaves, and then burn them – creating the smell of fall in the neighborhood; when you would buy items through lay-away or installment plans because you there weren’t credit cards; and when there were two and sometimes three gas stations on a street corner.

But then being a Baby Boomer, born in ’48, it is hard for me to comprehend what it was like for the Silent Generation (a misnomer because they weren’t silent) – the generation born in the 1930s and early 40s, raised in families climbing out of the depression and living through World War II. That was a time when there were ration books for everything from gas to sugar to shoes to stoves; when you saved tin foil, and poured fat into tin cans; when you had to hand mixed ’white stuff’ with ‘yellow stuff’ to make fake butter; when you saw cars up on blocks because tires weren’t available; when the ice man delivered ice for “ice boxes” before the refrigerator was invented. (My parents always called a refrigerator an “ice box” – a term I occasionally still use.); when childhood was without television and instead you imagined what was heard on the radio; and when the interstate highway system was created by President Eisenhower – increasing mobility and changing the urban landscape.

Each generation has its own unique experiences creating a shared common bond. But I wonder what future generations will be telling their children. Maybe, “You think you have it rough. I remember when we didn’t have robots taking out the garbage!”?

Because of the rain that was forecasted last weekend, the schedule for installing the roof joists at the Center has been moved back one week. Now the Center and Meals-on-Wheels will be closed on Monday, March 13th when the roof joists will be installed – snow or high water.

But that was not the only postponement. Nehemiah Brown was scheduled to sing last Friday, but fell ill and regrettably could not perform. The good news is he has been rescheduled for Friday, June 9th.

For Tuesday Night Music at the Center on March 14th, Martin and Friends will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30, and donations are always appreciated. The song by the Doors that included the lyrics, “You know that it would be untrue/ You know that I would be a liar/ If I was to say to you/ Girl, we couldn’t get much higher” was “Light My Fire”. (Correct answers were sent in by Don McAllister, Jess Birge, Sandy and Bob Haechrel, and Jeanne Pesicka who is this week’s randomly drawn winner of a quilt raffle ticket.)

Switching gears, this month’s “Remember When” questions will be about items that we seldom see any more. And this week’s question comes from my high school math classes. What was the name for a mechanical instrument used to compute mathematical problems that looked similar to a ten-inch ruler and consisted of three linear strips of which the middle strip moved back and forth? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a TI-30 scientific calculator.

Well, it’s been another week, waiting for recess to begin. Until we meet again, it’s hard to keep one foot in the present and one foot in the future, while keeping one foot in the past.

“The digital camera is a great invention because it allows us to reminisce. Instantly.” Demetri Martin

Aging Well in the Gorge February 28th 2017

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Sometimes it’s just nice just to get away for a day to explore and experience new places. The problem is that to go by yourself or to drive is often no fun. But the Center’s day trips offer the opportunity to get out of town with good company, while letting someone else do the driving.
The Center is again working on scheduling trips for this spring and summer, and would like to know if you are interested in any of the following ten possible trips: 
Sternwheeler cruise from Cascade Locks to The Dalles; 
the High Desert Museum in Bend; 
lunch at Hotel Condon; 
the Alder Creek Pioneer Carousel Museum with lunch at the Bluebird Inn, the oldest tavern in Washington, in Bickleton, Washington; 
The Wall That Heals – the touring 250 foot replica of Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial stopping in Goldendale in September; 
a tour of several Gorge wineries; 
the Chinese Gardens;
and the Japanese Gardens in Portland, 
as well as two musicals coming to Portland: Jersey Boys and An American in Paris.
If you are interested in any of these trips or want more information, call the Center or visit www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com and look under the tab Day Trips.
As you may have read in the Chronicle’s front page article by Mark Gibson, the Center has met its fundraising goal of $400,000 with Dave Griffith Motors and Toyota taking us over the top. Thanks to ALL of you for contributing so the downstairs can be accessible to everyone.
And construction keeps moving ahead. Next Monday, March 6th, the roof trusses will arrive and put in place to cover the new addition in front of the Center. Consequently, there will be NO activities or meals served at the Center on that Monday. The front entrance will be closed, and parking will be limited. If you have Center business, please use the 10th street side entrance to the Deschutes Room.
On Friday, March 3rd, the Center will be open, but between 1:30 and 5:00 you will also need to use the 10th street side entrance. During that time the current roof covering the walkway to the Center’s front door will be removed.
But everything will be picked up by 5:00, so you will be able to see Nehemiah Brown performing at the Center from 7:00 – 9:00 on Friday, March 3rd. Nehemiah sings a wide range of music from pop standards to gospel, and has received rave review from folks who have heard him. Because of The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center’s sponsorship, tickets are only $3 per person – which is a good price for a nice evening of entertainment.
I’m looking for another band to play at the Center on the first Tuesday night of each month. As of now, I don’t have a band for the 7th, but I’ll keep looking.
The 1968 Beatle’s song that included the lyrics, “… don’t make it bad/ Take a sad song and make it better/ Remember to let her into your heart/ Then you can start to make it better” was “Hey, Jude” written by Paul McCartney. ( I received correct answers from Sandy and Bob Haechrel, Tina Castanares, Marcia Lacock and Sue Ortega who is this week’s randomly drawn winner of a free quilt raffle ticket.)
This week I’m concluding a month of song lyrics with one more song from the 60’s –  specifically the summer of 1967. (Wow, I keep forgetting that some of my best memories are from a half century ago!)
This song was involved in some controversy when it was performed on the Ed Sullivan Show”. Jim Morrison, the lead singer, was asked to change the lyrics to “girl, we couldn’t get much better”; but when he sang the song live with the original lyrics, Ed Sullivan refused to shake his hand when he left the stage.
For this week’s “Remember When” question what was the title of the song that included the lyrics, “You know that it would be untrue/ You know that I would be a liar/ If I was to say to you/ Girl, we couldn’t get much higher”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with José Feliciano’s version of the song.
Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the balmy forty-five degree afternoons. Until we meet again, just because it is complicated doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
“Some people have a way with words, and other people . . . uh. . .not have way.” Steve Martin
Menu for The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels dinners served at noon at the Center.
Wednesday (1) Lemon Garlic Tilapia (Soup and Salad Bar)
Thursday (2) Oven Baked Chicken   
Friday (3) Philly Beef with Mushrooms and Onions (Soup and Salad Bar)
Monday (6) Pork Medallion   
Tuesday (7) Potato Bar with Chili

Aging Well in the Gorge February 21st 2017

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Have you noticed when we were younger, we would search around to find childcare, or the best life insurance policy, or what options we had for investing the little money we had left after raising our children?
But now in our greying years, we have different questions: where can you find a qualified caregiver for your spouse or mother, what are the best long term care options, or how do you enroll in Medicare? How times have changed.
When the Center receives calls about services for older adults, we often refer them to the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), a branch of the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments that covers the five-county region of Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties.
Our local AAA provides a vital service: administering and supporting community-based care services to maintain and enhance the quality of life for older adults and to ensure their basic needs are met. The AAA provides a variety of services, so listen carefully as I mention just a few of them: support for family caregivers, the Friendly Visitor Program, Oregon Money Management, in-home assistance through the Oregon Project Independence (OPI), Medicare assistance, options counseling to assist individuals in making decisions about long-term care, and short-term interventions to help isolated seniors navigate and access services.
I know it can get confusing when looking for assistance, but the AAA has an excellent staff to answer your questions. You can reach them at 541-298-4101 or stop by their offices in the MCCOG building on the corner of 11th and Kelly Avenue.
When I was having dinner at Casa El Mirador, I saw Jorge Barragan, the owner, who mentioned that many Center members were using their yearlong 10% discount coupon. That coupon, as well as the Sawyer’s True Value coupon worth $10 off any purchase over $50 (good through March 31st), are just two of the discount coupons you will receive when you join the Center. Stop by to become a member, or mail your check and we will send you your member benefit discount coupons and membership card. The cost is $35 per person or $60 per couple – or $50 for a Super-Duper Membership.
I missed last week, but for this week, #17 of the “40 Great Things about Growing Older” – time to volunteer. And if you look, I guarantee there is a volunteer opportunity that will fit your interests – and the nice thing about volunteering is you can work it around your schedule.
Now that this winter’s snow storms have ended and we can instead enjoy the cool rain, I want to again thank Tom Brace of the Brace Brothers and Paul Lepinski of A&P Recycling for coming to the rescue by clearing the Center’s parking lot of snow and ice so many times during this difficult winter. It was truly appreciated.
For the Center’s Tuesday Night Music on February 28th, Country Road will be performing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are appreciated.
What would you find “down at the end of Lonely Street”? Why, the Heartbreak Hotel – which was recorded by Elvis Presley’s and included the chorus, “You make me so lonely baby/ I get so lonely/ I get so lonely I could die”. (The winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Debbie Bush, Jeanne Pesicka, Jess Birge, Lana Tepfer, Cheryl Green, Harold Stephens and the TDHS class of 63’s own hip-shaking Dennis Davis. And starting next week, I will continue mentioning everyone who submits the correct answer, but will only draw one name for a free quilt raffle ticket.)
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the song that was released on August 26th, 1968; was more than seven minutes long; spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100; and included the lyrics, “… don’t make it bad/ Take a sad song and make it better/ Remember to let her into your heart/ Then you can start to make it better.”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a picture of Julian Lennon.
Well, it’s been another week, wondering what surprises are waiting over the hill and around the bend. Until we meet again, as the proverb goes, “It’s now or never.”

“When was the last time you woke up and thought this could be the best day in your life?” Dr. Steve Marshall

Aging Well in the Gorge February 14th 2017

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According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, one out of three adults 65 or older has a hearing loss – which includes me.  I’ve found hearing aids help – my wife knows when I forget to put them on because I keep asking “What did you say?” which she finds very annoying! Yet even when wearing hearing aids, hearing can be difficult because of distance and background noise. But wouldn’t it be nice if at different venues, you could hear everything directly from the microphone – whether it is in a theater, or church or at a city council meeting? Now you can at many places in The Dalles because of loop technology and the efforts of Tim McGlothlin and the Lions Club.
A hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by any hearing aid that is equipped with a telecoil. This system provides clear and clean sound without needing a headset.
Today, approximately 71 percent of all hearing aids dispensed in the United States have telecoils. But you may not have heard of telecoils because few consumers are told about them. You can contact your audiologist to determine if your hearing aid is equipped with a telecoil and whether it is activated.
When Tim McGlothlin, a member of the local Lions Club, learned about hearing loops he jumped on the idea. Lions Club support communities in many ways, but one focus you often hear about is on sight and hearing through the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation. (You probably have seen the collection boxes for recycled eyeglasses, hearing aids and cell phones around town including one at the Center.)
Since then Tim has been busy, installing hearing loops in public spaces in The Dalles including several churches, the City Hall, the Civic Auditorium’s Fireside Room, Spooky’s and just last week Tim, with the help of Ron Sutherland and Gary Patton, installed a loop in the dining room at the Center. Because Tim does the installation for free, the cost is affordable – for the Center it cost less than $800.
With the growing recognition of how hearing loss affects the well-being of millions of older adults, hearing loops are increasingly being installed in community spaces across the country. Thanks to Tim McGlothlin and the Lions Club for being the sparkplug in bringing this technology to The Dalles.
The elevator installation is moving forward. Unfortunately, now that the concrete has been poured for the expansion in front of the Center, the outside stairs are closed. To enter the downstairs, you will need to walk around to the back. But the weather is warming up, so you won’t be slipping and sliding on your way.
Dick Frost had to cancel the AARP Smart Driver Class in January because of the weather, so he is eager to start teaching the class again. The class will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February 20th and 21st from 8:45 – 12:05 each day. The cost is $20 and $15 for AARP Members. Besides learning how to be a smarter driver, you may be able to receive a discount on your auto insurance. To sign up, just call the Center.
Tuesday Night Music has started back up at the Center and on February 21st the Simcoe Boys will be performing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are appreciated.
The singer was Johnnie Ray – who I found out attended high school in Dallas, Oregon at the same time as Harold Stephens. And Johnnie Ray’s No.1 hit in January, 1952 was “Cry”. (The winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Lucille Stephens and Betsy Ayres.)
This week’s “Remember When” question is about a song released on January 27, 1956 and reached the top five on the Country and Western, Rhythm ‘n’ Blues and Pop charts simultaneously. What was the name of the song that included the chorus, “You make me so lonely baby/ I get so lonely/ I get so lonely I could die”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a picture of Alvin Krolik, the man who “walked a lonely street”.
Well, it’s been another week, reminding myself to stand up straight. Until we meet again, I’m finally beginning to feel spring may just be around the corner.

“You can never lose a homing pigeon – if your homing pigeon doesn’t come back what you’ve lost is a pigeon.”

Aging Well in the Gorge February 7th 2017

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There has been plenty of news in the last several weeks about repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare. When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, most of the discussion focused on how it would insure millions of citizens who did not have health insurance. What was seldom mentioned in all the noise were the benefits ACA provided for older adults.
More than a decade ago, knowing the hardship older adults faced paying for prescription drugs, Congress, with a strong push from the George W. Bush administration, passed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, which created Medicare Part D.
Medicare Part D covered for the first time a portion of the cost of most outpatient prescription drugs which older adults often could not afford. But there was a catch: a temporary gap in coverage described as the Donut Hole. In this donut hole, the cost of prescription drugs between what the Part D prescription plan would cover (up to $3700 in 2017), and when the out of pocket expenses reached an amount considered catastrophic (which in 2017 is $4950), the Part D enrollees were responsible for the total costs of their medications.
The ACA, signed by President Obama in 2010, made prescription drugs more affordable for many older adults by closing the donut hole in stages, eliminating it by 2020. Since the ACA was passed in 2010, more than 11 million people have saved an average of more than $2,100 per person on prescription drugs.
Even though the Republicans have been promising to repeal and replace the ACA, they have not yet come to a consensus of how to do it. There have been several proposals to replace the ACA and many including Rep. Tom Price’s (who is President Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary nominee) Empowering Patients First Act, does not include the gradual elimination of the donut hole in Medicare Part B as well as other benefits for Medicare recipients such as screenings for breast and colorectal cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
It is important that older adults of both political parties advocate to include the provisions of the ACA that improve the health of older adults in any new legislation, particularly the gradual elimination of the Donut Hole, so no older adult must choose between their critical prescriptions and their basic necessities.
Continuing the countdown of “40 Great Things about Growing Older”. #16 – Looking Great at any age. Maybe I am a little biased but looking back at my high school yearbook, with the bouffant hairdos and the flattop haircuts, I think we look much better now: wiser, more mature – with a few wrinkles to show we know what we are talking about. 
Tuesday night music at the Center on February 14th will feature Martin and Friends performing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are appreciated.
“I just want to say one word to you – just one word…. ‘Plastics.’” was the career advice told to Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman, in the 1967 movie The Graduate. (The winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Betsy Ayres, Jerry Phillips, Sandy Haechrel, and Mary Davis.)
This month I’m going to see if you remember the song lyrics from the 1950’s and the 1960’s – back in the day when you could understand the lyrics even with the scratched records and simple transistor radios.
This song is from the 1950’s and has an Oregon connection since the singer spent part of his childhood on a farm in Dallas, Oregon before moving to Portland, Oregon, where he attended high school.
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the song that included the lyrics, “If your heartaches seem to hang around too long/ And your blues keep getting bluer with each song/ Well now, remember sunshine can be found
Behind a cloudy sky/ So let your hair down and go right on and …”. Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it in on the back of a postcard from Hopewell, Oregon.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to remember to pick my feet up so I don’t trip and fall head first into a snow bank. Until we meet again, remember everyone has a piece of the truth.

“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” — Lord Byron