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

Aging Well in the Gorge January 31st 2017

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The Center was back to normal – open for the whole week without any cancelled classes or delays. And with the three snow storms that I’ve counted so far this winter season, I’m hoping the snow forecasted for later this week never occurs. 
Because this Friday, February 3rd, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide starts downstairs at the Center. Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation help for low and moderate income taxpayers with a special emphasis on older adults. The cadre of dedicated volunteers have been training for weeks to be ready for all your questions, so they can prepare and file your taxes electronically.
AARP Tax Aide help is available at several locations in the area.
At the Center the hours are from 2:00 – 6:00 on Fridays and 9:00 – 1:00 on Saturdays. It is first come first serve, but you will know when you arrive if one of the volunteers will be able to see you, so you won’t have to wait around for hours and not receive any help.
The Tax-Aide location in southern Wasco County is at the Tygh Valley Community Center on Thursdays from 8:00 – 12:00 pm. There is also no appointment necessary.
In Sherman County, you will need to call (541) 993-1054 to schedule a Saturday appointment at the Rufus Community Center.
To save yourself an extra trip, you will need to bring proof confirming your identification, income, and deductions such as the following documents. (For a full list of the documents you should bring, you can call the Center or go online to www.AARP.org.)
Identification: last year’s tax return(s), Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and every individual on your return; photo ID; and your checkbook or a voided check if you want to direct deposit.
Income: W-2(s), SSA-1099 Form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to you for the year, and a 1099-R Form if you received a pension, annuity, or IRA distribution.
Deductions: if you are itemizing your deductions, you’ll need to bring documents for any deductions such as your 1098 Form showing any home mortgage interest; and a summary of contributions to charities.
The first weeks are usually very busy, so if you can wait, it won’t be as crowded. The last day will be Saturday, April 15th, so you do have some time.
Continuing the countdown of “40 Great Things about Growing Older”. # 15 – You can take the classes you really want – such as classes at the Center, The Dalles Art Center or CGCC where adults 65 or older are eligible for a 50 percent tuition discount on tuition for many credit and non-credit classes. And there are online courses for little or no cost at Couresa, the Khan Academy and other websites.
Is it a lie if you said what you thought what was going to happen, but it didn’t? Because the last three weeks, I have written that there will be live music at the Center on Tuesday nights, and yet each Tuesday you would have found the doors locked and the lights off.  
But I promise, on my 1966 high school yearbook, that this coming Tuesday, February 7th, there will be live music at the Center with Andre, KC and Joe playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are appreciated.
I remember watching the movie African Queenfor the first time and getting shivers when Humphrey Bogart climbed out of the river covered with leeches. So, I can easily remember the quote, “If there’s anything in the world I hate, it’s leeches – filthy little devils!” (The winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Lucille Stephens, Tina Castanares, Marcia Lacock, Sandy Haechrel and Mary Davis.)
I’ll close out the month with one last movie quote from the1967 American comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols. For this week’s “Remember When” question, in what movie did a recent college graduate receive the following career advice “I just want to say one word to you – just one word…. ‘Plastics.’” Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of the movie’s soundtrack that included the song “The Sound of Silence”.
Well, it’s been another week, looking forward to seeing the green grass of spring. Until we meet again, take your time, because really there isn’t a reason to rush.
“To shorten winter, borrow some money due in spring.” W.J. Vogel

Aging Well in the Gorge January 24th 2017

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This is a time when I wish I was spry enough to do cartwheels! Because thirty years after the Center was built; and eight years since funds were first raised to remodel the Center, it’s celebration time. Why? Because with the Building Permit taped to the front window, Jeff Cochenour and his team will start construction to install the elevator this week. And that’s exciting!
The first stage is to frame in the new addition to the front of the building, north of the entrance. This will be the new space for the NU-2-U Shop which is being displaced by the elevator.
This will include removing the snow in front of the Center – which should be completed by the time you read this; laying the concrete for the foundation of the new addition – which should start on Wednesday; and leveling the exterior walkway that borders the front of the Center and goes to the stairs – which could occur as early as February 1st.
But to accommodate this construction, we will need to make several adjustments. There will be the temporary loss of three parking spaces to the north of the entrance; and the exterior stairway to the downstairs will be blocked off forcing anyone who wants to enter the downstairs to use the lower parking area and entrances at the back of the Center.
I will post signs showing how to navigate around the construction and the best way to get downstairs. But please watch out for the workers and equipment.
Joan Silver, who has done an outstanding job as chairperson of the project, will be providing updates which I will email out to everyone on the Center’s email list. If you want to receive the updates electronically, email me and I will make sure you are on the list.
I know these changes are inconvenient for all of us – I’ll be getting in more steps during this time.  But we ask for your patience as we do our very best to keep the inconveniences to a minimum.
And hopefully by May, we will be able to celebrate again when the elevator is operational and the downstairs is then easily accessible to everyone.
I imagine many of you watched or listened to the Presidential Inauguration with either excitement or despair. But there is no argument, big changes were promised. And I suggest we all keep a watchful eye on the legislative proposals that emerge to make sure there will be adequate funding for services to protect and support older adults, particularly the most vulnerable, as well as our children when they reach their retirement age.
Last Tuesday, the weather was better, but wasn’t good enough to ask the Simcoe Boys to drive all the way from Goldendale. But the long-range forecast doesn’t show any precipitation, although it still won’t get much above freezing. So, the weather shouldn’t be your excuse for missing the Center’s Tuesday Night Music on January 31st. But there is a problem. I’m not sure who’s playing. But there will be somebody, so you and your partner can warm yourselves up on the dance floor. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are appreciated.
Continuing the countdown of “40 Great Things about Growing Older”. # 14 – You’ve mellowed like a fine wine. Or as Rose Kennedy once said, “I’m like old wine. They don’t bring me out very often – but I’m well preserved.”
It was in the 1942 movie Casablanca that Humphrey Bogart said “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” (The winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Caroline Wood, Lucille Stephens and Sandy Haechrel.)
For this second week of movie quotes, it’s another Humphrey Bogart quote, but I hope more challenging than last week’s. (We’ll see how many answers I receive this time.) So, for this week’s “Remember When” question, in what movie did Humphrey Bogart say “If there’s anything in the world I hate, it’s leeches – filthy little devils!”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or have two Methodist missionaries deliver it.
Well, it’s been another week, feeling like a bear looking for a cave to hibernate. Until we meet again, don’t let one bad day ruin your whole week.
“When I was young, I loved summer and hated winter. When I got older I loved winter and hated summer. Now that I’m even older, and wiser, I hate both summer and winter.”

Jarod Kintz

Aging Well in the Gorge January 17th 2017

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All I’ve been thinking about these last couple of weeks is the weather with all the cancellations and delays. And what’s distressing is even when we get past this way-too-long snow and cold spell, there are still sixty-two days till the start of spring. Can you believe that? I think there should be some meteorological law that states the harder the winter, the quicker spring arrives! And February 1st would not be soon enough.

Even though I’m an eternal optimist, I don’t think that will happen, so a few winter safety tips could still be helpful. But what don’t you already know about staying safe during the winter? I mean you have made it this far – and you have probably seen much worse. So, what more do you really need to know?

I’m not sure there’s much, but maybe a few reminders found at HealthinAging.org might help you be prepared for some of the more common winter conditions.

Hyperthermia: This is one situation most of us won’t have to worry about unless you are cross country skiing the Tilly Jane trail. But if you are the adventurous type, be aware of the warning signs for hyperthermia such as cold pale or ashy skin; feeling very tired or confused; and slowed breathing or heart rate. But don’t depend on shivering as a reliable sign. Older people tend to shiver less or not at all when their body temperature drops.

Fires and carbon monoxide: If you use a wood or gas stove, make sure it is properly used, vented and cleaned. You can even install carbon monoxide detectors in your house. If you use space heaters for extra heat during these very cold days, make sure the they are at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire.

Shoveling snow: This can put added stress on your old ticker when it is already working double time to keep warm in the cold weather. So, don’t push it or hire someone. Slipping and falling: Every winter I hear of someone breaking a leg, arm or hip. Be particularly careful of icy steps and pavement that appears just wet but is iced over. Have your walkways cleared of snow and salted; wear boots with non-skid soles; and use a cane or ski pole when walking.

But you knew most of that, right?

So maybe the best advice is just to be alert and take your time. We may not be as quick or flexible, but our years of experience should make us smarter and wiser so we can be safe during these winter months.

The average high temperature in The Dalles for January is 43 and the average low is 29. So who knows, the temperature just might meander above freezing sometime soon. We can only hope. Which means it will be safer to come to the Center’s Tuesday night music and hear Country Road perform on the 24th. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are always appreciated. 

Continuing the countdown of “40 Great Things about Growing Older”. # 14 – Big photo albums. Although they may soon be a thing of the past, as society moves to storing digital pictures somewhere in the “cloud”.

In the1965 epic romantic drama Dr. Zhivago, Lara was the woman Doctor Yuri Zhivago fell in love with while married to Tanya. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Marcia Lacock, who loved to play on her piano the theme song Somewhere my Love, which was also called Lara’s Theme.)

If you are stuck inside, you might be watching old classic movies on TCM or Netflix, so for the next several weeks of “Remember When” questions, I’m going to give you a movie quote and see if you can remember what movie it came from. To start off, in what 1940’s movie did Humphrey Bogart say “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it on the back of a picture of “Rick’s Café Américain”.

Well, it’s been another week, STILL waiting for the snow to melt – but please not too fast. Until we meet again, as the writer Hal Borland once wrote “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” 

The problem with winter sports is that–follow me closely here–they generally take place in winter.” Dave Barry

Aging Well in the Gorge January 10th 2017

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“Uncle!” I give up! I’ve had enough snow with all the cancellations and disruptions. I’m beginning to wonder, is it something I did? But maybe this will be the end of the wintry mix because, really, how long can this keep going on? At least we don’t live in Minnesota where they have four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction.
But if the weather has kept you inside and you haven’t had a chance to regularly exercise, there are exercises where you don’t even have to leave the house. And all you need are a tennis ball, chair with arms, weights, and a towel.
In a well-rounded exercise program, the exercises should address three areas of your fitness: strength, balance and flexibility. I’ll describe a couple of examples for each area to give you an idea of how simple they are. But if you want to find more exercises, plus tips on how to stay motivated and tools to track your exercise, go to the website Go4Life.
But before you start, a few safety tips: breathe regularly during exercise, use smooth steady movements when lifting weights, keep your arm and leg joints slightly bent, always bend forward from your hips – not your waist; and most importantly: repeat the exercises, but stop if you feel pain.
Okay, here we go.
Strength exercises: Hand grip – slowly squeeze a tennis ball. Wall Push-Ups – pushing yourself off the wall (that’s the wall – not the floor!).
Balance exercises: Stand on One Foot – stand behind a sturdy chair holding on for balance and lift one foot and hold; and then repeat with other foot. Heal-to-Toe Walk – walk heel-to-toe while focusing on a spot ahead with arms raised to your side.
Flexibility exercises: Thighs – stand behind a sturdy chair and hold on for balance. Bend your leg back and grab your foot and gently pull your leg until you feel a stretch in your thigh. Shoulder and upper arm – stand straight and grab a towel in your right hand, raise hand and hang towel behind back. Reach behind lower back with other hand and grab end of towel. Pull the towel down with your left hand.
Now that you know how simple it is to exercise in your own home, you can start anytime. But if you want something more structured, there are many opportunities including CURVES, The Dalles Fitness and Court Club, Water’s Edge or any of the many affordable classes at the Center.
Even with ten inches of snow outside, there are many ways to be physically active -.you can even make up your own exercises. The point is to find something you enjoy and keep doing it.
For the Center’s Tuesday Night Music on January 17h, if the weather cooperates, the Simcoe Boys from Goldendale will be performing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 6:30 and donations are always appreciated.
Continuing the countdown of “40 Great Things about Growing Older”. # 13 – Time to finally write that great novel. Or how about your life story for your children and grandchildren? How I wish I knew more about my father’s life which he seldom shared thinking it wasn’t important.
The 6’9” basketball forward who played for University of Oregon from 1968-1971, led the Pac-8 in scoring for two straight seasons, and whose son now plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers is Stan Love. (The winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Jerry Phillips and Lee Kaseberg, a true Duck fan from Wasco, who pointed out that Stan’s son, Kevin Love, spurned his father’s alma mater and instead played for UCLA.)
All this snow reminds me of the film Doctor Zhivago – the 1965 epic romantic drama set in Russia prior to World War I and during the Russian Revolution of 1917–1922. It won five Oscars, but lost best picture to The Sound of Music. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the woman who Doctor Yuri Zhivago fell in love with while he was married to his wife Tanya? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a recording of Somewhere My Loveperformed by the Ray Coniff Singers. 
Well, it’s been another week, waiting for the snow to melt so the garbage can be picked up. Until we meet again, remember, this too shall pass.

“A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!” Author Unknown