Aging Well in the Gorge May 31st

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Senior Living May 31st 2016
“You don’t stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing.” Michael Pritchard
At the Center we often talk about the importance of humor and laughter. Dr. Steve Allen, Jr., son of the talk show host and comedian, said “Laughing, especially at yourself is the most powerful stress-releaser we have.” It not only reduces the body’s negative reaction to stress, it helps prevent such stress from occurring in the first place.
Humor is particularly helpful as we age, because it acknowledges the incongruities and absurdities of life and reminds us that we are all in this together. We all deal with the struggles and challenges of aging and yet here we are still alive and kicking – or at least moving. As Bob Newhart said, “Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on.”  
The best laugh is always on ourselves. Elsa Maxwell, 75, declared, “Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.” Or as Robert Fulton puts it “It is a matter of laughing with ourselves, not at ourselves.” Can you remember the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? And what makes you smile or laugh?
A sense of humor is very personal. You can be offended while others find a joke amusing. I have watched several standup comedians on Netflix, and for some I couldn’t make it past the first ten minutes because it was such poor taste and too embarrassing – especially watching it with my wife. Yet the audience thought it was hilarious. Am I getting old?  
But here is one of Elt Fadness’s “Ole and Lena” stories – for us who still remember drive-ins.
Ole and Lena were at the drive-in movie. Ole says, “Say Lena, you wanna get in the back seat?” Lena says, “Naw, Ole, I’d just as soon stay up here with you.”
Have you ever left a store and can’t remember where you parked your car? Many boomers have resorted to strapping bicycles or kayaks on their car roofs so their cars would be easy to spot. (And you were envious thinking they were just enjoying the great outdoors!) But since not all of us can afford a mountain bike or kayak, the Center will soon be selling large colorful plastic balls to attach to the end of your car’s antenna. Never again will you have waste time remembering where your car is – it will just be under the bright red plastic ball. But we will only be selling a few. We don’t want you to walk out of Fred Meyer and see a whole field of plastic balls and still not know which car is yours.
At the Center’s Tuesday Lecture at 11:00 on June 7th, Tria Bullard from Google will demonstrate how to use Google Apps on your computer – so you can connect with friends and family, organize your photos and files, and even make calls for free. You’ll explore Gmail, Google Docs, and Hangouts. And if you don’t have a Gmail account, Tria will walk you through the process of getting one. The class is open to anyone with basic computer skills.
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment, and on June 7th, Andre, KC and Tom will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and, donations are always appreciated.
The actor-singer who sang “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indy 500 from 1972 until 2014 was Jim Nabors. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Jim Ayers – and Ruth Radcliff who I forgot to mention last week.) 
This week’s “Remember When” question is about the musical icon Bob Dylan who turned 75 last week. It doesn’t seem that long ago in the summer of 1965 when I was vacationing with my family in Los Angeles and on the radio heard this singer called Bob Dylan which I, from Middle America, had never heard of. But in September of that year he recorded his first hit song that was over six minutes long and reached #2? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a small clump of green moss.
Well, it’s been another week trying to keep my hat from blowing off. Until we meet again, as Lord Byron once said, “Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.”

Aging Well in the Gorge May 24th 2016

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During the last twelve months, the Center has hosted many presentations about either Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease: explaining how to discern the signs, what behaviors to expect and how to respond to the often difficult behaviors in order to provide caring and quality care with patience and sensitivity. From those presentations, one may have learned more about these debilitating conditions, but is there some way to feel what it is like to live with memory loss every day? Now there is.

Providence Senior Village & Hospice is inviting you to join over 200,000 individuals and caregivers who have completed the Virtual Dementia Tour® where you can experience what it is like to be in a world of memory loss.

During a twenty minute Virtual Dementia Tour, trained facilitators guide you through common everyday tasks and exercises while outfitted with devices that temporarily alter your physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities – giving you the ability to experience the physical and mental challenges facing those with dementia.

From the tour, you will have a better understanding of how certain common behaviors such as repetitive actions, refusal to follow directions, and rummaging are actually normal coping strategies to deal with their confusion.

This free event takes place on both Wednesday, June 1st from 10:30am-5:30pm and Thursday June 2nd from 9:30am-4:00pm at Providence Hospice of the Gorge, 751 Myrtle Street, The Dalles. The tour only takes twenty minutes but you must call or email to schedule an appointment time.

Providence Hospice of the Gorge is also sponsoring a free community screening of Inside Alive, an award winning 2014 documentary that follows social worker Dan Cohen as he demonstrates music’s ability to combat memory loss to those suffering from it by restoring a deep sense of self. Alive Inside also includes revealing interviews with renowned neurologist and best-selling author Oliver Sacks (Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain), and numerous visionaries in healthcare including geriatrician and healthcare disrupter, Dr. Bill Thomas.

After the film there will be an open discussion lead by Providence Hospice of the Gorge caregivers – Colleen Ballinger, Hospice Nurse and Emily Vawter, Music Therapist. But the screening is tomorrow (or today depending on when you read the paper), Wednesday, May 25th at 6:30 at Flagstone Senior Living, 3325 Columbia View Drive. If you would like more information, about the Virtual Dementia Tour or the showing of Alive Inside, you can call Providence Hospice at 541-387-6370 or email Desirae.Espeland@providence.org.

In time for these warmer days, the Center’s NU-2-U Shop has a nice selection of used spring and summer clothes. But they are beginning to run low in inventory. If you are sorting through your spring and summer wardrobes, the Center would be glad to find a home for your unwanted clothes. Just bring them to the Center and leave them at the front desk.

This coming Monday, May 30th is Memorial Day: a day to honor the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces. In recognition of Memorial Day, the Center and Meals-on-Wheels will be closed for the weekend; and for the bingo players in the audience, there will not be bingo on either Thursday or Saturday nights.

Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music and on May 31st, The Dufur Boys return to play for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, all ages are welcome, and donations are always appreciated.

The Swedish born film actress, who starred in the 1936 movie Camille and was famously averse to any publicity was Greta Garbo. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Sandy Haechrel.)

With the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 this Sunday in my home town, this week’s “Remember When” question is about the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. The Indy 500 is filled with traditions: the starting command “Gentlemen start your engines”, releasing the multi-colored balloons, the winning driver drinking milk in Victory Lane, and from 1972 until 2014 the tradition of this actor-singer singing “Back Home Again in Indiana”. Who was he? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a picture of the “addlebrained” gas station attendant on the Andy Griffith Show.`

Well, it’s been another week trying not to spill my milk. Until we meet again, if you fall flat on your face at least you’re moving forward.

“…treat people with understanding when you can, and fake it when you can’t until you do understand.” ― Kim Harrison

Aging Well in the Gorge May 17th 2016

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Let’s jump to a subject no one really wants to talk about, but all of us will experience in our lifetime. No, I don’t mean sex. (I haven’t had the nerve to talk about the subject yet.) I mean, you know – pushing up daisies, six feet under, succumbed, resting in peace, passed away. Okay, I’ll say it, death – a subject most of us want to avoid. It’s just not your typical after dinner conversation when you want to get the party started.
But the topic of death, or more specifically Death with Dignity, is the focus for this month’s “Beginning Conversations about the End of Life” on Tuesday, May 24th at 6:30 at The Dalles/Wasco County Library and facilitated by Julie Reynolds and Colleen Ballinger.
I imagine most of you haven’t thought much about how to prepare for the ultimate leveler – or how you would want to die.
Would it be in the comfort and peace of your own home with loved ones surrounding you? That’s the wish of most people; and although the proportion of adults over 65 who die in their own homes is increasing, it was still only twenty-four percent in 2007.
Do you want the most accurate and clear information about the consequences of different possible treatments and the chances for recovery, so you can make the best decisions about your care?
Do you want your anxiety and fears, the emotional toll you would most likely be experiencing, to be acknowledged and not ignored? 
Do want any pain to be managed and controlled so you don’t die in unnecessary distress?
And do you want to have the control and autonomy to make your own life decisions; that your Advanced Directive and treatment decisions will be followed and respected by your family and your medical providers, particularly if you aren’t able to speak for yourself?
Death with Dignity and end of life decisions are complex, nuanced, constantly changing and emotionally difficult – although we may all fantasize of a gentle exit. Death is an unavoidable part of life; a subject that may be uncomfortable, but should be discussed. And I promise talking about dying won’t kill you.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Center’s UpLifting Elevator Project. Through local grants and individual donations, the Center has raised over $156,000; and has been awarded $151,500 in foundation grants – totaling over $307,500. That is more than three-fourths of the estimated $400,000 needed to install the elevator which includes enclosing the exterior stairs. And two more opportunities are being pursued to complete the fundraising. It has been a long haul and the Center appreciates your continued support and patience as we hopefully get closer to construction.
This week’s Tuesday Night music announcement is for those who don’t know which direction they are going: forward or backwards. See if you can decipher it. .appreciated always are donations ,on lights the keep to and band the pay To .both or pants ,skirt a wear you whether welcome is everyone and ,00:7 at starts music ,00:6 at open Doors .playing be will Boys Simcoe the ,24th May on and ,enjoyment listening and dancing your for music live is there Center the at night Tuesday Every
The popular 50’s and 60’s destination drive-in for teens who were “cruising the gut” in The Dalles was the “Handout” owned by Tom Foley and later by Phil Hammond. (Although I didn’t receive one Hefty Henry with any of the entries, the winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Maxine Parker, Pat Fowler and Bob Thouvenel.)
I fell in love with this actress after watching her in the 1936 movie Camille while I was in college. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the Swedish born film actress, who received three Academy Award nominations for Romance, Camille and Ninotchka and was famously averse to any publicity – best described by her line in the movie Grand Hotel “I want to be alone; I just want to be alone.”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a picture of John Gilbert, the popular leading man of the 20’s and 30’s.
Well, it’s been another week looking for the possibilities in every new day. Until we meet again, it is always harder to turn left than to turn right.

“How can I die? I’m booked.” George Burns

Aging Well in the Gorge May 10th 2016

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I have this vague impression I use to be mentally sharp. (But then when I can’t remember what I did four weeks ago, I guess I can imagine my self being anything forty years ago.) But I’ve discovered these days I seem to be living by the “Rule of Three”. I will take the same route three times before I learn to avoid the detour; or I have to follow a new simple office routine three times before I remember to do it automatically. But there are some advantages. I can enjoy watching a TV mystery three times before remembering who killed who. How things have changed. But I’m not going to let it bother me. I’m pretty sure sometime in the future I will be living by the “Rule of Four”, and then five – and who knows what after that.
The Mid-Columbia Senior Center Quilters do more than design and stitch together the beautiful quilts displayed in the Center’s lobby. They also have sewn over forty special one-of-a-kind baby and toddler blankets that make great gifts. In addition, they are available for hire to repair family quilts or complete any unfinished quilts. For more information, you can find the quilters downstairs at the Center every Monday from 10:00 – 3:00 or you can call the Center during those hours.
I wish I could peruse through the old pictures of my classmates and teachers; school clubs and sports teams from when I went to school in Indianapolis – and reawakening forgotten memories by those visual reminders. But if you attended one of The Dalles area schools, you can travel back in time by visiting The Dalles District Archive Museum, now open every Saturday from 10:00 – 3:00. You can find yearbooks, pictures, programs, and much more from local elementary, junior high, and high schools from 1911 to the present. And it is free! You can visit the museum, located at the Wahtonka High School building on 3601 W. 10th Street, by entering the school through the door closest to the athletic fields.  Call Rymmel Lovell at 541-296-6546 or e-mail tlovell@netcnct.net for high school tours and class reunions scheduled this summer. Donations are always appreciated from school alumni.
The Center relies on volunteers, business supporters and its member to keep the doors open and the floors swept. A particular thank-you to the three hundred ninety-five members (five members in the last week) who have already joined during the Center’s 2016 membership campaign. But the Center is still fifty-five members shy of its goal of four hundred fifty members by the Center’s annual meeting in July. The cost is $35 for a single or $60 for a couple or $50 a person to be Super Duper member. Please join by stopping by the Center or online at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com.
It is that time again to shake up your little gray cells. For this week’s music announcement, I’ll give you a chance to practice your backward reading skills. Start at the end of this paragraph and I’ll meet you back here. .detaicerppa syawla era snoitanoD .neewteb-ni ro tfel ,thgir era uoy rehtehw emoclew si enoyreve ,00:7 ta strats cisum ,00:6 ta nepo srooD .gniyalp eb lliw syoB eocmiS eht ,ht71 yaM no dna ,tnemyojne gninetsil dna gnicnad ruoy rof cisum evil si ereht retneC eht ta thgin yadseuT yrevE
The name of the controversial rock musical that portrayed the hippie counterculture in New York City was Hair. (And the winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Bill Van Nice.)
In the Sunday Chronicle, you may have seen the picture of one of the new informational kiosks and bike racks recently installed along Second Street. If you examine closely the kiosk shown in the picture, you will see a photograph from the 1962 The Dalles High School Yearbook of this popular 50’s and 60’s destination for teens “cruising the gut” or just hanging out. What was the name of this popular drive-in? And for bonus points who owned it? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop your answer off with a Hefty Henry and its special sauce.
Well, it’s been another week searching for the questions before I forget the answers. Until we meet again, although we may be over 60, life is far from over.

“Sometimes we can’t find the thing that will make us happy, because we can’t let go of the thing that was supposed to.”  Robert Brault

Aging Well in the Gorge May 3rd 2016

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I dread the day when I have to give up the car keys. (Although I won’t miss the maintenance costs and the insurance payments!) But before I am forced to or worse, before I injure someone, I hope I’ll have the courage to know when the risk is too great and it’s time to let someone else do the driving.  
But how does anyone know when it is time?
AARP has suggested these following questions to help decide when to retire from driving or at least have your driving accessed.
Do you find other drivers honking their horns at you – and they’re not waving to say hi! Do you stop at green lights or brake inappropriately; have trouble making turns, especially left turns; feel confused when exiting a highway or by traffic signs? Do you find yourself easily distracted or have difficulty concentrating? Do you get lost on familiar routes or have trouble remembering where you are going.  Or do you often ask yourself, “Why doesn’t any want to ride with me?!” (Okay, that last question I added. It replaced the question “Do you often forget where you left your car?” which if we answered honestly, half of us wouldn’t be driving.)
Maybe you feel your driving is okay: you’ve modify your driving – no longer driving after dark and staying off the freeways, but you know someone who has stubbornly held on to their car keys way too long. If so, Oregon has an At-Risk Driver Program. You can file a report about an unsafe driver using a Driver Evaluation Request, which you can find at the Center, the DMV office, or can be downloaded at the DMV web site.
But we aren’t talking just about older drivers. Oregon’s at-risk driver criteria are based solely on whether a driver, at any age, has any physical, cognitive or medical limitations that affect their ability to drive a vehicle. A report needs to be specific based upon observed unsafe driving behaviors or medical conditions that may impair a person’s ability to drive safely and not solely because of a person’s age.
You can learn much more about Oregon’s At-Risk Driver Program at the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on May 10th, when Kristopher Kyes, Medical Programs Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Transportation, will be speaking.  
The Dalles Annual Community Clean-up co-sponsored by the City of The Dalles and The Dalles Disposal is on Saturday, May 7th. Residents of The Dalles can dispose of yard debris and unwanted items from 9:00 – 3:00 AM at the old county sheds at the corner of 10th and Walnut using the west entrance on Walnut Street near the 9th Street intersection. Household garbage, tires and hazardous waste will not be accepted at the collection site.
And if you’re a senior who doesn’t have a way to take your unwanted items to the community collection site, you can call Cindy Keever at The Dalles Public Works 541-506-2004 and she will arrange to have someone come and pick up the items.
The Center will be the location for the Relay for Life’s Parking Lot and Bake Sale on Saturday, May 7th from 8:00 – 3:00 PM. There will be goodies of all kinds including clothes, toys, books, and more!
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment, and on May 10th, Martin and Friends will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.
The young American musician/songwriter and 50’s rebel rocker who recorded “Sittin’ in the Balcony”, and “Somethin’ Else” before he died in 1960 at the age of 21 was Eddie Cochran. (And the winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Jim Heitkemper (who still has the record of “Sittin’ in the Balcony”) and Don Hanson.)
For this week’s “Remember When” question, we step back to the bright lights of Broadway when this musical opened forty–eight years ago this week. What was the name of the controversial musical that portrayed the hippie counterculture in New York City and defined the “rock musical”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail your answer with a vinyl soundtrack of the original Broadway cast album.
Well, it’s been another week looking for my scraps of paper with all my to-dos on them. Until we meet again, open up the windows and “Let the Sunshine In”.

“You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.” CS Lewis

Aging Well in the Gorge April 26th 2016

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Okay, this is for the guys. You’ve been married for thirty years – or more; and you have bought your loved one fresh flowers, sweet chocolates; taken her to the movies or made her breakfast in bed, and now you want to spice things up with something really special, but not too kinky, that will show how much you really care. But you have run out of ideas.
Well, I have a solution that I promise will surprise her. Take her to your favorite pharmacy for a Shingles date! I did and you can’t imagine how much my wife enjoyed it.
Why, it is something she has always wanted. We have been talking about getting our shingles vaccine for years but never seemed to make the time. But finally two weeks ago, after I checked with our Medicare plans and I made sure the vaccinations were available, I took her out for a night at the pharmacy for our shingles shots.
Now every time she hears of someone enduring the misery of shingles, she’ll thank me and give me a big kiss. And that’s an expression of true love – don’t you think?
It was a great Cherry Festival Weekend albeit a little windy, but what do we expect in The Dalles. Thanks to everyone who attended the Center’s Cherry Festival Pancake Breakfast and to this year’s sponsor Cherry Heights Living. Also thanks to Lisa and her talented crew at The Dalles Chamber of Commerce for giving the Center the opportunity to host the King Bing and Queen Anne coronation, recognizing this year’s recipients, Dennis and Shannon Morgan, for their valuable contribution to the community. It was great fun and we are already thinking of ways to make next year’s coronation bigger and better.
I ran into Cal McDermid, the Fort Dalles Museum Director, downtown on Saturday and he mentioned that the Fort Dalles Museum is looking for volunteers. Because the museum is open seven days a week through October, they need plenty of volunteers for landscaping, office work, greeting visitors or helping with special events. If you have the time, they will provide the training. Call them at 296-4547 or go to their website at FortDallesMuseum@gmail.com.
The Center is now offering Strength Yoga taught by Debra Lutje. While sitting and standing with the assistance of a chair, participants will do range of motion exercises, abdominal crunches, free weights, isometric exercises and chair yoga. It is a good all-purpose class that loosens joints, strengthens muscles and connects your mind & body. No matter your fitness level you will be able to do this class! The class meets every Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 downstairs at the Center. The cost is only $3.00 for each class.
There is one last Saturday night of “Second Chance Bingo” at the Center on April 30th. And then to start the month of May with a bang, Saturday Night Bingo will host a Bingo Bonanza on May 7th with a free Pulled Pork Sandwich dinner for all players served between 4:30 and 5:30. There will be new games and payouts with a minimum buy-in of $15. Come and enjoy America’s favorite pastime – BINGO!!
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment. This coming Tuesday, May 3rd, Andre, K.C. and Tom will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated.
Looks like I stumped everyone last week with “Heathkit” – the brand name of the popular kits to build your own electronic devices. But this week we’ll see if anyone knows the artist who Ron Sutherland remembers singing the hit song “Somethin’ Else”. 
For this week’s “Remember When” question who was the sharply dressed young American musician/songwriter who epitomized the 50’s rebel rocker and recorded “Twenty Flight Rock”, and “Summertime Blues”, before he died in 1960 at the age of 21 when the taxi he was riding in crashed while on tour in England? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail your answer with a DVD of the 1956 musical comedy The Girl Can’t Help It.
Well, it’s been another week checking the mail and finding only credit card offers. Until we meet again, as my dad often told me, “Pass away shallow water and let the deep see row.”

“The single story creates stereotypes. And the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make the one story become the only story.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Aging Well in the Gorge April 19th 2016

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Are you offended when you hear jokes about how older folks are forgetful, unwilling to change, out of date, and slow? Or do you feel, “Relax, it’s just a joke?
How do you feel when someone says you look younger than your age? Is it a compliment – or do you feel it shows a disdain towards old age?
Or how do you feel about Oregon judges having to resign after they turn 75?
And how would you feel if your doctor explained your medical condition is just old age?
Many advocates for older adults believe these situations are all too common examples of ageism, a term coined in 1969 by Robert Butler, noted gerontologist who I have mentioned before, to describe a form of discrimination and prejudice, particularly experienced by older adults.
But most of us older adults are mentally and physically active regardless of age (78.2% of households that include someone in their 80’s still own their own homes!); and with a great deal to contribute. But societal norms that see us and old age as inferior, a stage of decline can create obstacles and barriers robbing us of financial income, independence, and dignity – negatively impacting the quality of our lives.
Worse than societal ageism is when we internalize the ageist stereotypes and start losing confidence in ourselves; start depending on others more than necessary, and stop taking the initiative and responsibility for our own lives – to our own detriment.
Ageism occurs at many levels: institutional, interpersonal and individual; and it is complex. We know all too well that generally speaking we do slow down, our reflexes aren’t as quick and we may not be as mentally sharp recalling information. So what is the difference between ageism and biological reality?
At the Tuesday Lecture on April 25th, I will lead a discussion about the meaning and ramifications of ageism; and what we can do to refute the prejudicial attitudes hurting older adults as they age. And I invite you to come and share your own personal experiences of any ageist attitudes and behaviors you have encountered.
Like most of the town, the Center we will be bustling with activity on Saturday starting at 7:30 AM with the Cherry Festival Breakfast sponsored by the Center’s neighbor – Cherry Heights Living. The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and fruit as well as the regular beverages. The cost is $6.00 for the general public, $5.00 for members and $3.00 for children under twelve. And this year some pomp and circumstance has been added with the Coronation of King Bing and Queen Anne at 8:30 A.M. Then don’t forget come back for Saturday Night Bingo starting at 6:00 PM when over $1100 will be paid out in cash prizes.
I’ve mentioned that the Center’s Nu-2-U Shop volunteers have been busy restocking the NU-2-U Shop with quality used spring apparel at the best prices in town. But because the Nu-2-U space is limited, there are plenty of good clothes they just can’t fit on the racks. To clear the extra clothes out, there will be a 1-Day Bag Sale at the Center from 8:00 – 2:00 on Saturday, April 30th.
The Center has received several generous donations of decent operating motorized wheelchairs plus several more that just need new batteries. If you are interested in purchasing a motorized wheelchair at a very reasonable cost, give the Center a call.
Enjoy music and dance at the Center on Tuesday Night, April 26th when Country Road will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated.
The country artist who made famous the Bakersfield Sound, recorded the #1 hit “Act Naturally”, and was cohost of Hee Haw was Buck Owens. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Sue Ortega.)
This week’s “Remember When” Question is about a brand of products that were influential in shaping two generations of ham radio operators and electronic hobbyists. What was the name of the kits that provided all the necessary parts with clear instructions to build your own electronic devices – from ham radios to even a Thomas electronic organ? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail your answer with a HW-101 HF transceiver known as “Hot Water One-Oh-One”.
Well, it’s been another week watching nature reawaken. Until we meet again, keep a smile on your face and change in your pocket.

“Old age puts more wrinkles in our minds than on our faces.” Michel de Montaigne 

Aging Well in the Gorge April 12th 2016

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Do you find it’s more challenging to drive these days? I do and I’ll give you my most recent example.

I’m headed east on Ninth street and stop at Union to turn left. There is a large truck parked to my left on Union obstructing my view. I quickly look to my right and see nothing coming. I look back to my left – looking around the pickup; watching for any clues of oncoming traffic. I see none, and am about ready to pull out, but now I can’t recall if I had seen any traffic to my right! I take another quick look to my right – again see nothing. Look back to my left – still trying to see around the pickup. There’s nothing and now’s my chance to go. But maybe a car has turned onto Union since I last looked. So I look again to my right. Now the car behind me is honking, while I’m whiplashing my head back and forth as if I’m at a tennis match.

I know I‘m not the only one whose had such an experience – which gives me a little comfort. But for many of us, as we age, our reaction times, reflexes and recall are slower.

But the National Institute on Aging offers several suggestions, so we can adapt and keep driving safely.
1) Leave more space between you and the car in front of you – if only cars wouldn’t keep pulling in front of me!
2) Start braking early when you need to stop. I go one step further. Whenever I see red braking lights in front of me, I immediately take my foot off the gas pedal.
3.) Avoid problem situations such as high traffic areas, left turns or as in my wife’s case, she avoids narrow residential streets.
4.) Drive in the right-hand lane where traffic moves slower so you have more time to make safe driving decisions. Let the NASCAR wannabes drive in the left lanes.
5.) And when in doubt, don’t go out. Stay home when the weather is bad. There is nothing that turns your knuckles whiter than driving through the Gorge on a windy, pouring-down, rainy night.

You can learn more about driving safely as well as getting up to speed on the new Oregon driver laws by attending an AARP Smart Driver class at the Center. The next class will be held from 8:45 am to 12:05 pm on April 18th and 19th. The cost is $20 or $15 for AARP members. Call (541) 296-4788 to sign up.

Meet friends and enjoy the best pizza while supporting the good work of the Columbia Gorge Habitat for Humanity at their Annual Pizza Feed at Spooky’s from 4:30 – 7:30 on Wednesday, April 13th. The cost is $12.00 for ages 14 and over, $7.00 for ages 7-13 and $4.00 for ages 6 & under. And this year there’ll be a raffle for some big prizes donated by local Habitat supporters.

The sun is staying up later, so you might as well to – which gives you time to enjoy Tuesday Night Music at the Center on April 12th when Martin and Friends will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated.

Until the mid-60’s women’s basketball players couldn’t go past mid-court so there were three players on each half of the court composing six players on a team. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket are Jim Heitkemper and Ron Sutherland.)

Country singer and songwriter Merle Haggard, who died on April 6th, was one of the most successful performers of the “Bakersfield Sound” – a honky-tonk style that was in response to the slick Nashville sound which was gaining popularity in the 50’s. But he wasn’t the only one.

For this week’s “Remember When’ question, who was the country artist that settled in Bakersfield, California in 1951, who recorded the #1 hit “Act Naturally” in 1963, and who chose his own nickname from the name of their family goat. (Because it sounded better than Alvis.). Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or stop by the office and shout out a loud “Heeeee Haw”.

Well, it’s been another week realizing once again, I don’t know as much I thought. Until we meet again, take time to “take it easy”.

“Optimist: Someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it’s a cha-cha.” Robert Brault

Aging Well in the Gorge April 5th 2016

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Americans are living longer. One hundred years ago, average life expectancy for both women and men was 52 years; fifty years ago, when we were young pups, it was 70.3 years; and today it is the highest ever at 78.8 years.
But what does this mean for society, our institutions and for us? Robert Butler, the late physician and gerontologist, described the ramifications of these demographic changes in his book The Longevity Revolution.  He points out that as a society we are still operating with many of the same social policies and institutions that were developed to address the demographic landscape of fifty to a hundred years ago.
One way this is illustrated is how society has defined three different stages of human development: childhood, adolescence and adulthood. We are expected to act a certain way during these life stages and if not the aberrant behavior is named – such as the Peter Pan syndrome used to identify an adult who never wants to grow up.
Now with this longevity revolution underway, several leaders in the field of aging are suggesting there now needs to be another stage in life to reflect longer life expectancy and additional life experiences.
Bill Thomas, geriatrician and international authority on geriatric medicine, is one of those leaders. He calls for reimagining the lifecycle, to include a stage of life called “Elderhood”, which forgoes the values and attitudes of adulthood which are focused on youthful behavior and activities; and instead reflects the ongoing strengths, abilities and wisdom of the growing older population. A stage of life when it’s okay to take life a little bit slower, to take time to reflect and share the wisdom gained over the years; to engage in those unfulfilled pursuits; and to connect more with loved ones and the community you live in. A stage of life “that can be rich, real, deep and meaningful” beyond adulthood – when you can really live.   
Whether or not you have grown into “Elderhood”, you have an opportunity to share your stories and life wisdom at the Center through the Oral History Project created by students from the Wahtonka Community School. Students will interview you about your life experiences on Tuesdays at 1:00. With your permission, the conversations are recorded and archived at the community school’s library. There has been very positive feedback from the folks who have already been interviewed; and from the students who have learned life lessons from the rich history they have heard. To share your story, call the Center at 541-296-4788.
I know, Bingo is “just to keep grandma off the streets”, but playing bingo is fun for all ages. And during the month of April, the Center’s Saturday Night Bingo, will be even more exciting with a second chance on all games except the early birds and the 50/50 game. During the evening you will have thirty chances to win cash prizes totaling over $1100. And on April 9ththe payout for a blackout in 55 numbers is an additional $850. Games start at 6:00.
Housing is one of the necessities of life. At 11:00 on April 12th, Dave Peters, from the Housing Resource Center, will be discussing the housing options available to older adults including home repair loans and foreclosure counseling.
For the Center’s Tuesday Night Music on April 12th, Martin and Friends will be playing for your listening and dancing enjoyment. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated.
The actor who played the colorful sidekick in TV westerns including forty-four starring Roy Rogers was Gabby Hayes. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Jerry Phillips who saw Gabby as the Grand Marshall of the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade in 1947.)
The OSU Women’s Basketball team’s incredible season reminded me how women’s basketball has changed since the 50’s. At that time women’s basketball players couldn’t go past mid-court and couldn’t dribble more than three bounces – it would be too strenuous! For this week’s “Remember When” question, instead of five players, how many players were on a side in women’s basketball during the 50’s? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a picture of Carol Menken, OSU basketball star from 1979 – 1981.
Well, it’s been another week trying to remember the lessons I’ve learned. Until we meet again, although you can’t ignore the everyday difficulties, don’t let them govern your life.

“The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.” Erik Erikson

Agig Well in the Gorge March 29th 2016

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I have an idea. If you are retired, you can receive a license that gives you the right, without any questions asked and with no guilt attached, to pursue any “trivial pursuit” you had put off throughout your working career because of all those “adult” reasons. This license would allow you to explore your creative side by taking a mosaics class at The Dalles Art Center, picking up a guitar and writing songs, making walking sticks in the shop, or just drawing with paper and pencil at the kitchen table every morning. Because we are now finding out how important these “trivial” creative activities are for your mind, body and soul.
To provide more opportunities to use your new “trivial pursuit” license, the Center will be offering four creative arts classes: Watercolor Pencils on April 5th, Felting on April 26th; Jewelry on May 10th, and Spring Baskets on May 31st. They are all on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:30 and cost $3.00 a class. Class size is limited, so call early to reserve your spot.
In addition, for the Center’s next 11:00 Tuesday’s Lecture, I will discuss the benefits of exploring the creative arts and show several video clips of inspiring older adults who have aged “artfully”.
Imagine trying to purchase private health insurance without the help of an insurance agent – or your employer. It would be confusing, stupefying and downright overwhelming. So what are you to do when you become eligible for Medicare?
Medicare does provide a website www.medicare.gov that can help you though the enrollment process and answer many of your questions. But often I need to talk to someone who can understand my situation and answer the questions I don’t even know I need to ask. SHIBA (State Health Insurance and Benefits Assistance) counselors are trained volunteers who can help answer your questions about Medicare. You can schedule an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer by calling the Center at 541-296-4788.
If you are looking for an introduction to Medicare, you can attend Medicare 101. The class will introduce you to Medicare and explain the differences between Medicare Part A, B, C and D; as well as how and when to enroll in Medicare. It will be held at the Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles on Wednesday, April 6th from 1:00 – 3:00 in room 3.301. Register online or call 541-506-6011. Pre-registration is preferred but not required.
Last reminder to hear Nehemiah Brown when he returns to sing at the Center on Friday, April 1st for his spring concert. Nehemiah’s performance includes pop, country and gospel standards of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The concert is from 7:00 and 9:00 and costs $4.00 or $3.00 if you are a Center member.
There is no better way to spend an evening than dancing. It’s fun, it’s social and it gets you moving. And every Tuesday night at the Center you can step out, kick up your heels and enjoy an evening of dancing. For the Tuesday Night Music on April 5th, Andre, KC and Tom will be playing their crowd pleasing country music. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00. Everyone is welcome and donations are appreciated.
Pat Wilson (the winner of this week’s quilt raffle ticket) thought last week’s question was too easy – which it probably was. But I hope it brought a smile to your face when you thought back to the times when you either tried the gag on a friend or were the “butt” of a Whoopie Cushion joke – no bad pun intended.
(And you don’t have to enter the “Remember When” contest to get a chance to win one of the two beautiful quilts displayed in the Center’s lobby. You can purchase tickets at the Center before the drawing which will be held at noon on Monday, April 25th.)
This week’s “Remember When” question may be a little obscure but if you watched many cowboy westerns from the 40’s and 50’s you would recognize this actor. Who played the colorful sidekick and grizzled codger in many westerns including forty-four starring Roy Rogers; and whose vocabulary included phrases such as “yer durn tootin'”, “dadgummit”, “durn persnickety female”, and “young whippersnapper”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with a video of his fifteen minute television show that aired before Howdy Doody.
Well, it’s been another week trying to read the hieroglyphics on the wall. Until we meet again, keep walking on the sunny side of the street.

“An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” Edward Land