While temporarily sidelined; awkwardly moving about on my crutches like a new born foal, friends ask how I am doing: Any pain? Are things getting better? And I appreciate their concern, but I am a little embarrassed – because I’ve had it easy. There hasn’t been any real discomfort and it is temporary – only six more weeks!
For at the same time, I know too many people who are quietly, without notice or fanfare, carrying a much heavier burden – either physically or emotionally. Some are suffering daily from back pain without an easy medical answer – and yet they get up every morning and keep moving. There are others who are carrying for a loved one, 24/7, and they get up every morning and keep giving. And there are folks who have been diagnosed with a life threatening condition and still get up every morning and keep laughing.

Some of you might think knowing these folks would be depressing – a vivid reminder of a future when “if it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t work”. But for me, they are my real heroes. They are reach-out-and-hug examples of how to live with whatever problem is thrown your way. And how you learn to just deal with it – both the good and the bad – without self-pity and bitterness, but with graciousness and quiet perseverance. Unknowingly, they have taught me, although problems never go away – they just change, there is no need to hide under the covers when each day is a gift of friendships, memories and new adventures.

Do I remind you of a community event the day before – when it may be too late, because you already made plans? Or do I remind you three week in advance and give you a chance to forget? Since I haven’t a clue to the answer, I’ll do both.

Tomorrow, Wednesday the 18th, The Dalles Area Habitat for Humanity is having their annual Pizza Feed at Spookys. It’s from 5:00 – 8:00 and the cost is $12 for those between 13 and 100. (I guess for any of you out there over 100 – it’s free!) And then on Saturday, May 5th, at Calvary Baptist, the Wasco County Pioneers will have their Annual Wasco County Pioneer Association meeting with lunch starting at 11:30. Membership is $12.50 for a family or $10.00 for an individual and is open to anyone interested in Wasco County history.

The Center’s Old Fashioned Bingo is back for another month on Saturday April 21st. All ages are welcome, parents, grandparents and grandkids, to play bingo as we did when we were kids. We use the old fashioned hard cards which are $3 a piece or two for $5. And to make it interesting, there are small $5.00 cash prizes for the first nine games and $25 for the last blackout. This family affair starts at 3:00 at lasts for a tad over an hour.

This month’s Saturday Breakfast sponsored by Cherry Heights Retirement Community would normally be held this Saturday. But during the month of April we hop on the Cherry Festival train and serve breakfast on the morning of the parade. So don’t stop by the Center this Saturday, unless you want to play cribbage at 9:00, and I’ll see on the 28th serving breakfast at the Center between 8:00 – 10:00 am.

Tonight at the Center, Truman will be playing his smooth Country Gold and next Tuesday the Strawberry Mountain Band will be roughing it up with more country and western. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

“Hey, Culligan Man!” was the person housewives called to soften their hard water. (And the winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 28th is Jenny Gardner.)
May is Older Americans Month and the theme is “Never Too Old to Play”. And to celebrate, the Center will host a Team Trivia Night on a Friday in May. But one of the trivia questions for that night is this week’s “Remember When” question. What Pulitzer-Prize winning book, published in 1939, was written about Depression-era migrant workers who traveled from farm to farm to pick crops? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or Fed Ex it to the Center with the album “Okie from Muskogee”.

Well, it has been another week pushing the envelope up the mountain slope. Until we meet again, as the British government told their citizens during WW II “Keep Calm and Carry On.”

If exercise is the best prescription for your long term physical health, volunteering could be the best medicine for your mental health. The reasons are many: you meet new friends, improve your social skills, and build self-confidence while having fun and making a difference in your community. Many of you are already volunteering, but for those who are considering volunteering, you may want to follow these five steps to avoid wasting your time pursuing volunteer opportunities that just aren’t “you”.

1. Identify your interests. What do you feel passionate about – children, social issues, gardening? It might help to look back over your life and remember what you found rewarding.
2. List your skills and talents. Do you have computer or writing skills? Do you understand accounting? Are you patient enough to work with children?
3. Decide what you are willing to do—and not do—as a volunteer. Do you enjoying talking on the phone or would you rather spend all day on a tractor? Do you feel comfortable with teenagers or do you consider them another alien species.
4. Determine how much time you can realistically volunteer. Some opportunities are a long term commitment; while others may be a one-time event – and fit your snowbird calendar.
5. Identify the organizations that could be good matches. Ask friends and family; or check the newspaper or Internet for organization’s that might fit. Most organizations are always looking for volunteers.
6. Contact the organizations that match. But let them know your interests and skills; what you can and cannot do and your time commitment.

After you find the volunteer opportunity that is personally rewarding and fits who you are, you will discover the difference it will make in your own life and in your community – guaranteed.

Speaking of volunteer opportunities, do you want to help a student find the right path? The Dalles Wahtonka High School is looking for caring and enthusiastic volunteers for their new MAPS Program. If you enjoy tutoring and mentoring young adults, please consider joining the team of MAPS Navigators! For more information, contact Ginger Gonzales, Parent and Community Involvement Coordinator at (541) 506-3449 ext. 4003 or at gonzalesg@nwasco.k12.or.us.

Although many people have coped with loss in the past, it is always beneficial to learn more about dealing with the loss of someone significant in your life. The Seven Strategies: Coping with the Loss of a Loved One “will help identify unique factors affecting a person’s grief, different ways people grieve, how a person might access support as well as ways to honor a loved one”. The “Seven Strategies” presentation is free and open to anyone and will be held at the Center on Monday, May 7, 2012 from 6:00—7:30 pm. Anne Kister, Community Care Liaison for Providence Home Services, will be the presenter.

At the Center’s next Tuesday Lecture on April 17th at 11:00, local attorney Antoine Tissot will be speaking on the often requested topic: Wills. Antoine practices with Brad Timmons and has special training in Elder Law.

Tonight at the Center, Martin and Friends will be playing country western so you can dance with your sweetheart (or a good friend) till the lights go out. And next Tuesday the 17th Truman will be making his monthly appearance. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

Whether you’ve been dancing since you were in diapers or you need to learn because your wife thinks it’s a good idea (I’ve been there!), Steve Hudson will be teaching another session of East Coast Swing starting Sunday April 15th from 7:00 – 9:00 at the Center. To reserve your spot call Steve at 541-993-3540.

The perennial candidate from Minnesota who ran for the Republican Party nomination for President from 1944 until 1992 was Harold Stassen. (And the winner of a Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 28th is Steve Bungum.) This week’s “Remember When” question is about memorable ads. In the radio commercial starting in 1959 and later in the animated television commercials, who did the housewife call to turn her hard water soft? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center on the back of a crisp C-note.

Well, it has been another week searching for that missing word on the tip of my tongue. Until we meet again, the person who truly gives is one who doesn’t take a tax deduction.

People have been conned, scammed, bamboozled and hustled as long as there have been confidence men, flimflam artists and snake oil salesmen. It is nothing new but it when it happens to you, it can be both costly and embarrassing.

A recent example was shared with me by my local resident scam reporter – Helen Lynch. She received another dubious telephone sales pitch (she is on somebody’s list!) this time offering her a chance to purchase a Medical card that would pay all her medical expenses – but only if she gave them her bank account information. She didn’t take the bait because she knew never to give her bank information (or her social security number) to anyone over the phone. And if it is too good to be true, it usually isn’t. (But if you ever do agree to a telemarketer’s sales pitch, it is generally not binding until you sign a written contract.)

If you want to avoid telemarketing calls, you can sign up with the Do Not Call Registry by calling toll free 1-888-382-1222 or registering online at www.donotcall.gov. Registration is free and works for both landline and cell phone numbers. There are some exceptions and some companies do not always follow the law, but if you receive telemarketing calls 31 days after registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, you can report a violation by calling the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.

Another common complaint is aggressive door-to-door salesmen particularly selling products such as security systems, magazine subscriptions, and home repair. They are pressured to sell you a product – whether you need it or not. But remember, it is YOUR decision. And you do have some legal protection. If you sign a contract and have second thoughts, you have three days to cancel for a full refund if you spent $25 or more on the product or service. (They are required to provide you with the cancellation form.) But after the three days, you are legally obligated in most cases and it may be very difficult to cancel.

If you ever have any concerns about telemarketers, door-to-door salesmen or consumer related issues, you can contact the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at the number I mentioned above or complete an online Consumer Complaint Form at http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/hotline.shtml. Always be skeptical and tenacious. You don’t want to be the prize catch of an unscrupulous telemarketer or door-to-door salesman.

Several folks have asked about the next opportunity to safely dispose of their unneeded or expired medications, and now a date has been set. On Saturday May 5th the Center will host a “Drug Take Back” event organized by YOUTHTHINK. The goal is to improve drug safety, prevent drug misuse and abuse, and protect water supplies from drug contamination. And also in May, the Center will be partnering again with YOUTHTHINK to bring to the community “Educate Before You Medicate” a program to raise awareness about medication issues particularly for older adults. Further details will be coming later this month.

It’s been a while since I shook up the grammatical pop can to challenge your brain synapses. So let’s see how well you can understand this week’s Tuesday night music announcement without those pesky self-absorbed vowels. (But I’ll leave the band names intact.) Tnght t th Cntr, th pplr Dufur Boys frm Dfr wll b plyng fr yr dncng nd lstnng plsr. Nd nxt Tsdy Martin and Friends wll b plyng ld fshn cntry nd wstrn. Th msc strts t 7:00, vryn s wlcm nd dntns re lwys pprctd.

It wasn’t “Tell Laura I love Her”, “Dead Man’s Curve” or “Leader of the Pack”, it was “Teen Angel” the 1960 teenage tragedy hit song sung by Mark Dining. (And the winner of a free Saturday Breakfast on April 28th is Robert Kruckman.) And it has been several weeks remembering past entertainers and top 40 hits, so for this week’s “Remember When” question, let’s see who knows their obscure political history. Who ran for the Republican Party nomination for President from 1944 until 1992 and is often cited as an example of a perennial candidate? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a picture of Minnesota’s State Capital.

Well, it has been another week looking everywhere for the door that opens when the other one shuts. Until we meet again, remember to always stay on the bright side of the road.

“The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends” Unknown author

It has been two weeks since my fall and things are going well. Thanks to everyone for their good wishes, “Get Well” cards and particularly the good advice: “slow down and listen to your doctor – you’re not a young man anymore!” And I want you to know, I am listening – because one thing I should show for my age is a little wisdom.
Even though I would like to “unring the bell” and imagine myself gracefully landing on that last step like figure skater Scott Hamilton completing a triple axel, it is what it is. And from life’s tool bag of experiences, you learn to accept the situation, adapt and keep moving.

So you make adjustments, try new approaches and see what works and what doesn’t. I now use a backpack to carry stuff, moved the kitchen table closer to the refrigerator, and sleep on a different side of the bed for a quicker path to the bath room. (Remember last week’s insight number one.)

And often you find pleasant surprises. I now use a shower bench. Instead of standing in the shower stall on one leg like a wet flamingo without the feathers, I can sit down; enjoy the comforting feel and sound of the hot water while letting my mind wonder. (If I could only water proof my laptop I might never leave!).

But although my injury is inconvenient and frustrating (those darn crutches), I know I have it easy. It is my wife who has to deal with the consequences of my clumsiness – attending to my constant requests, making up for what I can’t do around the house – while still working a full time job. In these situations, it is most often the caregiver who has to shoulder the heaviest burden. And yet they do it with love and patience. (Although I don’t know what she says about me at work!)

But enough is enough. It is time to get back to some kind of routine – different, but at least predictable. And as life keeps moving on, I can’t wait to learn what my next lesson will be – and hopefully it won’t be for quite a while.

The next speaker for the Center’s Tuesday Lecture on April 3rd will be Dan Ericksen discussing the Cherry Industry – one of the major economic drivers in The Dalles area. And if I am lucky I will also have persuaded Jim Goff to be there and share his fascinating tidbits of local cherry history. (How did the Bing cherry get its name?) The lectures are always free and start at 11:00 AM.

This year is the Center’s 25th year of operation at its current location. And the Center is going to celebrate with an Open House for the whole community on Thursday May 17th – exactly twenty five years after the date when one hundred seventy seven folks attended the very first Open House. We will recognize the individuals who made the Center possible, showcase many of the Center’s activities and classes and offer a glimpse into the next twenty five years as the Center continues to provide opportunities for older adults to explore, connect and contribute. Save the date and more information will be forthcoming.

Tonight at the Center, the Jazz Generations will get you bebopping to the music all night long. And next Tuesday on April 3rd, The Dufur Boys from Dufur will be making one of their special musical visits to the Center. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

The singer/actress who sang with Count Basie and Cab Calloway, recorded the top ten hit “Takes Two to Tango”, and won a Tony for the lead role in the 1968 Broadway revival of Hello Dolly was Pearl Bailey. And every fourth Thursday, I enjoy visiting with Al Wynn on the KODL Coffeebreak; discussing senior issues and occasionally getting an idea for a “Remember When” question. So if you were listening last Thursday you may know the answer to this week’s question. What was the name of the teenage tragedy song sung by Mark Dining released in 1959 and hit number one in February of 1960? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a high school class ring from 1959.

Well, it has been another week knowing it could have been worse – and hoping it isn’t tomorrow. Until we meet again, sometimes you have to take the slow and winding side roads to get to your destination.

“What the world really needs is more love and less paper work.” Pearl Bailey

It could have been worse. I could have landed on my head, torn my rotator cuff, or fractured my kneecap. But instead I just, well, broke my hip (which I have found generates a lot of sympathy. But my own vanity tells me – no way should I – at my young age? – be tripping and breaking a hip!).

Last Monday morning while taking out the recycling, I missed the last step and ended up in the street landing on my side. But as the eternal optimist; hoping it was only a muscle pull, I managed to move around like Chester on Gunsmoke – until Tuesday morning at the Center when trying to get to my car I could no longer put any weight on my right leg without pain.

Stuck in the middle of the Center’s parking lot, I spent the next five minutes contemplating what to do; trying not to look too conspicuous by waving to drivers as they passed by on Ninth Street. (Hi. Don’t mind me. I just can’t move!)

But I was able to get a pair of crutches, (from the Center’s loan closet which ironically was the focus of last week’s column) hobbled my way to the car, and drove myself to the Emergency Room at MCMC.

There thanks to medical advances and Dr. John Schwartz, the broken bone was manipulated back in place, three screws were added and I was back home on Wednesday – as good as any clumsy sixty four year old man with three screws in his hip.

But I found in just one misstep, everything can turn upside down, literally. And now here I am learning to manipulate crutches – while improving my upper body strength, learning how to give myself shots – thank goodness for tiny, tiny needles, and catching up on my reading.

As I look back over this last week, there are always valuable insights gained from any experience. And in case you find yourself in a similar situation, here are my top ten for your consideration.

10) A new appreciation for toilet seat risers and chairs with arms,

9) Any remaining sense of invincibility fell down the steps with me,

8) When you are too old to impress the nurses with your good looks, modesty doesn’t really matter anymore,

7) Sometimes it is nice to be forced to slow down and smell the alcohol wipes,

6) I never use to worry about possible side effects and now I imagine acquiring everyone,

5) My wife will be taking out the recycling for a while, and the trash and – umm – this might not be all bad!

4) There are friends who will graciously fill in when you can’t be there.
3) There is laughter in most any situation no matter how painful,

2) It is difficult to depend on others – but I imagine this won’t be the last time.

And the most important insight,

1) Don’t drink too much water when you have to use crutches to get yourself to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Tonight at the Center, Truman will be singing his Country Gold. And then next week on Tuesday the 27th, the Jazz Generations will get you swaying to the music. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

The “Kamikazie Kids” was the nickname created by Dick Harter (who just recently passed away on March 12^th) for the University of Oregon basketball team from 1971 – 1978. (And the winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 28th is Jess Birge.) This week’s “Remember When” question is about one of the guests on the “Best of Johnny Carson” which I watched while recuperating. Who was the singer/actress that sang with Count Basie and Cab Calloway, had a top ten hit “Takes Two to Tango” in 1952, and won a Tony for the lead role in the 1968 Broadway revival of Hello Dolly? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a bag of “lumpy bumpy” Duncan Hines Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Well, it has been another week trying to get back up on my feet without falling flat on my face. Until we meet again, as it said on the Hallmark card sent to me by John and Darlene Lampe, “So can we just forget this whole thing happened, okay?”

“Success is falling nine times and getting up ten.” Jon Bon Jovi

When you get older you find the body is not as resilient as it once was – which is nothing new to anyone reading this column. And when that body needs to be serviced by your local medical mechanic because of an illness, knee surgery or a recent fall, you may need some medical equipment to help you get back on your feet. Because Medicare doesn’t always cover the cost or the equipment is needed for only a few days, the Center expanded its loan closet to include many of the common pieces of medical equipment.

But because the program has been such a success, assisting hundreds of folks a year, the cupboards are once again bare. To continue to assist folks, the Center is in need of shower benches, transfer benches, wheelchairs and even toilet seat risers. (We have plenty of hospital beds, and aluminum walkers.) If you have any medical equipment, that fortunately you no longer need, the Center would be glad to take it off your hands, so we can put it in someone else’s – to help them in their successful recovery.

Steve Lawrence is the speaker for the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on March 20th discussing the Wasco County Veteran’s Services Office. But Steve is also bringing newly selected Veteran’s Services Officer Russ Jones. This will be a great opportunity to meet Russ, learn more about the services the office provides and ask any questions about veteran’s benefits.

“Old Fashion Bingo” at the Center is back again on March 17th from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. This is a once-a-month chance for the whole family, including grandma and the grandkids (anyone over 7), to play bingo as we did when we were kids (you know – up, down or diagonal). Bingo cards are only $3.00 and to make it interesting there are small cash prizes: $5 to the winner of each of the first nine games, and $25.00 for the blackout on the last game. And anyone twelve and older (if you are under 18 you need to bring your parent or guardian) can stay around for the Saturday Night Bingo starting at 6:00 PM.

When the garden supply ads are in the newspaper, the sun screen lotion displays are out, and my wife starts making a list of what “we” need to do in the yard, you know spring is around the corner and time to start thinking about the garden. And also time for me to remind folks about a little gardening gem called “Garden Highlights” produced by local master gardener Marty Miller. The latest bi-monthly, no cost, full color edition for March/April is now available electronically (You can receive one by emailing Marty at gardenhighlights@hrecn.net) or you can pick up an old-fashion paper edition at the Center.

After a two month break, it is time to get back into the 3^rd Saturday Breakfast habit starting on March 17th from 8:00 – 9:30 – this month sponsored by the good folks at Flagstone Senior Living. The menu includes flapjacks, scrambled eggs, sausage with fruit and your favorite beverage – all for $5.00 or $4.00 for Center members. And as Jack use to say, “Breakfast always tastes better when someone else cooks it.”

Tonight at the Center, the Martin and Friends will be playing so you can kick up your heels and stretch your toes. And then next week, Truman will be singing his County Gold. Everyone is welcome to join the excitement starting at 7:00. And to keep the lights on and feed the musicians, donations are always appreciated.

I finally stumped Ben Neumayer last week, but not Joann Scott who – even though she thought he was “Phoney Baloney” – remembered Paul Peterson as teenager Jeff Stone on the Donna Reed Show. But this week is the beginning of March Madness, so this week’s “Remember When” question (for another free Saturday Breakfast) has to be about basketball. From 1971-1978 the U of O basketball team was coached by Dick Harter and twice beat #1 UCLA. What was the nickname Dick Harter gave his team? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a pair of basketball shoes worn by Ron Lee.

Well, it has been another week trying to get though life without tripping over my own feet. Until we meet again, forgive the past, live in the present and don’t worry about the future.

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”
Douglas Adams

Wednesday (14) Salisbury Steak
Thursday (15) Irish Potato Feed with all the Toppings
Friday (16) Fish or Chicken Nuggets
Monday (19) Chicken Fried Steak
Tuesday (20) BIRTHDAY DINNER Turkey and Gravy with Dressing

Have you gone to the playground with your grandchild who is wearing a new pair of athletic shoes? And he really wants to impress you with his speed and quickness? It is fun watching him zip around his imaginary track, but as I age, I find speed to be greatly overrated! And slowing down can be a good thing.

When you slow down, you realize what was once important: winning, status and amassing things is now overshadowed by relationships, laughing and an appreciation of the small gifts we receive daily.

And for me, part of that is living in a small town. Last month Ann Marie Woolsey shared with me some of those small things she appreciates about living in The Dalles, and suggested I ask folks what they like about the town they live in. So what do you think? Do I have any takers? Send me what you appreciate about your town and I will share them in this column later next month.

Have you wanted to know more about Medicare, both for your own benefit, but also to help others? Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA), a volunteer supported program, is offering a day and a half training starting on Monday March 12th from 1:00 – 5:00 for anyone who would like to know more about Medicare or become a SHIBA volunteer. You will learn about Part A, Part B and Part D as well as Medicaid, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. The training will be held at the Area Agency on Aging which is located in the MCCOG building on the corner of 11th and Kelly. For more information and to register call the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101.

You may be one of the millions who own an iPhone or iPad. (Or you may be one of the hundreds of millions who can’t figure what all the fuss is about and really don’t care.) But if you have one of the “i” devices and would like to learn more, there is a group meeting every first Wednesday at 1:00 at the Center discussing the latest and greatest in the world of Apple mobile computing. But I caution you, it is not without risks. Before going to sleep at night, you may find yourself playing “Words with Friends” on your iPad instead of gently kissing your wife good night. (Not suggesting that is anything I would do!)

You may have been around when the Wasco Area Educational Service District was first conceived in 1977,went through adolescence as the more familiar Treaty Oak before reaching adulthood as Columbia Gorge Community College. It has been quite a ride from 1977 to now when CGCC serves 5,800 students through its many programs – from professional technical training to basic skills education. It took a lot of hard work and a supportive community to make it happen. For the Center’s Tuesday lecture on the 13th at 11:00, Stephanie Dawkins from CGCC will explain the college’s vital role in our community and how you can help the college “build dreams and transform lives” through the CGCC Foundation.

Tonight at the Center, the Strawberry Mountain Band starts off the regular monthly rotation of musicians, and then followed by Martin and Friends on Tuesday the 13th. Doors open at 6:00, the music starts at 7:00 and you can drive your sweetheart home by 9:00. Everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.

Everyone remembered Jiminy Cricket who was Pinocchio’s official conscience. (And selected by a random drawing, the winner of a Saturday Breakfast on March 17th is Sandy Goforth.) But I am going to have to elevate my game a notch, because I’ve taken more flack than Snoopy received from the Red Barron about how easy the “Remember When” questions are. (But they do bring back nice memories.) So Mike Tenney and Ben Neumeyer this is for you! Who was the child actor that played teenager Jeff Stone on the Donna Reed Show and had a minor recording career with the top ten hit “My Dad”? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with an autographed copy of “Walt, Mickey and Me: Confessions of the First Ex-Mouseketeer”.

Well, it has been another week waiting for the ants to start using the kitchen counter top as their personal playground. Until we meet again, don’t let the small stuff get the idea they are all too important.
.
“It’s surprising how far you can go through life without ever having what you really need.”
Ashleigh Brilliant

What is happiness? Is it being loved? “The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved” as Victor Hugo wrote.

Or a sense of gratitude as Barry Neil Kaufman believes? “Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside. No matter what is going on outside of us, there’s always something we could be grateful for”.

Or should we even ponder the question as Henry David Thoreau suggests? “Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder”.

Over the past decade there has been growing interest in understanding what happiness is. And for older adults it is good news! A study by the American National Academy of Sciences shows a measure of happiness peaks in one’s 80’s after hitting rock bottom in the mid-40s. (Could it be grandchildren?)

But as Robin Cope pointed out, our idea of happiness changes over the many chapters of our lives. As we grow wiser we may develop a more realistic idea of the possible: knowing we aren’t going to conquer the world, though we can still make important differences here at home, knowing our children won’t become President, but they can work hard and raise a good, loving family, and knowing our wild and crazy days are far behind us – because we are just too darn tired. (I can’t make it through one and a half hours of dance lessons without taking a break!)

What makes us happy is unique to each of us and will continue to evolve over time. Today it may be learning to paint, spending time with grandchildren or sharing stories with friends. Tomorrow it may be looking through the family album. But in my case, it would be as simple as finding the book “Happiness Project” – recently lent to me by Julie Reynolds. But don’t panic, Julie. I know it is around here somewhere!

You should have received in the mail the Columbia Gorge Community College class schedule, but you may have overlooked several non-credit classes at The Dalles campus. Wayne Von Borstel is teaching both “Financial Strategies: Strategies for Successful Retirement” on three Tuesdays starting April 3^rd from 6:15 – 9:45 PM and “Financial Strategies: Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits” on April 24^th from 6:15 – 8:45 PM. And there is a free class “Medicare – Understanding the ABC’s” held on April 3^rd from 6:30 – 7:30 PM.

If you missed Jerry Tanquist’s presentation at the Original Courthouse – “Railroad Stories along the Deschutes” you have another chance. Next Tuesday March 6th starting at 11:00 Jerry will share stories and photos of the two railroads built along the Deschutes from 1909-1911 including tales of ten tunnels, going fishing by train, the Lady Frances Mine, The Deschutes Club domain, and the current status of abandoned sections of the Oregon Trunk Line. If you missed it once, you don’t want to miss it again!

Performing tonight at the Center are the Jazz Generations starting at 7:00 PM. And next Tuesday we will start the musical circle again with the Strawberry Mountain Band leading the way – playing country and western for your listening and dancing pleasure. Everyone one is welcome from the young whippersnappers to the mighty oaks. And donations are always appreciated.

Many remembered the deadpan humor of Pat Paulson, a Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour regular, who ran a non-campaign for President in 1968. (This week’s winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Fred Schreiber.) And since the Center’s Saturday Breakfast is returning on March 17^th, it is again time to offer a free breakfast to the person whose name is randomly chosen from the “thousands” of correct answers to the “Remember When” question.

And once again it is a Disney question. (I apologize, but I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s and whether it was the Mickey Mouse Club or the animated movies, Walt Disney was a big part of my youth.) In the movie “Pinocchio”, who was the wise and comical character that was appointed by the Blue Fairy to be Pinocchio’s official conscience? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a the recording of the 1940 Academy Award winning song “When You Wish Upon a Star”.

Well, it has been another week looking for the extraordinary in the ordinary. Until we meet again,
 “always let your conscience be your guide”.

Mirrors – why do we need them! I don’t want to see my wrinkles or what Clarence Day calls the “etchings of experience”. Or my hairline gradually receding like an Arctic glacier. And mirrors don’t illuminate the deeper self of my many life experiences, personal challenges, or dreams yet fulfilled.

I was thinking about mirrors during Steve Hudson’s East Coast Swing class when I was thankful I couldn’t see my reflection as I would in mirrored dance studios or weight rooms. (I remember watching these young studs in the weight room admiring their 24 inch biceps in the mirrors as they lifted dumbbells one arm at a time with strained determination.)

Because without mirrors, I can keep my comforting illusions. I can imagine myself dancing with the grace and charm of Gene Kelly guiding Cyd Charrise around the dance floor in my firm embrace (at least until my wife breaks my Walter Mitty moment by reminding me my tongue is once again hanging out).

I know denial at my age can be dangerous to my emotional, physical and financial well-being. By ignoring reality I lose options and disregard what needs to be done. It takes courage to acknowledge I am getting older and to prepare for the challenges that come with it.

But for a couple of hours a week can’t I live in my denial – ignoring my tender knees, my genetic awkwardness, and my shrinking stamina as I learn to move to the beat of “one and two, three and four, rock step” And then tomorrow I will try again to face reality with strength and courage – and a large helping of humor and humility.

A Taste of Literacy, a fundraiser for The Dalles SMART program (Start Making A Reader Today) is this coming Sunday February 26th from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at the Sunshine Mill. The ticket prices are $20.00. And if you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the SMART program by reading one-on-one with children who are at risk of low literacy, you can contact Staci Sutton at ssutton@getsmartoregon.org or call 971-634-1616.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00- 3:00, the Center offers StrongWomen™ – an evidence-based strength training program proven to increase muscle mass and strength, improve bone density, reduce risk for osteoporosis, and provide many other healthy benefits for mid-life and older women.

And now Lauren Fein, faculty for Wasco County/OSU Extension, is pleased to announce the first ever “Strong Women Leader Training” in the Columbia River Gorge will be held on Wednesday March 21st from 8:30pm-4:30pm at the Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles. This workshop is being offered at a greatly reduced price of $35 for a full day’s workshop including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and a StrongWomen™ toolkit valued at $75.

If you are interested in becoming a trained leader and bringing this valuable program to your organization or community, contact Lauren Fein at 541-296-5494 or Lauren.Fein@oregonstate.edu by March 5th. Information and registration materials are available at the Center.

Rodney McDowell of MCMC’s Behavioral Health Services will be the speaker for the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on February 28th. The topic is “How to Deal with the Winter Blahs”. (And spring is still a month away!) These Tuesday presentations are free and open to anyone.

Tonight the ever popular Truman is playing his Country Gold. And next Tuesday on the 28^th, the Jazz Generations are back, after a two month break, playing the big band sounds of yesteryear. The music starts at 7:00 and everyone is invited – particularly those who want to practice a few new dance steps. And donations are always appreciated.

The comedian, who impersonated John F Kennedy and recorded the album “The First Family” in 1962, was Vaughn Meader. (This week’s winners of five quilt raffle tickets, and who both still have the album, are Sandy Geiser and Steve Bungum.) But one more political “Remember When” question. Before Stephen Colbert ran for President in his native state South Carolina, who was the regular on the Smothers Brothers Show that ran for President in 1968 with the campaign slogan “Just a common, ordinary, simple savior of America’s destiny”? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it the back of a ballot from the 1992 North Dakota Republican primary or the 1996 New Hampshire Democratic primary. Take your pick.

Well, it has been another week checking for my name in the obituaries. Until we meet again, it is always beneficial to recognize the difference between knowing and doing.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” Ian Maclaren

I just didn’t think it would happen this soon. Why, I’m only 64! But I should have seen the signs: the conversations with my son about realizing your creative vision, minimalistic living, TED videos on happiness and the most recent scientific research on aging. (He is currently working in a university biology lab researching how to reproduce heart cells so one day a new heart or heart values can be grown for patients with heart disease. Who wants a pig’s valve when you can have your own home grown one.) All cool stuff – he is a bright boy – but I just thought those conversations were a product of our close father/son relationship: sharing ideas and learning from each other’s generational experiences.

But last week I found out something rather disturbing. I heard he thought it would be a good idea for my wife and me to move down to the bay area. I imagine many of you have had the same experience – your children telling you what you should do with tone of voice indicating now the children know best. I can imagine something like this when I’m 80, but not now – I’m not even retired. And what else will he be thinking? I shouldn’t drive in the snow. I need to take Vitamin D. I should make more money. (No, sorry. That was my wife’s idea!)

But after 64, 74 or 84 years of life experience – both good and bad, we “old folks” probably have a pretty good idea of what we want to accomplish in the remaining years we have on this earth. And even though I love my kids, there are times when the song lyrics that were so appealing when I was a teenager still ring true when my kids give me advice, “It’s my life and I’ll do what I want!”

For the 11:00 Tuesday Lecture series at the Center, I have been showing taped videos of lectures I found online – from a Google Talk on “Technology and Aging Gracefully” to a Stanford Alumni Weekend presentation on “Successful Aging”. (And saving you the price of admission and the trip to Palo Alto.) But once again I am lining up speakers, live and in person, discussing issues from a local perspective. Next Tuesday on the 21st, Julie Reynolds who works for Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living will explain the STEPS program – Self-empowerment Training for individuals who Employ home-care workers and who are People with disabilities or Seniors. The lectures are always free and afterward you can stay for lunch provided by Meals-on-Wheels.

appreciated always are donations and welcome is everybody, 7:00 at open Doors. “Gold Country” his performing Truman it’s week next And. sweetheart! your bring you sure make So. Day Valentine’s celebrate to activities several planned have they and Friends and Martin feature will music night Tuesday. (Oops, got turned around. I think I’m okay now.)

On Saturday the 18th Old Fashioned Bingo is back at the Center. It is open to all ages from seven to one hundred and seven, so you can bring your kids and grandkids. And it is affordable. The hard bingo cards costs $3.00 a piece or two for $5.00. There will be nine games of traditional bingo with a payout of $5.00 a game and concludes with a final blackout game for a payout of $25.00. The fun starts at 3:00 and will end at 4:00 when we start setting up for Saturday Night Bingo which starts at 6:00.

The travel essential that families used to guide their way across America was an AAA TripTik. (The winner of five quilt raffle tickets is Lyn Dalton. And the previous week’s winner of the Spin and Marty question, which I forgot to include last week, was Joann Scott.). But this week’s question is about politics – specifically political humor. Before Saturday Night Live and Tina Fey, this comedian impersonated John F Kennedy and recorded the album “The First Family” in 1962, which became the fastest-selling record and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1963. What was the comedian’s name? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or put it in an envelope postmarked with the zip code 02647.

Well, it has been another week trying to remember what I’m suppose to do next. Until we meet again, as I heard at the Center, “There may be snow on the mountain, but there is still fire in the belly.” And you can take that anyway you want!