Is there something you always wanted to learn? And wondered if there is anyone else who has a similar interest – because it would be more satisfying to explore the subject with other living souls besides your cat or your disinterested husband! Maybe you want to try algebra again – that beast you were forced to struggle through in high school but now wonder what was it really about? Or maybe the history of the Civil War or the causes of the Great Depression – since we are gradually climbing out of our recent close call.

If there is any topic you would like to explore with a small group, email or call the Center and we will spread the word including posting your interest on the center’s website. Besides connecting you with others, the Center can also provide a space, Internet connection and any video equipment you may need. Hopefully by this fall we can pull together a small study group to delve into the topic. And who knows – there may be someone else interested in Elizabethan eating habits.

And speaking of learning new subjects, I have just started memorizing the 238 most important and useful Mandarin Chinese characters. But you may ask. “For a guy who can’t remember eating a banana – how can that be?” My son shared with me the free website Memrise which uses the latest in cognitive science to teach the basic vocabulary of different languages in an addictive game format – you plant the seed of a new word, grow them in your greenhouse and then transfer them to your garden. It is like mixing Farmville with a language course. And it is much more fun than my high school experience learning German “Ich bin ein dummkopf”. If Mandarin Chinese is not your thing, you can learn French, Spanish, Japanese and many other languages. I haven’t learned to write coherent sentences yet, but, heh, one step at a time. And even if you may never travel to that exotic destination to test your new language competencies, you will be stimulating your brain and gaining the satisfaction of learning a new skill. One of these days you may even hear “Do you know what grandma can say!”

It is Fort Dalles Days with the rodeo galloping into town and the parade starting at 10:00 on Saturday. And what better way to prepare for the parade than a delicious Saturday Cowboy Breakfast at the Center sponsored by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 – 10:00 and this month’s menu will consist of hotcakes, bacon, fruit and the regular beverages. As Jack always said “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it – especially before a parade!”

If tonight you can’t make the Fort Dalles Rodeo Kick Off party and Habitat for Humanity fundraiser at the Auction Yards, stop by the Center and enjoy the sounds of Martin and Friends. And next week, on the 19^th, straight from the Shamrock Club performing for your dancing and listening pleasure will be Truman playing the Country Gold. The music and dancing starts at 7:00 and donations are always appreciated.

Okay now “One, two, three, four/Tell the people what she wore”? She wore an “Itsy, Bitsy, Teenie, Weenie, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” sung by Brian Hyland in the summer of 1960. And the winner of a Cowboy breakfast is the one and only Jim “The Flash” Gordon.

But this week’s “Remember When” question goes back to 1934 when this action adventure comic strip first appeared in newspapers. Created by Milton Caniff (who left the strip in 1946 to create a competing comic strip – Steve Canyon), this comic strip featured a “wide awake American boy” arriving in China with his mentor journalist Pat Ryan – encountering adventures with friends and foes including the beautiful but cold Dragon Lady. What was the name of the comic strip? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the inside cover of a hardbound collection of this comic strip.

Well it has been another week riding the ebbs and flows on the ocean of life – trying not to hang my head over the side. Until we meet again, sometimes life feels like a one-hour long algebra test: the closer to the end, the faster time seems to fly by.

“Still round the corner there may wait/A new road or a secret gate/And though I oft have passed them by/A day will come at last when I/Shall take the hidden paths that run/West of the Moon, East of the Sun.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

Senior Living July 5^th

Summer – when the days get hot and the nights start getting longer; a time to slow down and work in the yard, read that book you’ve been meaning to read, and travel to see friends and family or old high school classmates. But everyday more than 100 individuals, who have difficulty preparing meals on their own, depend upon Meals-on-Wheels for a daily nutritious and tasty meal.

There are over twenty five dedicated volunteers who help deliver the meals, but during the summer, several take time off for their summer activities and practically every day Ashley, who manages the meal deliveries, is driving a route herself which takes her away from her other duties. Consequently, Ashley is desperately seeking Susans or Barbaras; Roberts or Stanleys to help fill in during the summer and make sure the meals are delivered. Last week Ashley took me along on one of the seven routes – it took a little over an hour – and it was rewarding to know I was providing for some – their only nutritious meal and daily contact. If you are interested in driving once a week or whenever it fits your schedule, call Ashley at Meals-on-Wheels – 541-298-8333 and she will get your started.

The Center’s 2011 Annual Membership meeting is scheduled for Tuesday July 19th at 1:30. The agenda will include a review of the past year’s accomplishments, presentation of the goals for next year, a review the 2011-2012 budget, election of new board members and then adjournment for a little dessert. But you do need to be a Center member to vote. So what are you waiting for? Join now and attend the Annual Membership meeting on Tuesday July 19^th

Now some good news and some bad. The bad news is that the Center has sold all the tickets for the August 28^th matinee performance of Momma Mia. We are taking names for a waiting list in case life happens and plans change and a ticket becomes available. But the good news is we still have plenty of tickets for the Sunday August 7^th matinee performance of the musical Les Miserables – a tale of redemption and revolution. Because we bought these tickets last summer, we have very good seats in rows H, J and K on the main floor. Les Miserables is one of my favorite musicals with hits including “I Dreamed a Dream” which you may remember Susan Boyle singing on “Britains Got Talent”. The cost is again $70 including to the door – but you will have to walk to your seat – transportation. Call the Center to reserve your ticket.

The Center keeps pumping out the sounds every Tuesday night with Martin and Friends taking their turn on the 12th. Tonight the Strawberry Mountain Band will be strumming their guitars for your listening and dancing pleasure. The foot action and finger picking starts at 7:00 and everyone and their kid sister is invited. Donations of the monetary kind are always appreciated.

Many times I end this column with a quote that either complements the column’s theme, succinctly describes a simple truth or I just find amusing. One of the authors I occasionally use is Robert Brault. And last week I was asked who is this masked man of many quotes. I did some “googling” and learned he is a freelance writer for over forty years and writes a wise and insightful blog “A Robert Brault Reader” at www.robertbrault.com. You may want to check it out.

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was the solemn Chet Huntley anchoring from New York and the twinkly David Brinkley reporting from Washington DC – who were the hosts of the Texaco Huntley-Brinkley Report on NBC from 1956 through 1970. This week’s question is back to a musical theme song for the days of summer. Sung by Brian Hyland this song reached #1 during the summer of 1960 and made this style of bathing suit – which was initially considered too risque – the rage of the beaches and swimming pools to the glee of every young man. What was the name of the song? Or can you “One, two, three, four/Tell the people what she wore”? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a first class plane ticket to Daytona Beach.

Well it’s been another week watching things go boom in the night. Until we meet again, keep the torch lit, but the water bucket nearby.

“The trick to accomplishing anything is to avoid the obstacles that are not in your way.” Robert Brault

Lets’ face it – we aren’t getting any younger (or better looking – although I have noticed I find grey much more attractive these days!) And at some point in our lives, we will likely have difficulty caring for ourselves. It may be foreseen or unexpected; short term or unending, because life happens and not always the way we wish.

But do we plan or even discuss how to deal with these possibilities? Rarely. Maybe we think if we ignore the possibility it won’t happen – like believing if you don’t buy snow tires, it won’t snow. But no matter our current health or living situation, we should plan ahead to make sure our wishes are known and to avoid the problems and confusion that may occur when something does happen.

During the June 18th workshop “The Talk” held at the Center presented with the help of Heart of Hospice, Rev. Kathleen Flynn referenced a planning guide for families called “Prepare to Care” produced and distributed by the AARP Foundation. (Copies are available at the Center or you can find the guide at the AARP Foundation website.)

Since “Prepare to Care” offers too much useful information to share in this one column, I would encourage you to read the Planning guide. But here are several points I found particularly helpful.

First, don’t try to avoid these difficult conversations by making decisions unilaterally. If you are the adult child, you should never make a plan affecting your parent without their knowledge and consent – both to protect your parent and also to protect you – the caregiver – from allegations of abuse and fraud.

Secondly, it is never too early to start the conversation. Ideally this conversation should take place over a period of time before there is an immediate need – to nurture trusting relationships and to create a plan agreeable to all.

Lastly, use the following ground rules to help navigate these or any difficult conversations.

1. Don’t start with preconceived ideas. You can’t assume what your loved ones will think or how they will respond. 2. Enter into the conversation with the idea of listening instead of telling. No one wants to be told what to do. 3. Be direct with the facts of the situation. Don’t hide or sugar coat them but also don’t embellish them to fit your point of view. 5. Ask questions so that your loved one can draw their own conclusions and make their own decisions. 6. Allow for anger and upset feelings. But respond calmly and with respect. 7. Don’t push for a decision. You can always come back to the conversation which also allows everyone time to think about it. 8. Make sure everyone participates in the planning. You may need to coax a response out of the more reserved members of the family.
9. End the conversation on a positive note. Do something fun together – reminding everyone you are all family with common experiences and close relationships.

When the future may not seem as appealing as when you were twenty one, discussing and planning may be difficult, but even more necessary. Start the conversation, sooner than later, and with respect and understanding, so you will be prepared when life does happen.

Tuesday Night music at the Center on July 5th will feature Andre and the Strawberry Mountain Band. And tonight the Jazz Generations will play a variety of Big Band sounds for your listening and dancing pleasure. The music starts at 7:00, everyone is invited and donations are alwys appreciated.

The “Pueblo” commanded by Lloyd M. Bucher was the intelligence gathering ship captured by North Korea on January 23rd 1968 and which is still officially commissioned in the US Navy.(And the winner of a Cowboy Breakfast on July 16^th is “runnin and gunnin” Bob Thouvenal.) And now back to the regular broadcast. NBC’s nightly news program that aired from October 29, 1956 through July 31, 1970 was the top news program in the 1960’s. Who were the two news anchors and for bonus points from what city did each report? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of the March 12, 1961 cover of Newsweek which described them as “One is Solemn, the Other Twinkly”.

Well it’s been another week trying to sleep while the evening skies are still lit. Until we meet again, it’s hard to drive down the freeway of life when always looking in the rear view mirror.

“Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer, but wish we didn’t.” Erica Jong

Walking is one of the best and simplest forms of exercise, (just put on your sweats and walking shoes and out the door you go – or just for the fun of it wear only your walking shoes and see what kind of excitement you can stir up in the neighborhood!). But if you are one who finds it easier to achieve your fitness goals with the support of a group, you may be interested in joining the Riverfront Walking Club. Organized by Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreations for fun and fitness, the walking club meets every Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting at 8:00 AM. (And starting in July for the early risers in the audience, Anya has added a 6:30 AM starting time.) The routes vary each week: first week of the month starts at Suefert Park near DMV; second week at Riverfront Park /Marina; third week at Klindt’s Cove; the fourth week at the Discovery Center. And if there is a fifth week everyone meets at Sorosis Park. (But you may want to call Parks and Recreation at 541-296-9533 to make sure I’m not feeding you the wrong story.)

Parks and Recreation offers many other opportunities to get you ‘shakin’ and bakin’ this summer. They provide information about Geocaching – a popular high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world with many treasures called geocaches hidden here in The Dalles. And they can also lend you free GPS units which you can pick up at their offices at 414 Washington Street. There is swimming for all the amphibious types at the Ted Walker Memorial Pool with several times available on weekdays for lap swimming: 5:30 – 6:30 AM, noon – 1:00 (which is much more reasonable hour!) and 6:00 – 7:00 in the evening. If you are over 65, you can buy a Lap Swim Punch Card for ten visits for only $20.00. And for those of you who would rather stay dry, there is Disc Golf in the shade at Sorosis Park.

These are just some of the many activities provided by Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation to help you stay fit and active during the summer months. And I didn’t even mention, you could put on your knee pads and helmet and practice your “kickturns” at the new skateboard park!

If you’re like me, you could always use a reminder (how many times have I remembered an event the day after!) So once again and with feeling, the Center is holding its annual summer rummage sale this Thursday and Friday from 9:00 – 4:00. And on Saturday, to help move out the remaining bargains, there will be a bag sale from 9 – noon.

Tuesday night music at the Center will feature the Jazz Generations on the 28^th with Hank and Ann Krum have been playing professionally to appreciative audiences for many years and trumpeter Bob Fiske who adds the “s” in Jazz Generations. And tonight Truman’s one man band will be playing country’s best. Tuesday night music is open to all ages, hair styles and boot types. The music starts at 7:00 and donations are always appreciated.

Last week’s question was about the novelty song “Beep, Beep” which told the story of a duel between a Nash Rambler and a Cadillac and concluded with the verse: “And the fellow rolled down his window/ And yelled for me to hear/“Hey Buddy, how can I get this car/ Out of second gear?” (And the winner of a Cowboy Breakfast on July 1th is Sandy Goforth.)

My daughter, Hillary, just returned from her semester studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea during which time my wife and I were desperately hoping there would not be an international incident between North and South Korea – which brings me to this week’s “Remember When” history question. Relations between the two Koreas have always been difficult, but on January 23, 1968 a US Navy intelligence gathering ship was boarded and captured by North Korea (and is still currently being held by North Korea and displayed as a museum ship). What was the name of this ship and for two bonus points who was the commanding officer? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, or call 541-296-4788.

Well it has been a week of new insights and old outcomes. Until we meet again, here is some wise advice I recently heard: if you don’t want to look your age, keep smiling and don’t let the little things bother you. Or as Robert Brault would say “The most valuable lesson man has learned from his dog is to kick a few blades of grass over it and move on.”

It is always nice to hear from a friend you haven’t seen for a while. Several weeks ago I received a nice letter from Marilyn Erickson. She is doing fine “married to her walker” but her daughter tells her she is looking better every day. Marilyn provided critical leadership for the Center and was the regular writer of this column for many years – sharing the important work of the Center while adding her own personal touch. Because she is living and staying busy in Hood River, we don’t see her much anymore, but knowing the importance of the Center, she included her membership dues for this year – although she admits a little late.

But it is never too late! The Center is in the final push of its 2011 Membership Drive. The dues are only $35 per person or $60 per couple and you can be of any age although you have to be over 50 to vote at the July membership meeting. So as the Romans use to shout “Carpe Stylo” or “Seize the Pen” and write that check today!

Along with her check, Marilyn sent several “smiles” including this one which Marilyn said really did happen – which are always the best stories. On a warm June day, in the dining room of an assisted living facility, Marilyn’s friend was seated next to a person she really didn’t know very well. As another resident walked by the friend said to her new tablemate, “The paper says it may reach 90 degrees today.” Her companion replied, “Oh, she doesn’t look that old.”

It is time again for the Center’s Third Saturday Breakfast. This month’s menu includes Hot Cakes, Bacon, Country Scrambled Eggs, and Fruit plus the regular beverages. The cost is only $5.00 for the general public, $4.00 for Center members, and for anyone ten and under (and I’m not talking about your maturity level!) it is only $3.00. Everyone is welcome and as Jack always said,” Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it!”

The 11:00 Tuesday Lecture Series at the Center will continue through the month of June with slide show presentations from the “Mastery of Aging Well” series produced by OSU extension. The next two presentations will be “Medicine Jeopardy” on June 21^st and “Physical Activity and Exercise in Later Life” on June 28th. During July and August the lecture series will take its usual summer break returning in September for the fourth year of Tuesday Lectures “for the curious mind”.

The Center’s Summer Rummage Sale has been rescheduled for Thursday June 23^rd through Saturday the 25^th (I won’t go into the details but you can guess the change had something to do with my organizational skills.) But it does give you one more week to clear out all of your unused items from around the house. Use the “two year rule” and anything you haven’t used, touched, seen or smelled in the last two years needs to go – now! Give the Center a call or just leave your unused items outside the Center’s basement door.

And the very last reminder for “The Talk – Engaging in Compassionate Conversations between Adult Children and their Parents” – a two hour workshop at the Center this coming Saturday starting at 10:00. The workshop will be led by Rev. Kathleen Flynn with an introduction by Lucille Torgerson.

Tuesday Night music on June 21^st will feature Truman who has been entertaining folks with his “Country Gold” since the Shamrock was the hot spot. And tonight “Martin and Friends” will keep you dancing until the sun sets. It’s all fun and everyone is invited. And donations are always appreciated.

Several folks emailed their favorite Burma-Shave signs that dotted the roadsides of America. Marilyn Keys remembers: “T’would be more fun/ To go by air/If they could put/These signs up there”. Joann Scott’s favorite was “Brother speeders/Let’s rehearse/All together/ Good morning nurse!” And from Ted Mahoney in Wamic “In this valley/Of toil and sin/Your head goes bald/But not your chin.” If you want to read all 600 Burma Shave jingles you can find them on the web at http://burma-shave.org/jingles/. (And the winner of a free breakfast is Jean Emerson.)

This week’s “Remember When” is about the song “Beep Beep” released in 1958 and sung by The Playmates. It describes a duel between the drivers of what two models of American automobiles? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a map of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Well it’s been another week – looking for the gold at the end of the rainbow. Until we meet again, remember the advice of Mark Twain “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”

“I’ve been looking over the list of spring chores I made up last fall, and darned if they aren’t fall chores, after all.” Robert Brault

Now that summer has unofficially started, the Center is shifting into its summer gear – while beginning to plan for next fall’s array of classes. Tai Chi and Strong Women will be taking a summer break and although the Tuesday lecture series has ended until September, the 11:00 Tuesday time slot will be used for special presentations during the summer. But the Center’s other regularly scheduled classes will continue to keep you busy during “those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” including Monday’s Lunch with Ted, Brain Fitness, Tuesday Night music, Seniorcise, Chair Yoga, Tap and Clogging, Computer Lab, Pinochle, AARP Driver Safety, Monday Night Wii Bowling as well as Thursday and Saturday Night Bingo. You can call the Center for more information about these classes and activities.

But summer is also the time the Center starts planning for next fall. Are there any classes or activities you would enjoy? Craft activities? Memoirs writing group? A beginning acting class? Astronomy? The Center could be the place where you and others with similar interests could meet and share your enthusiasm – just for the fun of it – without the pressure of worrying about how good you are or whether you can make every session. (Life happens and sometimes there is the unexpected doctor’s appointment, you aren’t feeling well or most importantly the grandkids are visiting.) If you have a particular interest or an idea for a class or activity you would like to see offered at the Center, send me a short email with your suggestions or leave a message with the Center’s receptionist. I will get back to you to see what we can pull together. (The Center already has the Young-at-Heart Serenaders scheduled to return next September thanks to Phyllis Farner who has stepped forwarded to lead this group of harmonious stray cats.)

There is not a summer break for the Tuesday Night music. If there was – dancing couples would probably be taking turns two-stepping over my outstretched body. And since I value my own health, next Tuesday on the 14^th, Martin and Friends will be playing what is now becoming their regular second Tuesday night engagement. And tonight Andre and the Strawberry Mountain Band will entertain the spirited audience with good dancing and listening music. The fun starts at 7:00 PM, the doors are open for everyone and donations are always appreciated.

Two quick reminders. “The Talk – How to engage in compassionate conversations between adult children and their parents” will be on Saturday, October 18th from 10:00 – 12:00 at the Center. Rev. Kathleen Flynn will be the presenter and will provide valuable suggestions about how to communicate in a positive and respectful way during – what are many times – very difficult conversations. Because of the importance of this workshop, there is no charge.

The Center’s annual summer rummage sale will be on Thursday (16^th) and Friday (17^th) from 9:00 – 4:00 concluding with a bag sale on Saturday (18^th) from 9:00 – 12:00. And for those who are more interested in “getting rid” than “collecting” stuff, we are accepting donations of items that still have some use. You can leave your donation at the back basement door of the center or at the front desk. And for the benefit of Uncle Sam, the Center can provide you with a form acknowledging your donation.

Ralph Kramden’s best friend and fellow member of the Raccoon Lodge in the 1955-56 TV comedy series was New York City sewer worker Ed Norton played by Art Carney. (And the randomly drawn winner – from nine entries – for a free June 18^th Saturday Breakfast is Joann Scott.) This week’s “Remember When” question is from the category – highway literature. From 1925 until 1963 these series of signs were popular along America’s expanding road way system and usually consisted of six consecutive small signs creating a short catchy verse advertising a particular product. One example was “Listen Birds/ These signs cost money/ So sit a spell/ But don’t get funny”. What was the name of the product advertised in these roadside billboards? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or leave it inside a case of Vintage Gillette Safety Shaving Razors.

Well it has been another week when Mother Nature finally offered hints of the summer to come. Until we meet again, remember as we are trying to stay cool, it was only four months ago we were complaining it was too cold.

I personally believe we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain. ~Jane Wagner

Because of the Memorial Day weekend, I am writing this column early. So I am going to keep it short and sweet – sharing a few “going-ons” interspersed with some one-liners just to keep it interesting. .

The Friendly Visitor program, operated by our local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), provides social visits to isolated or home bound seniors. The program is currently looking for twenty to thirty empathetic volunteers who are interested in spending time with isolated seniors – sharing stories, playing cards and just being a comforting presence. If this appeals to you, call the AAA at 541-298-4101. And if you know someone in need of companionship ask them to call the AAA, or you can refer them to the AAA who will contact them to see if they would be interested in a friendly visit. Maybe you can help provide that welcome “hello” that most of us take for granted.

“I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.”

Isn’t it frustrating! Your children never call anymore – all they want to do is email. Even worse, some of your best friends have traded in their pen for the keyboard. And because you don’t have a computer and don’t want one (even though your kids are going gaga wanting to buy you one) you feel like an outdated model T Ford. If you are in this situation, the Center will help you get online, set up an email account and send and receive emails. And then once you learn to email, any afternoon at the Center, you will be able to confidentially check your emails with friendly help nearby to quickly answer all of your questions. I won’t say it will always be easy but I know it is possible. Call the Center for an appointment, so we can get you connected and finally get your pesky kids off your back!

“Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”

I was beginning to panic, but we sold all the tickets for Riverdance. Unfortunately several folks procrastinated and missed out. But we still have two more performances scheduled this August and you might want to purchase your tickets now to make sure you don’t incur a similar fate. The Center has Sunday matinee tickets for Les Miserables on Sunday August 7th and Momma Mia on August 28th. Once again the tickets are only $70 including transportation but there are also four tickets available for $40 apiece if you want to drive into Portland on your own.

“We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.”

Now that Memorial Day has passed and summer has unofficially begun, you can dance into the swing of summer with the sounds of the Sugar Daddies tonight at the Center. And next Tuesday on June 7^th the Strawberry Mountain Band will be playing for your enjoyment. The music starts at 7:00 and donations are always appreciated.

“The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.”

Many folks remembered the song “Does Your Chewing Gun Lose Its Flavor on the Bedpost Over Night” but Mary Davis (proud member of the class of ’63) was the only one who sent in the correct answer: Lonnie Donegan, the British King of Skiffle. And check out the videos of Donegan from the 50’s and 60’s on YouTube and you can see why he was the most successful British musician before the Beatles.

Now that it is warming up, I’ve started wearing a vest and t-shirt which brings me to this week’s “Remember When” question. What was the name of the television character, played by Art Carney, who was Ralph Kramden’s best friend? And for bonus points what was the name of the lodge they both belonged to. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a map of the New York City sewer system.

Well, it has been another week watching the water rise. Until we meet again, there are times to live loud and times to be still. The hard part is knowing when.

“Why can’t we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn’t work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves and then we have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos.” Snoopy

When you were just a babe in the woods did you have “the talk”? When you sat fidgeting and embarrassed as your mom or dad first told you about the “birds and the bees”? (And you thought “What in the heck is this all about! If it’s not about the Baltimore Colts or the Indiana University Swim Team, I’m not interested!” Okay maybe that was just me.) Or maybe you were the parent not knowing exactly what to say – feeling just as uneasy as your child.

But time has passed and now the roles have reversed – with the adult child initiating the “talk” and it isn’t about sex (at least I don’t think so). It is now about future decisions: long term planning and issues of care. And are just as emotionally challenging as the first talk – often with feelings of guilt, shame and frustration.

How to engage in caring conversations between adult children and their parents while understanding the needs and wants of both is the topic of a two hour workshop that will be held at the Center on Saturday June 18th from 10:00 – 12:00. The presenter will be Rev. Kathleen Flynn, MA, a chaplain for Heart of Hospice. Knowing the value of awareness and honesty, Kathleen has developed a sensitivity and understanding towards these difficult multi-generational conversations and will offer practical ideas you can use when having “the talk”.

The Center just received a certificate from the National Director of the AARP Driver Safety Program recognizing the Center’s Driver Safety Class as one of the top AARP Driver Safety programs in the country. And that is because of the dedicated efforts of the current volunteer instructor Dennis Davis and his faithful cohort Mary Davis, and the area coordinator, Dick Frost. Over the last three years the Center’s AARP Driver Safety class has helped more than 300 folks tune up their driving skills and often reducing their insurance rates. The cost is $14 and $12 for AARP members. The next class is from 9:00 – 1:00 on Monday and Tuesday June 20^th and 21^st. Call or stop by the Center to sign up.

The Center is hosting its annual rummage sale starting Thursday June 17th and continuing through Saturday the 19th. And right now we are looking for decent “stuff”: used items you no longer want but are not yet ready for recycling. Bring your stuff to the Center and receive a tax donation.

The month of May has five Tuesdays, five Mondays and five Sundays which contrary to Internet rumors occurs more often than once every 823 years. (I blindly fell for this urban legend until I realized the obvious: in every 31 day month there will always be three consecutive weekdays with five days in the month!) And on May 31^st, a fifth Tuesday, the Sugar Daddies and will be singing at the Center for all the “Sugar Mommas” in the audience. And tonight the venerable Jazz Generations will be playing the big band sounds for your dancing and listening pleasure. The music starts at 7:00 – you can get home before dark – and donations are always appreciated.

The speaker for the fith Tuesday Lecture in May will be Tina Castellano who is a Water’s Edge physical therapist with a specialization in urinary incontinence and pelvic pain for both men and women. The title of her presentation is “Controlling your bladder so it stops controlling you”. Many of us have had a “Gotta go, Gotta go!” experience – usually when I start washing the dishes – and could use some welcome advice. The presentation starts at 11:00 on Tuesday May 31st.

The multi-talented performer who hosted a variety show on NBC from June 1956 through June 1960 was Steve Allen. (And Beverly McKinney wins a free Saturday Breakfast.) Thanks to Carol Hayward for suggesting that question and to Ron Sutherland who suggested this week’s “Remember When” question. In 1961 the song “Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?” reached number five on the Billboard top 100. This novelty song was the only American hit sung by this British recording artist considered by many as the most successful British recording artist before the Beatles. What was his name? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a paper explaining Skiffle music.

Well, it’s been another week trying to stay awake while looking for my elusive second wind. Until we meet again, even though you may feel like you are running in circles, at least you are running.

Peter Irene “.changed has anything mean doesn’t different is everything because Just”

How often at our age do we actually learn a new skill? I am still trying to learn how to dictate my thoughts so they actually make sense. (Hey, it’s only been a week! And I can’t yet get use to talking to myself out loud. I feel like I am carrying on a conversation with someone who doesn’t really care.) But I have learned how to floss my teeth – it only took me three weeks – which I would share with you but my wife thought that would be too much information. If she only knew what I have already shared, she might actually read this column.)

But I am firm believer that nothing is or has ever been easy to learn the first time, the second or the third time. All those life skills we were taught as a kid – about effort and perseverance – still hold true today and may even be more important. Life doesn’t seem to get any easier. It just gets different – with new challenges and new blessings. And it is still possible that the “best is yet to come”.

This coming Saturday the 21^st from 8:00 – 9:30 am it is breakfast time at the Center. Chad Krause, Wasco County’s able Treasurer, is sponsoring the breakfast for the windy month of May. And head cook Bonnie Lobdell will be fixing up a menu of biscuits and gravy, sausage, and fruit as well as the usual beverages. The price is right: $5 for the general public, $4 for members and for children under 12 – before they sprout like a weed- it is $3. And as Jack use to say “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it.”

The Center purchased twenty seven tickets for the popular Irish spectacle “Riverdance” at Portland’s Keller Auditorium just so you – and especially you – can enjoy an afternoon’s delight while watching entertainers who know how to kick up their heels. Because we purchased these tickets at the senior group rate, we can sell them for $70 -including comfortable transportation – which is less than the price of an individual ticket. And you don’t have to drive or pay for parking! The bus will leave the Center at 10:30 on Sunday May 29^th for the 1:00 performance. We still have ten tickets left so call the Center at 541-296-4788 to reserve your tickets for this exciting event.

It has been shown that our brains can often understand sentences when the first and last letters of the words are the same but the rest of the letters are scrambled. See if you find that to be true as you decipher the Center’s Tuesday night music lineup. Erevy Tesusady ngiht bgeinnnig at 7:00 the miusc ctus lsooe at the Cteenr. Tnohigt Turamn wlil be pyanilg the cnourty glod of ysetrryaer taht siltl sdouns good tdoay. And nxet Teusady on the 24th the Jzaz Gnereaiotns reutrn – oerffnig a berak form the cnourty calisscs by ginvig you an oorppounity to dnace to the big bnad snouds. Aynnoe of any age is wlecmoe and dnoaiotns are alawys aperpcaited.

The Center’s Tuesday Lectures offer insights and information on a variety of subjects for the curious mind. So if you have been wondering what development is occurring at the Port of The Dalles, or what the plans for the NW Aluminum property are, you will want to attend next Tuesday’s Lecture on May 24th when Andrea Klaas, Executive Director of The Dalles will be the speaker. Andrea’s presentation starts at 11:00 and will conclude by noon – just in time for lunch.

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question is Ernie Kovacs – considered by many as TV’s first comic genius. (And the winner of a free breakfast is Bill Turner.) And while looking for Ernie Kovacs’ comic skits on YouTube, I found video clips of this multi-talented performer. Who was the host of his own variety show that ran on NBC from June 1956 through June 1960 launching the careers of cast members Don Knotts, Tom Poston, Louis Nye, Pat Harrington, Jr. and Bill Dana and featuring the show’s popular sketch “Man on the Street”. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the tailfin of a 1957 Plymouth Fury.

Well, it’s been another week trying to do right but knowing I have often been wrong. Until we meet again, keep smiling and your light shining.

“Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true.” Robert Brault

Isn’t there something you would really like to be good at, but aren’t? For me, it would be the ability to speak extemporaneously while being clear and concise – like former Mayor Rob VanCleave who – no matter the occasion – always seemed to be able to say the right thing in the right way. Instead, I always have to prepare precise notes so when I speak I can get from point A to point D without skipping B and C.

For example on the KODL Coffeebreak with Al Wynn, while answering questions about the Center, I will often start an internal dialog with myself. Am I making sense? What did I just say? Now I’m even confused. Al, help me! And I would finally conclude with words stumbling out of my mouth like a drunken cowboy leaving a bar on Sunday morning. Not very pretty.

I think of my lack of articulation as I experiment with a voice recognition program I just downloaded to my iPhone. With the program you dictate your thoughts and it transcribes them word for word with amazing accuracy. How cool – and convenient. But there is one small problem. To use the program effectively I will have to learn how to think coherently – on the spot and without notes.

It won’t be easy. And several years ago I would have thought, just forget it. But haven’t I been urging you to try something new even though it isn’t easy? And shouldn’t I be practicing what I preach? So every day I am going to practice dictating my thoughts until something intelligent comes out. Wish me luck. I will need it.

Meals-on-Wheels is looking for more volunteer drivers. The demand for home delivered meals has increased over the last year to where more home delivered meals are served than meals at the Center. At the same time several drivers who delivered meals on multiple days of the week for many, many years have retired or no longer can drive. With this combination, Meals on Wheels is short handed particularly on Mondays. It doesn’t take a lot of time – about an hour, once a week or once a month. And they treat you real fine with cookies and coffee; and hugs and laughs. For more information call Meals-on-Wheels at 541-298 – 8333 and ask for Ashley.

The Center’s Tuesday Lectures are for curious minds – because you never know what you will learn. And Tuesday the 17th will be no exception when Dan Durow, the Community Development Director for the City of The Dalles will be the speaker. He has been closely involved in many of the positive changes that have occurred in The Dalles from the Riverfront Trail to the current east entrance to the downtown with the Sunshine Mill redevelopment and the roundabout. He will share with you the city’s vision for the next ten years and answer any of your questions. It should be a lively and fascinating discussion starting at 11:00 and everyone is invited.

(To turn things around and challenge your brain, try reading the following announcement for Tuesday Night music.) YadseuT Thgin cisum ta eht retneC sevig uoy a ecnahc ot netsil ot doog cisum dna ecitcarp rouy owt pets dna yrtnuoc ztlaw. thginoT nitraM dna sdneirF era gniyalp dna txen yadseuT eht ht71 namurT lliw eb gnignis dna gnikcip. ffo-ekaT si ta 00:7. ydobyrevE si emoclew dna snoitanod era syawla detaicerppa.

The Kingston Trio sang the song about the man who “never returned” while riding Boston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority – and hence the name of the song “M.T.A.” or informally known as “Charlie on the M.T.A.”. (And this week’s winner of a free Saturday breakfast was Ben Neumeyer.) And to oblige Sandy Goforth, this week’s “Remember When” question is back to the early days of television, and maybe a difficult one. Who was the TV comedian considered by many as TV’s first comic genius famous for his off-beat humor and cigar; played characters such as Chef Miklos Molnar, Percy Dovetonsils and Magician Matzoh Heppelwhite and died prematurely in an automobile accident in 1962? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail you answer with a copy of a Muriel Cigar commercial starring Edie Adams.

Well, it’s been another week running into detours and discovering new understandings I never expected. Until we meet again, always try to do the right thing, but as a consolation – bad decisions do make great stories.

Optimist: someone who isn’t sure whether life is a tragedy or a comedy but is tickled silly just to be in the play. ~Robert Brault