In this column I try to share my perspectives on the opportunities and possibilities during this next chapter of our lives – thoughts I have gathered from reading, studying and most importantly from my conversations with the many active, engaged and caring folks I see daily. I have learned that getting “old” is not the end but the beginning of many new and exciting adventures, a chance to fulfill postponed dreams and a time of awakening and greater understanding. But I try not to be Pollyannish. As Joan Chittister points out in her book, “The Gift of Years”, life has both its blessings and burdens. And it is hard to ignore the burdens – the tread on these ole tires ain’t getting any thicker. But life is what you make of it, given the circumstances you are dealt. And I hope I can provide some worthwhile information and advice; encouragement and comfort to make these years the best years of your life.

One of the burdens of aging is an increased risk of falling. A fall can dramatically change a person’s life: their sense of independence and vulnerability, their emotional and physical health and even their relationship to their children. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests four actions you can take to reduce your risks of falling – besides the obvious like staying off twenty foot ladders. They are to begin a regular exercise program; have your health care provider review your medicines; have your vision checked; and make your home safer by removing small throw rugs, installing grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower, and installing handrails on all staircases.

But to learn more from someone who really knows, Brandon Strizich, the director of MCMC’s mPower – which provides acute inpatient rehabilitation – will discuss the cost of falls and how to assess your risks at the Center’s Tuesday lecture on June 1st at 11:00. But please don’t trip over yourself as you rush to this informative presentation that will offer some real practical help.

For several years the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society has been collecting donations to erect a common monument at the Pioneer Cemetery in The Dalles to honor all those buried there. Now that the goal has been reached, The Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society is inviting the community to the dedication of a memorial stone listing all two hundred forty three known burials. The dedication will take place on Memorial Day, May 31st with a Veteran’s Ceremony by The Dalles Veterans of Foreign Wars at 10:15 and the dedication of the Memorial Stone at 11:00. After the ceremony there will be a gathering with refreshments at the Original Courthouse at 410 West 2nd Place. For any questions you can call Renee Briggs at 509-767-2316 or Sandy Bissett at 541-298-1240.

If you enjoy day trips and other adventures, check out the opportunities provided by Sherman County Community Transit. This summer they are offering several trips including Toppenish for a tour of the murals, Kahneeta Casino and Resort and the Pittock Mansion in Portland. But seating is limited. For more information call 541-565-3553. And to the west, Hood River County Community Education offers a variety of trips and tours including their popular monthly Mystery Trips. You can call them for more information at 541-386-2055.

Next Tuesday Night the popular Cherry Park Band will be back playing their good old, home grown country music. And tonight Hank Krum’s four piece band “The Jazz Generations” will be playing the best sounds from the past for your listening and dancing pleasure. The horns start blowing and the guitars start strumming at 7:00 and its all free although donations are appreciated.

Only Peggy Rice and Joann “pick me” Scott turned in the correct answers for last week’s head scratcher. It was “Pogo” the possum from Okefenokee Swamp created by Walt Kelly who said “We have met the enemy and he is us.”? And since there were only two and I just can’t disappoint one or the other, they both win a free Saturday Breakfast at the Center on June 19th.

This week’s prizes are four notecards depicting a 1905 postcard of the “Dalles City” Sternwheeler at Rooster Rock. They were given to the Center by Clarence Mershon after his entertaining and informative presentation on the history of the Historic Columbia River Highway. For a chance to win one of the notecards, answer correctly the following question “What was the name of the engineer and landscape architect who was the primary designer of the Historic Columbia River Highway?” Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788.

That’s the end of the trail for another week. Until we meet again, as Pogo observed “Don’t take life so serious, son, it ain’t nohow permanent.”

Is there someone in your life you worry about because they just seem to have lost interest in life – no longer doing the things they have always enjoyed? Or maybe over the last several weeks you have felt let down, depressed or hopeless and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?

But I can hear you say “Yeah, what do you expect? Getting old isn’t for the faint of heart. I am constantly losing my close friends, I can’t hear worth a bleep – I am constantly asking ‘what did you say?’; my kids have told me to move into assisted living so they don’t have to worry – as if my life is theirs; and this back, knee, hip pain – take your pick – ruins my mornings. And the pills – when do you say enough is enough!”

Granted in our later years we experience frustration, sadness, and grief, but left unattended they can lead to more serious levels of depression.
Sharon Johnson, OSU Associate Professor in Family and Community Health, discusses many aspects of later life depression in the online series Mastery of Aging (http://outreach.oregonstate.edu/programs/agingwell/modules/) designed by Oregon State University in partnership with AARP.

In the series she points out that depression is serious. It can cause rapid health deterioration, increase susceptibility to infections and illnesses and increase time to recover. And at the extreme end, can lead to suicide. But the good news is there are steps you can take.

First, find support: someone to talk to who will listen and validate your feelings. And if that isn’t possible or doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Depression is treatable and in most cases can be resolved in a short period of time.

Second, participate in some form of aerobic exercise (long and slow) such as walking, swimming or something a little more exciting: dancing into the morning hours. It is suggested 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day will help.

Third, get involved. Structure your time to do something interesting and meaningful every day such as baking cookies, helping a neighbor, keeping a journal, volunteering for Meals-on-Wheels or having lunch with friends.
We naturally experience times of sadness. That’s life. But don’t get stuck in your sadness. Find support and create structure in your life. As long as the sun rises in the morning, there is more to live.

This is the time I start to panic. The Center still has available eight tickets for the 2:00 matinee performance of Cirque Dreams: Illumination on Saturday May 29th. Call the Center to purchase your tickets.

The Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation offers many opportunities to get you up and at ‘em. On the horizon is a Birding Hike on Sunday, May 23rd, 7:00 am (repeated on July 18th) but you need to pre-register. And the Sunup Walking Club is in full swing, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 am for the next several weeks – this week they meet at Klindt’s Cove but you better call to make sure I have that correct. To register or for information call 541-296-9533.

At 11:00 am next Tuesday May 25th, the Tuesday before Memorial Day, the Center has scheduled Michal Kawka to speak about WW II. Michal is a native Pole who has recently moved to The Dalles and has an extensive knowledge of the Holocaust in Poland as well as other WW II history. It should be a fascinating presentation.
And I mustn’t forget Tuesday night music. On the 25th, the Jazz Generations – the small band playing big band sounds – will be performing. And tonight all I need say is “Truman”. The music starts at 7:00 and admission is free although donations are always appreciated.

Of the twelve responses to last week’s question, Mary “the mouse” Davis won a free Saturday breakfast for remembering the comedian “lonesome” George Gobel who starred in his own weekly show from 1954 – 1960. This week’s “Remember When” question comes from the comic pages. What was the name of the central character of the long running (1948 – 1975) daily comic strip who described the human condition by saying “We have met the enemy and he is us.”? Call 541-296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Well it’s time to take five. Until we meet again, in every life there are ups – and then there are days you feel like lonesome George when he asked, “Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?”

Do you ever fear you will become that friend or neighbor who can’t remember when – he told what – to who? I do. Many times when writing this column I can’t recall if I have previously shared the same story, repeated the same quote – or even if I am repeating this fear of repeating myself. Is it déjà vu all over again? (I wonder if Marilyn Ericksen, my able predecessor, or even Al Nelson, who was the originator of this column, had the same experience.) But my sanity returns when I remember who my audience is! How many times have you had to go through a stack of newspapers looking for an article with the date or time that you can’t seem to remember? But if I ever do repeat myself, which I am sure I will, and you have the steel trap memory to catch me, I will honor your achievement in this column – even though you will probably be shunned by your peers for not acting your age.

It is that time again, when once a month you can let someone else do the cooking and enjoy a tasty, lip smacking, jaw dropping mind-blowing breakfast. Every month the Center rotates the menu and this Saturday, May 15th, you can feast on Texas French Toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and the regular beverages. Breakfast is served from 8:00 – 9:30 and is only $5 for the general public and 4$ for Center members. And even though shirts and shoes are required, tips are not.

Now is a good time to get on board the “AARP Driver Safety” train with your conductor Dennis Davis. So far, there are only a few folks signed up for this month’s class on Monday and Tuesday (17th and 18th), making this your chance to get the special individual attention you deserve – unless you are the type that likes sit in the back of the class throwing spit wads and passing notes. The class is from 9 – 1 each day and the cost is only $14 ($12 for AARP members) for the materials.

Friday I attended the last performance for this year’s community concert series and enjoyed the amazing voices and talent of Gaileca – and example of the excellent artists that Patti Blagg and the Community Concerts folks bring to town. By purchasing a ticket for the next season, you can enjoy a wide variety of talented performers – missing only the big names and the high ticket prices. Individual tickets are $60, but if you are of that Medicare age – 65 and over – the tickets are only $55 for the four shows. And if you purchase your tickets by May 15 you save another $5 – that is like getting a free Saturday breakfast. For more information you can call 541-298-4352 or 541-386-3055.

You just can’t beat live music. And while there are many opportunities to listen to live music like Community Concerts, there aren’t as many opportunities to dance. But every Tuesday night at the Center you can kick up your heals, take your partner in hand and dance till the morning sun or 9:00 PM whichever comes first. Next week the always popular Truman will be back playing his “Country Gold” and tonight it is the sweet sounds of the Notecrackers. This is one gig that everyone can afford – it’s free – but you can’t afford to miss. Music starts at 7:00 and everybody is welcome.

Thanks to Del Hendrickson, the speaker for the Center’s Tuesday lecture on May 18th at 11:00 am will be Clarence Mershon, sharing stories and facts of the Historic Columbia River Highway about which he has written several books. Del met Clarence at the Wasco Pioneer’s dinner in The Dalles three years ago and recently asked Clarence to speak here at the Center. He agreed and now you have a chance to learn more about the fascinating history of this treasure in our own backyard.

You may have already seen the ads for Cirque Dreams: Illumination at the Keller Auditorium. The Center still has twelve tickets left for the matinee performance at 2:00 on Saturday May 27th for only $60 including transportation. The show is described as a stage performance where “an international cast of world-class acrobats, athletes, musicians and one of a kind artists populate this imaginative, colorful metropolis and breathe life into over 100 inventive costumes, an original musical score, and magical sights that transform the landscape of a city into thrills and disbelief.” Call the Center at 541-296-4788 to purchase your tickets.

The winning name chosen from last week’s nine entries was Joe Usatine who remembered that the Ford Mustang was first introduced at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. This week’s “Remember When” question goes back to an early star of American television which many of you may have forgotten. Who was the “lonesome” crew cut comedian married to “Spooky Old Alice” and starred in his own weekly show from 1954 – 1960? Call 541-296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

That’s another wrap. Until we meet again, savor the past, enjoy the moment and believe in tomorrow.

“The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.” Friedrich Nietzsche

Unfortunately, snake oil salesmen still exist. And according to the FBI, seniors are ideal targets for these scammers and aggressive marketers. Many in this age group were raised to be trusting and polite and feel it’s rude to be assertive (although I could name several folks that I wouldn’t want to mess with). And they learned to be frugal and have saved up a “nest egg” that these hucksters can tap. Many times these elderly victims don’t report the incident because they don’t know how or are too ashamed. And even if the scam is reported, they may be poor witnesses – unable to supply enough details to prosecute.

But the best defense is a good offense. Know the warning signs: the offer of free gifts – if it seems to be too good to be true it probably is – and the pressure to act “now”. As a rule of thumb never make same day decisions. Give yourself enough time to consult with a trusted friend, your doctor or time to do your own research. But the most direct action is to just say “no”. And if they can’t take “no” for an answer, hang up or shut the door. You don’t owe them a thing.

It can happen in The Dalles. I am working with an individual who on March 10th was pressured into signing a contract for a home security system from Nationwide Security Solutions – which he didn’t need – and without knowing the total cost or monthly payments. With the help of Jay Waterbury, The Dalles Police Chief, we have referred the case to the Oregon Attorney General’s office and are investigating what else we can do. (If you have had any experience with this outfit, I would be interested in hearing from you.) You can learn more about how to protect yourself at the Center’s Tuesday lecture on May 11th at 11:00 am when Ed Goodman from The Dalles City police will be the guest speaker.

Dan Durow spoke to the Meals-on-Wheels lunch crowd at the Center explaining how the construction of roundabouts in America has increased dramatically because they reduce accidents, increase traffic flow and are cost effective. Since the new roundabout in The Dalles is a single lane roundabout, you should find it easy to navigate if you remember a few simple rules. Slow down when approaching the roundabout – they are designed for 15-20 mph; yield to anyone in the roundabout – they have the right away; and use your turn signal when exiting the roundabout.

There is a small group of dedicated workers who for over twenty years spent every Monday raising funds for the Center by doing something they truly enjoy: quilting. And since they have just finished their latest quilt, the beautiful one that is currently hanging in the lobby needs to find a loving owner. You can possibly be that owner by buying a $5 raffle ticket – but you only have a few days left. The drawing will be held this Friday May 7th. And besides making quilts to raffle, the Quilters also do quilting for hire if you have a quilt you would like restored. I you enjoy quilting and friendly conversation, the Quilters meet every Monday from 10:00 – 3:00 in the basement. They are always looking for a few new needles to help.

The stage production of Cirque Dreams: Illumination is coming to Portland at the Keller Auditorium and the Center has reserved 22 seats for the 2:00 matinee performance on Saturday May 29th for only $60 including transportation. It is a stage performance where “an international cast of world-class acrobats, athletes, musicians and one of a kind artists populate this imaginative, colorful metropolis and breathe life into over 100 inventive costumes, an original musical score, and magical sights that transform the landscape of a city into thrills and disbelief.” Call the Center at 541-296-4788 to purchase your tickets.

There is music and shaking every Tuesday night at the Center. Next Tuesday the Notecrackers will be back playing for your listening and dancing pleasure. And tonight the Strawberry Mountain Band will be playing for their first time at the Center. Though the notes start flowing at 7:00, the cost is nothing – but donations are welcome.

It’s been fun this last month hearing the many memories of favorite songs, TV shows, movies and cars, but this month its back to the regular format. What car was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair and created a whole new class of automobiles? (and the envy of every young man!) Call 541-296-4788 or email the answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Well that is another 24×7 and I am still waiting for spring. Until we meet again, remember – bad decisions may be hard to take but they make great stories.

Are we all ready to hum a few rounds of the English nursery rhyme “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” while we find out if we can drive in circles and still find our way home? There has been quite a bit of talk about the “roundabout” that will open soon as the eastern gateway to historic downtown The Dalles. I am all for it – I go in circles all the time – but I do have one serious concern. I fear this roundabout is just the first step in a vast conspiracy that will eventually lead The Dalles to adopt the metric system, form a parliamentary form of city government, and become more European than the French. Someday could we be living in “La Dalles”?

If you would like to learn more about the roundabout, Dan Durow, The Dalles Community Development Director, will explain the benefits of the roundabout and answer any of your questions at the Center on Thursday April 29th at 11:30 am. Dan has been a true asset to The Dalles community and you can find his fingerprints on many of the exciting changes in The Dalles.

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Many live with the daily challenges of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, arthritis, or stroke. And although the conditions may never go away, there are proven real life skills that will help you live a full and healthy life. The Area Agency on Aging will be offering a six session workshop on “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” starting on Tuesday May 11th from 1:00-3:30 at the Center. This fun and interactive class will help you better manage your health. For more information call 541-298-4101.

As I mentioned last week, Tuesday May 5th at 11:00 am, Anya Kawka will be showing a slide presentation of her hike along the Pacific Coast Trail. You may know Anya as one of Mike and Colleen Ballinger’s offspring who has returned to The Dalles with her youthful energy and enthusiasm and is now working for the Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation. After Anya’s presentation you may just want to put on your hiking shoes.

Which leads me back to our trail hopping, flower hunting, soul searching Skip Tschanz. Skip has been waiting anxiously for the wildflowers to dress up in their “church going” best so he can lead his popular hikes to our local bastions of natural beauty. And it is time! The first Monday hike is next week May 3rd to Catherine Creek which is an easy hike with paved portions. The following Monday Skip will take you to the Mosier Syncline which is a moderate hike with some uneven ground. And the last -but not the least – will be Tom McCall Point on the 17th which is an intermediate hike. Skip suggests you wear good sturdy traction shoes, and bring along water and a snack. And the disclaimer : although God may giveth, God may also taketh away and the hikes could be postponed because of the weather. Meet at the Center at 1:00 to car pool the day’s destination.

There is always music to be found and on Tuesday nights the Center is the place to look. Next Tuesday May 5th, the Strawberry Mountain Band – three generations of the Lamoreaux’s – will be performing for your listening and dancing pleasure. And tonight if you want to “make the scene” the Jazz Generations will be laying down a few beats for your listening and dancing pleasure. Frolic the night away and still get home before dark. The music always starts at 7:00 and it is free, although donations are always appreciated.

I know there are more folks out there who pulled a few pranks in their day (unless you are like my wife who can’t remember any. But I think she lies!) The winner was Betty Richmond who remembers when she was six, hiding in the back seat of the car when her sixteen year old aunt was picked up for a date. And following the KODL Classic Car Show, this week’s “Remember When” question is, “What was your favorite car you ever drove?” A ‘57 Chevy, ‘65 Mustang, or Volkswagen bug? Call 541-296-4788, email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com. or write your answer on the fender of a ‘63 Buick Skylark convertible and park it at the Center.

Well that is plenty for another week. Until we meet again, if you don’t like what I write, don’t look at me. Because as the sage of the baseball diamond Yogi Berra once said, “I didn’t say everything I said”.

“If people never did silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done.” philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein

Its “Cherry Mania” week: the time to officially announce it’s spring in The Dalles (except for last year) and time to reconnect with neighbors and friends. I was going to share information about depression and older adults but with the sun shining, the weather warming and the party starting, I will wait till next week.

An annual Cherry Festival tradition is the Center’s Cherry Festival breakfast. And everyone is invited. Breakfast will start a little earlier 7:30 and end a little later 10:00 AM to give everyone a chance to enjoy a nice breakfast before they start their day of fun and games. The menu will consist of hot cakes smothered with fruit compote and whip cream, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit and your favorite beverages. All for only $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for members and $3 for children five and under. Scout Troop #395 will be around to take care of your every whim and fancy. So start your day right! Because as Jack always said “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it!”

Several weeks ago at the Center Anya Kawka spoke about the Parks and Recreation’s Sunup Walking Club that will be starting this summer. She wants to get more folks involved, so if you are interested or have any questions she would like you to call her at 541-296-9533 or email her at anya@nwprd.org. As a reminder the Sunup Walking Club will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at different parks in the area, giving you a chance to enjoy one of the best, yet simplest aerobic exercises with new and old friends.

And as a footnote, Anya will be the speaker for the Center’s Tuesday Lecture on May 5th presenting a slideshow of her 2007 hike across Oregon and half of California along the Pacific Coast Trail. Surprisingly – and inspiringly – Anya saw more than a few seventy-somethings making the trek along with the “young, athletic, hard-bodies”.

I just can’t seem to make Klea Espy happy! She is always looking for volunteers to help at Habitat’s Restore Store and last year I shared her plea for several good looking, well built men to volunteer and show her around the tool shed at the Restore Store. And I thought I would be thanked. Well she still needs volunteers but is willing to accept any mere mortal who knows which end of the hammer to grab. The store is open from 10 – 4 Tuesday through Saturday. If you are interested, call the store at 541-296-4486 or drop by at 1008 West 6th Street.

Habitat is also looking for a site manager so they can build two houses at the same time. They have the land and the resources; and the need; they just don’t have the person to lead the charge. Walt Notter is the current construction site manager and although he can work wonders, two houses is a step over the line. And ladies think of the possibilities. You may have a husband – just retired following you around the house like a lost puppy and just being a major pest. Here is a perfect chance to get the old man out of the house. Call Habitat to bring some normalcy back to your life.

The music for this coming Tuesday on the 27th will be the Jazz Generations. We will pull up the imaginary carpet, push back the dining room tables and sweep the floor clean so everyone can get up and shake a leg with their partner. And tonight it’s the Sugar Daddies. Come and find out why “Boys will be Boys”. There is no charge except what electricity you can generate on the dance floor. But donations are appreciated. Music starts at 7:00 and everyone is invited.

The best response to last week’s “Remember When” question – your most memorable date movie -was from regular contributor Joann Scott who said – with a wink and a nod- she went several times to the drive-in before she realized that there was actually a movie showing. This week’s question acknowledges that as kids we weren’t perfect either. “What was your most memorable prank you were involved in? (And I have already heard about knocking over out houses on Halloween.) If you are willing to share your answer call 541-296-4788, or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.
Well that was another week that was. Until we meet again enjoy all the Cherry Mania you can handle and don’t be too shy to say “hi”.

“I have the worst memory ever, so no matter who comes up to me – they’re just, like, ‘I can’t believe you don’t remember me!” I’m like, ‘Oh Dad I’m sorry!’ – Ellen DeGeneres

Carpe Diem! How often have you seen or heard this common expression? From a poem by the Roman poet Horace, the phrase is part of the longer Carpe diem quam minime credula postero – “Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future”. It is a testament to being in the moment, drinking its pleasures and living each day to its fullest.

But as we seize the day, have we forgotten or avoided envisioning a future with all of its possibilities? By imagining a rocky path of painful joints, failing sight, lost friends, and memories lost, have we ignored tomorrow for today or even yesterday?

So let me ask “How would you live your life if you knew you were going to live another 20 years, ten years, or even five years – guaranteed? Not just another day. Would you go back to school? Learn to paint? Remodel that old Buick? Write your life history? What are your passions, what is your purpose? And what are you waiting for?

As you seize each day, as you write each new page, imagine the whole book of your life. You have already written many wonderful chapters – but there are many more to be written: some brave, some thrilling, and inevitably, some sad. To paraphrase James Dean – Imagine you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.

Next Tuesday (April 20) at the Center, representatives from the local office of Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD), a division of Oregon’s Department of Human Services, will discuss the many supports and services they provide so seniors can live independent, healthy and safe lives. Some of the important work they do is enforcing standards of care in long term care settings; providing management and oversight of senior programs and providing Medicaid benefits for seniors. The presentation starts at 11:00 and afterwards you can enjoy a delicious dinner of marinated Steak Tips provided by Meals-on-Wheels.

The Sugar Daddies are back but – sorry ladies – you won’t find guys with dollars hanging from their pockets and charm dripping from their lips – these guys just like to play music. Come and enjoy an evening of listening and dancing to new tunes and old favorites. And if you like what you hear, you can purchase their latest CD produced right here in the Gorge. And tonight the popular Cherry Park band will be playing. The music starts at 7:00 and if the cost of admission was any cheaper, we would be paying you. But donations are appreciated.

April is the Center’s spring membership month – and I won’t be as intrusive as Oregon Public Radio during their quarterly membership drives – but again a gentle reminder to take that step and become a member of the Senior Center. The cost is only $35 per person and $60 per couple. And thank-you to the over 250 individuals who have already renewed or became new members. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Last week I attended a two-day Gerontology Conference at OSU (and as an Oregon graduate I hate to admit it but it was an excellent conference). In future columns I will share with you what I learned. But as a tease, and if you have Internet access, there is a five part presentation on the Mastery of Aging you can find at http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/workforce/aging-well that includes memory, depression, medications, nutrition and physical activity. Each part is about an hour long and well done.

I had several responses from last week’s question (favorite TV or radio show you listened to as a kid) including listening under the covers to “Inner Sanctum”; “Jackpot Bowling with Milton Berle”, and the Lone Ranger’s “Hi-yo, Silver, away!”.

This week’s question again follows the theme of personal memories. What was your most memorable date movie from the past? Could it have been the first date with your high school or college sweetheart – or the last? Or a movie you don’t quite remember because you were – I’ll put it politely – engaged in other activities? If you are willing to share your answer, call 541-296-4788, or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Has it been another week? Until we meet again, as they said in Rome “Modo fac” or as translated in Beaverton “Just do it!”

People who throw kisses are hopelessly lazy. – Bob Hope

The temperatures are warming, the days are longer – it is time to get out and explore. And what a rich bounty of opportunities we have in the Gorge area. Just look at the number of first class museums: Maryhill, Fort Dalles Museum, St. Peter’s Landmark, the Original Wasco County Courthouse, the Discovery Center and Wasco County Museum, Hood River County Historical Museum and the Sherman County Historical Museum where you can “take a walk on the rural side”.

While the Center promotes healthy aging by offering activities and programs, it can play a more important role by helping active adults connect with these and many other incredible resources in the area. As an example, the Center has just completed a list of the Trips and Tours that are available this spring and summer in the Gorge and beyond. It includes trips provided by Sherman County Transportation, the Hood River Community Education (including their popular monthly mystery trips) and the Center. The list is available at the Center and will soon be posted on the Internet at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com. The Center will continue to publicize ways you can explore, connect and contribute within and beyond the Center’s walls.

As part of its membership month, the Center will host an Open House from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday the 13th (before the dancing starts) with cake and ice cream for both those who want to learn more about the activities at the Center and for those who need to be supplied with cake and ice cream to bring you to your senses and join. Come on in. You are all invited!

A local magnet for musical talent is the Cherry Park Grange. They offer Saturday night dances ($5 per person, children under 12 free), Thursday night Gospel music, Jams at Viewpoint Trailer Court on alternating Friday nights and host the Jammers on the second Sundays. A core group of the musicians who play at the grange have formed the Cherry Park Band and occasionally play a Tuesday night gig at the Center. Next Tuesday (13th) will be one of those nights when can dance to till the lights go off. And tonight – all I need to say is “Truman” and you know what I mean: good music and good times. Music starts at 7:00 followed by dancing and shaking. There is no charge but donations are welcome.

The May primary election (ballots will be mailed on April 30th and need to be returned by May 18th) is usually a time of great democratic apathy. But with two contested primary races for county commissioner, and one contested race for Circuit Court Judge, and lawn signs sprouting on every corner and support letters filling the editorial page, you can tell this year is different. But the most far reaching question on the ballot is the proposed home rule charter for Wasco County. You can read the proposed charter on Wasco County’s web site: http://co.wasco.or.us, but you may also want to attend the Center’s 11:00 lecture next Tuesday featuring Keith Mobley Chairman of the Wasco County Home Rule Charter Committee. The volunteers on the committee – including vice-chair Lewis Flint who set the wheels in motion – spent many, many hours working to develop the proposed home rule charter. They deserve a big thanks. Now it will be up to the voting public to decide whether to adopt the proposed changes.

Whether you feel like Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. – “I like to pay taxes. With them I buy civilization” or lean more towards Mark Twain’s perspective “What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin”, this is the last weekend to take advantage of the AARP tax aide program at the Center. The hours are from 3:00 – 6:00 on Friday and from 9:00 – 1:00 on Saturday. The service is open to all procrastinators and there is no charge.

Marilyn Scarsfield was the winner of last week’s “Remember When” question. And even though I didn’t receive many examples of memorable high school songs (is it because those days are just a faint glimmer – too far down and around too many corners and up and over too many hills?) I was reminded of Rosemary Clooney during the early 50’s and the 1961 novelty hit “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It’s Flavor On the Bedpost Over Night)”.

As a young boy growing up in the 50’s, I was a regular fan of the Saturday morning TV shows. This week’s question is “What TV (or radio) show was your favorite when you were a child?” And speaking just to the guys, was anyone else in love with Annette Funicello of the Mousketeers?

Well it’s another week when you know isn’t truly spring, if you still can see snow on the Klickitats. So until we meet again, keep your head down and your belly full.

“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.” Edward R. Murrow

While more and more older adults are jumping on the information superhighway, many are tentatively dipping their toes in the pool of social networking sites to broaden their social connections and to stay engaged in their communities. According to one report in the New York Times, the number of older adults visiting social networks online last year grew twice as fast as the overall rate of Internet use among older adults.

For folks who live alone – about one third of persons over 75 according to a recent study by AARP – it is important to stay connected and engaged. And social network sites – where you can share stories; connect with old friends and make new ones; and learn about civic and educational opportunities – can help. As Joseph F. Coughlin, director of the AgeLab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, stated “The new future of old age is about staying in society, staying in the workplace and staying very connected. And technology is going to be a very big part of that, because the new reality is, increasingly, a virtual reality. It provides a way to make new connections, new friends and new senses of purpose.”

Jeff Eagan, in his work helping many older adults navigate through the maze of Medicare options, has seen the need for an easy accessible online Internet site where adults over 50 can keep connected and engaged in the community. Because of this vision, Jeff has created the online site Myover50.com. You can learn more about how to use this website to stay connected with friends and your community at 11:00 next Tuesday April 6th at the Center.

April is the month for planting, taxes, baseball and, yes, the Center’s spring membership drive. By providing opportunities to “explore, connect and contribute”, the Center is working hard to fulfill its mission of “promoting healthy aging by sharing and caring”.

By being a member you will help support the many activities and programs that the Center offers: drawing class, wildflower hikes, monthly foot care, a loan closet of medical equipment, exercise classes, computer classes, lecture series, music and dance, cards, driver safety and Wii bowling. And I mustn’t forget Bingo!

And it is not just about us. The Center also provides space for the local ARC chapter and sponsors Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack #395; provides space for several community programs including the Area Agency on Aging’s “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” and Medicare counseling; and La Clinica’s “Steps to Wellness” class and well as the AARP Tax Aide.

Since there is a richness of activities providing a variety of opportunities for older adults we, we also support and promote other community resources including MCMC, the Columbia Gorge Community College, Wasco County Historical Society, Community concerts and many others.

The Center’s goal is to increase its membership to 600 – one person, one couple at a time. Whether you participate directly in the Center activities or indirectly – such as reading this column – I ask you to become a member. The annual dues are only $35 per person on $60 per couple. Just drop in or mail you membership dues to the Center at 1112 W 9th, The Dalles.

Next Tuesday, Truman, the Center’s friend and guitar picker (who like Madonna and Bono is identified by only one name) will be playing his country gold. And tonight the good ole Dufur Boys (and Molly) will be playing for your dancing and listening enjoyment. The fingers start plucking at 7:00 and there is no charge but donations are widely accepted.

The epic film that debuted in 1959 and featured a chariot race was Ben-Hur. Joe Usatine’s name was randomly drawn winning him a free breakfast on Cherry Festival Saturday.

This week I am taking a different tack and see how far upriver I can sail. My memories of my youth – those that I can remember or want to remember, and which usually involve a girl – usually include a sound track. This week’s “Remember When” question is “What is your most memorable song from your high school days? Call 541-296-4788, or email mcsenorcenter@gmail.com.

Well that is another week and another seven dollars. Until we meet again, keep clean, keep current and keep connected.

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” Bernard Meltzer

Last week was Brain Awareness Week – no, I didn’t forget, apparently I just wasn’t aware. But at the Center and in this column I have been discussing and promoting brain fitness for some time. Although it is personal (where is my banana?), there is a growing national interest in how our brain functions so as we live longer, we can continue to be productive and enjoy our later years.

At last year’s “Aging in America” conference I attended a workshop by Alvaro Fernandez, co-founder and chief executive officer of SharpBrains which provides independent, research-based, information about the growing brain fitness market. Their website offers fascinating information about the brain including a list of ten lifestyle activities to help maintain and improve your brain health. As part of Brain Fitness Week – better late than never – I want to share them with you in an abbreviated version – since we all have things to do and people to meet.

1. Better understand your brain. “It will serve you well to appreciate your brain’s beauty as a living and constantly-developing dense forest with billions of neurons and synapses”.
2. Eat well. The “brain only weighs 2% of body mass but consumes over 20% of the oxygen and nutrients we intake.” And especially avoid the junk foods.
3. Exercise. “Things that exercise your body can also help sharpen your brain”.
4. Be positive. “Stress and anxiety, no matter whether induced by external events or by your own thoughts, actually kills neurons and prevent the creation of new ones. You can think of chronic stress as the opposite of exercise: it prevents the creation of new neurons.”
5. Engage in Mental Challenges. “The point of having a brain is precisely to learn and to adapt to challenging new environments. Challenge your brain often with fundamentally new activities”.
6. Aim high. “The brain keeps developing, no matter your age, and it reflects what you do with it.”
7. Explore and travel. “Adapting to new locations forces you to pay more attention to your environment. Make new decisions, use your brain.”
8. Think for yourself. “Make your own decisions, and mistakes. And learn from them. That way, you are training your brain, not your neighbor’s”.
9. Develop and maintain stimulating friendships. “We are ‘social animals’, and need social interaction”.
10. Laugh loud and often, “especially to cognitively complex humor, full of twists and surprises”.

In a nutshell, the four legs to the table of good brain health are: physical exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and brain exercise. At the Center there are activities addressing all to these legs: Seniorcise and Strong Women, the Meals-on-Wheels’ noon dinner, yoga and massage, and the Center’s Brain Fitness class. Celebrate a belated Brain Awareness Week by stopping by the Center and giving your brain a treat.

And speaking of treats, there are only four months this year that include a special fifth Tuesday and March is one of those months. And what does that mean? Another evening of dancing on the 30th for all of you dancing fools. And the special treat will be the Dufur Boys (and one girl) playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. And tonight don’t forget the Jazz Generations playing your favorites from not too long ago. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. And all generations are welcome.

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was “Wheaties” – the Breakfast of Champions. The name randomly drawn from the fourteen entries and winner of a free Cherry Festival Saturday breakfast at the Center is Nadine McCracken.

This week’s question and another chance to win a free breakfast in April is “What 1959 epic film directed by William Wyler, won eleven academy awards and included a chariot race – considered by many as one of the most spectacular action sequences ever filmed? Call 541-296-4788, email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or just write the answer on the back of a 1200 sq ft piece of carpet delivered to the Center.

Well that is another week with flowers sprouting – checking who is new in the neighborhood. Until we meet again, take a chance and try something uncomfortable – anything new will be.

“Brain: an apparatus with which we think we think.” Ambrose Bierce