Medicare can be a complex labyrinth to navigate. And with the addition of Medicare Advantage Plans – Medicare coverage through private insurance companies – Medicare recipients have more choices but also another level of complexity and uncertainty.

The Medicare Advantage plans are popular in Oregon where 41% of the folks eligible for Medicare are enrolled in them (the highest percentage in the country). Although there are benefits to Medicare Advantage plans, unlike government programs, private insurance companies can decide not to continue covering certain geographic areas. Unfortunately, but not surprising, several plans are leaving Oregon at the end of this year and will not be renewing beneficiaries’ policies. What is unexpected is the estimated percentage of Medicare Advantage recipients needing to find a new plan: Wasco County 39%, Sherman County, 70%, and Hood River County, 43%.

The enrollment period for the Medicare Advantage plans starts November 15th, so if your insurer is leaving or there are any changes in your Medicare Advantage plan you should have received a letter by now. But Jean Hockman, the Medicare specialist at the Area Agency on Aging, is concerned many folks have not read the correspondence from their insurer and are unaware that their Medicare insurance plan is leaving. If your plan is leaving, you must sign up for a new plan before the end of December to insure continuous coverage. That isn’t much time and the decisions aren’t simple. (What plans does your doctor accept? What does the plan cover? And what is the cost?)

To answer your questions and provide more information, there will be a presentation at the Center on October 28th at 11:00 to explain changes in the Medicare Advantage plans and what your options are. You can also call the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101 on Wednesdays – their Medicare help day.

Klea Espy, manager of the Habitat’s Restore Store in the old liquor building on 6th street, dropped by the Center for breakfast on Saturday and mentioned she is desperately – as in capital D desperately – seeking volunteers. She needs folks for the two shifts 10-1 and 1-4 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. She would prefer men; about 6 foot tall, broad shouldered, and chiseled jaw with masculine good looks. But she will take anyone who knows his or her way around a hardware store or a workshop (or anyone who is breathing – she is Desperate!).

Tonight at the Center, the Sugar Daddies, a popular three piece band, will be performing. And next Tuesday on the 27th the Jazz Generations will be back playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. These are talented performers and at many places, you would have to buy a $7 glass of wine to listen to them. But at the Center it’s all free with donations appreciated. The dancing starts at 7:00 pm and everyone is welcome. And next Sunday is the Center’s turn to host the Jammers from 2:00 – 5:00.

Melodi Johnson, Breast Care Coordinator/Clinical Research Nurse at Celilo, will be the speaker for the Center’s Next Chapter Lecture Series on Tuesday the 27th at 11:00. She will speak on breast health for women of all ages – providing information that will be helpful for mothers, daughters, spouses, etc. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, every woman is encouraged to come!

The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, the Beatles first #1 hit in America. The first correct answer was from a child of the 60’s herself, Sandy Haechrel. This week’s question goes back another decade to a musical icon of the 50’s. What was Elvis Presley’s first number one hit that stayed at the top of the pop charts for 8 weeks and was the best selling single in 1956?

That is enough of the alphabet soup for one week. Until we meet again, here’s a comment I overheard at the Center that many of us can relate to, “My head writes checks, my body can’t cash”.

Do you really want to stay young? Or let me put in another way. Do you really want to relive middle school? But although staying forever young may not be our goal, we do want to live independently; we do want to see our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and set out on their own paths. And we do want to live caring and meaningful lives, so who we are and what we do matters.

The other day Jan Holt gave me a list of eleven simple rules that although they are titled “How to Stay Young”, are more about achieving those things we do want; about how to live well. Here they are for your consideration – plus my own short observations on each one.

1. Keep learning – see the world with virgin eyes,
2. Enjoy the simple things – as in the Shaker song, “Tis the gift to be simple”,
3. Laugh often, long and loud. – its contagious,
4. The tears happen – the ones we love won’t live forever,
5. Keep only cheerful friends – leave the rest alone,
6. Surround yourself with what you love. – not with what others say you should have,
7. Cherish your health – don’t take it for granted,
8. Don’t’ take guilt trips – life happens,
9. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity – stay current,
10. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance – forgiveness shall set you free,
11. Try everything twice – except Brussels sprouts

This Saturday is the third Saturday of the month which means it is your chance to skip your normal breakfast and enjoy a fine delicious meal of biscuits and gravy, sausage, and scrambled eggs, as well as fruit and your favorite beverage. The cost is only $5.00 and $4.00 for Center members. The breakfast is open to the whole community and all ages, so bring your family and friends. The food starts flowing at 8:00 and we don’t turn off the spigot until 9:30. And as Jack always said,” Breakfast always tastes better when someone else cooks it”.

Next Chapter Lecture on Tuesday October 20th at 11:00 will feature Roger Luedtke discussing the Portland Classical Chinese Gardens in Portland. The Gardens are described as “an authentically built cultural heritage garden and living museum of Chinese trees and flora”. Roger is an avid supporter of the Gardens and his informative presentation of pictures and commentary will be the next best thing to being there.

Because of the talented musicians, Tuesday Night music is the Center’s most popular activity. And the next two weeks are no exception. The always popular and danceable Truman Boler’s one man “Country Gold” is playing tonight. And next Tuesday on the 20th, The Sugar Daddies will be back with Mark Womble leading on keyboard and vocals. Dancing starts at 7:00 and everybody is welcome. There is no charge although donations are appreciated.

Last week’s question was a trick one, but you can’t fool Sandy Haechrel who had the first correct answer. Most of us remember William Bendix playing the role of Lester A Riley on both radio and TV, but when the show moved to television in 1949 the first actor to play the role was Jackie Gleason before his “Honeymooners” fame in the 50’s.

This week’s question celebrates the recent release of the re-mastered catalogue of recordings by the Beatles who one critic described as “not able to carry a tune across the Atlantic”. Although the Beatles had several earlier hits in England, what was the Beatles first single (and #1 song) released in America? Email your guess to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 296-4788.

That’s it for another week. Until we meet again, as the Beatles once sang, “Let it be”. Or as the philosopher farmer from Fossil would say, “Don’t interfere with something’ that ain’t bothering you none.”

When was the last time you smelled the sweet odor of sweat-soaked socks and gym shorts? Or stayed up late cramming your cranium with facts about some class subject that you really had no interest in? Been there, done that. Thankfully we can pass those experiences on to younger souls.

But though we may not want to revisit those glory days, we do lose something when we don’t challenge ourselves. Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., the first director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at George Washington University suggests we need to sweat more both physically and mentally – more mental push-ups and trips around the track – by trying something different. And while exploring new activities, enjoy the experience and satisfaction of learning to do something better without worrying about being good.

On Tuesday, October 13th from 5 – 7 PM, and help our own local curmudgeon, travel guide and literary connoisseur, Phil Klindt, celebrate the 140th Birthday of Klindt’s Booksellers, the oldest continually operated bookstore in Oregon. There will be regional authors, food, music, wine and history at the bookstore to celebrate this anniversary.

Steve Hudson is back teaching line dancing but couldn’t resist the big beautiful dance floor at the Eagles. So if you enjoy line dancing or want to learn how, check out the Eagles on Thursday nights. And if Square Dancing is more your thing, Bill and Neva are starting lessons this Thursday, October 8th at the Civic from 7 – 9. For more information about the square dancing call 541-296-1570 or 509-493-1827. And Neva, I promise one of these days I will find my way to the Civic and practice what I preach. But I seem to have more “want to do” than I have “time to do”. (Maybe the two-step in November?)

And I mustn’t forget to mention Tuesday Night music. Hardshell Harmony – bluegrass music at its best – is playing tonight and next week on the 13th Truman Boler will be playing his crowd pleasing Country Gold. Everybody is welcome! Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Now is the time to buy your tickets to see and enjoy Portland’s own Singing Christmas Tree at the 1:30 matinee performance on Sunday November 29th. This annual tradition was a big hit last year so we have decided to try an encore performance. The cost is only $65 or $60, depending on the seat locations, and includes comfortable worry-free transportation. But don’t tarry. There are only twenty two seats available. Call the Center 296-4788 to reserve your seat for this afternoon musical delight.

Every third Monday and Tuesday of the month from 9:00 – 1:00, Dennis Davis teaches the AARP Driver Safety class to help folks review the rules of the road and good driving practices. Because the class has been shown to improve your driving skills, many insurance companies give a discount if you complete the class. The cost is only $14 and $12 for AARP members and covers the cost of the materials (Dennis volunteers his time). Call the Center to reserve your seat in the next class on October 19 and 20th.

Bob Thouvenel was the first to correctly answer last week’s “Remember When” question (he was getting tired of Ron Sutherland winning all the time). “Cool Hand Luke” was the movie where the Captain and Luke played by Paul Newman spoke the memorable line “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate”. This week’s “Remember When” question is about a life of prosperity and contentment. What actor played the bumbling and gullible Chester A. Riley in the first season of “The Life of Riley” on NBC in October 1949?

Until we meet again, get that sweat pouring, warm up the old brain cells and get down and dirty. But please for all the rest of us, don’t forget the deodorant!

“Now and then it is good to pause in our pursuit of happiness, and just be happy.” Appollinaire (French Poet)

Senior Living September 29

It isn’t easy. Living during this time of your life, takes effort, even though you may want to finally recline back in the Lazy-Boy – feet up, with a nice cool one in hand and just watch as life goes by. You’ve earned it. You have seen it all; there’s nothing more left to do. And besides you’re tired.

But this can also be the time of your life: the time when you can discover new dimensions of who you are at a time when you no longer have to worry about who you should be. The stage where you can explore the other parts of your hidden self – the parts you barely touched as you carried the many responsibilities of raising your children or following your career path or both. Now is the time when you can try on the clothes of your forgotten dreams to see if they still fit.

It is possible. I have met folks who have tried on new roles: a writer, a lay pastor or a Sunday school teacher, a foreman for a Habitat project or a musician in a local bluegrass band, an elected official, or if you have the guts – a junior high teacher; folks who have enjoyed a cruise to Alaska or through the Panama Canal, or who have finally taken that trip to their ancestral homeland. And closer to home, folks who have discovered new dance steps at the Civic, enjoyed a variety of new entertainment at the Community Concerts, digested new ideas from the Center’s Lecture series and sought new ways of personal expression through art classes. It is an attitude of “Let’s give it a try!” and “Why not!” There is nothing you can’t do. (Fortunately, there are many stupid things we no longer want to do.)

And with this new attitude, you realize it is not the dreaded “old age” you have encountered, but a “new age” you have discovered. And even though you may have wanted to just coast through this next stage of your life, it is a time to experience new lands, new talents and new relationships with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

The country western singer John Michael Montgomery sang on his hit album “Life’s a Dance”, “Life’s a dance you learn as you go/ Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow/ Don’t worry about what you don’t know/ Life’s a dance you learn as you go”.
And tonight you can enjoy life and “learn as you go” at the Center by dancing and listening to the popular “The Dufur Boys” from Dufur”. The music starts at 7:00 and everyone is invited. Admission is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

This is the place I usually announce who the speaker will be for next week’s Next Chapter Lecture, but I don’t know yet. But I can say that some of the coming lectures will include Portland’s Chinese Gardens, Genealogy, Railroads and Medicare Part D. All interesting stuff.

Ron Sutherland was the first to answer last week’s question correctly. The answer was “The $64000 Question” which was the #1 show in 1955- 1956 before it was dropped in 1958. (Not to be confused with “Twenty One” and the famous Charles Van Doren scandal.) This week’s question is from the Category Movie Quotes for one free breakfast, “What movie had the famous line “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.”? (And has it really been 42 years since I saw that movie?)

Next Monday and Tuesday seasonal flu shots will be available at the Center from 11:00 – 2:00. And I finally found out the difference between the bird flu and the swine flu. For the bird flu you use a “tweatment” and the swine flu you use an “oinktment”. (I hope that joke – or should I say groaner – doesn’t ruin your day.)

And on that fine note, it is time to close up and call it a day. Until we meet again, Jan Chittister author of “The Gift of Years” suggests that “Growth in old age requires the curiosity of a five year old and the confidence of a teenager”.

Does age poison us, or do we poison age? ~Astrid Alauda

“The Flu is coming! The Flu is coming!” is being shouted across the country and as we know from this summer’s outbreak at the Young Life youth camp at the Big Muddy, it can happen here in Wasco County. And it is serious. With the new kid on the block, the H1N1 strain of flu (formally known as the Swine Flu to the ire of the pork industry), there are concerns the flu could affect 20% to 40% of the work force during this flu season.

But the H1N1 seems no more dangerous than the seasonal flu and it is hard to tell the two apart since both have similar symptoms: fever, more painful body aches, dry cough, diarrhea and severe fatigue. But the steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting either one are the same.

The first step is to get your seasonal flu shot. Folks over 65 are at risk for complications from the seasonal flu and need to get the seasonal flu vaccine – sooner than later. Flu shots provided by MCMC’s Occupational Health will be available at the Center on Monday, October 5th and Tuesday October 6th from 11 – 2 PM (upstairs and no appointments are necessary). And the seasonal flu vaccines are already available at the local pharmacies.

For folks over 65, the H1N1 vaccine is a different story. Older adults over 64 are not encouraged to get the H1N1 vaccine unless they are a caregiver for those at risk. The theory is that seniors have developed immunity to the H1N1 because of their life experience. (You see there is an advantage to being older.) For those who are at greatest risk, children and young adults from six months to twenty five years old, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, the vaccine will be available through local clinics starting in October.

But the first line of defense is prevention: wash your hands often including before and after touching your face, cover your sneeze or cough but not with your hands (cough into your elbow). And if you use a tissue, throw it away immediately and then wash your hands or use an alcohol based hand cleaner.

As this flu season progresses, you can find the latest information at www.flu.oregon.gov.

Find yourself a partner and whether you want to lead or follow, enjoy the sounds at the Center’s Tuesday Night Music with the Jazz Generations playing tonight and The Dufur Boys playing next Tuesday the 29th starting at 7:00 PM. But there’s more! There are free family dances at the Civic on the next two Thursdays from 7 to 9 PM. And this coming Sunday is the Center’s turn to host the Jammers – picking and singing from 2 – 5 pm.

The Next Chapter Lecture Series at 11:00 on Tuesday the 29th will be “What everyone should know about Mammograms” plus an update on MCMC’s new Digital Mammography which has been a tremendous addition to the community. The speaker will be long time MCMC Mammography Technician, Debra Myers.

The first correct response to last week’s “Remember When” question was from Don McKinney who identified Dan Fouts as the University of Oregon quarterback who in 1970 threw the winning pass in a three-touchdown rally at UCLA. And now back to the category” TV in the Fifties” for a free breakfast at the Center on October 17th. What was the top-rated TV show that two years after knocking “I Love Lucy” out of the number one spot was canceled because of scandals? Call the Center at 296-4788 with your answer or email it to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com

That’s it for another week. Until we meet again, cover your head when it rains, your hands when it’s cold, and your mouth when you cough.

“If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is put down the shovel”. The old farmer from Fossil

Are you a right brainer: random, intuitive and subjective? Or are you a left brainer: logical, rational and analytical? Or are you in that third category: a no brainer – you lost your mind years ago and haven’t been able to find it since? At the Center we provide opportunities for all types of “brainers”.

For the right brainers, the Center is again offering the “Yes, You Can Draw!” class taught by Nancy Russell returning this Thursday, the 17th, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. The drawing class is for beginners and not-so-beginners and the cost is a suggested donation of only $2 per session plus the cost of some minimal supplies. Nancy has taught at Portland Community College and enjoys encouraging folks who are new to the world of drawing and are looking for a low stress environment to explore their creative side. (And The Dalles Art Center offers various classes with a 6 week beginners drawing class starting this Wednesday, the 16th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Call 296-4759 or wwwthedallesartcenter.org for more information.)

And for the left brainers who are more interested in how it works than how it makes you feel, the Center is starting the “Geezer Geeks”. This is less a class and more a club where men and women (Are there geezer women?), the curious and the enthusiast can discuss and share what they have learned about computers, the Internet and other technological advances. What is Skype, Hulu or Google Voice? The first group meeting this Friday 11:00 – 12:00 downstairs in the computer lab.

With all the recent news about the flu, the Center has scheduled flu shots on Monday, October 5 and Tuesday, October 6th from 11 – 2 pm. The shots will be administered by MCMC’s Occupational Health department and will be upstairs this year. And this Wednesday at 11:00, Mary Catherine Clites of the public health department will discuss this season’s flu outlook and what you can do to protect yourself.

Tonight at the Center’s Tuesday Night Music, Truman Boler’s one-man Country Gold is performing and next week the Jazz Generations will be playing dance music of the big band era and more. Admission is always free but donations are warmly accepted.

The Next Chapter Lecture series is back and next Tuesday at 11:00, Lynette Black from OSU Extension Wasco County will discuss how you can prepare for any possible emergency particularly focusing on the needs of folks 60+. I don’t imagine we will have too many hurricanes or tornadoes in these parts, but there is always the possibility of power outages, fires and snow events. And as the Scouts say, “Be Prepared”.

Another month has passed and it’s that time again to enjoy a Saturday breakfast at the Center. The Center will open at 8:00 and serve until 9:30 for the late risers. This month’s delicious breakfast includes flapjacks, bacon, fruit and your favorite beverages. Enjoy good food, meet and chat with friends, old and new, and help support the Center. And as Jack always said, “Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it”.

We had the great response to last week’s question. And the winner was Ron Sutherland who correctly answered the last time Oregon State played in the Rose bowl was 1965 under coach Tommy Prothro. (I shouldn’t, but I will, remind my beaver friends that Oregon’s most recent trip to the Rose Bowl was in 1995). Continuing with the football theme, Who threw the winning pass in what many consider the most exciting football game in University of Oregon history, a three-touchdown rally at UCLA? To win a free breakfast this Saturday, be the first to call in your answer to 296-4788 or email it to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Well another day, another quarter. Until we meet again, as you follow your path, keep your head up but don’t trip over any of those darn rocks you often find in the way.

“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.” old farmer from Fossil

Sometimes you just make it work. Because Monday was Labor Day, I had to submit this column last Thursday four days ago and only three days after I wrote last week’s column. And three days isn’t enough time to recharge my creative juices which is always tough because I am lucky to think of one good idea a month. (A big thank-you to all who have sent me suggestions for this column: Jean, Joann, Alex, Lyn and many others.)

So I thought I would fall back and punt (it is the season for football metaphors) by starting a new Labor Day tradition: listing all the activities offered at the Center for this coming year. So roll the tape and let the show begin.

Entertainment:
Wii Bowling – Mondays 6:30; Tuesday Night Music – Tuesdays 7:00; Pool – Wednesdays 1:00; Movie Night – Wednesdays 6:00; Meals-on-Wheels Bingo – Thursdays 6:00; Learn the Wii – Fridays 10:00; Line Dancing – Fridays 6:00 (starting in October); Senior Center Bingo – Saturdays 6:00; Saturday Breakfast – 3rd Saturdays 8:00 – 9:30; Jam and Pie Social – 4th Sundays 2:00 – 5;00

Exercise/Movement
Seniorcise – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9:15 – 10:00; Yoga – Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 – 10:30; Tai Chi – Tuesdays 1:00 – 1:45 (Starting 9/22); Tap and Clogging – Thursdays 10:00 – 12:00; Bike Rides Thursdays 11:00 (Starting 9/17); Strong Woman – TBA;

Education
Brain Fitness – Mondays 1:00 – 2:00 (starting 9/14); Next Chapter Lecture Series – Tuesdays 11:00 AM (starting 9/15); Great Decisions – (starting in March ’10); AARP Drive Safety – 3rd Mondays and Tuesdays 9:00 – 1:00;

Creative and Performing Arts
Quilters – Mondays 10:00 – 3:00; Yes, You can Draw! – Thursdays for four weeks 2:00 – 4:00 (call for starting date); Serenaders – Wednesdays 10:30 – 12:00 (starting ?);

Technology
Computer Class (4 week classes) – Wednesday 10:00 or Thursday 1:00; Computer Help Lab – Tuesdays 1:45 – 3:00; Computer “How To” Fridays 11:00

Cards
Pinochle – Thursdays 1:00 – 3:30 and Fridays 6:00 – 9:00; Bridge – Fridays 1:00-4:00; Cribbage and Coffee – Saturdays 9:00 – 12:00

Health
Blood Pressure Checks (Public Health) – 4th Mondays 10:30- 12:00; Health Info (Planetree) – 2nd Mondays 10:30- 12:00; Foot Care – 1st Fridays (By appointment)

Nutrition
Noon meal – every Monday through Friday provided by Meals-on-Wheels

Now tape this list to your refrigerator door. And then stop in and take advantage of these many activities. It will do you good.

Quick Reminders: Tonight for Tuesday Night music at 7 PM, the Sugar Daddies are playing and next Tuesday it will be Truman Boler bringing his one-man band to the Center. And Skip Tschanz will be our first speaker for the lecture series resuming on Tuesday September 15th at 11:00 AM.

Last week’s question was a tough one with only one correct answer called in by Katie Wonder. The names of the horses were: Gene Autry – Champion, Roy Rogers – Trigger, Dale Evans – Buttermilk, Lone Ranger – Silver, Tonto – Scout, and Tom Mix – Tony. And now one for the guys. Since the college football season has just started, what was the year of Oregon State’s most recent trip to the Rose Bowl and who was the coach? First correct answer wins a free breakfast at the Center on September 19th. Call 296-4788 or email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

I know I cheated this week, but I hope you will let me slide this one time. Until we meet again, here is a quote sent my way by Jean Hockman.

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

How many times have I joked about forgetting things? More than you can remember, right? But sometimes it hits a little too close to home.

Last month I needed to open up the Center at 6 AM to prepare for the Saturday Breakfast. Knowing that there would be breakfast, but not right away, I brought a banana to tide me over. I got busy and around 8:00 AM when I realized I wasn’t going to eat till later, I looked but couldn’t find my banana. How many times have we all done that? Where did I put the keys, my sun glasses, my pants?? I looked everywhere – I knew I hadn’t eaten it. I would have remembered that – and again I looked everywhere. Knowing the banana would eventually wonder back, I went back to my desk to finish some work. Then for some reason, I inadvertently looked in the waste basket, and behold, there was the banana peel. I had eaten it after all! And I had no recollection. Somebody needs help!

I figure and hope – misery loves company- I am not the only one afflicted (too many balls juggling in my head?). So for those of you concerned about your memory and brain health, the Center has an answer: a Brain Fitness class starting September 14th at 1:00 PM – right after lunch and before the afternoon power nap – which will last about an hour or until our synapses stop snapping.

We will discuss a holistic approach to maintaining brain fitness including exercise (what is good for your heart is good for your brain), stress reduction, good nutrition, volunteering and novelty. But the primary focus is to have fun doing challenging activities and puzzles while giving the many parts of your grey matter a little work out. To register for the class call 296-4788 or email the Center at mcseniorcenter@gmail.com. Don’t forget.

Meals-on-Wheels does more than just serve meals for folks 60+ (and anyone else who would like a delicious, healthy meal). They were also on duty last Friday night at the Center preparing over 250 individual meals in their kitchen for the Red Cross to serve the Mosier residents displaced by the Microwave fire. It was inspiring seeing the Meals-on-Wheels volunteers pull together within an hour’s notice to respond to the emergency. They deserve a big warm thank-you as do all the other volunteers and firemen who helped protect the community of Mosier.

Boyd Jacobsen has scheduled another great line-up of musicians in September for the Center’s Tuesday Night Music. The Cherry Park Band will be playing tonight, Sugar Daddies on the 8th, Truman Boler on the 15th, Jazz Generations on the 22nd and the Dufur Boys on the fifth Tuesday of the month. The dancing starts at 7:00 and the cost is zip, but donations are appreciated. And everyone – from “purple people eaters” to seventh graders who often act like they’re from another planet – is welcome.

Dobie Gillis’s partner-in-crime was Maynard G. Krebs (befitting the character, the G stood for Walter), and the winner was Sandy “Stitch Niche” Haechrel (who is donating the free breakfast to one of the regulars). This week’s “Remember When” question is a little different. What were the names of the horses rode by the following movie cowboys: Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Tom Mix? Any person who calls in or emails all the correct answers by midnight tonight (Tuesday) will receive a free Center breakfast on Saturday September 19th.

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend – no Bingo on Saturday and the Center will be closed Monday. Until we meet again, keep your eye on the prize and don’t forget the banana!

“Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.” Robert J. Sawyer
Or as the old farmer from Fossil once said “Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.”

Most activities you can do by yourself: running or walking, playing a game of solitaire, reading a book or singing in the shower. I imagine you could even dance by yourself – no broken toes – although you may look a little strange.

But to age well (like a fine wine!) it is best to participate in activities with others, particularly at an age when isolation can be a real concern. The benefits are many: the sharing of ideas and thoughts, stories and experiences, and jokes and anecdotes. And there is also that darn peer pressure to show up – even when you’re too tired or lack the motivation.

The Center is all about doing things together. You can join one of the Center’s exercise classes: Seniorcise, Yoga, Tai Chi, Tap and Clogging. Or take advantage of the entertainment opportunities with music, movies and trips. And if you want more cerebral stimulation how about pinochle, bridge and cribbage or the Next Chapter Lecture series. All are opportunities to join with others to share and enjoy life. The new and returning classes are starting soon, so call the Center for more information or check the Center’s Blog at midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com.

For Wednesday Night Movies we are switching genres from screwball comedies to the grand American tradition: the Western. On the bill this Wednesday is the 1956 classic “The Searchers” starring John Wayne and directed by John Ford. It is the story of Ethan Edwards, a middle-aged Civil War veteran portrayed by John Wayne, who spends years looking for his abducted niece. It is considered by many as the best western ever filmed and hopefully that means entertaining too. The show starts at 6:00 pm and there will be free popcorn.

Tonight at the Center the Jazz Generations, a four piece combo composed of Hank and Ann Krum, Bob Fiske and David Fretz will be playing the big band sounds of the thirties through sixties starting at 7:00 PM. And this weekend there will be a “Music in the Park” Jam in Klickitat on Saturday the 29th starting at 7 pm. It may be a little drive from The Dalles but I hear it is a nice outdoor venue to enjoy fine music.

It has been a while since I put in a plug for Bingo, but now that summer is about over why don’t you come down to the Center Saturday night (early birds start at 6:00) and enjoy this great American pastime – there is no better thrill than yelling BINGO!. If you haven’t played since grade school come a little early to find out how the modern game is played. And if Saturday doesn’t fit your weekend schedule, there is Thursday Night bingo which supports Meals-on-Wheels and the good work they do.

The answer to last week’s question was the Hindenburg disaster that occurred on Thursday May 6th 1937 at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station and Don McAllister was the week’s winner of a free Saturday Breakfast at the Center on September 19th. But since it is not as much fun reminiscing about disasters as it is the radio and TV shows we use to enjoy, this week’s category is “TV shows of the 50’s -60’s”. What was the full name of Dobie Gillis’s side kick and American television first beatnik? Call the Center 296-4788 or email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

The other day I saw Bob Koch, noted local photographer, and he mentioned how he attended his fifty-year high school reunion to see his high school classmates, but was disappointed because only their parents showed up. Has anyone else had that experience? And should I expect the same at my next high school reunion?

Well that’s another day. Until we meet again, make sure you play well together.

“I would never belong to a group that would accept someone like me as a member.” Groucho Marx

Am I nuts or do I feel “autumn” is in the air? Or maybe it’s just wishful thinking.

But soon it will be autumn and because either I use to teach or was a student too long, autumn always reminds me of starting anew: new clothes, new classes, and meeting new and old friends.

Although we no longer need to go to school – we no longer need a piece of paper for our career advancement – we can continue learning. And it is such a kick to learn something new: a new language (Japanese anyone?), creative writing or how about another try at algebra? But it can also be a simpler task we learn: using chop sticks, creating formulas on an excel spreadsheet or learning to play the Wii. The educator Mortimer Adler once said “The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.”

There are so many avenues to discover new information and gain new insights: from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and The Dalles Art Center to the History Channel on cable TV; from Columbia Gorge Community College and the Planetree Health Resource Center to your church’s bible study or reading the Economist – or just opening your eyes as if you were a new born child.

The Center can be another source for your life exploration. You can choose from the “tried and true” classes including the Seniorcise, Yoga, Tap and Clogging and the AARP Driver Safety Class, and activities such as Pinochle, Bridge, and the Quilters. In September, the Center will resume the Next Chapter Lecture series, the Computer Basics Class and the popular Computer Help Lab; plus Tai Chi with Corliss Marsh as well as “Yes, You can Draw!” with Nancy Russell. And this is just a sample of the many classes and activities the Center offers.

But every year we want to add new opportunities. We will start offering a weekly “Computer How-To” discussion group to share our knowledge about various topics – from how to download pictures to how to use social networks such as Facebook. We will also start a Brain Fitness class to help keep our brains stimulated while replacing those cobwebs upstairs with snappy neurons.

And if there is any knowledge, skill or hobby you would like to share with others – and you don’t have to have a degree – give the Center a call. We can make something happen.

A couple of quick reminders. Meals on Wheels will be assisting the local firemen’s MDA Sunday Brunch fundraiser at the Center this coming Sunday, August 23rd from 10:00 – 1:00. Enjoy fine food for a good cause. And then stay a little longer and listen and dance to the Jammers at the Center’s Pie and Jam Social from 2 – 5pm.

Tonight at the Center, the Hardshell Harmony will be performing there jaw-dropping, toe-tapping bluegrass sounds. And next week the Jazz Generations will be back to play their big band sounds. Everybody is welcome and the music is free, but since nothing else is, donations are greatly appreciated.

The winner of last week’s “Remember When” question was Alex Currie, with a little help from his son, who called in the correct answer, WC Fields. We now switch to a new category “Current Events – from the Past” for one free breakfast on Saturday September 19th. The question is “What famous disaster occurred at Lakehurst Naval Air Station on Thursday, May 6th, 1937”? Call 296-4788 or email to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Until we meet again, remember what your teacher always use to tell you, “Pay attention!”

“No matter how one may think himself accomplished, when he sets out to learn a new language, science, or the bicycle, he has entered a new realm as truly as if he were a child newly born into the world.” Francis Willard author of “How I learned to Ride the Bicycle”