Aging Well in the Gorge ~ October 25th, 2023

It’s that time of the year: falling leaves, cooler mornings, and football hysteria! But it’s also time for my annual reminder about Medicare’s Open Enrollment that continues through December 7th.

Since each year the insurance companies can adjust their Medicare plans, the Open Enrollment period gives you an opportunity to decide if your Medicare plan is still the best option for you or if it’s time to switch to another plan – or even if your plan is still available: the Elixir Prescription Drug Plan will no longer be available in Oregon.

To help decide, first take time to review your plan’s “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) which you should have received in September. It describes any changes to your current plan for next year. Then ask yourself the big three Medicare questions.

1.) Does my plan allow me to go to the providers I want, including my pharmacy?

2.) Are my prescription drugs covered?

3.) How much does the plan cost?

Good advice, but do you? If you don’t, you’re not alone. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 57 percent of Medicare recipients didn’t review or compare their coverage options annually – probably because they find it frustrating, perplexing, and downright confusing!

This year take time to carefully review your plan and the changes; and if you’re satisfied with your current plan, you don’t need to do anything.

But if you aren’t satisfied with the changes, or if you’ve avoided the hassle of comparing plans over the past several years – there are now plans with a $0 premium – there are several ways you can compare plans in your county.

You can visit “www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan” and use the Medicare Plan Finder; study the Medicare & You handbook you received in the mail; call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) where help is available 24/7. In Oregon, you can also visit the Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) website.

If you’d rather talk to someone face-to-face, you can meet with a private insurance broker who specializes in Medicare, or you can schedule an appointment with a trained impartial SHIBA volunteer counselor who will help you navigate your way through the Medicare maze. To schedule an appointment with a SHIBA counselor in Oregon call 541-288-8341, in Goldendale 509-773-3757, in White Salmon 509-493-3068, and for the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington in Stevenson call 509-427-3990.

It’s important to understand your Medicare options: Original Medicare, Advantage Plans, Medigap, and prescription drug plans, so you can make informed decisions – both for your health and your pocketbook.

Brain Tease from the website Brain Health and Puzzles.

To exercise your brain and help you with your creativity and imagination try visualization. With your eyes shut, visualize moving from room to room in your home while picturing every piece of furniture, and every step you take avoiding chairs and tables. But don’t trip!

Last week’s Brain Tease answer was ship, but as Kathy Bullock pointed out it could also have been rainbow.

The common name for this easy-to-remember melody that even non-piano players could play was chopsticks. I received correct answers from Kathy Bullock, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Linda Frizzell, Maria Kollas, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Bruce Johnson, Lana Tepfer, who wondered why kids played it so LOUD, and Chuck Rice this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Nancy Higgins.

The Baseball World Series starts Friday, and one of my fond memories was when my fifth-grade teacher allowed us to listen to the World Series during class. I can’t remember who played in that World Series, but there is one Series that sticks in the minds of most baseball fans.

For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the “Amazin” baseball team that won the 1969 World Series in their eighth year of existence and accomplished one of the greatest upsets in Series history? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with a Topps baseball card featuring Donn Clendenon – but you can keep the stick of gum!

Well, it’s been another week, dodging falling bricks. Until we meet again, keep your eyes on the sky and your feet on the ground.

“I must be getting absent-minded. Whenever I complain things aren’t what they used to be, I always forget to include myself.” George Burns

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Aging Well in the Gorge ~ October 18th, 2023

Recently, I attended a Portland Thorns soccer game at Providence Park, and as usual, I purchased cheap seats near the last row in the top deck. As my wife and I climbed the steps to row S, to my horror, the handrail, my life support for climbing any steps, ended at row L!

It wasn’t too difficult climbing up because if needed, I could crawl up the steps like an infant in diapers. But trying to go down the steps among a crowd of soccer fans rushing for food during half-time was a different story.

Being unsure of my balance and fearing I would trip, I awkwardly climbed down the steps grasping my wife’s shoulder, ignoring my bruised male ego, because as our parents always told us, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

However, that experience reminded me of the importance of balance and how I need to start doing balance exercises to train my brain so I can stay vertical.

If you decide to start, here are three of the many balance exercises recommended by WebMD. And as with any exercise, don’t try to do too much at once, and if you experience any pain, talk with your doctor before continuing.

Single Leg Balance – repeat three times.

Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Step 2: Extend your arms out to the sides and slowly lift your right knee off the floor.

Step 3: Straighten your leg out in front of you, hold that position for 30 seconds, and relax.

Tree Pose – repeat three times.

Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding one hand to your chest and the other on a chair. You can also rest both hands on your chest if you feel comfortable doing so.

Step 2: Now raise your right leg straight up, turning your foot inward as you do. Gently rest the sole of your right foot against the side of your left thigh.

Step 3: Hold this position for at least 30 seconds, or longer if you can.

Tightrope Walk – once a day.

Step 1: Pick a destination to walk toward.

Step 2: Like walking a tightrope, extend your arms out to the sides and start walking slowly, being careful to keep your feet on the line at all times.

Step 3: Walk from heel to toe, counting at least five seconds before each step.

There are also other options: Tai Chi, chair yoga, and the very popular Strong People classes. But you can also improvise. Try balancing on one leg while in line to pick up your prescriptions or while waiting for the restroom at a Thorns game (ignore the stares), or while brushing your teeth at home – although your teeth may never get clean!

Starting a routine of balance exercises can improve your well-being. Studies have found that older adults who began a regular balance exercise program improved their ability to move unassisted, reduce falls – and avoid humiliating situations at Providence Park.

Brain Tease: I found today’s brain teaser while doing a New York Times crossword puzzle. (I use the computer version with autocorrect, so don’t get the idea I’m smart!). “What four-letter word has a bow that can never be tied?”

In the movie Psycho, the name of the hotel where Jane Leigh’s character is gruesomely murdered in the terrifying shower scene is Bates Motel. I received correct answers from Ron Nelson, Bruce Johnson, who still gets chills listening to the music, Rebecca Abrams, Doug Nelson, Lana Tepfer who last week I forgot again!, Donna Mollett, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Kathy Bullack, Julie Carter, Rhonda Spies, and this week’s winner of a free raffle ticket, Elaine Kirby.

When learning to play the piano, there was one tune every beginning piano student learned to play. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the common name for this easy-to-remember melody that even non-piano players could play? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with the

famous keyboard-dance scene from the movie Big (1988).

Well, it has been another week, looking for the best in people even when they’re showing their worst. Until we meet again, it’s the little things that make life worth living.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: Ship

2023 Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Today

Our statewide network of SHIBA certified counselors is ready to answer your Medicare questions throughout year and especially during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7.

Medicare Open Enrollment is a great opportunity to check your benefits if you have a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. It’s an opportunity for you to change providers or plans without any additional fees … and maybe save yourself some money!

Medicare can be a confusing subject. That’s why we at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center sponsor a branch of SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance).

SHIBA counselors are Oregon’s free, non-biased Medicare advisory volunteers. They are not associated with any particular type of insurance and do not give recommendations—just information. If you have any questions about your Medicare, you can get in contact with our local SHIBA counselors and talk either over the phone, via email, or in person.

We can also help you with suspected Medicare-related fraud.

Our SHIBA counselors at the MCSC serve Hood River, Gilliam, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties.

Help spread the word by sharing this with your friends and family! For more information visit: SHIBA.oregon.gov or call 800-722-4134 (toll-free). SHIBA services are free and confidential.

Contact Us

Halla Graves

SHIBA Coordinator

541-288-8341

hallagravesshiba@gmail.com

You can find more information about SHIBA and resources about Medicare on the SHIBA state-wide website here.

Sock Hop

WHEN: Friday, October 27th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM

WHERE: 1112 W. 9th Street, The Dalles

WHAT: a fun dance with a DJ playing music from the 50s and 60s – $5 per person at the door!

This is a fundraiser for the MCSC and Relay for Life.

The Bargeway Pub will offer a no-host bar, and Cherry Heights Living will provide finger food.

Raffle prizes available!

Aging Well in the Gorge ~ October 11th, 2023

If you ask anyone what they want, you’ll probably hear, “I just want to be happy.” No wonder. It’s been ingrained in us from the fairy tales where the prince and princess live “happily ever after” to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” in our Declaration of Independence.

To help live a happier and healthier life, for the last seven years October has been celebrated as Gorge Happiness Month – reminding us to practice the “Daily Three”.

Do you remember them?

1.) Gratitudes: Find time each day to list three things for which you are thankful. It could be a good night’s sleep, an absorbing book, or a visit from one of your grandchildren.

2.) Acts of kindness: It can be as simple as picking up a piece of trash, delivering meals, or telling a good joke – or a really bad one. (Why can’t you trust stairs? They’re always up to something.)

3.) Moments of Silence: I find this the hardest. Sit silently for just five minutes every day. Turn off the TV or radio which are often our familiar and constant companions, and just sit still and observe your thoughts and everything around you. 

Happiness is a desirable state of mind, something we all strive for, but should happiness be our ultimate goal? 

That is the question Peter Nathan asks in his article “Is being happy the goal in life?” on the professional social media platform Linkedin.

Besides happiness, Nathan identifies other life goals influenced by your own perspective and life experiences.

Meaning and purpose: focusing on contributing to something greater than yourself. 

Altruism and service: dedicating yourself to helping others and making a positive impact.

Personal growth and development: continual self-improvement by acquiring new skills and challenging yourself.

Balance and harmony: seeking a well-rounded and satisfying life by achieving a sense of balance and harmony across different aspects of your life.

And I might add, taking care of your mind and body – which can be a full-time job!

We don’t always live happily ever after. Life is hard, full of potholes and detours. And although happiness may not be your ultimate goal, whatever it is – whether a life of purpose or just getting out of bed every morning, following the Daily Three will help you be happier and healthier in your life journey.

Brain Tease: Find the missing number in the sequence; 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, ?, 17, 19

The name of the bi-weekly, general-interest magazine that emphasized photos more than articles; and was published from 1937 to 1971 with subscriptions second to only Life magazine was Look magazine. I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Steve Woolpert, Dave Lutgens, Marny Weting, Donna Mollett, Keith Clymer, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Deloris Schrader, Rebecca Abrams, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Bruce Johnson who sent in a picture of Stanley Kubick when he was the youngest photographer in Look magazine’s history at just seventeen years old.  

This reminds me: I have some disappointing news. In September, the Mid-Columbia Senior Center held a Block Party celebrating Senior Center Month. During the event, the quilt raffle drawing was held, and of the more than 50 “Remember When” winners that were entered, no one won! But I promise I’ll keep trying! 

Alfred Hitchcock, the “Master of Suspense”, produced and directed over fifty films including many classics: Northwest by Northwest, Rear Window, and Vertigo. But probably his most memorable film was Psycho – which I’ve never seen because the movie trailer was too frightening!

For this week’s “Remember When” question, in the movie Psycho what was the name of the hotel where Jane Leigh’s character stops for a night and is gruesomely murdered in the terrifying shower scene? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with the recording of the composition of screeching violins, violas, and cellos titled “The Murder”.

Well, it has been another week, looking for a verb in a city of nouns. Until we meet again, keep the flags flying. 

“When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life.” John Lennon

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: 13 because all the numbers in the sequence are prime numbers.

Holiday Bazaar ~ Raffles Open Now!

November 18th, 2023 at 1112 W. 9th Street in The Dalles, we are hosting our annual holiday bazaar

We’re raffling away tickets for this amazing handmade wreath! Stop by the front desk to purchase your tickets for a chance to win the holiday wreath pictured below.

We are also raffling off the two quilts below. Information and tickets available at the front desk any time between now and the bazaar!

2023 Wasco County Ageless Awards

2023 Wasco County Ageless Awards

On Friday, November 17th at 2 p.m., we will be holding the annual Wasco County Ageless Awards at the center.  Nomination ballots will be in the lobby soon and are due by Friday, October 20th.

The qualifications are as follows:

• 75 years or older
• Have made and are still making substantial contributions to their communities
• Serve as models of both the ideal that all communities are intergenerational and that older adults are a significant part of the community fabric

You can also email the above information to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or print off the form here!

Aging Well in the Gorge ~ October 4th, 2023

Last week I wrote about how to avoid scams and fraud, and since we can’t go back to the simpler days of snake-oil salesmen, I thought I’d follow up with a more detailed list of tips from The National Cybersecurity Alliance. You probably already know many of them, but there may be some you’ve forgotten or even some you’ve never thought of. So here goes.

1.) Know the red flags. If anyone contacts you and insists on payment by wire transfer or gift card, it’s a scam. Venmo and Zelle apps are reliable and safe ways to transfer money.

2.) Verify to Clarify. Be suspicious of emails, text messages, or phone calls that create a sense of urgency. Just last week a reader wrote that he had received a phone call from a person claiming to be his grandson who had been injured in an accident. After asking a few questions to verify, the caller hung up.

3.) When in doubt, throw it out. Be wary of clicking on links or downloading anything that comes from a stranger or that you were not expecting.

4.) Keep a clean machine. Keep all software on devices updated. To help, you can configure your device to automatically install updates when available. Besides providing new features, updates also install the latest security updates.

5.) Lock your devices. Always require a passcode to unlock your phone or tablet.

6.) Make a long, unique password. Length is more important than complexity. Create a password at least 12 characters long related to something you’ll remember. How about IL0vetheBeachB0ys! ? (If you use the Google browser, you can check the security settings to see if any of your passwords are compromised and should be changed immediately.)

7.) Own your online presence. Immediately configure the privacy and security settings on any new accounts, downloaded apps, or new devices.

8.) Share with care. Be cautious about how much personal information you provide on social networking sites. And here’s an interesting tip: just because a website asks you for your address or mother’s maiden name, it doesn’t mean you have to answer honestly. So, my mother can be a Rockefeller!

9.) People online aren’t always who they say they are. I’ve received emails from friends that just didn’t seem like something they would send. Instead of responding, I would send a separate email asking if they were trying to contact me.

10.) I don’t think I need to mention online dating – or should I?

Going online or even answering the phone is like driving down I-84. It is risky, but by taking the proper precautions, you can arrive at your destination safely.

BRAIN TEASE: Here is one for the gamblers in the audience. If I flip a coin twenty-five times and each time it comes up heads, would you bet the next coin flip is tails?

The name of the first commercially viable easy-to-use instant camera released in 1972 and invented by American scientist Edwin Land is the Polaroid Land Camera.  I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Rhonda Spies, Bruce Johnson, Dave Lutgens, Donna Mollet, Lana Tepfer, Doug Nelson, Jess Birge, Rose Schulz, and this week’s winners Keith and Marlene Clymer, who may still have one in their garage or attic!

For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the bi-weekly, general-interest magazine that emphasized photos more than articles; and was published from 1937 to 1971 – peaking in 1969 with 7.75 million subscriptions, second to only Life magazine? E-mail your answers to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with a limited-edition photo taken by film director Stanley Kubrick when he was a staff photographer for this magazine.

Well, it has been another week, trying to remember to roll up the windows because I’d forgotten it can rain in The Dalles! Until we meet again, keep the tunes humming, the stories coming and the body moving.

“Worry is like a rockin’ horse. It’s something to do that don’t get you nowhere.” Old West Proverb

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: Most people would say yes. But no matter how many times you get consecutive heads in a coin toss, the next coin has a 50/50 probability of being either heads or tails! This is called the Gambler’s Fallacy which is based on a belief that if a random act happens more frequently than usual, it will become less frequent in the future.

Aging Well in the Gorge ~ September 27th, 2023

Have you ever lost money to a scam and were so embarrassed you didn’t tell anyone or even report it because you felt really stupid?

Well, you weren’t stupid. You were the victim of a sophisticated cybercrime and what you may have been feeling is called “fraud shame” – where people feel it is their fault for being the victim of a cybercrime, even though the real person responsible is the criminal perpetrating it.

As a society, we have a strong tendency to blame the victim of scams and fraud; focusing on something the victim didn’t know or didn’t do rather than focusing on the criminal and the crime. According to an AARP report on victim shaming, the vast majority of Americans (85%) think that fraud can happen to anyone, and yet a majority (53%) also believe that fraud victims are culpable and blameworthy.

But victims don’t intend to send many to criminals. As Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs for AARP points out, “They were trying to help a beloved grandchild get out of trouble, or trying to build generational wealth.”

Fraud shame affects us all. Besides adding insult to injury, fraud shame can cause victims not to report that they were the victim of a crime. Crimes go unreported, criminal activity is not addressed, and we are more at risk.

Although there is the perception older adults are more gullible, scams affect everyone regardless of their age, education, or technological proficiency – but differently.

In 2021, older adults were about five times more likely to report losing money on tech support scams than younger adults; and twice as likely to report losing money on a prize, sweepstakes, or lottery scam. But not surprisingly, younger adults were over four times more likely to report a loss on an investment scam such as bogus cryptocurrency investment schemes than older adults; and five times more likely to lose money on job scams.

So what can we do to fight fraud shame? A couple suggestions.

First, if someone close to you tells you they are the victim of fraud, don’t blame them! Instead, provide support, and help them reach out to the authorities to report the crime.

Second, explain to them how to stay safe online: knowing the different types of cybercrimes such as phishing; using a long, unique password; installing the latest software updates; and using two-step authorization. The National Cybersecurity Alliance at https://staysafeonline.org/resources/ is an excellent source to find tools to stay safe online.

It’s becoming harder to identify scams. (Is my computer really being attacked by a virus? Do I need to call the phone number flashing on my screen? HELP!)  And it’s not going to get any easier with artificial intelligence! But if fewer folks felt ashamed and reported crimes; and more folks knew how to identify and avoid cybercrimes, the Internet would be more secure and safer for all of us.

BRAIN TEASE: An orchestra of 120 players takes 40 minutes to play Beethoven’s 9th symphony. How long would it take 60 players to play the symphony?

The name of the game show where four panelists must determine guests’ occupations by asking only “yes” or “no” questions was What’s My Line. I received correct answers from Elaine Kirby, Carol Earl, Jess Birge, Dave Lutgens, Marny Weting, Donna Mollet, Keith Clymer, Doug Nelson, Pat Evenson-Brady, Rhonda Spies, Diana Weston, Nancy Higgins, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Lana Tepfer whom I forgot the last two weeks! So Lana would have some company, I also missed Bruce Johnson.

I remember this camera when it first came out because you could develop a picture in less than 60 seconds! For this week’s “Remember When Question”, what was the name of the first commercially viable easy-to-use instant camera released in 1972 and invented by American scientist Edwin Land? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or drop it off with the SX-70 model.

Well, it’s been another week, pondering all of life’s intangibles. Until we meet again, you know it’s autumn when the alarm goes off and it’s still dark!

“Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.”  Franklin Jones

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: Eighty minutes is the most common answer, but is still wrong. A song is forty minutes no matter how many people are playing it.

Aging Well in the Gorge ~ September 20th, 2023

How many times have you heard, “You aren’t going to see me at a Senior Center. They are just for “ol”d people!” Maybe you even have thought that. Sadly, they are missing out on all that senior centers have to offer.

There are over 10,000 senior centers across the country responding to the diverse needs and interests in their communities and serving as community focal points for older adults. To encourage more people to visit their local center and celebrate their contributions, September has been proclaimed National Senior Center Month.

So, this month if you haven’t already, take the time to visit your local center and discover what it has to offer. Every senior center is different, but you’ll always find opportunities to make new friends; and enjoy a healthy meal for just a donation – if you’re 60 or older. (Another advantage of getting older!)

You may also find exercise classes: Strong People, Tai Chi, or chair Yoga (same benefits of yoga but I don’t have to struggle to get up off the floor!); live music, and new learning opportunities: Medicare counseling, AARP Smart Driver classes, Senior Planet technology classes, health presentations, and book clubs.

But if you don’t find something you like, start a class! There may be others who like to play your favorite card game (anyone know how to play Euchre?). Or start an art class, a walking club, or share your travel adventures. Many activities at senior centers were started by someone like you.

Senior Centers support healthy aging by providing opportunities for older adults from the frail to the most active to explore new experiences, connect with others, and volunteer. Research has shown that senior center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction, and overall life satisfaction compared to their peers who do not participate in a senior center.

Senior Centers are not just for “old” people. Instead, think of them as a social club, recreational center, learning hub, and cafeteria all offered in one place – and where you’ll find folks who are active, fun-loving, and role models for living gracefully.

If you are a grandparent raising grandchildren, you are particularly encouraged to attend the next “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class which offers caregivers the strategies and tools to better take care of themselves when taking care of others.

The six-week class will be offered virtually on Thursdays, September 28th through November 2nd from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The class is free thanks to the support of the Providence Children’s Health Foundation and their generous donors. To register call 971-415-5349 or email swindells@providence.org

Brain Tease.

When I was looking in the mirror, I tried to read the artists printed on my new Motown t-shirt. It wasn’t easy! See how well you can do reading the mirror images of these seven Motown artists.

ƨɘɿobommoƆ ,ƨɒllɘbnɒV ɘʜƚ bnɒ ɒʜƚɿɒM ,ɘviᖷ noƨʞɔɒႱ ,ƨnoiƚɒƚqmɘT ,ɿɘbnoW ɘivɘƚƧ ,ƨɘmɘɿquƧ ,ƨqoT ɿuoᖷ

L.S./M.F.T. (Lucky Strikes Means Fine Tobacco) was found on a package of Lucky Strike cigarettes.  I received correct answers from Sandy Haechrel, Diana Weston, Doug Nelson, Marny Weting, Dave Lutgens, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Pat Kelly, Ken Jernstedt, Donna Mollet, Anna Bolton, Kim Birge, Rhonda Spies, and Steve Nybroten who’s this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

There were many classic game shows in the 50s and 60s including I’ve Got a Secret (1952 – 1967) hosted by Garry Moore and Groucho Marx’s You Bet Your Life (1950–1961). For this week’s “Remember When Question”, what was the name of the game show where four panelists must determine guests’ occupations by asking only “yes” or “no” questions – and where the question “Is it bigger than a bread box?” was first used by Steve Allen? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or drop it off with a picture of the moderator John Daly and the most frequent panelists: Dorothy Kilgallen, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf, and Hal Block.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to remember where I left off. Until we meet again, as Dick Van Dyke sang in Bye Bye Birdie, “Put on a happy face.”

“That’s the way I look at things – if you focus on the worst-case scenario and it happens, you’ve lived it twice. It sounds like Pollyanna-ish tripe but I’m telling you – it works for me.”   Michael J. Fox

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: The answers are in the mirror.