For the last two weeks I have identified what I thought were the top 10 Senior Center highlights of 2008. But that is the past. It’s done, kaput, over. So what about the future? Will it be as John Sladek predicts “…exactly like the past, only far more expensive”? Or as Dan Quisenberry suggests”… much like the present, only longer”? As I look into my trusty Chrystal Ball I see many exciting opportunities for the Center to help folks explore, connect and contribute so they can live longer and healthier lives.

During 2009 I see a challenging but eventually successful community campaign to expand the Senior Center. The need is great: from the obvious, an indoor elevator, to the more visionary, leased medical office space to increase medical access for seniors.

I see the Center continuing to provide more opportunities for folks to explore their world while discovering new talents and interests. Those opportunities include:

New Creative Writing classes starting this spring. Just this Sunday I learned of two friends who are writing books. One has been working on his for about twenty five years and every year has been promising to finish it by next year. Well, we all have only so many next years, so he is working to fulfill his promise this year. The other friend, a local business person, is working on three books with one being more of a life story for his children and their children. Both instances remind me of the quote from Virginia Woolf:

“Each has his past to shut in him
like the leaves of a book
known to him by heart
and his friends can only read the title.”

Opportunities to learn about the brain and brain fitness. There is continuing research that shows that “aging does NOT always lead to a pronounced decline and loss of cognitive ability”. And there are steps you can take to keep your brain healthy and fit including eating well, volunteering, engaging in new activities, playing word games, exercising, journal writing and connecting with friends and family.

Expanding the Computer Lab by starting monthly presentations on specific topics such as how to use your computer to download and store pictures, video conference with your kids and grandkids and watch movies and TV shows.

Discussions about global issues. The Center is hosting a Great Decisions group that will start meeting monthly on January 28th. Great Decisions is “a nation-wide program of the Foreign Policy Association to broaden public involvement with the most important foreign policy topics facing the U.S” and provides accurate and unbiased analysis about eight different global issues from Cuba to the Global Food Production.

If any of these opportunities intrigue you or you would like more information call the Center at 296-4788 or email me at smckay1948@gmail.com.

On Tuesday the 20th the Gorge Strings will be performing. I had erroneously announced that it was the Gorge Winds, which I hoped did not panic too many of their members. The Gorge Strings is a little different than our regular fare, so it should be a real treat. And tonight our loyal second Tuesday performers, the Notecrackers, will be playing for your dancing pleasure. Admission is always free although donations are appreciated. Everybody is welcome.

Jerry Tanquist reminded me that the Next Chapter Lecture this coming Tuesday falls on Inauguration Day. He and I imagine many, many others will be watching this historical, once in a lifetime event. So we have decided to postpone Jerry’s presentation on the “The Deschutes River Railroad Race” until March 10th. Instead I will find some way to show the Inauguration at the Center in case you want to come over and watch. I believe the swearing in is at 8:30 our time.

And also on Tuesday starting on the 20^th at 2:15 is the second installment of the “Yes, You can Draw” class taught by Nancy Russell. Call the Center to sign up.

Last month’s AARP Driver Safety Class was canceled because the snow kept most everyone in doors and off the roads which was probably a good thing. But the January class will be next week on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 – 1:00. Dennis Davis (I keep wanting to call him Dennis Day – I wonder what that says about my age.) has done an outstanding job replacing Dick Frost. If you feel January is a little anti-climatic and you need something to perk the month up, this class just might be the answer. Don’t hesitate to call the Center at 296-4788 to sign up.

Unfortunately, we missed last month’s Saturday Breakfast because of the white blanket of snow that covered everything. So we are looking forward for the pent up demand to explode this coming Saturday morning. This month’s menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit and the regular beverages. It is a team effort that makes the breakfast possible. Bonnie is the head cook, with Edna planning, Sandy washing, Jerry pouring and the Boy Scout Troop #395 busing the tables. The breakfast is for the whole community and is open to all ages. And as we always say “Breakfast always tastes better when someone else cooks it!”

As with most all non-profits, volunteer help is critical to the success of the Center. One Center activity that provides over 15 % of our revenue is Saturday Night Bingo. Every Saturday, Lyn and Jann Dalton arrive around 4:00 and seldom leave before 9:30 to make sure the show goes on. Lyn is the Bingo caller and Jann has the critical job of selling the bingo cards. Together they work hard to make sure everyone has a good time playing this grand American pastime. So a big thanks for their contribution and loyal support of the Senior Center. And they would like to thank all the bingo players who show up every Saturday Night to play and support the Senior Center. Unfortunately they have yet to figure out a way to persuade the IRS to count your bingo expenses (donations?) as a tax deduction.

Well that is another week. Until the next time, keep looking ahead, because as George Burns once said “Look to the future, because that is where you’ll spend the rest of your life.”

2008 was a good year. And last week I was only able to get half way through my reflections on last year’s Top Ten Senior Center highlights. So with speed and haste, the rest of the story.

5. The Computer Lab – There is a vast range of computer literacy among older adults. Some seniors use the Internet to play bridge with partners all over the world or video conference with their kids, while other seniors have no idea what a mouse is. (It is not the furry little creature that scurries under your cupboards). You may be one of many seniors who had no desire to learn about computers, until that fateful conversation when your kids informed you they are going to do you a favor and start sending pictures of the grandkids by E-MAIL! “Mom it’s really easy! And it’s so convenient.” “Convenient for who?” you thought and immediately wondered where you could learn to use these evil alien devices that your children find so indispensible. Fortunately we have three excellent teachers who know all about computers and have the patience to work with beginners. The Help Lab is available on most Tuesdays from 1:45 – 3:00 and the Basic Computer classes will start again in February. And thanks again to Rhett Mullins, now a TDWHS sophomore, and Google for making the lab possible.

4. Network on Aging – Over the years we have enjoyed strong, collaborative relationships with many partners. As a result the Area Agency on Aging, Hospice of the Gorge, Columbia Basin Care Facility and the Senior Center worked together to establish the Network on Aging: an association of providers that meets monthly to network, educate and advocate in order to better support seniors. One immediate result of this network was the Center’s collaboration with Visiting Health Services expanding the Center’s Loan Closet. With their professional help and the Center’s ability to store and obtain used equipment, the Center is now able to lend more equipment including shower seats, commodes, safety rails for beds, and grab bars as well as wheelchairs and walkers.

3. The Community Campaign for the Center Expansion- The Center has been planning this effort for over a year and the preliminary work has been completed. With the help of Design Structures we have basic architectural plans with a realistic cost estimate, with the help of the City of The Dalles we have Planning Commission approval, with the help of Columbia Gorge Community College we have a business plan and with the help of the Mid-Columbia Medical Center we have the brochures for the capital campaign. Like the United Seniors 25 years ago we are committed and excited about completing the Senior Center Expansion. It will meet the needs for the future and fulfill the dreams of the past by providing more opportunities for older adults to explore their world, connect with friends and contribute to their communities, so they can live longer and healthier lives.

2. The volunteers – The strength of any organization is its volunteers. At the Center we have committed and caring volunteers who do all kinds of large and small tasks: managing the bookkeeping, running Bingo, operating the NU-2-U shop, serving on the board, moving tables, opening the building, shoveling snow, answering the phones, and correcting the mistakes in my column. Volunteers contribute over a hundred hours a week, equivalent to 2 1/2 full time employees to support the Center.

1. All the folks who walk through the doors of the Senior Center. Every year we see new faces come and unfortunately we also see some old faces go. When you first walk into the Center you may see worn carpet, old chairs and cracked tiles, but soon those images are replaced by the kindness, the humor and the wisdom (and at times pettiness and stubbornness) that is shared. The Center is more than a building. Ultimately, the Center is about the stories we share, the people we meet and the relationships we build

This Thursday at 1:00 the monthly Healthy Aging class will be held in the basement of the Senior Center. Fern Wilcox thought during the cold dreary month of January; after all the holiday mirth festivities, it might be appropriate to lighten things up and talk about laughter: the physical, mental and social benefits, how humor differs with age, and ways to find humor in your life. To prepare you for the class I want to share an April Fools’ puzzler I found in Reader’s Digest from several years back where you are challenged to connect the comedian – Steve Martin, Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld, Lily Tomlin, or Rodney Dangerfield – with the joke they have told. Make your best guesses but the answers will only be available at the class.

1. “First the doctor told me the good news: I was going to have a disease named after me.”
2. “My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 now, and we don’t know where the hell she is.”
3. “I am so busy doing nothing…that the idea of doing anything – which as you know, always leads to something – cuts into the nothing and then forces me to have to drop everything.”
4. “I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.”
5. “I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous. Everyone hasn’t met me yet.”

Next Tuesday Night starting a 7:00, the Notecrackers will be performing for your dancing and listening pleasure. And tonight Harold and Friends will be playing good old country music. All ages are welcome and the music is free although donations are appreciated to help keep the musicians fed and the lights on.

The Next Chapter Lecture series is back in play. Tuesday the 13th at 11:00, Dana Schmidling will be at the Center to discuss The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce and all they do to promote area businesses and local tourism.

That is another page in the book of life. So until the next time, find something that makes you laugh because as that famous raconteur “anonymous” once said “He who laughs, lasts.”

It shows the kind of weather we have had when you are glad to see pouring rain and a temperature of 36 degrees. But the rain sure looks better than more snow. I hope your Christmas was all you had wanted. Several of the traditions of my family were interrupted by the snow: we weren’t able to drive about town to see houses decorated with Christmas lights and the Christmas Eve service was cancelled. But it was nice to have all the children home which is what really counts.

Last year I was able to take a break from the weekly column because both Christmas and New Years fell on Tuesdays. And I thought about doing the same this year. But I know a lot of readers would miss this column – not because of my fine writing or pithy insights – but because they want to know what Meals-on-Wheels is serving for lunch.

So besides including the lunch menu, I thought I would use this end-of-the-year column to follow the common practice of reviewing 2008 and announce the top ten highlights for the Senior Center. There is one problem: I haven’t been able to reduce the list to fit in this week’s column. So I am afraid you will have to endure two weeks of highlights or you can just skip down to the Meals-on-Wheels menu.

So for those who are still with me, a drum roll please for the first five Senior Center highlights for the year 2008.

10. Tuesday Night Music – I included the music program because of the quality of music that Boyd Jacobsen schedules every month including monthly performances by the “Notecrackers” and the “Jazz Generations”. Every week you will find couples in their fifties to centenarians dancing the night away. But this year we added a new twist. The Dallesport Jammers, who perform on Sunday afternoons throughout the Mid-Columbia area, are now performing at the Center on every fifth Sunday. A performance of the Jammers is like a musical potluck: you don’t know who’s bringing what but you know it’s going to be good.

9 “Tough Talk” with Lee Paton – From the “Let’s Talk” positive aging discussion series facilitated by Lucille Torgerson and Kathleen Flynn, evolved a half-day workshop called “Tough Talk” lead by Lee Paton. It focused on identifying the major stumbling blocks to having effective and loving conversations between parents and their adult children on how to cope with the challenges of aging. These conversations are difficult and seldom occur because of feelings of guilt, shame, and frustration. But these conversations are important and necessary, and we are hoping to sponsor another “Tough Talk” workshop in 2009.

8. The Next Chapter Lecture Series – In its second year, this series continues to provide excellent speakers discussing a whole array of subjects from proper nutrition to financial health, from the history of the Cherry Industry to the history of the Great Southern Railroad and from knees to hearts. We particularly appreciate Joyce Powell Morin at MCMC for providing a speaker a month to discuss important health related topics that affect older adults.

7. “Yes, You Can Draw! – We have several classes focusing on the performing arts including the “Young at Heart” Serenaders and the “Tap and Clogging” class, but over this last year I have learned more about the value of the creative arts in healthy aging. Consequently, I have been looking for the right opportunity to introduce at least one creative arts class where folks can stimulate their creative juices. That opportunity came along when Nancy Russell stepped forward to teach a drawing class for beginners called “Yes You can Draw!”. It was so successful we are going to repeat the class starting January 20th.

6. The Wii – In January last year, we acquired our first Nintendo Wii and we haven’t looked back. We now have a Monday Bowling Night starting at 6:30 and bowling practice before or after lunch on Thursdays and Fridays or when ever Earl sets it up. A group also meets every Friday at 10:00 in the basement to learn how to play the other Wii games including Tennis, Golf and Skiing. And they are always looking for more folks to join them.

2008 was a good year as the Center worked to fulfill its mission of “promoting healthy aging by sharing and caring”. It takes all kinds of folks to make it happen and we will talk more about that next week when I list the top five highlights.

Although it is another slow week for activities, the Center will get back into the swing of things by celebrating the New Year this coming Saturday with the “Beginning of the New Year” Bingo Party. Lyn and Jann Dalton have planned an evening of food, special prizes and an array of Bingo games for only a $20 buy-in. Everyone had a great time last year and we would like to invite you to join the fun starting at 6:00 pm and enjoy a special night of Bingo. All ages are welcome.

There is no music scheduled for tonight at the Center, but next Tuesday we will start off the new year with a crowd favorite: Harold and Friends. The music always starts at 7:00 PM and the evening is free but donations are always appreciated. To give you a heads up the musical card for the rest of the month includes the “Notecrackers” on the 10th, the “Gorge Winds” on the 17th and the “Jazz Generations” on the 24th.

One thing I am reminded from last week’s weather “event” is instead of wishing things were different or wishing we were somewhere else (like in Arizona with Pete and Eva), it is best to appreciate the benefits it provided: the opportunity to watch endless Portland weather and road reports, the time to read a good book or two or three, and the chance to eat the cupboard bare until you can finally get to the grocery store.

So until we meet again, embrace and relish the unexpected, because “Happiness often sneaks in through the door you didn’t know you left open.” John Barrymore

Enough is enough. I give! There is no longer any reason for all this snow. Kids are out of school – they don’t need any more snow days; families want to get together; and college kids need to get home. I have now had my full serving of this winter season; the novelty and excitement are over; and it is time to move on. Where art thou spring?

But thankfully it is also the Christmas Season: a time for memories that stir our senses: the smell of fresh bread and cookies baking in the oven, houses sparkling with Christmas Lights, and bells ringing at local supermarkets. And special memories of Christmas eve past when the family would drive around town “oohing” and “aahing” at the Christmas lights, knowing our children would soon fall asleep, tired from crying though the Christmas eve service. And then we would gently tuck them in bed, and quickly and quietly wrap and place the gifts under the Christmas tree just the way Santa would want. It is a special time.

It is also a time to remember we have been blessed with many gifts and even some we may not be aware of at our chronologically advantaged age. I would like to share with you “Star Thrower”, a story that touched me when I first heard it and illustrates such a gift. You may have heard it before. It is inspired by the writings of Loren Eiseley and this version is from Joel Barker’s best selling program “The Power of Vision.”

“Once upon a time, there was a wise man, much like Eiseley himself, who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had the habit of walking along the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore; as he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day, so he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead, he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, ‘Good morning! What are you doing?’
The young man paused, looked up and replied, ‘Throwing Starfish into the ocean.’
‘I guess I should have asked; why are you throwing Starfish into the ocean?’
‘The sun is up and the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them in they’ll die.’
‘But young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and Starfish all along it, you can’t possibly make a difference!’

The young man listened politely, then bent down, picked up another Starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves. ‘It made a difference for that one.’
His response surprised the man, he was upset, he didn’t know how to reply, so instead he turned away and walked back to the cottage to begin his writings.

All day long as he wrote, the image of that young man haunted him; he tried to ignore it, but the vision persisted. Finally, late in the afternoon, he realized that he the scientist, he the poet, had missed the essential nature of the young man’s actions. Because he realized that what the young man was doing was choosing not to be an observer in the universe and watch it pass by, but was choosing to be an actor in the universe and make a difference. He was embarrassed.

That night he went to bed, troubled. When morning came, he awoke knowing that he had to do something; so he got up, put on his clothes, went to the beach and found the young man; and with him spent the rest of the morning throwing Starfish into the ocean.

You see, what the young man’s actions represent is something that is special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference. And if we can, like the young man, become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our vision the power to shape the future.”

We all have found ways to make a difference as we continue to discover new ways. Last Wednesday at the Center, several members of the Strong Women’s class and other wonderful volunteers made a difference by stuffing over 2000 brochures for the Building Expansion Campaign. They were so quick and nimble we ran out of inserts, but they wouldn’t quit and they wore me out.

Also a big thank-you to David Staehnke and Gary Patton for helping shovel the Center parking lot. And when it really gets bad and our snow shovels are no match for mother nature, a special thank-you to The Dalles City public works department for clearing the sidewalks around the building and to Tom Brace and friends for coming by unannounced and plowing the Center parking lot clear of snow.

We have decided to cancel tonight’s Christmas Party and Dance. It was postponed from last Tuesday hoping the weather would be better which turned out to be wishful thinking. Penny and the Small Change were eager to play, Hearts of Gold Caregiving was going to provide the food and Mill Creek Point (they were sponsoring the Christmas Saturday Breakfast before it was snowed out) was going to provide the gifts. But the weather is its own master and we are going to reschedule to a safer date – in March (it was suggested we save some snow in the freezer just to remind us of this wintry experience.)

The End of the Year Bingo Party is this coming Saturday at 6:00 PM which should be a lot of fun. But we may have to postpone it to the next week (for a Beginning of the Year Bingo Party), depending on the weather. So call the Center at 298-4788 before you come. There will be a message on the answering machine.

Well that’s it. I need to get out and shovel snow. So until we meet again, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Just when you think it’s going to be a mild winter, an early blast of arctic air comes around the corner and we are in a winter wonderland. Snow and cold temperatures once meant sledding, snow ball fights and a chance to miss school. Not anymore. Now it is how can I keep my hands and feet warm and keep the pipes from freezing.

But the cold weather can create significant risks. One risk is hypothermia which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. As we age we are more susceptible to cold temperatures for several reasons. We may be: taking medications or have an illness restricting our body’s ability to stay warm, living in an older house with poor heating or just isolated and alone. During frigid temperatures, a simple mistake or small accident can turn tragic.

There are some common sense things you can do to avoid hypothermia while enjoying the winter months. First, keep in touch. When the weather turns bad, you might want to create a call schedule where you call family or friends on a regular basis so they know you are okay. Also, make sure your home heating system is safe and reliable. Have your furnace checked to ensure it is working properly, before the weather gets cold. (Oops, missed that one.)

In case of power outages during the winter, stock up on non-perishable food items (some of the items should not require cooking) and keep a flashlight with fresh batteries, a cell phone (if you have one), and a portable radio. And when you do go outside, be particularly careful. Make sure your car is in good repair and has proper winter tires. This is not the time for your car to break down or skid off the road.

Another winter concern is space heaters. In my old house when it’s cold outside with the east wind blowing, it gets a little drafty (I tell my wife it is just like living in an old Scottish castle and we should feel like royalty). So I hustle down to the basement and bring up the space heaters to help warm up the cold spots in the house. But according to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters and other supplemental heating equipment are the leading cause of house fires in the winter months. The following reminders might help you from being one of those statistics. Keep anything that burns at least three feet away from the heater; turn the heater off when it is unattended especially when you go to sleep; check your heater for frayed insulation, broken wires or overheating; buy space heaters with automatic shutoff features and heating element guards; and keep the cord for the space heater out of the way where you won’t walk on it or trip over it.

These are just common sense reminders to help you stay warm and safe during these invigorating winter months. (And, now that I think about it, Arizona isn’t such a long drive after all.)

With the winter’s arrival, there will probably be days when the Center and Meals-on-Wheels will be closed. It is always a tough call because we both want to remain open whenever possible but we also know that by being open during icy and snowy conditions we may be encouraging folks to get out when they should be staying home. So to make is simple, we have decided to follow School District 21: when the schools are closed the Center and Meals-on-Wheels will also be closed. When School District 21 is on a two hour delay, the Center’s morning activities will be cancelled, but whether Meals on Wheels will be closed will depend on the weather conditions. Call or listen to the radio to find out whether we will be open.

During the holidays things slow down at the Center. The Center and Meals-on-Wheels will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day and the following Fridays (but there will still be Bingo on both Saturdays). Many of the classes will be taking a short hiatus during, so you may want to call the Center to make sure your class is meeting. But there are several fun activities that will be occurring to celebrate the holidays.

There will be a special End of the Year Bingo Night on Saturday December 27th. Saturday Night bingo will celebrate the coming New Year with extra prizes, food and an all round good time, all for a $20 buy-in. Bring your friends and neighbors. Doors open at 4:30 and the Early Birds start at 6:00.

We have a beautiful quilt on display at the Center that in a few days is going to some lucky winner. It could be you but not if you haven’t stopped by the Center and purchased your raffle tickets. You only have a few days left, because the drawing will be held at the Center’s Saturday Breakfast on December 20th. Only two quilts are raffled a year and this one will make a wonderful gift that will be appreciated for many, many years.

Every third Saturday, the Center hosts a breakfast for the whole community with good food at the right price: $5 per person and $4 for Center members. This coming Saturday December 20th will be a special holiday breakfast sponsored by Mill Creek Point Assisted Living. They have scheduled the Sweet Adelines to provide special music and have also invited Santa. The delicious meal includes hot cakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and fruit and the regular beverages. So come by and visit with old friends, meet new ones and enjoy good food and good music. As we always say: Breakfast tastes better when someone else cooks it.”

The snow is falling as well as the temperature which has forced me to start my winter exercise program, shoveling snow. So until we meet again, be safe, stay warm and stay connected.

” Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I hesitate to start with this next topic because who really wants to talk about feet, because what do you think of? Ugly toenails, disgusting smells and corns and bunions? There ain’t nothing sexy about feet. (I always thought a podiatrist was the lowest of the medical professions.) But you live and learn, and I have found that this constantly used by often neglected part of the body is critical to our well being.

Thursday, December 10th at 1:00 at the Senior Center you will have the opportunity to discover more about “Foot Care in Later Life” with Fern Wilcox from Wasco County Extension. During this session of the monthly Healthy Aging Series you will learn steps to prevent foot problems including foot hygiene, how to take care of your toenails and when to seek a doctor’s advice. If you think you know all you need to know about feet, try this short true or false quiz and see how smart you really are.

1. Our feet can mirror our general health. Not surprising the answer is yes. Often foot problems are the first indication of more serious problems including arthritis, diabetes, and kidney, heart, circulatory or neurological disease.

2. There is no difference between the number of men and the number of women who experience foot problems. I know women live longer, are smarter and better looking, but I figure when it comes to our feet, men and women should be equal. Right?
Wrong. This is one area where men shine. Women have about four times as many foot problems as men. One reason might be that 9 out of 10 women wear shoes too small for their feet.

3. About one quarter of all bones in the body are in the feet.
True. I was surprised to learn that the human foot contains about 52 bones – 25% of the number of bones in the body. – as well as numerous joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.
Well, I didn’t so well. Maybe you did better, and even if you did, you will learn much more about this critical part of the body. I believe it was the Greek philosopher Socrates who proposed the first step to personal fulfillment was to “Know thy feet”.

I am not sure it is a lecture because the presentation for the Next Chapter Lecture Series is literally hands-on. Freda Wasson and Robin Fritts, both Licensed Massage Therapists will be at the Center to discuss and demonstrate the “Joy of Massage”. I know there are some of you where just the thought of being touched by some unknown person gives you the willies – like my wife – but even she has learned that massage can provide tremendous benefits. “Joy of Massage” will be informative, relaxing and fun and definitely not one to miss on Tuesday the 16th at 11:00 in the basement of the Senior Center.

With so many pleasant distractions during this time of the year: Christmas cards, holiday bazaars, and where to find a place to park, you may have forgotten about the AARP Driver Safety class this coming Monday and Tuesday. Dennis makes sure the class is informative and interesting with cookies and coffee and bathroom breaks. And if you are really good students, I heard he lets you out early for recess. The class is on the third Monday and Tuesday of every month from 9:00 – 1:00 at the Senior Center. You can call the Center at 296-4788 to sign up.

This holiday season there is music in the air everywhere. Next Tuesday, the 16th, Penny and Small Change will be performing for the Senior Center’s Christmas Dance and Music with finger foods, beverages and Santa. The special evening is sponsored by Heart of Gold Caregivers. And tonight the Notecrackers will be performing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Music starts at 7 PM, and is free but donations are appreciated. All ages are welcome.

And there is more holiday music. On Saturday the 13th at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 4 PM, you can hear the Cascade Singers “Shout the Glad Tidings”, at their 2008 Christmas Concert at the St. Peter’s Landmark. General admission is $10, $5 for students and seniors, children 10 and under free. Then on Sunday December 14th at 2 PM, The Gorge Winds Concert Band will be presenting their Christmas Concert in the ballroom of the Civic Auditorium. The concert is free but a $5 donation per person is suggested. On Monday, December 15th you can listen to the next generation of musicians at The Dalles-Wahtonka Symphonic and Jazz Bands’ “Winter’s Eve Concert“ at 7:00 PM at the Civic Auditorium. And there is always music and dance at the Cherry Park Grange.

An early reminder that on Saturday December 20th the Senior Center will hold a special third Saturday Christmas Breakfast sponsored by Mill Creek Point. The Sweet Adelines will provide special seasonal music and Santa will make an appearance. Bring all your kids and grandkids for breakfast with Santa.

Will winter finally arrive? Is there snow in the air? Will I again wait till last moment to put on the snow tires? Stay tuned. Until we meet again, enjoy life and keep your feet dry.

It was a nice Thanksgiving. The kids were home, Thanksgiving dinner was delicious (which I had nothing to do with), the evening was warm for the Starlight Parade and the best team (Go Ducks!) won the Civil War game. It can’t get much better. I hope you also had an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving. It is a great time to be with family and friends and to start the holiday season full of turkey and good cheer. But not for everyone.

For someone who has recently or even not so recently lost a loved one, the holidays can be particularly difficult. You may be that someone, when those memories of special times together around the holidays come flooding back, along with all of the conflicting questions associated with grief: Shouldn’t I be over this? Am I going crazy? Why can’t I feel happy?

Or it may be someone you know who is experiencing the lost of a loved one; needing your support by listening and being open and present to their quiet and many times silent sadness. It is not a time to offer advice. We all grieve differently and for many deeply personal experiences of loss it takes time and understanding to heal.

Whether it is you or a friend, it can help to find a supportive safe haven where you can cry, share your pain and realize you are not alone. It may be a natural support group such as your church or close friends. Or it may be a professional support group where you can discuss the particular challenges of the holidays.

There are several excellent and compassionate grief support groups open to anyone who has experienced a loss that provide a supportive and caring environment where you learn how to take care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Hospice of the Gorge (541-296-3228) offers a support group that meets at 10:00 AM every first and third Wednesdays at 751 Myrtle Street and Heart of Hospice (541-386-1945 or toll free 888-882-1942) sponsors a group that meets every Thursday, 10:00 AM in the lower level Community Room of The Commodore II, 312 Court Street.
Everyone goes through the grieving process differently. Father Joe shared with many that the only thing you can do wrong is to get stuck: get stuck in your sense of loss, your grief, your sadness. As life carries on, you will need to move on and eventually you will. But when, is up to you. It takes time. And until then, the rest or your life is waiting for you.
Several weeks ago I suggested you should be wary of the many e-mails circulating making claims that seem so true and believable. But aren’t. One such cyber legend circulating for several years states that all cell phone numbers will be soon released to telemarketers. To keep your number out of reach of the telemarketers and avoid an avalanche of unsolicited calls, you will need to register your phone by calling the Do Not Call directory before an impending deadline. Although it is not a bad idea to register your phone, the FCC regulations already blocks the vast majority of telemarketer’s calls on cell phones and contrary to the e-mail, you can register your cell phone with the Do Not Call registry at any time. There is not a deadline. The number to call is 1-888-382-1222 and you have to call from the phone that you want registered. You can get more information at www.donotcall.gov.
The Next Chapter Lecture Series will feature John Bailey discussing various aspects of the Cherry Industry in the Columbia Gorge: the changes taking place in the industry, the new innovations and technologies in cherry production and harvest and how cherries are being sold and marketed throughout the world. It is a fascinating story and you will have a chance to hear it next Tuesday December 9th at 11:00 at the Senior CenterMusic can make a cold day warmer, a grey day brighter and a lonely day magical. So if your day has felt a little dreary, and needing a little pick-me-up, try the Center’s Tuesday night music program. Tonight, Hardshell Harmony a popular local band is back to play Bluegrass; on the 9th, The Notecrakers will be playing their sweet sounds and then on the 15th, Penny and Small Change will be playing for the Center’s Christmas Music and Dance which will include finger foods and treats and maybe even Santa. (And Penny has promised to play some holiday music to get everyone into the spirit.) So far no music is scheduled for the last two Tuesdays in December, but stay tuned because things could change. Admission is free but donations are gladly appreciated. Everybody is always welcome no matter their biological age.
You are invited to attend the Handel’s Messiah Community Sing featuring the Community Chorus, orchestra and soloists on Saturday December 6th, 7:00 PM, at the St. Peter’s Landmark Church. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. This community event is sponsored by St. Peter’s Landmark Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Senior Center was closed for three days, but we got back into the swing of things on Sunday with a group of 19 folks leaving the Center for Portland to see the Singing Christmas Tree and another 100 folks dropping in for an afternoon of music: listening, dancing, jamming and eating pie. (Thanks to everyone who made it such a warm and friendly afternoon.)
Well that is all I have to say this week. Until we meet again, here is quite I want to share again that reminds us there is always hope.
Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops… at all. ~Emily Dickinson

I am of that age where many of my peers are new grandparents (and some not so new) and they have shared with me the many rewards and joys of grandparenthood including the fact you can send the little tykes home at the end of the day and get some rest. And with the holidays coming, this is a special time for family gatherings and a chance to see grandchildren, great grand children and in a few cases great-great grand children.

Grandparents play a unique role in our society. Because parents have to deal with the everyday activities and stresses of raising their children, grandparents with the benefit of distance and perspective, can be a valuable listener, friend and mentor to their grandchildren.

But it can be challenging (“What are kids thinking now a days?”) as grandparents struggle to see the difference between temporary styles and long term substance. What is “in” and the means of self-expression are different (Jimmy Buffet’s grandmother told him tattoos are “just a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling”). Everything seems to be changing so fast most children today probably have never seen a vinyl record let alone know the difference between 78, 45 or 33. But through this windstorm of change, the really important things remain the same: self-discipline, compassion, work, responsibility, friendship, courage, perseverance, honesty, loyalty, and faith. And grandparents by sharing their stories and personal history can be the intergenerational bridge that conveys these values and cultural norms to today’s children.

Grandparents can also provide the long view: a deeper appreciation of the past and lessons learned to help the grandchild can move beyond the “latest is the greatest” and past their parent’s preachy “When I was your age I had to – fill the blank”. (A tradition I have picked from my parents, as I have been heard to say “When I was a kid we didn’t have a heated swimming pool, so get in the water!”)

But there are also tremendous benefits for grandparents. Through their grandchildren, they can see a world of possibilities and hope. Grandchildfren can help one understand and appreciate the unimaginable changes that are occurring and to stay engaged in this ever changing world. And as our generations help this next generation understand our past, they can help us embrace their future, knowing that the consequences of our decisions we make today will affect their lives tomorrow.

Look for Denise Patton and myself – with adult children and spouses and other assorted relatives and friends – volunteering at the Fred Meyer after-Thanksgiving Early Bird Sale from 5:30 – 11:00. Last -year because of our volunteer efforts Fred Meyer donated to Meals-on-Wheels a Nintendo Wii which started the Center’s adventure into the Wii sports. There is now bowling on Thursday after the meals-on-wheels lunch, on Monday nights at 6:30 and on Fridays in the basement at 10:00. If you are out shopping come on by and say hi and see if we are still awake or just sleeping on the job.

You may have read recently in The Dalles Chronicle about Miyoshi, The Dalles Sister City. It has been a rewarding global relationship with many positive benefits for both cities. Although our honorable mayor Robb VanCleave never did make a trip to Miyoshi, (probably at the request of our state department) we will see how our new mayor Nikki Leisch will handle her new diplomatic responsibilities. Who knows it could be her first step to even higher office.

But I digress. At the Center’s Next Chapter Lecture series on Tuesday December 2nd, you will have an opportunity to learn more about Miyoshi and The Dalles Sister City program from Bob McFadden who has been the sparkplug behind the effort. He has put his heart and soul and some of his wallet into making the relationship a success. It will be a fascinating presentation with pictures and stories that show how The Sister City program can make a difference in the world.

The Dallesport Jammers will be performing at the Center this Sunday, November 30th from 2:00 – 5:00. Every fifth Sunday, the Jammers have been gracious enough to bring their guitars, amplifiers, accordions, and best singing voices to the Center for an open jam session – you never know who all is going to show up – where everyone gets a chance to sing, pick or strum. There is a full range of musical talent but what everyone has in common is that they all love to perform. So if your family and friends are gone, you have finished your early Christmas shopping (with what money you have) and you are looking for something to do besides watching football on TV, this is the place to be.

From the bulletin board – The local chapter of the American Red Cross with cooperation from Meals-on-Wheels will be serving breakfast on Saturday Dec 6th from 7:30 – 10:30 at the Senior Center. Because Santa will be making a special guest appearance, they are serving his favorites: pancakes, scrambled eggs and ham. The cost is $6.50 and Santa will stay around long enough so you can have your picture taken with him (he does have important work to finish at the North Pole).

As well as a time to gather with family and friends, Thanksgiving is also a time to give thanks for all the blessings we have received. The Center’s mission is to promote healthy aging by sharing and caring and without the volunteers who care enough to share their talents, skills and time the center would not exist. So the Center would like to thank all the volunteers from the teachers to the table movers; from the building monitors to the bingo callers; from the receptions to the quilters, and everyone in between.

And thanks to all the folks who have helped make our community a healthier place to live and grow by giving of themselves for the benefit of others whether through your church, civic organizations, elected office or just on your own visiting your neighbor. Healthy aging is not just about getting old. It’s about learning, loving, living and giving back.

Well that’s it again. Until we meet again, enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving and as it has been said, if the only prayer you say in your whole life was, “Thank you,” it would suffice.

It won’t be long before we are all sitting around the dining room table with friends and family sharing our blessings and stuffing ourselves with delicious home cooked culinary delights prepared by a kitchen saint. But Thanksgiving is also when we really get serious and start mimicking the animal world by adding an extra layer of body fat insulation to keep us warm during the long, cold winter months.

But this is also a good time to consider what we eat and how it can affect our long term health (but after thanksgiving dinner). We always hear about the fat we consume; whether they are good fats or bad fats, unsaturated or trans fats and which fats to eat and which ones to avoid.

But in all this discussion another aspect of healthy eating is often overlooked: sodium intake. I became aware of this after a conversation with Denise Patton, the Director of Meals on Wheels, who shared how seniors, particularly if they live by themselves, may not have the ability, desire or means to prepare a home-cooked meal and consequently rely upon pre-packaged foods and soups.

The problem is that most of these foods are high in sodium (salt being the main source) and may be partly responsible for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure found in the elderly. Tracy Dugick, a certified dietician, confirms that a low-sodium diet can help you feel better and help prevent heart problems. Limiting the amount of sodium you eat and drink helps prevent and control the build-up of fluids around the heart or in your legs. Too much fluid makes your heart work harder which may make your blood pressure too high.

As a guideline you should limit the amount of sodium you get from food or drink to 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day and try to select foods with no more than 140 mg per serving (and don’t forget to check serving sizes on the label).

There are also some foods commonly consumed by seniors that are not recommended. They include canned vegetables (unless they are salt free), canned meats, canned or smoked fish, processed cheese and cheese foods, cured or smoked meats such as bacon, ham or sausage and obviously salt including sea salt and garlic salt.

An alternative is to eat lunch at the Senior Center. The meal provided by Meals-on-Wheels is a wholesome balanced meal with plenty of vegetables for an affordable suggested donation of $3.50 if you are 60 or over. It’s healthy and you get the added benefit of sharing lunch with a bunch of great folks.

The Center has just concluded a very successful drawing class taught by Nancy Russell. Nancy has agreed to repeat the class, same time same station, starting January 20th when the days are gray and cold and you really need a burst of creative activity. But the Center could also offer writing classes such as writing your life story, creative writing or even poetry for folks who want to write but don’t know how to start or just haven’t found the opportunity. Several weeks ago I read how Phil Knight the head of Nike was using his wealth to make Oregon better. In the article it was quietly mentioned that at the age of 70 even with his busy schedule and responsibilities, Phil was taking a creative writing class at the University of Oregon. But before we can “Just Do It!” here at the Center we need someone who will teach or facilitate the classes. If you are interested, call the Center at 296-4788.

The Jazz Generations are playing on Tuesday the 25th and when they play, it is a chance to get on the dance floor and show your stuff. And tonight Truman Boler will be playing his Country Gold. The music starts at 7:00 PM and admission is free although donations are greatly appreciated. Everybody is welcome!

For those of you who use the computer to keep in touch with friends through e-mail you probably have receive unwanted solicitations for fashionable watches, college degrees, and pills to relieve any kind of dysfunction. You may have also received forwarded e-mails that seem like they could be true but seem a little farfetched. Would Sarah Palin really pose for a picture in a stars and stripes bikini? Sorry guys, the answer is no. And you can find out whether any other statements that are presented as facts are actually true or just unsubstantiated rumors by going to www.snopes.com or www.urbanlegends.about.com. Jean Hockman from the Area Agency on Aging is working with volunteers to help answer your questions about Medicare Part D during the open enrollment period that started November 15th. If you have any questions and are looking for unbiased free help, you can make an appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays by calling Jean at 541-298-4101.

Just a quick reminder. The Senior Center’s Kick-Off for the Building Expansion Community Campaign will start at noon this Wednesday the 19th. There will be information on the expansion plans plus for those who are motivated be their stomach, several “Strong Women” will be serving cheesecake to add to the always delicious Meals-on-Wheels lunch. And while the “Strong Women” serve I might give you a peak at their calendar that would make Sarah Palin envious.

From the bulletin Board:
There will be a Toy Drive Kick-off for Families First at Washington Federal Savings downtown on Friday November 21st from 11:00 – 4:00. They will be collecting new unwrapped toys from November 21st until December 19th. Stop in and enjoy seasonal goodies and enter to win a holiday food basket. There will be a Family Bingo Night on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 – 9:00. The fundraiser will help pay for the medical expenses of Dufur resident Tim Pullen and is sponsored by Country Kidz 4-H Club. Bring your kids and grandkids. Games begin at 7:00 PM at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Well that is it again. As usual I’m late. So until the next time, a note from William Allen White, “I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.”

The official kick-off for the Community Campaign for The Mid-Columbia Senior Center Expansion will be at noon on Wednesday, November 19^th during the Meals-on-Wheels lunch. And you are invited. With the generous help of many community partners including The Columbia Gorge Community College, The City of The Dalles, the Mid-Columbia Medical Center, and Design Structures, the Senior Center now has a business plan, a conceptual design with cost estimates and planning commission approval for the Senior Center Expansion. But that is only the first act. Now we need to raise the estimated $1.8 to begin the construction. But don’t panic. Most of it will come from large foundation grants. But for them to invest in this project, they want to see strong community support and although the city, college, and hospital are important they aren’t enough. The success of this project will depend upon you.

In a few years, the Center will be celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the Senior Center building. With the “silver tsunami” coming and all of us living longer, this community deserves a facility that will meet the needs of the future while fulfilling the dreams of the past; provide financial security for the Center’s activities while being a resource for the whole community. We are grateful to those faithful and determined elders of the community, many of whom are no longer with us, that left us with such a wonderful legacy. They made it happen and now it is our turn.

The Wasco County Library is looking for storytellers for National Tellabration Day on Saturday, November 22^nd, a day when you can gather together with friends, family, neighbors, even total strangers, and share your stories no matter your age or skill. How did you get in trouble when you were young? What did you really do with the school’s outhouse on Halloween? Do you have a favorite joke? Only limitation is that the story must be suitable for all ages and each story must be no more than 15 minutes. The Tellebration will run from 10:00 – 4:00 pm. Contact Rita at 296-2815 for more information.

Veterans. Attention! There is going to be a WW II Europe Tour Auction for History to help a group of high school students raise money to fund their trip to Europe so they can learn more about WW II: up close and personal. And for all veterans the Spaghetti Dinner with Salad, Bread, and Dessert is FREE! For the rest of us tickets are $20 per family and $5 single. The dinner and auction will be held on November 15th at 6:00 PM at The Dalles Middle School Commons. You can buy tickets at the door or contact June 980-4409 or Jeisse 340-0842.

Winter is slowly approaching which means it’s time for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The program is managed by the Mid-Columbia Community Action Program (CAP) and is designed to supplement winter heating costs for all low-income households. The eligibility requirements are a maximum annual income of $20,228 for one in the household or $26,451 for two in the household.

Many of you may have already received your application in the mail from CAP which you need to fill out and return by November 30th. If you need help, contact The Dalles office. If you know of someone who has not received an application and may meet the guidelines, have them stop by the CAP office at 312 E 4th Street or call 298-5131.

There is good news. Jim Slusher, the CAP Executive Director, thinks there will be enough energy assistance available to help all of those in need. But the bad news is with the cost of heating increasing it won’t buy as much energy as last year.

CAP also manages three discount programs for Seniors: the PUD Senior Discount program and the City of The Dalles Water and Sewer Discount Program which both provide a 10% or 35% discount; The Dalles Disposal Discount Program which offers a $3 a month discount and provides for anyone over 85 free garbage service. You do have to meet income guidelines to qualify which are the same as the energy assistance program.

The third and last Holiday Card Making class will be held at the Center on Thursday Nov. 20^th from 2:30 – 4:00 in time to create your original and creative hand-made cards for the holidays. Joyce Browne will again be the guide for this card making adventure and the only cost is for the materials. You can sign up at the Center’s front desk or call the Center at 296-4788.

Friends and relatives are coming for the holidays and your home is a mess. You don’t know where to start or what to keep or what to toss. What can you do? Attend this month’s Healthy Aging presentation by Fern Wilcox on how to “Declutter Your Life” on Thursday November 13^th from 1:00 – 2:30 at the Center. Learn how to determine if you have a problem with clutter (I don’t think I am the only one) and identify ways to eliminate it. But most importantly it will motivate you to get started. Don’t miss this class. It could change your life – or at least straighten up your house!

And the music never ends! Next Tuesday the 18^th, the ever popular Truman Boler will be playing his gold standards for your listening and dancing pleasure. Tonight you will be able to enjoy the sounds of The Notecrackers. Funs starts at 7:00 and admission is free although donations are gladly accepted.

Well it has been an exciting and historic week. We shall see what the future holds. Until we meet again, as my father always said “tomorrow is another day”.

Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime,
Therefore, we are saved by hope.
Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history;
Therefore, we are saved by faith.
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone.
Therefore, we are saved by love.
No virtuous act is quite a virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own;
Therefore, we are saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.

Reinhold Niebuhr