How many more times do I have to hear “your call can not be completed as dialed” before I remember to add the 541? I usually make calls using speed dial, but when I actually have to dial the number I forget to add the area code. But I wonder, just like all the modern conveniences allowing us to move less, are we becoming creatures of comfort; less mentally fit because everything is computerized and easy? But that’s too much thinking for now. I’ll worry about that another day.
Whether they make us smarter or dumber, we are in the computer age. And trying to understand how to use a computer is unfamiliar territory to many of us. But there is help. The Center offers computer classes – no more than four students per class – on Wednesdays from 10:00 – 11:00 and Thursdays 1:00 – 2:00, plus a Help Lab on Tuesday from 1:45 – 3:00. We can show you how to avoid the potholes and reckless drivers along the information highway. And because the classes are individualized you can start whenever you wish.
Ronell Currie has rounded up her “tried and true” AARP Tax Aide volunteers to start assisting you with your tax returns. The excitement begins February 5th and continues every Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 – 1:00 through Saturday April 10th. Don’t forget to bring the usual financial documents. And it’s all free.
Last week I mentioned the value of gardening in staying fit and active which caused Marty Miller to send me an electronic copy of the Master Gardener’s “Garden Highlights” newsletter that he does most every month as a Master Gardener. It is free and bug free – he knows how to keep the bugs out of your computer as well as your garden – informative and colorful and can be delivered right to your computer hard drive by just emailing him at gardenhighlights@hrecn.net.
If you like to walk and would like to help create a more walkable The Dalles, the local public health department wants you. They need volunteers on Sat. Feb. 13th, from 9:00 – 3:00 pm (including lunch) to walk the streets (that doesn’t quite sound right, does it?) and measure the walkability of street sections and intersections. The findings will be presented to City Council, and County Commissioners, Road Departments and City Public Works, among others. If you are interested in taking part in this project contact Allyson Smith or Jeanette Montour at the North Central Public Health Department at 541-506-2625.
The Rhythm Ramblers have played several times during lunch for Meals-on-Wheels but for only the second time they will be the top bill for the Center’s Tuesday Night music. Come and enjoy this entertaining duo on the 3rd. And tonight the Jazz Generations will be playing the big band sounds. Music starts at 1900 hours and doesn’t cost a thing except a little sole on your shoes. But donations are warmly accepted.
The calendar is beginning to fill-up for the Tuesday Lecture Series – at least for February; Dan Ericksen discussing the state of the County on the 9th, Marilyn Buchanan explaining the new Friendly Visitor program on the 16th and MCMC on the 23rd. But you may notice there is no one scheduled for next Tuesday the 2nd. But fear not. I am going to show two short taped presentations one by Dan Gilbert author of “Stumbling on to Happiness” and the other by Barry Schwartz on the “Paradox of Choice” from TED, a website that features internationally respected speakers. Come and find the answer to one of life’s most perplexing questions, “Does having a choice of 24 different deodorants really make us happier?
It is only 12 days till “The Super Bowl” hits the America’s television airwaves on Sunday February 7th; when we all wait in anticipation not to see the gridiron exploits of grown men abusing each other but to watch the latest and greatest TV commercials! To celebrate this American tradition, this week’s question is “In the first Super Bowl in 1967 the Green Bay Packers won their first of two consecutive Super Bowls. Who was Packer’s quarterback? This time the winner will not receive a special prize, but the public recognition that they are old enough to remember such events. Last week’s answer was Skitch Henderson, Johnny Carson’s first bandleader. And Joanne Scott was the winner.
Well that is another note in the song of life. Until we meet again, keep your feet dry, your nose clean and your eyes on the road.
