I know, I know. I should appreciate every season and their special endearing qualities. But during January, the middle of winter, I often feel like hunkering down and hibernating – staying inside and warm, going to sleep early and catching up on some reading. But as February nears and the sun begins to peak through, I can feel the legs starting to twitch, the heart beating faster and the stomach beginning to growl. And with a sense of spring emerging, it is time to leave the cave and transition to a new season.

And what season is that? -why tax season! The AARP Tax Aide starts at the Center this Friday February 3rd and continues on every Friday from 2:00 – 6:00 and Saturday from 9:00 – 1:00 through April 14th. Ronell Currie’s dedicated volunteers will have their pencils sharpened and laptops humming to help you with your individual tax returns (more difficult returns you will need to talk to a professional tax preparer). This free service is open to low and middle income individuals with special attention to folks over 60. But you might want to wait – if you can, because the first few weeks are pretty hectic.

This fascinating request came my way and maybe someone can help. A gentleman is trying to finish a project about past Dufur High School eight-man football teams and he needs the team’s final win/loss records for the years 1964, 71, 72, 74,76,78 81,82 and 86. If you have any knowledge of the records, please call Lorna at The Dalles Wasco County Library at 541-296-2815.

Last week I mentioned Steve Hudson is offering East Coast Swing dance lessons at the Center. But Steve must not be a fan of professional football because he had to be reminded the 5th is Super Bowl Sunday. Consequently, he has bowed to peer pressure and rescheduled the start of his class to Sunday, February 12th from 7:00- 9:00 PM.

The Veteran’s Services Office has moved to Historic Downtown The Dalles at 201 East Federal Street (where the Transportation Center was located) and the new location has been a tremendous success. But the flagpole is inadequate – only one flag can be displayed and it can’t be raised or lowered. Now a subcommittee of the Veteran’s Memorial Group is leading the charge to replace the flagpole and is seeking donations. So far they have raised about half of the $3000. For more information or to donate call the Veteran’s Service Office at 541-506-2502 or Barb Pashek at 541- 298-1973.

Here’s a piece of information I learned from Jennifer Windsor who works in billing at MCMC – and it could save you a few bucks. Whenever or wherever you are requesting lab work or a medical test and are asked to sign Medicare’s Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN), STOP! The ABN is to notify you that Medicare (or your supplement coverage) will not pay for the service and you will be held responsible for the cost. So before signing the ABN ask if your doctor accidentally miscoded the test. And if not, then decide if the test is worth the out of pocket expense. It may be, but know who will pay before you take the test. You don’t want to be surprised by an unexpected medical bill you really can’t afford.

I would be remiss and in deep trouble with the Center’s Tuesday night music regulars if I didn’t mention that tonight “For the Good Times” will be performing and on February 7th the Strawberry Mountain Band will be kicking up a dust storm. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00 and everyone plus donations are always welcome.

The teen idols in the film “Beach Party” were former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello (my first true love!) and Frankie Avalon. (The winner of five Quilt raffle tickets was Kim Birge.) And if you ever watched the Mickey Mouse Club you probably remember the serial adventures shown every week. So this week’s “Remember When” question is “What was the name of the popular serial that took place on the Triple R Ranch, a boys’ western-style summer camp, and aired on the Mickey Mouse Club in 1955, 56 and 57? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or include it with an autographed picture of “Moochie”.

Well it has been another week trying to decide – should I or should I not. Until we meet again, keep your ear to the ground and your eyes on the sky.

“”Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over.” Frank Zappa