Senior Living July 27th

“Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine” observed Robert C. Gallagher. But change creates challenges that as we get older we need be prepared for.

During these modern times, more often than not, our children are scattered like seeds in the wind – living who knows where. But by being separated by distance and time, our children may not know our specific needs or desires, our fears and hopes. And with the generations more isolated, they probably also lack a general understanding or empathy for the struggles and joys that we travel with us as we age.

With this lack of awareness are you prepared for the time when there are decisions to be made because of a life-changing situation: the unexpected fall, a debilitating illness or the slow progression of dementia? And the child parent relationship reasserts itself, but surprise! -you are now considered the child. Who is going to decide – for you?

And have you considered the affect of not making your wishes known – the anguish and conflict as your children try to determine what you would want them to do. Will they make the right decision – the decision you would want them to make?

There may not be the right time, but there needs to be a time to initiate these tough discussions: these discussions we all – and particularly our children – try to avoid or deny. Our children may be talented and caring – and we love them – but very few are mind readers. We can’t expect them to know what we want unless we tell them. And we need to be prepared by telling them our wishes and desires now.

Meals-on-Wheels delivers eighty plus meals a day as well as serving a fine dinner every week day at noon at the Center, but like most community based programs, the Meals-on-Wheels program operates on a shoe string – a thin shoe string. Consequently they depend on the many volunteers to deliver the meals; without them the program could not exist. But they need your help. If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer or can squeeze in one more activity in your busy day, consider driving for Meals-on-Wheels. The commitment is small – as little as one hour a week, but the reward is great.

The Center’s NU-2-U Shop is in the midst of a two week half-price sale continuing through Friday August 6th. There is a nice selection of good quality women’s clothes and a few men’s clothes to boot. But Martha says they gotta move – we don’t have the room. Stop in and check out the selection of clothes at prices that should be illegal. The NU-2-U Shop is open every Monday through Friday from 10:00 – 1:30.

I don’t know yet who is playing next Tuesday night at the Center, but I do know the Jazz Generations will be playing some hot licks and cool sounds tonight for your listening and dancing enjoyment. The “cats” start howling at 7:00 and it won’t cost you any “bread” although donations are appreciated. (Late bulletin: Truman will be back performing next Tuesday August 3rd. Smooth country music for you dancing and listening pleasure.)

The women clearly outnumbered the men – nineteen to five – in answering last week’s “Remember When” question. Richard Chamberlain played the lead character in the hospital drama Dr. Kildare. Those winning a free breakfast are Sharon Pincock and Sandy Stillings (#1 dishwasher for the Saturday Breakfast). But a special free breakfast goes to Sandy Lutgens – if and only if – she brings her autographed picture of Richard Chamberlain to breakfast on August 21st.

But although Richard Chamberlain was a handsome fellow, Jenny Garner thought he couldn’t compare to Illya Kuyakin. In the TV series that ran from 1946 thought early 1968, Iilya (David McCullum) teamed up with Napoleon Solo (Robert Wagner) as secret agents fighting the evil international organization THRUST. What was the name of this hit TV show? Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788 or place the answer on the front seat of a mint condition 1963 Buick Skylark convertible parked at the Center.

It is time to jump in the shower and cool off – for the third time. Until we meet again, “If you’re ridin’ ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there with ya”.