Now that summer has unofficially started, the Center is shifting into its summer gear – while beginning to plan for next fall’s array of classes. Tai Chi and Strong Women will be taking a summer break and although the Tuesday lecture series has ended until September, the 11:00 Tuesday time slot will be used for special presentations during the summer. But the Center’s other regularly scheduled classes will continue to keep you busy during “those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” including Monday’s Lunch with Ted, Brain Fitness, Tuesday Night music, Seniorcise, Chair Yoga, Tap and Clogging, Computer Lab, Pinochle, AARP Driver Safety, Monday Night Wii Bowling as well as Thursday and Saturday Night Bingo. You can call the Center for more information about these classes and activities.

But summer is also the time the Center starts planning for next fall. Are there any classes or activities you would enjoy? Craft activities? Memoirs writing group? A beginning acting class? Astronomy? The Center could be the place where you and others with similar interests could meet and share your enthusiasm – just for the fun of it – without the pressure of worrying about how good you are or whether you can make every session. (Life happens and sometimes there is the unexpected doctor’s appointment, you aren’t feeling well or most importantly the grandkids are visiting.) If you have a particular interest or an idea for a class or activity you would like to see offered at the Center, send me a short email with your suggestions or leave a message with the Center’s receptionist. I will get back to you to see what we can pull together. (The Center already has the Young-at-Heart Serenaders scheduled to return next September thanks to Phyllis Farner who has stepped forwarded to lead this group of harmonious stray cats.)

There is not a summer break for the Tuesday Night music. If there was – dancing couples would probably be taking turns two-stepping over my outstretched body. And since I value my own health, next Tuesday on the 14^th, Martin and Friends will be playing what is now becoming their regular second Tuesday night engagement. And tonight Andre and the Strawberry Mountain Band will entertain the spirited audience with good dancing and listening music. The fun starts at 7:00 PM, the doors are open for everyone and donations are always appreciated.

Two quick reminders. “The Talk – How to engage in compassionate conversations between adult children and their parents” will be on Saturday, October 18th from 10:00 – 12:00 at the Center. Rev. Kathleen Flynn will be the presenter and will provide valuable suggestions about how to communicate in a positive and respectful way during – what are many times – very difficult conversations. Because of the importance of this workshop, there is no charge.

The Center’s annual summer rummage sale will be on Thursday (16^th) and Friday (17^th) from 9:00 – 4:00 concluding with a bag sale on Saturday (18^th) from 9:00 – 12:00. And for those who are more interested in “getting rid” than “collecting” stuff, we are accepting donations of items that still have some use. You can leave your donation at the back basement door of the center or at the front desk. And for the benefit of Uncle Sam, the Center can provide you with a form acknowledging your donation.

Ralph Kramden’s best friend and fellow member of the Raccoon Lodge in the 1955-56 TV comedy series was New York City sewer worker Ed Norton played by Art Carney. (And the randomly drawn winner – from nine entries – for a free June 18^th Saturday Breakfast is Joann Scott.) This week’s “Remember When” question is from the category – highway literature. From 1925 until 1963 these series of signs were popular along America’s expanding road way system and usually consisted of six consecutive small signs creating a short catchy verse advertising a particular product. One example was “Listen Birds/ These signs cost money/ So sit a spell/ But don’t get funny”. What was the name of the product advertised in these roadside billboards? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or leave it inside a case of Vintage Gillette Safety Shaving Razors.

Well it has been another week when Mother Nature finally offered hints of the summer to come. Until we meet again, remember as we are trying to stay cool, it was only four months ago we were complaining it was too cold.

I personally believe we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain. ~Jane Wagner