Aging Well March 10th

Last December the Center had scheduled – twice – a Christmas Dance that never happened because of the joys of a snowy winter. Since it is a little late to try again, The Center is instead hosting a Sadie Hawkins Dance on Tuesday March 31st featuring music by Penny and Small Change and sponsored by Heart of Gold Caregivers and Mill Creek Point. There will be light food and drinks as well as prizes for best costume representing your favorite Dogpatch character.

You probably remember Al Capp’s Li’l Abner comic strip about Dogpatch that was first syndicated in 1934. Hekzebiah Hawkins fearing that his daughter Sadie Hawkins “the homeliest gal in the hills” would be living in his home for the rest of her life, staged the first Sadie Hawkins Day when the unmarried women would chase the eligible bachelors with the goal of catching and marrying one. So women this is your chance. Catch yourself a man, dress up as your favorite Dogpatch characters and enjoy an evening of fun and good music.

But the thought of a seventy year old Daisy May asks the question, “What does it mean to be attractive?” I know I am not the stud I was – or thought I was – when I was 25. Time has taken its toll and the Speedo is long gone. But we are wiser and smarter; able to accept with realism and humor who we are – including the wrinkles and sags – and appreciate the beauty in “that which changes” as Stephen Sondheim wrote (I now see the grace and elegance in grey).

About 15 years ago at the Center, a traveling minstrel singer shared similar thoughts, telling stories through song about aging and the joy of being who you are and not who you were. During the performance a woman in the audience stood up shared this humorous story.

Two elderly women in a nursing home were interested in two elderly gentlemen, living in the same home, but try as they might, they couldn’t get the attention of the men. Then, one of the women had a brilliant idea. “Why don’t we strip off our clothes, and streak past them in the TV room?” The second woman agreed that this might work.

The very next day, they mustered up their courage, took off their clothes, and ran past the two men as fast as they could, giggling all the way.

One man turned to the other and said, “Joe, was that Irma that just ran past us?” The other one said, “I think so, but what the hell was she wearing?” The first one said, “I don’t know, but it sure needs ironing!”

For the young at heart of all ages The Dalles-Wahtonka High School is performing Seussical: a dynamic musical based on books by Dr. Seuss. There are evening performances on March 12, 13, 14 and March 19, 20, and 21 plus for those who prefer not to drive after dark there are two matinee performances on March 14 and 21 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for children and seniors and can be purchased at the door.

A few reminders: The Sugar Daddies, another popular local band, are performing next Tuesday at the Center at 7:00 PM and Fern Wilcox will be discussing Elder Abuse at the next Healthy Aging presentation on Thursday the 12th at 1:00

In closing I want to share a comment I overheard this weekend. As John Kelly looked over the large and crowded gathering of friends for Bill’s Lennox’s 60th birthday bash at the Mint he commented “You know a lot of people when you get old.” But take heart, Bill. As Willa says at the Center, “You aren’t really old until your children are on Medicare”.

Until the next time, look for the best, enjoy the ridiculous but try to keep your clothes on.

“Age is inevitable… but getting old is a state of mind.”

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