Henry Ford once said “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
If you agree with Henry Ford, there have always been ways to keep your mind active and young: libraries, museums, classes, local lectures and book clubs. But in the last five years, there has been an eruption of online possibilities to learn even more. You can hear more about DYI (Do It Yourself) education at the Center’s Tuesday Lecture on March 19th when I will discuss and show examples of the many online options for life long leaning including iTunes U, Couresa, and the Khan Academy (if you want to see if you can now learn what you didn’t in your high school math classes). So even though you may feel like your body is waiting in line for the salvage yard to open, you are never too old to continue exploring and discovering the worlds around you.
The Third Saturday Breakfast at the Center is back! We took January and February off, but now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, it is time to fire up the griddle. On the 16th from 8:00 – 9:30, Bonnie and friends will be serving a breakfast casserole with bacon, muffin, fruit and your favorite morning beverage. Come join the gang because as Jack always said “Food tastes better when someone else cooks it.”
Medicare 101, a free SHIBA presentation on the ABC and D’s of Medicare, will be held at the Columbia Gorge Community College on March 19th in the evening from 6:00 – 9:00 PM so those of you who are still working a day job can attend. Medicare has provided financial security and improved health for millions of older Americans, but like any insurance coverage it is not simple. If you are turning the big “65” in the next year, this is your chance to better understand the benefits and choices ahead of you. Preregistration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome according to space. Register by calling 541-506-6000or visit the website at https://webreg1.cgcc.cc.or.uc/CE/classes.asp.
It is time for all of us fair weather walkers to lace up our walking shoes and hit the pavement while enjoying the spring air and sunny skies. And soon Parks and Recreation, in partnership with OSU Extension, will be implementing the “Walk With Ease” program: a six seek walking club designed by the Arthritis Foundation to reduce pain and improve overall health. But better yet, how about becoming a “Walk with Ease” program leader? Lauren Kraemer at OSU Extension is looking for a few good feet to lead the way. If you are interested, contact Lauren at lauren.kraemer@oregonstate.edu.
The Center’s next Creative Arts class led by Debra Jones will be held on March 26th from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. The attraction this time will be creating easy to make Easter Cards and decorations for the holiday. The supplies are provided thanks to several generous donations (but if you have your own scissors, bring them along), so all you have to do is show up with $2.00 in your pocket. If you are interested call the Center soon, because the class is limited to the first ten people.
And before the rooster crows and the hens cackle – playing tonight at the Center is “Martin and Friends”. And next Tuesday Truman will be back crooning for you dancing and listening pleasure. Music begins at 7:00, everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated
Bob Cousy was the point guard for the Boston Celtics who led the Celtics to five straight NBA Championships. (And this week’s winner is Jim Ayers.) With college basketball’s March Madness starting in a week, you may remember the 1979 NCAA Championship final between two Midwest “State” schools (still the highest Nielson rated final in NCAA history) that began an unmatched rivalry between two future NBA MVPs. Who were the two players? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with an autographed picture of the “Hick from French Lick”.
Well, it’s been another week listening to be buds sprouting in the night. Until we meet again, you know it is a good day when you can remember that you did take your morning vitamin pill!
“No matter how one may think himself accomplished, when he sets out to learn a new language, science or the bicycle, he has embraced a new realm as truly as if he were a child newly born into the world.” Frances Willard author of “How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle”
