Now that it is Spring – at least astronomically speaking – it is time to put away the snow shovels and heavy coats and take out the hedge trimmers and hiking boots. And time to start thinking about warmer weather and longer days, and maybe some day trips out of town?
For late spring and summer, the Center has again scheduled trips into Portland for three always popular “Broadway Across America” performances: “Riverdance” on May 29th, “Les Miserables” on August 7th and “Momma Mia” on August 28th. They are all Sunday matinee performances starting at 1:00 for easy travel in and out of Portland and daylight when you return. Twenty-four seats are reserved for each show and the cost is only $70 a piece or $195 for all three performances. And that includes no-hassle, to-the-stage -door transportation in a comfortable 24 passenger van. The tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Center.
The Hood River School District Community Education also offers trips including the popular monthly Mystery Trips. You can call them at 541-386-2055 to place your name on the list for the Mystery Trips. Each month they will call you with the latest details and cost. As their web site states, their “past trips have ranged from train rides, visiting historic places and partaking of local attractions, and of course, great food! Each month expect something new and exciting! “
And I will keep you posted on other opportunities in the Gorge including trips offered by Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation (there summer catalog will be out in April) and Sherman County Transit.
Through the many activities the Center provides for older adults, as well as through partnerships with local organizations, the Center tries to give back to the community as much as it asks. But the Center is now in their spring membership drive and is asking you to join the already one hundred eighty plus 2011 members. You may have been one of last year’s members who can’t believe it is time to renew already. Or maybe you haven’t had the nerve to take that leap and join a “Senior Center”. Although you can be a member at any age (you just have to be over 50 to vote at the annual membership meeting), the only real requirement is a zest for life. Annual membership dues are only $35 per person or $60 per couple and can be purchased at the Center.
The Center’s Tuesday Lecture will feature Steve Lawrence who is busy with several projects these days, but this time will be discussing the latest dreams and hopes for one of The Dalles most important landmarks: the Civic Auditorium. The long process of renovating the Civic began in 1991, and has restored this jewel of the downtown area into an active community center. But there is still exciting work to be done. On March 29th at 11:00 AM learn more about the past, present and future of The Dalles Civic Auditorium – the place “Where It Happens!”
You have heard it before but let me say it loud and clear – TUESDAY IS MUSIC NIGHT at the Center. Bring a friend or several friends – depending on how much fun you can handle – and enjoy an evening of two stepping, country waltzing, or whatever kind of dancing suits your fancy. Next week the Dufur Boys from Dufur will be playing, while tonight is your chance to enjoy the big band sounds of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s with the Jazz Generations. The music starts at 7:00 and ends at 9:00 so you can still get in bed by 9:30 if you hurry – but why hurry.
The name of the 1930’s cartoon character and famous animated sex symbol (which just doesn’t seem right) was the “oop-opp-a-doop” Betty Boop. Of the many entries, the winner of a free Cherry Festival Breakfast on April 9th was Shirley Christiansen but only if she brings her “Betty Boop” handbag.
This week’s “Remember When” question is about a television character first appearing in 1949. Called the “World’s Most Famous Clown”, this clown was franchised to different TV stations where each station had their own actor playing the part including Bob Bell in Chicago and Willard Scott in Washington DC. What was the name of this clown? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop your answer off with a wing-tipped bright orange wig.
Well, it’s been another week -waiting for the ants to appear, the weeds to surface and warm nights to arrive. Until we meet again, take time to play – like the children we once were – spontaneously, with no real purpose and just for the fun of it.
“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.” George Santayana
