Aging Well March 8th

Are there times when it feels like the world is changing so fast, and going in no particular direction, that you just want to ask the bus driver to drop you off at the next corner? Even those at the head of this technological revolution find it uncomfortable. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn in an interview in the magazine Fast Company stated that he can’t imagine, two years down the road, he will be doing the same thing he is doing today – and will just have to adjust. He believes every generation will have to learn how to relearn in order to adapt to the new technology – and it won’t be easy.

While the younger generations embrace change – often making the mistake of seeing all change as progress – we may find ourselves resistant, overwhelmed by the fast pace of change, forgetting that without change there is no progress.

But for better or worse, it is what it is. Our cell phones are now little computers (do you ever yearn for the simple days of the rotary phone?) and we now use our computers to call and actually see our children and grandchildren half way across the globe. Its mind boggling what has happened in the last twenty or even ten years – as we constantly try to ride this wave of change without capsizing.

If you are interested in learning – or relearning – how to stay upright – specifically how to use a computer to check email, write life stories and access information, the Center offers a computer help lab every Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:00 am. It is individualized help and is open to anyone and everyone.

And for many of you who have succumbed to the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, the Center is starting a users group this Friday the 11th from 11:00 – 12:00. This users group will meet monthly to share information about your favorite apps and the latest news in the world of Apple – and help feed your addiction to the latest and greatest.

Martin and Friends will be the headliners – and the only liners – for Tuesday night music at the Center. You can enjoy two hours of dancing frenzy with a short break to catch your breath. And next Tuesday, Truman will be performing for your dancing and listening pleasure. It is all free and to keep the music flowing, donations are always appreciated. The bass starts thumping at 7:00 and the doors are open to anyone and everyone.

The Center’s Loan Closet is in need of more medical equipment. The Loan Closet – a partnership with Visiting Health Services – lends to the general public medical equipment – from hospital beds to canes. The Center has already helped forty individuals since the beginning of this year, and the cabinets are now bare. We are in particular need of transfer benches, shower benches and rolling walkers (not the standard gray aluminum walkers of which we have plenty). If you have one of these or any other medical equipment you no longer need, we would be glad to take them off your hands and put them into someone else’s.

The Center needs a leader – a director – a warm body to step forward with baton in hand to lead an eager group of amateur singers to reestablish the Center’s Young-at-Heart Serenader’s. The YAH-YAH’s have been without a leader and an accompanist for a quite some time and there is now interest in reforming the group. If you are interested – or curious – in directing, accompanying or singing, call the Center at 541-296-4788 for more information.

It was Hopalong Cassidy, the name of TV’s first western series and the character played by William Boyd. And the winner of a free breakfast (which returns on March 19th) is Karl Vercouteren who use to go to the 10 cent Saturday afternoon matinees to see Hopalong. But enough of the Cartwrights, the Mavericks and Matt Dillion. Let’s get back to music. This question was suggested by Ron Sutherland who appreciated fine music during his high school days. On the day the music died, February 3rd, 1959, a small plane crashed in Iowa killing Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. Who was Buddy Holly’s bassist who gave up his seat to the Big Bopper on that fateful flight and later became known as one of country music’s “Outlaws”? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a recording of the “The Dukes of Hazzard” theme song.
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Well, it’s another week of throwing ideas against the kitchen wall. Until we meet again – remember the past, but live for today as you look forward to tomorrow.

“Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.”

Wednesday (9) Taco Casserole
Thursday (10) Pork Choppy Chops
Friday (11) Mushroom Swiss Burger on a Bun
Monday (14) Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles
Tuesday (15) BIRTHDAY DINNER Ham with a Glaze

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