When you were just a babe in the woods did you have “the talk”? When you sat fidgeting and embarrassed as your mom or dad first told you about the “birds and the bees”? (And you thought “What in the heck is this all about! If it’s not about the Baltimore Colts or the Indiana University Swim Team, I’m not interested!” Okay maybe that was just me.) Or maybe you were the parent not knowing exactly what to say – feeling just as uneasy as your child.
But time has passed and now the roles have reversed – with the adult child initiating the “talk” and it isn’t about sex (at least I don’t think so). It is now about future decisions: long term planning and issues of care. And are just as emotionally challenging as the first talk – often with feelings of guilt, shame and frustration.
How to engage in caring conversations between adult children and their parents while understanding the needs and wants of both is the topic of a two hour workshop that will be held at the Center on Saturday June 18th from 10:00 – 12:00. The presenter will be Rev. Kathleen Flynn, MA, a chaplain for Heart of Hospice. Knowing the value of awareness and honesty, Kathleen has developed a sensitivity and understanding towards these difficult multi-generational conversations and will offer practical ideas you can use when having “the talk”.
The Center just received a certificate from the National Director of the AARP Driver Safety Program recognizing the Center’s Driver Safety Class as one of the top AARP Driver Safety programs in the country. And that is because of the dedicated efforts of the current volunteer instructor Dennis Davis and his faithful cohort Mary Davis, and the area coordinator, Dick Frost. Over the last three years the Center’s AARP Driver Safety class has helped more than 300 folks tune up their driving skills and often reducing their insurance rates. The cost is $14 and $12 for AARP members. The next class is from 9:00 – 1:00 on Monday and Tuesday June 20th and 21st. Call or stop by the Center to sign up.
The Center is hosting its annual rummage sale starting Thursday June 17th and continuing through Saturday the 19th. And right now we are looking for decent “stuff”: used items you no longer want but are not yet ready for recycling. Bring your stuff to the Center and receive a tax donation.
The month of May has five Tuesdays, five Mondays and five Sundays which contrary to Internet rumors occurs more often than once every 823 years. (I blindly fell for this urban legend until I realized the obvious: in every 31 day month there will always be three consecutive weekdays with five days in the month!) And on May 31st, a fifth Tuesday, the Sugar Daddies and will be singing at the Center for all the “Sugar Mommas” in the audience. And tonight the venerable Jazz Generations will be playing the big band sounds for your dancing and listening pleasure. The music starts at 7:00 – you can get home before dark – and donations are always appreciated.
The speaker for the fith Tuesday Lecture in May will be Tina Castellano who is a Water’s Edge physical therapist with a specialization in urinary incontinence and pelvic pain for both men and women. The title of her presentation is “Controlling your bladder so it stops controlling you”. Many of us have had a “Gotta go, Gotta go!” experience – usually when I start washing the dishes – and could use some welcome advice. The presentation starts at 11:00 on Tuesday May 31st.
The multi-talented performer who hosted a variety show on NBC from June 1956 through June 1960 was Steve Allen. (And Beverly McKinney wins a free Saturday Breakfast.) Thanks to Carol Hayward for suggesting that question and to Ron Sutherland who suggested this week’s “Remember When” question. In 1961 the song “Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?” reached number five on the Billboard top 100. This novelty song was the only American hit sung by this British recording artist considered by many as the most successful British recording artist before the Beatles. What was his name? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a paper explaining Skiffle music.
Well, it’s been another week trying to stay awake while looking for my elusive second wind. Until we meet again, even though you may feel like you are running in circles, at least you are running.
Peter Irene “.changed has anything mean doesn’t different is everything because Just”
